The idyllic movielike image of zipping around Rome on a Vespa to take in all the sights will soon be enjoying a much better image and press. We’re saying this because the big names in the sector are continuously adding new electric models with Ion/Lithium batteries to their catalogues. Motorcycles and mopeds with even more autonomy, versatility and power, zero emissions and the marketing buzz word “sustainable”.
Vespa is perhaps the most recognisable scooter in the world, so it’s maybe no surprise that we start with its Elettrica model. It’s been well received by specialised press worldwide for its technical characteristics, and also for its price: €4000. The Vespa Elettrica was unveiled at the last EICMA International Motorcycle Show in Milan and will have a 125cc four-cylinder engine, although the company is open to launching a newer, more powerful version in the not too distant future.
Next up is the Sutum S02 with a slightly more expensive price tag of €5500. The Barcelona based company that only started in 2011, picked up an award at the 2016 Premios Pyme de Expansión e Ifema in the Technological Innovation category. The Sutum has a top speed of 80km/h and is ideal for city use, especially for couriers, traffic wardens, and even the police.
If you add €450 to the price of the Sutum, you can get your hands on the Brinco Street from the legendary Spanish manufacturer, Bultaco. It’s a hybrid between a motorbike and bicycle that’s road-approved and packs 2kW of power that can be increased slightly when combining the pedalling and motor systems. Brinco can reach speeds of up to 60km/h and is also a great option for exploring historic quarters full of winding, cobblestone narrow streets and areas that are difficult to access.
For the younger ones in the house, there’s another similar model from another Spanish company called Torrot. The E12 model’s ergonomic design adapts as your children grow, making it the perfect training machine for kids between 6 and 9 years old.
The last model for today comes with a much higher price and more ambitious features and performance. The Zero SR ZF13.0 was designed and created by a former NASA engineer based in California and costs €16,200. It features 52kW of engine power (approximately 70HP) that boasts a top speed of 165km/h, making it one of the fastest electric models on the market to date.
