As the transportation industry is accelerating its efforts toward a greener future, legacy brands are also jumping on the electrification bandwagon. Lambretta, a prominent name in the scooter world with a big community of fans, has unveiled its vision for an electric future with the new Elettra scooter.
The recent International Motorcycle and Accessories Exhibition (EICMA) 2023 in Milan was the perfect opportunity for the iconic Italian brand to return to the spotlight and showcase its first electrified transportation solution.
Paying homage to Lambretta brand's heritage, the sleek Elettra e-scooter borrows design cues from previous models produced by the company and combines them with the latest electric vehicle technology to provide riders with an emissions-free, retro-inspired way to explore the city.
If you're not familiar with Lambretta's history, the company was founded in 1947, and its products became true cult vehicles, being associated with European post-war mobility. After a few successful decades, it ceased production in 1972 and was resurrected in 2017 via Switzerland-based Innocenti S.A. Lugano. Amazingly, even after more than 40 years, there are still a lot of enthusiasts around and the brand's models still excite and stir up nostalgia.
Photo: Lambretta
It should be noted from the get-go that Lambretta pointed out that the Elettra scooter they unveiled at EICMA 2023 is not a production model yet, but it isn't a concept either. It's a real product that has already passed the testing phase and should soon join the company's existing scooter range.
In terms of construction, the new Lambretta Elettra is built with a cast aluminum and steel bodywork and an aluminum swingarm, while from an aesthetics point of view, it channels the brand's legacy designs into a futuristic cyber-city scooter with silver electric livery, decent performance, and good range for urban rides. It boasts its ancestors' distinctive sharp lines at the front but innovates with futuristic details like T-shaped handlebars with integrated turn signals, a hexagonal white front light, and a strip of blue LED lighting that surrounds the body of the scooter and makes it glow in the dark.
The cushioned seat, as well as the rims of the wheels, share the same light blue color, adding unity to the overall design.
Further enhancing the modernized approach is a softer, more refined rear bodywork. Moreover, the hydraulic rear tilts up automatically to reveal the mechanicals, the battery, and some storage space.
Photo: Lambretta
Lambretta also endowed the new scooter with quite impressive specs, stepping away from the current trend of slower urban scooters. The newly unveiled Elettra takes power from a four-kilowatt permanent magnet synchronous motor placed at the hub of the back wheel and is capable of outputting 11 kW (15 hp) at peak power.
Backed by its lightweight build of just 135 kg (just under 298 pounds), the Elettra promises to be nimble and easy to maneuver. It is capable of a top speed of 110 kph (68 mph), with a claimed torque of 258 Nm or 190 lb-ft. This is higher than many other scooters currently available on the market, so it will offer a zippy riding experience regardless of whether you use it for city commutes and leisure rides.
The electric motor is assisted by a 4.6 kWh lithium battery. Charging time is approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes using a 220V outlet and just 35 minutes when plugged into a fast-charging station (from 20% to 80%). The fact that the scooter is equipped with a single fixed battery might be seen as a downside by prospective customers, though, as this means owners would not be able to charge the batteries remotely from the scooter. And since most scooter users typically live in a city apartment, this could be an issue.
Photo: Lambretta
As for range, the e-scooter will offer up to 127 km (79 miles) on a single charge if you cruise at an average speed of 40 kph (25 mph). According to the company, the production Elettra will offer three riding modes - Eco, Ride, and Sport - in order to offer an adaptable riding experience. Depending on the selected mode, the range will change, catering to the diverse needs of city riders.
It will ride on a set of 12-inch wheels, using a traditional trailing link suspension up front. Seat height is an accessible 780 mm (approx. 30 inches).
While the exact pricing details and official release date are yet to be announced, Lambretta has assured EICMA attendees that the Elettra is poised to hit the streets in the near future. And one thing is certain - the company is looking to the future and aligning its offering with the current electrification trend.
The new Elettra is not just another electric two-wheeler in the already crowded electric mobility market; it's a statement of style and sustainability, modernizing the decades-long history of the Italian company and offering fans of the brand a stylish and practical urban commuter with eco-friendly performance.
After spending a few years as a copy editor, Ancuta decided to put down the eraser and pick up the writer's pencil. Her favorites subjects are unusual car designs, travel trailers and everything related to the great outdoors. Full profile
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