Photo: MA-DE Design Studio
Two-wheelers have seen an unprecedented boom in popularity in recent years, but never before as much as in the year that’s about to end. With a wide array of electric scooters, electric bicycles and electric motorcycles available, some still prefer to look back in the past to a classic.
That classic is Vespa, the world’s most iconic scooter. In this particular case, we’re talking about the Piaggio Vespa model patented in April 1946, which has spawned sales of over 18 million to this day. So what would happen if the iconic Vespa was given the modern treatment and became electrified?
MA-DE Studio Design tries to answer that question in their latest project, which founder Andrea Della Vecchia insists “was not an official Vespa assignment,” but something they “created this out of love for our iconic Italian brand Vespa.” MA-DE is an international design studio, but it’s based in Cuomo, Italy, so it makes sense for them to finally turn their attention to a two-wheel national brand.
The answer is this incredibly elegant scooter that the designers describe as an “Elettro design, classic soul.” It’s the instantly recognizable Vespa brought into modern times without it losing its identity and classic soul.
The Vespa Elettra is powered by a 7 kW electric motor with a torque of 240 nm, able to take it to top speeds of 95 kph (59 mph). Pretty AND badass (for a scooter). The estimated hypothetical range per charge would be of 150 km (93.2 miles) thanks to a 5.6 kWh battery, which should prove enough for daily commuters in large cities for whom riding in style is also a factor when picking up a two-wheeler.
Another considerable improvement to the classic Vespa is connectivity. MA-DE Design imagines the Elettra with Bluetooth connectivity for pairing with a dedicated app, which acts as both authentication key and virtual dashboard for settings and relevant trip data. This means the rider can use their smartphone, which, in turn, keeps the modern-day Vespa more similar to the original, because there are no added screens, gauges or buttons.
“I strongly believe in the movement towards electric mobility. It is only a matter of time, not only for cars but especially for scooters and small vehicles for urban mobility,” Della Vecchia says of the design.
On the downside, this concept, much like other takes on the electrified Vespa, will remain just that: an exercise of the imagination into a possible alternative future.
MA-DE Studio Design tries to answer that question in their latest project, which founder Andrea Della Vecchia insists “was not an official Vespa assignment,” but something they “created this out of love for our iconic Italian brand Vespa.” MA-DE is an international design studio, but it’s based in Cuomo, Italy, so it makes sense for them to finally turn their attention to a two-wheel national brand.
The answer is this incredibly elegant scooter that the designers describe as an “Elettro design, classic soul.” It’s the instantly recognizable Vespa brought into modern times without it losing its identity and classic soul.
The Vespa Elettra is powered by a 7 kW electric motor with a torque of 240 nm, able to take it to top speeds of 95 kph (59 mph). Pretty AND badass (for a scooter). The estimated hypothetical range per charge would be of 150 km (93.2 miles) thanks to a 5.6 kWh battery, which should prove enough for daily commuters in large cities for whom riding in style is also a factor when picking up a two-wheeler.
Another considerable improvement to the classic Vespa is connectivity. MA-DE Design imagines the Elettra with Bluetooth connectivity for pairing with a dedicated app, which acts as both authentication key and virtual dashboard for settings and relevant trip data. This means the rider can use their smartphone, which, in turn, keeps the modern-day Vespa more similar to the original, because there are no added screens, gauges or buttons.
“I strongly believe in the movement towards electric mobility. It is only a matter of time, not only for cars but especially for scooters and small vehicles for urban mobility,” Della Vecchia says of the design.
On the downside, this concept, much like other takes on the electrified Vespa, will remain just that: an exercise of the imagination into a possible alternative future.
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