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Vespa 98 Is the Beautiful, Electric, Modern Take on the Classic Scooter

The Vespa 98 concept turns the Vespa into an e-scooter packing modern tech 5 photos
Photo: MightySeed Design
The Vespa 98 concept turns the Vespa into an e-scooter packing modern techThe Vespa 98 concept turns the Vespa into an e-scooter packing modern techThe Vespa 98 concept turns the Vespa into an e-scooter packing modern techThe Vespa 98 concept turns the Vespa into an e-scooter packing modern tech
Even with the recent boost in popularity of two-wheelers, Vespa remains a household name. The beloved scooter, released in 1946, is famous worldwide and, as such, has developed a very loyal following.
Anyone dare to take on a Vespa to propose change risks incurring the wrath of said loyal following, if things aren’t done right. MightySeed Design is probably safe from that, because their take on the Vespa isn’t just more efficient and eco-friendly, but perhaps even more beautiful than the OG.

The Vespa scooter is known for its playful design, unique body shape and quality. MightySeed’s modern interpretation, called Vespa 98, is still all that but with a more modern twist: it’s also fully electric and upgraded to be more in keeping with today’s tech.

“As an Industrial Design firm, we believe looking back to history will give more insight into the future,” the design group says of their most recent concept. “The Vespa 98 electric concept version is a reincarnation of the original design. The concept is much more like a modern incarnation with sleek styling cues with streamlining features. In a nutshell, it looks like a modern scooter with a retro feel.”

Indeed, the Vespa body is still there, so this concept feels as retro as the original. Its heart is all-modern though: the engine has been replaced by a hub motor powered by a 30 aH lithium-ion battery hidden in the belly of the scooter, while side mirrors are gone and LiDAR sensors have taken their place. The Vespa signature headlight still rests on the front fender, but the handlebar has been updated to integrate a digital display that runs across it. As such, it’s now sleeker and cleaner.

The seat is smaller but comes with added space underneath, which makes the Vespa 98 ideal for longer trips because it now includes storage space. Neon yellow pinstripes run down the back, framing the brake lights. The Vespa 98 comes in a pale blue paintjob, which is probably meant to reinforce the retro feel of the e-scooter.

Vespa 98 is just a concept for the time being, and not even a too-detailed one, while we’re at it. MighySeed doesn’t say whether the idea for it was prompted by an outside factor, such as the desire to actually build and sell it. This means we can only look at the photos and imagine how great this thing would (probably) look and feel on the road.
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About the author: Elena Gorgan
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Elena has been writing for a living since 2006 and, as a journalist, she has put her double major in English and Spanish to good use. She covers automotive and mobility topics like cars and bicycles, and she always knows the shows worth watching on Netflix and friends.
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