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Simson Schwalbe Reborn as Govecs Electric Scooter

There is something nostalgic about East-German bikes… most likely because there are only a few left in good working condition, and the manufactures are usually listed under the “dead and buried” tag. However, from time to time, great news surfaces, as certain models are being resurrected by new companies which are not that easy with the idea of letting them die. Anyway, you know the drill with things brought back to life: they are never the same again, and the Simson Schwalbe scooter makes no exception from the rule.
Simson Schwalbe 1 photo
Photo: httpsimsonschwalbe.network.hu
Simson Schwalbe will be resurrected by Govecs as an electric scooter which will see the light of day (and the light of the showrooms) somewhere in the second half of 2015. Govecs intends to deliver two versions of the Schwalbe, corresponding to the 50cc and 125cc power segments. The price for either of them has not been announced yet, but the fact that we’re talking about a historic two-wheeler might add some to the price tag.

Popularity is nothing without vision and development

The Schwalbe (German for swallow) was a very popular scooter back in the day, with around one million units sold, but like any Soviet-controlled vehicle manufacturer, Simson was not allowed to truly evolve and develop too much. Even though the factory in Suhl, Germany produced scooters until 2002, well past the fall of the Berlin wall, Simson failed to reduce the gap from the rest of the European manufacturer which still have a strong foothold in the retro looks, such as Vespa.

Back in the day the 50cc Schwalbe produced a peak power of 2.1 hp, which now is hilarious, and had 3- or 4-gear transmission. No tech specs for the electric Swallow have been published yet, but we’re all ears, so make sure to check back with us. Nice to see Simson back from Pet Cemetary, just like Cezeta, Voxan, Sarolea and others, anyway!
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