Vespa Elettrica
The Vespa Elettrica has a top speed of 45 km/h (standard version, limited; X version reaches ~70 km/h — note: speed-limited by variant), produces 4 hp (3 kW continuous; 5.4 hp / 4 kW peak) and weighs 136 kg. Motoryk rates it 6.5/10.
The Vespa Elettrica was introduced by Piaggio in 2018, marking the iconic Italian brand's first foray into fully electric two-wheelers after over 70 years of scooter production. It was developed to modernize the classic Vespa identity while addressing urban emission concerns, featuring a retro design faithful to the original 1946 Vespa aesthetic. It represents a significant milestone as a symbol of Vespa's commitment to sustainable urban mobility while retaining its timeless style.
4 hp (3 kW continuous; 5.4 hp / 4 kW peak)
Power
200 Nm
Torque
136 kg
Weight
45 km/h (standard version, limited; X version reaches ~70 km/h — note: speed-limited by variant)
Top Speed
~2.1 kWh/100km (electric equivalent; estimated real-world figure)
Fuel
Faired
Body
Video Review
What Buyers Should Know
Limited Real-World Range
The Vespa Elettrica offers a claimed range of 100km, but real-world urban riding typically yields 60-70km. Cold weather and hilly terrain can reduce this further, so city commuters should plan charging stops carefully.
Battery Degradation Watch
The lithium-ion battery pack is the most expensive component to replace, potentially costing €2,000-3,000. Always check battery health percentage and charge cycle count when buying used.
Steep Depreciation Curve
The Vespa Elettrica depreciates faster than its petrol counterparts, partly due to battery anxiety and higher purchase price. This makes used models a significantly better value proposition than buying new.
Generations & Specs by Year
First Vespa electric scooter; 4kW motor, 70km range, smartphone connectivity, retro Vespa styling retained.
Used Buyer Review
"A beautiful urban toy, not a serious daily commuter solution."
$3,500-$5,500 usedLet's be honest — the Elettrica isn't really a motorcycle, it's a premium urban scooter wearing Italian jewellery. But that's not necessarily a bad thing. Used examples from 2019 onwards have proven reasonably reliable, though the 4kW motor gives you a genuine 70km range in real-world city riding, not the optimistic 100km Vespa quotes. In London or Milan traffic, it's genuinely brilliant. On anything resembling a hill with a pillion, you'll feel the embarrassment. Buying used, check the battery health obsessively — this is the make-or-break item. Degraded packs are expensive to replace and Piaggio dealer networks aren't exactly electric-specialist territory yet. Connectivity features often need software resets, and the charging port covers crack with age. That said, the bodywork quality is genuinely premium, build quality shames most Japanese scoots, and running costs are laughably low. For a second scooter or city-only machine for someone who appreciates quality over practicality, there's nothing else quite like it. Just don't expect a commuter workhorse.
Top 10 Accessories
Curated picks for the Vespa Elettrica — owned, ridden, recommended.
Common Problems
🔥 2 CRITICALTest full charge range, compare to 70km factory spec
Ride at full throttle, check for hesitation or shutdowns
Inspect port for rust, verify charger connects firmly
Check for available firmware updates via dealer
✅Pre-Purchase Checklist
Decent if battery healthy, expensive if not
Full Specifications
Rivals & Alternatives
Bikes that buyers cross-shop with the Vespa Elettrica
Honda Em1 E
Yamaha E01
Niu Mqi+ Sport
Niu Uqi Pro
Niu Rqi
Compare Vespa Elettrica Side-by-Side
compare_arrowsSpecs, power, weight & buyer verdict — head-to-head with the bikes most often cross-shopped.
Vespa Elettrica vs Honda Em1 E
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Vespa Elettrica vs Yamaha E01
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Vespa Elettrica vs Niu Mqi+ Sport
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Vespa Elettrica vs Niu Uqi Pro
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Vespa Elettrica vs Niu Rqi
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
More Vespa Elettrica Guides
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Discussion
Vespa Elettrica Videos
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common problems with the Vespa Elettrica? +
Battery degradation reducing range significantly: Test full charge range, compare to 70km factory spec (serious) | Motor controller failures causing cutouts: Ride at full throttle, check for hesitation or shutdowns (serious) | Charging port corrosion or connection faults: Inspect port for rust, verify charger connects firmly (moderate)
Is the Vespa Elettrica a good motorcycle? +
A beautiful urban toy, not a serious daily commuter solution. Rating: 6.5/10. Best for: Style-conscious city dwellers with short daily commutes. Avoid if: You need reliable long-distance or hilly commuting.
What is the horsepower of the Vespa Elettrica? +
The Vespa Elettrica produces 4 hp (3 kW continuous; 5.4 hp / 4 kW peak), with 200 Nm @ 0 rpm (motor output; note: wheel torque figure is significantly lower after reduction) of torque. Top speed: 45 km/h (standard version, limited; X version reaches ~70 km/h — note: speed-limited by variant).
Is the Vespa Elettrica good for beginners? +
Yes — the Vespa Elettrica is a reasonable choice for new riders (4 hp is manageable), weighing 136 kg. Style-conscious city dwellers with short daily commutes
Is the Vespa Elettrica reliable? +
Owners report 2 critical issues to watch for on the Vespa Elettrica, notably: Battery degradation reducing range significantly (Test full charge range, compare to 70km factory spec). Buy with a pre-purchase inspection.
Is the Vespa Elettrica good for daily use? +
Style-conscious city dwellers with short daily commutes Fuel: ~2.1 kWh/100km (electric equivalent; estimated real-world figure).
How fast is the Vespa Elettrica? +
The Vespa Elettrica reaches a top speed of 45 km/h (standard version, limited; X version reaches ~70 km/h — note: speed-limited by variant), producing 4 hp at 136 kg curb weight. Real-world performance depends on rider weight, gearing, and road conditions.
What gear should I buy for a Vespa Elettrica? +
Motoryk has curated a Top 10 gear list specifically for the Vespa Elettrica, covering engine oil, tires, chain, battery, and brake pads — see motoryk.com/bikes/vespa/elettrica/top10. Each pick is matched to this bike's spec.
