Light cycle: Vespa goes green with first electric scooter

Vespa is embracing green energy with the launch of its first ever electric scooter next year.

Called the Elettrica, the all-electric model features classic Vespa styling, such as the single lamp in front of the handle bars, and the swooping arches over the rear wheel.

However, to give it a modern twist, the electric scooter gets chrome paint with bright blue highlights. Brown highlights are also optional, for buyers who want the EV to look more like a traditional scooter.

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The rear wheel is attached to a small electric motor and a 62-mile range battery pack on the standard Elettrica. There will also be a range-topping Elettrica X that boasts double the battery range.

The new scooter will be faster than standard combustion-engine versions, as electric-powered vehicles often accelerate more quickly. Vespa says the Elettrica has 148lb-ft of torque, which will “provide a performance superior to that of a traditional 50cc scooter”.

Charging up the scooter’s battery pack takes around four hours - about two hours less than a standard electric car using a home charging station.

Those keen to get their hands on the Elettrica will have to wait until spring to order one, says Mashable. Details of the release date and pricing have not yet been announced.

You can, however, download the brochure from the Vespa website to pick your ideal spec.