Vespa Elettrica Electric Scooter
As you may already be aware, “vespa” is Italian for wasp. While the wasp name has survived Vespa’s transition from buzzy two-strokes to bubbling four-strokes, will the Vespa name still work with an electric scooter? The new Vespa Elettrica project is determined to find out.
“The Vespa Elettrica will, first and foremost, be a true Vespa,” according to Vespa, “bringing the very latest in electric technology to a vehicle that will retain all the features that have been vital to its success. The style, agility, ease of use, and riding pleasure will be the same as the Vespa we have always known, with the addition of technological and innovative connectivity solutions—a perfect mix of excitement, technology and environmental friendliness that only Vespa can create. Like it has always done in its first 70 years of history.”
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The Piaggio Group has a history of electric powered motors that stretches back to the 1970s, and has also produced a hybrid scooter, so the Italian company is certainly a credible player in the EV game.
Electric motors are well suited to scooters, as the constantly variable transmissions already give the rider the same seamless feel that an electric motor gives. Plus, there are no concerns about the appearance of the powerplants, as scooters traditionally hide them behind bodyworks.
There are no specs for the Vespa Elettrica, so we’re left to just admire its clean Italian lines, and wait for our first ride.