Conversion kit turns Vespas into electric scooters
The young company is called Motoveloci and comes from Rimini. It has developed a conversion system named Retrokit, with which conventional petrol-powered Vespas can be transformed into modern electric vehicles in around four hours. And not in a specialist workshop, mind you, but in a do-it-yourself manner.
The conversion is less about the current Vespa models and more about classic bodies. On its website, Motoveloci talks about bringing a Vespa from the 1970s “back to life”. The retrofit kit is designed to allow the classic bodywork and frame of the Vespa to remain untouched, while a modern electric motor replaces the old engine.
The conversion package consists of two main components: a 7 kW electric motor, which replaces the combustion engine, and a 2.35 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. This is fitted under the seat in place of the fuel tank.
The conversion kit is available in two versions for 50cc and 125cc models. The typical top speed of 45 kph (50 ccm) or 80 kph (125 ccm) is retained. The conversion kit enables three riding modes: Eco, Drive and Sport. In Eco mode, users can expect a range of around 80 kilometres on a single charge, with a full charge taking around four hours.
Digital displays can replace the original Vespa gauges. Optional components such as LED lighting are also available. Riders of the converted Vespa can monitor the performance of their e-scooter via a smartphone app, which displays data such as speed, battery status, range and the selected riding mode.
Vespa manufacturer Piaggio started production of its battery-electric Vespa Elettrica in 2018 and charged around €4,000 for the basic version. As mentioned above, however, the conversion kit presented here is not intended to compete with the modern electric Vespa, but rather to make older Vespas fit for an electric future.
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