The Honda SH125i remains the undisputed king of the Italian market: its winning recipe—a flat footboard, 16-inch wheels, windscreen, standard Smart Key top box, and excellent resale value on the second-hand market—continues to win over thousands of commuters. However, with the Japanese bestseller's MSRP reaching €4,090 (excl. dealer fees) in 2026, finding budget-friendly yet feature-rich alternatives has become a top priority for B or A1 license holders.

We have selected the 5 best high-wheel alternatives for 2026, analyzing their performance, cargo capacity, safety features, and real value for money.

Comparative Table: SH125i vs. Its 5 High-Wheel Rivals (2026)

Model Price (Excl. Fees)         Power  Braking & Safety         Unique Key Strengths

Honda SH125i (Benchmark)  €4,090 12.5 HP           2-Channel ABS + HSTC            Standard Smart Key top box, exceptional resale value

Piaggio Medley 125    €3,699 15.0 HP (Legal Max)   2-Channel ABS           Under-seat storage for 2 full-face helmets

SYM Symphony 125 ST          €2,899 12.6 HP           2-Channel ABS           Standard top box + windscreen included

Kymco People S 125   €3,290 11.3 HP           2-Channel ABS           Windscreen, handguards, and top box included

Voge Sfida SR16 125   €2,790 11.6 HP           2-Channel ABS + TCS  TFT with navigation, Dashcam, and Smart Key

Piaggio Liberty 125     €2,999 11.0 HP           Front ABS        Maximum agility, low seat height, featherweight

In-Depth Model Breakdown

1. Piaggio Medley 125: More Powerful and More Capacious Than the SH

    Price: From €3,699

    Engine: 125cc i-get with Start&Stop, delivering a full 15 HP (11 kW)—the maximum power limit allowed for B-license drivers.

    Why Consider It: It is the SH's #1 rival. It beats the SH on horsepower (+2.5 HP), ensuring excellent off-the-line launch even on fast suburban stretches. Thanks to its 16-inch front and 14-inch rear wheel setup, Piaggio carved out an under-seat compartment capable of holding two full-face helmets—solving the historic Achilles' heel of traditional high-wheel scooters.

    Who It’s For: Riders seeking top-tier practicality and performance without being forced to mount a top box.

2. SYM Symphony 125 ST: The King of "All-Inclusive" Under €3,000

    Price: €2,899

    Engine: 12.6 HP 4-stroke liquid-cooled Euro 5 single-cylinder.

    Why Consider It: Saves you over €1,100 compared to Honda's list price while delivering a fully loaded package out of the box. The purchase price includes a tall windscreen, color-matched top box, full-LED lighting, and dual disc brakes with a 2-channel ABS system.

    Who It’s For: Budget-conscious commuters looking for a 365-day-a-year, ready-to-ride scooter without spending extra cash on essential accessories.

3. Kymco People S 125: The Solid & Elegant Alternative

    Price: ~€3,290

    Engine: 11.3 HP G5 Eco single-cylinder—smooth and thrifty on fuel (delivering over 35 km/L / 82.3 mpg in real-world conditions).

    Why Consider It: Honda’s long-standing competitor in Italy. It delivers top-tier build quality, a convenient flat footboard, a plush seat, and a factory winter-ready setup (integrated windscreen, handguards, and top box). The 2-channel ABS braking system is exceptionally well-calibrated.

    Who It’s For: Buyers wanting the premium finish and reliability typical of the high-end segment at a mid-range price point.

4. Voge Sfida SR16 125: The Budget Tech Powerhouse

    Price: ~€2,790

    Engine: 11.6 HP 4-valve liquid-cooled single-cylinder.

    Why Consider It: It disrupts the category by offering features previously reserved for maxi-scooters: Traction Control (TCS), a Keyless system, full-LED lighting, a color TFT screen with integrated turn-by-turn navigation, and even a standard front-facing Dashcam for extra safety in city traffic.

    Who It’s For: Tech-savvy riders demanding maximum active safety and connectivity while keeping their initial investment to a minimum.

5. Piaggio Liberty 125: The Unbeatable Urban Featherweight

    Price: €2,999

    Engine: 11 HP 124cc i-get 3-valve air-cooled engine with claimed fuel economy exceeding 40 km/L (94 mpg).

    Why Consider It: Considerably lighter and more agile than the SH. Its low seat height (790 mm) and slender profile let you slice through chaotic traffic and execute stationary maneuvers with extreme ease.

    Who It’s For: Riders tackling strictly urban commutes who want an agile machine with low insurance costs backed by Piaggio brand quality.

🏁 Final Verdict

There is no doubt that the Honda SH125i remains a safe investment, particularly due to its outstanding resale value retention. However, market choices in 2026 offer compelling alternatives across every dimension:

    Piaggio Medley 125 is the go-to choice for those who want quicker launches at traffic lights and space for two helmets without needing a top box.

    SYM Symphony ST and Kymco People S are the ultimate value-for-money winners for year-round daily commuting.

    Voge Sfida SR16 redefines tech standards in the sub-€3,000 price bracket.