Vespa Elettrica 70 KM/H Makes Its Debut At EICMA 2019

You'll never guess what the new top speed is

When Ryan Adams finished riding the 2019 Vespa Elettrica, he came back with one glaring complaint: it’s too slow. Vespa must have taken his words to heart, because at EICMA 2019 there’s a new version – the Vespa Elettrica 70 km/h – upping the top speed to, you guessed it, 70 km/h (or 44 mph for the US crowd). Vespa says this new top speed is the result of optimizing the current components already on the Elettrica and not through any change of hardware. Speaking of hardware, here’s a refresher. It can deliver a continuous 3.6 kW of power, with a peak at 4 kW, putting it roughly on par with 50cc scooters. Where it far surpasses a little scooter is with its 200 Nm of torque. And it’s all completely silent. Maximum range is roughly 100 km, and full recharge can be done in four hours (with 220v).

As a reminder, the Elettrica is a scoot meant for urban environments, where it is actually homologated as a moped. More information is in the press release below.

Begin press release:

VESPA ELETTRICA

SILENT, CONNECTED, CUSTOMISABLE. THE BEST TECHNOLOGY HAS NEVER BEEN SO COOL

ALL THE VALUES OF VESPA COME TOGETHER IN VESPA ELETTRICA

EICMA 2019 SEES THE DEBUT OF THE NEW 70 KM/H VERSION

It’s not an electric scooter, it’s a Vespa Elettrica, a work of art with the highest technological content, symbolizing both our modernity and the years to come.

Vespa Elettrica is the most modern icon of Italian technology. It is synonymous with advanced connectivity and quiet operation, customization and accessibility, respect for the environment and unique style. Vespa has always embodied these values, now fully expressed in Vespa Elettrica, confirming its status as a brand that has always been ahead of its time.

Vespa Elettrica, with its easy, or rather, natural ride, is the highest expression of Piaggio Group’s research into electric mobility. The group aims to respond to growing environmental concerns, providing technological solutions for an increasingly sustainable and livable urban habitat.

Always an innovator, Vespa Elettrica continues to evolve alongside the original version, created for purely urban use and therefore homologated as a moped, with a top speed of 45 km/h, EICMA 2019 sees the début of the Vespa Elettrica 70 km/h.

VESPA ELETTRICA 70 KM/H: EVEN MORE POWERFUL AND SILENT

Silent, ecological, innovative and today even more powerful: fruit of the Piaggio Group’s experience with the Power Unit and lithium-ion battery, the Vespa Elettrica is now also available in the brand new 70 km/h version.

The higher performance of the Vespa Elettrica 70 km/h, homologated as a motorcycle, is due to a general optimization of all components: Power Unit, Vehicle Management System and battery pack. The result is a higher top speed with no change to Vespa Elettrica’s typically sharp acceleration and with an almost identical range. In ECO mode, at a top speed of 45 km/h, the Vespa Elettrica 70 km/h provides the same maximum range of up to 100 km, while in Power mode it can travel for up to 70 km.

The battery retains the size and weight of the original version, but has been modified to deliver a higher continuous power output, something also assisted by improvements to the electric motor’s control software. These developments have made it possible to lengthen the final transmission ratio, providing a number of advantages: a higher speed, with the same performance in terms of acceleration and standing start, and also quieter operation, with a lower rpm at the same speed.

Vespa Elettrica 70 km/h stands out for specific stylistic details: the front shock absorber spring is painted red, as are the decorations on the cover of the Power Unit and the ‘Elettrica’ nameplate.

I AM THE POWER

The heart of Vespa Elettrica is a Power Unit capable of delivering continuous power of 3.6 kW and peak power of 4 kW: values that, combined with a torque of over 200 Nm, , provide superior to performance a traditional 50 cc scooter, especially in terms of acceleration and uphill power which benefits from the typical brilliant delivery of electric motors. This results in an agile and enjoyable ride on urban routes in total silence. In fact, Vespa Elettrica is completely silent, helping to make cities less chaotic and more livable, countering pollution even in terms of noise.

Vespa Elettrica guarantees a maximum range of up to 100 km, a value that does not change significantly on a rural route, thanks to a modern lithium ion battery and an efficient Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS), which charges it in the deceleration phases. Charging operations are the simplest thing imaginable: the lithium-ion battery, just like the one in modern smartphones, needs no special precautions. To charge, simply extract the cable from the seat compartment, where the fuel cap is usually located, and plug in to a normal wall outlet or one of the growing number of public charging stations in big cities. The standard time required for a full charge is 4 hours (with voltage of 220 V).

As further confirmation of how extremely easy user-friendly Vespa Elettrica is, the motor and battery pack are completely maintenance-free. The battery provides excellent efficiency for up to 1000 full charging cycles. This translates into a range of between 50,000 and 70,000 km, equivalent to approximately 10 years of operation for a vehicle intended for urban commuting. Even after the thousand charging cycles, the battery still maintains 80% of its capacity and is perfectly usable. Located under the helmet compartment, the compact battery pack does not compromise the functionality of the Vespa Elettrica seat compartment, which can hold a Jet helmet.

The Ride by Wire electronic accelerator controls the power output of Vespa Elettrica’s motor. By pressing the MAP button on the right-hand side of the handlebar, the driver can choose between two driving modes: ECO and Power, in addition to Reverse mode for easier handling of Vespa Elettrica while maneuvering. ECO mode, intended to save energy, extends battery life; speed is limited to 30 km/h (45 km/h for the motorcycle version) and acceleration is more progressive. However, Power is the basic riding mode which fully exploits the power of the motor.

VESPA ELETTRICA, CONNECTED TO THE WORLD

Vespa Elettrica is not just a silent, ecological and technologically advanced vehicle; It is also, and above all, connected.: The many features offered by a new version of the Vespa Multimedia Platform, the multimedia system that connects a smartphone to the vehicle, can be managed through a man-machine interface incorporating a digital instrument panel with a 4.3 inch color TFT display, always easy to read thanks to the twilight sensor that adapts the background and color of the characters to the light conditions (day/night mode) and the four adjustable brightness levels.

The extensive information displayed is arranged in a very impressive and extremely rational graphic diagram. The center of the screen always contains the main information such as speed, selected riding modes, residual range in km and battery charge level (%), while the ecological riding quality and the level of energy used or recovered during the ride are indicated on either side. But it is using the dedicated Vespa App on your smartphone and connecting it to the vehicle – via Bluetooth – that lets you take full advantage of the capabilities of the TFT display on which all notifications of incoming calls and messages appear, highly visible in the center.

The system also allows you to use the handlebar buttons to answer calls and to use the smartphone’s voice commands to make calls or play music from your own playlist. To fully enjoy all these features, easily managed through the handy joystick on the right control block, a special dedicated Jet helmet with built-in earphones and Bluetooth intercom is available for Vespa Elettrica as an optional accessory.

Of course, the predisposition for connection to the outside world is not limited to the various Infotainment functions. thanks to the dedicated Vespa App, once connected to Vespa Elettrica, your smartphone becomes an exceptional source of parameters in real time, as well as other useful information on vehicle use, including trip time and distance, battery charge use percentage, statistics on the last 30 trips, push notifications on the battery charge status, number of recharge cycles carried out and much more.

Vespa Elettrica is always unique and customizable

Vespa Elettrica is designed with the same unmistakable lines that have made Vespa an icon of style and elegance around the globe and won the hearts of entire generations of young people.

The body shape, strictly in steel in accordance with the best Vespa tradition, is emphasized by an exclusive dedicated livery: In fact, Vespa Elettrica comes in a special grey finish, around which the customer can choose to tailor many distinctive details. In fact, the profile that runs along the entire perimeter of the shield, the ‘neck tie’ decoration, the edge of the wheel rims, the profile of the ‘Elettrica’ nameplate and the seat trim are available in six color variants: Azzurro Electrical (standard on Vespa Elettrica), Verde Boreale, Giallo Lampo, Cromo, Nero Profondo and Grigio Fumo.

Vespa Elettrica 70 km/h offers standard finishes in Giallo Lampo and is available in three other color variants: Azzurro Elettrico, Cromo and Nero Profondo.

Plus, in line with the customized “total look” concept, a special Jet helmet is available exclusively for Vespa Elettrica that matches the vehicle livery and finishes, all in the color chosen by the customer. This helmet stands out not only for style but also technological content, with built-in Bluetooth earphones so you can use your smartphone and listen to music through the VESPA MIA system.

The front headlight with LED technology and the rear light cluster give an even more distinct personality to Vespa Elettrica, which adopts generous 12″ front and 11″ rear aluminum alloy rims. Comfort benefits from a seat made of a material capable of providing maximum comfort for rider and passenger, as well as perfect ergonomics. The remote-control key has a built-in Bike Finder feature (flashes the turn indicators) and a seat compartment opening function, while the inside of the compartment in the leg shield back plate contains a USB socket for charging smartphones or other mobile devices.

All the Vespa accessories

As with every Vespa, Vespa Elettrica can also be customized and made into a unique piece, following the personality of the rider, thanks to a rich range of accessories: The dedicated top box, painted entirely in the same color as the vehicle and enhanced by the chromed Vespa badge, can hold a full-face helmet. The top box can be finished with a backrest, covered in the same material as the seat. The chromium-plated base where the top box is mounted can also be used as a luggage rack.

Maximum protection is provided by a windshield made of high-quality anti-splinter methacrylate, customized with the Vespa logo; the support brackets are made with a chrome finish in line with the other aesthetic details. Vespa Elettrica can also be fitted with a top fairing – available both transparent and smoked – that elegantly rounds off the front design of the vehicle.

The classic chromium front and rear luggage racks are also available for Vespa Elettrica. The front side and rear chrome mudguards elegantly finish the vehicle and protect the bodywork. A hand-crafted black leather bag, 100% Made in Italy, which can accommodate a jet helmet with visor can be easily fastened to the rear luggage rack.

The accessories range also includes the special jet Tech helmet dedicated to Vespa Elettrica that combines style and maximum practicality with a built-in Bluetooth headset so you can take full advantage of the VESPA MIA system. To go with the helmet, goggles are also available that stand out for the mirrored lenses derived from the world of skiing and other new finishes. The demi-jet Vespa VJ Special Edition Vespa Elettrica helmet is also available, customizable to match the color of your vehicle.

Another novelty is the original backpack with LED piping that can be taken apart and used as an internal bag for the top box and backrest with built-in helmet bag. Equipped with a special laptop compartment and a power bank for charging mobile devices, the backpack is also available in an innovative reflective fabric that matches Vespa Elettrica’s typical chrome grey color.

The range of Vespa Elettrica accessories is also enriched by the convenient side-stand – in black-painted steel to make parking easier, an outdoor cover and an indoor “big logo” cover, both with convenient openings to accommodate any accessories, and a non-slip rubber mat.

The Vespa Elettrica is also available with a smartphone holder, equipped with a practical fixing system to the rear-view mirror and available in various sizes compatible with the most common devices. The range of accessories is completed by the handlebar-saddle ’mechanical anti-theft device and a line of customized mechanical anti-theft systems. The essential mittens and leg covers are practical and fast to fit, made of thermal material to provide excellent protection from the weather. The Vespa Elettrica leg cover bears a metal Vespa logo and provides maximum stability even at high speeds. The saddle cover and anti-theft device are integrated in the accessory.

Vespa Elettrica – Technical Data Sheet

Motor Electric Piaggio brushless motor with KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System)

Power 3.6 kW (4 kW peak)

Torque 200 Nm at the wheel

Battery Piaggio 4.2 kWh lithium battery, LG Chem cells, built-in battery charger

Battery voltage 48 V

Battery capacity 86 Ah

Recharge time 4 hours (with voltage of 220 V)

Load bearing structure Sheet steel body with welded reinforcements

Front suspension Single-arm fork with coil spring and hydraulic monoshock absorber

Rear suspension Hydraulic monoshock absorber

Front wheel rim Die-cast aluminum alloy 3.00×12”

Rear wheel rim Die-cast aluminum alloy 3,00×11”

Front tire Tubeless 110/70-12″

Rear tire Tubeless 120/70-11″

Front brake Hydraulically operated 200 mm ø stainless steel disc

Rear brake Mechanically operated 140 mm ø drum brake

Length/Width 1870/735 mm

Seat height 790 mm

Wheelbase 1350 mm