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Vespa Elettrica in the driving report

How good is the electric Vespa?

If you don’t like electric scooters because most of them come from China, are cheaply made and are punished with a simply inadequate frame, you should take a closer look at the Vespa Elettrica.

She is a “work of art on a high-tech level” Vespa Elettrica, which is now also available in a 70 km / h version. Well, there would be enough impressive things to tell about the Strom-Wasp that the PR poets wouldn’t have to apply that thickly. The aspect, for example, that the parent company Piaggio developed the engine itself and builds it itself as well as the rest of the Vespa including the battery, the cells of which are supplied by LG, and that everything is built into an externally original body of the 125 Primavera. Before starting a city tour through Dusseldorf, we like the finish, the feel, the overall impression of quality of the scooter, which is only available in silver with colored applications. Be it when opening the bench seat, under which there is a full, removable helmet compartment, as with the Primavera. Or with details such as the permanently installed charging cable, which is so cleverly stowed in the former filler neck that you think it has always been like that.

Comfortable and ergonomic sitting position

This impression continues during the seat rehearsal. Comfortably, ergonomically correct, the driver sits enthroned on a tight bench, could also be bigger, but because of the stately seat height not much smaller than the 1.75 meters that he now measures. Ignition on, the screen in the usual place shows its flashing start procedure. Before driving off, you have to hold down the start button for two seconds. A gentle jolt, "Ready" lights up, and you can start. In spite of all the maneuverability inherent in the concept, the Vespa feels like a heavy scooter, although it is only four kilograms heavier than the 125cc Primavera.

Frank Rathering

Visually, the electric Vespa does not differ that much from the combustion models.

It lies full on the road and delights with convincing suspension comfort. Did the Piaggio people deliberately choose cobblestone stretches? At least that’s how a chassis has to work. Vespa connoisseurs are not surprised, even the electric drives like a Vespa. The operation is also not a mystery, you just have to dig into the menu navigation for the settings. It’s fun to rush through the city traffic with the quietly whirring Vespa, although you shouldn’t get too cheeky – most cars accelerate better.

Motor brake with energy recovery

Because anyone who, after consuming the technical data, sees the asphalt rippling behind the Vespa in the face of 200 Newton meters of torque, is mistaken. Although “Power” lights up in the display and the advertising slogan lets the E-Vespa say “I am the power”, you tend to feel trapped in “soft” mode. For good controllability and in favor of the range, the power is regulated so far that the kick typical of electric motors does not occur. Reaching 70 km / h is also a test of patience. Incidentally, both versions accelerate equally quickly to 45 km / h, which feels quick for the moped model, but not for the light motorcycle.

Frank Rathering

A jet helmet fits into the helmet compartment.

The brakes are no fame. The combination brake CBS is enough in view of the low speeds, according to Piaggio. Incomprehensible, we think, because on the one hand Piaggio offers ABS in the 125cc Primavera with petrol engine, and on the other hand, CBS is considered to be the typical technology for cheap Far East products, at least in Germany. How does that fit in with the premium claim? The combination brake, which is actuated with the left handlebar lever and consists of a rear drum and front disc, misses any pressure point, over-brakes the rear wheel, but never the front. You have to pull the right handlebar lever for the front brake very hard if you want to brake hard at the front. Difficult to dose when there is a lack of grip. An engine brake with energy recovery, known as recuperation, is only available by closing the "throttle", which can be selected in two hardly different strengths. Advantage: Braking does not switch off the propulsion, so that you can drive against the rear brake for more stability, for example when turning tight.

Prices start at 6,690 euros

The Vespa Elettrica is a lifestyle product for wealthy suburbanites, as Piaggio sees it. Because it costs, although 20 km / h slower and without ABS, 1,600 euros more than the 125 Primavera with the same screen including connectivity functions. In return, I get a quiet, locally emission-free vehicle that I can charge at any household socket in four hours with a charging power of one kilowatt. Much more mature and above all more comfortable than the significantly cheaper Niu NGT, but also noticeably more comfortable than the even more expensive Schwalbe, with more storage space, but unfortunately not nearly as powerful, the Vespa is recommended as a Vespa. However, it lacks the consistency for a work of art on a high-tech level. More available power, which can also be selected via an additional mode, and better brakes with ABS would make it the premium product it wants to be.

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How do you feel about the electric motorcycle??

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Out of the question for me.

The future of the two-wheeler for urban traffic.

There is no getting around the electric motorcycle.

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Conclusion

The Vespa Elettrica is a chic, but very expensive electric scooter that is primarily suitable for fans of the brand. With a starting price of 6,690 euros, it is significantly more expensive than more powerfully powered and similarly equipped combustion models from the Italian cult brand.

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