Italian startup Motoveloci has introduced a conversion kit that transforms classic petrol-powered Vespa scooters into electric models, offering a sustainable alternative for vintage scooter enthusiasts.
The retrofit system, called Retrokit, allows owners to switch to an electric drive in around four hours, without requiring modifications to the iconic Vespa frame.
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Designed primarily for Vespas from the 1970s, the kit comprises a 7 kW electric motor replacing the internal combustion engine and a 2.35 kWh lithium-ion battery, which fits under the seat in place of the fuel tank.
The system is available in versions for 50cc and 125cc models, preserving their original top speeds of 45 kph and 80 kph, respectively. It offers three riding modesāEco, Drive, and Sportāwith a maximum range of 80 km per charge. A full recharge takes approximately four hours.
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Additional features include optional LED lighting, a digital display replacing the traditional gauges, and a smartphone app that provides real-time data on speed, battery status, and range. “Our goal is to bring classic Vespas back to life while making them future-proof,” Motoveloci states on its website.
While Vespaās parent company, Piaggio, launched its factory-built electric model, the Vespa Elettrica, in 2018 for around ā¬4,000, Motovelociās retrofit solution caters to vintage scooter owners looking to preserve the heritage of their two-wheelers while embracing electric mobility.
