With an energy storage unit able to deliver a continuous power of two kilowatts and a maximum of four kilowatts, the Vespa Elettrica’s performance surpasses that of the brand’s traditional 50cc ICE-engined scooter. It takes just four hours to fully charge the battery, resulting in a travel range of 62 miles (100 kilometers) under normal driving conditions. Recharging is a snap: simply plug in the cable (stored in the seat compartment) into any standard wall-mounted electrical outlet or one of the ever-increasing number of public charging stations.
For buyers looking for a little bit more, the Vespa Elettrica is also available in an X version. Users will appreciate the integrated gas-powered generator which effectively doubles the scooter’s range to 124 miles (200 km). The scooter’s battery still has power to spare – in the X’s case, that means owners can enjoy an advanced multimedia entertainment system that connects to the user’s smartphone. Meanwhile, dedicated software controlled through a color display screen informs the driver of changing charge levels and remaining range so being left stranded is NOT an option. Like most high-quality displays, the screen has four levels of brightness, automatically adapts to different lighting conditions, and can also be controlled through voice commands. When the Vespa Elettrica’s “man-machine interface” is connected to the driver’s phone via an app, it is then able to alert them to incoming messages and phone calls.
Additional features include matching accessories such as a helmet and a backpack, the former of which can quickly and easily stored in the capacious under-seat storage compartment. Other modern convenience features include a USB socket and an LED headlight. Buyers of the original and very basic 1946-model Vespa would be amazed at how the concept has evolved… yet its original appeal has hardly changed at all!
