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Vespa Elettrica: electric scooter, versions and what to know when buying
Vespa Elettrica — the first series electric Vespa scooter, introduced in 2018. We look at the versions, battery, and what to check when buying a used electric scooter.
Elettrica in brief
Elettrica retains the classic Vespa look and steel body, but instead of a petrol engine, it has an electric motor in the rear wheel and a lithium-ion battery. Riding is quiet, gearless, with instant acceleration from a standstill.
This is an urban scooter: it's best suited for daily short trips where you can conveniently charge the battery at home or at work.
Versions
Elettrica is offered in two main versions: the slower, around 45 km/h speed, for mopeds (AM category), and the faster — up to about 70 km/h, for scooter class. They differ in speed and allowed driving category.
Later, other trim and equipment variants appeared (e.g., sportier trim), so when buying, check the specific car's trim according to the documents.
Engine and battery
The engine is electric, with a lithium-ion battery of about 4 kWh capacity, and the manufacturer's claimed urban range is around 100 km. Real range depends on driving style, air temperature, and battery condition.
There's no gearbox — power is transmitted directly. Charging is possible from a standard household socket, and a full charge takes several hours.
What to check when buying a used Vespa Elettrica
The most important thing is the battery's condition. Ask to see the real range and charging history, check if the battery is still under manufacturer's warranty and if it transfers to the new owner.
Check the charging port and socket, software version, instrument cluster, and all connections. Also, inspect the body for corrosion and the brakes and suspension.
Check the documents: the version (45 or 70 km/h) directly determines which category of driver can operate it.
Versions and trims
Trims vary by market and year; here we describe the two main versions.
Elettrica 45 km/h
From 2018 onwardsThe slower version for the moped category.
- Speed around 45 km/h
- Electric motor in the rear wheel
- Often — AM category
Elettrica 70 km/h
From 2018 onwardsThe faster version, suitable for city and suburban use.
- Speed up to about 70 km/h
- The same battery and body characteristics
- Often — a larger category scooter
Comparison of Elettrica versions
| 45 km/h | 70 km/h | |
|---|---|---|
| Who's it for? | Short city trips | City and suburban driving |
| Top speed | Around 45 km/h | Up to roughly 70 km/h |
| Category | Often AM | Higher than AM |
| Price in the used market (relatively) | €€ | €€€ |
If you're only driving in the city, the slower version will do; if you need speed and agility, the 70 km/h version is the better choice.
Pros
- Quiet and smooth ride
- No gears, fuel, or oil to worry about
- Classic Vespa styling
- Low running costs
Cons
- Limited range
- Battery condition dictates value
- Pricey on the used market compared to petrol counterparts
Frequently asked questions
How far does the Elettrica go?
The manufacturer claims up to around 100 km in the city, but the real range depends on speed, air temperature, driving style, and battery condition.
Can it be charged from a standard socket?
Yes, it can be charged from a household socket, but a full charge takes several hours.
What category is required?
This depends on the version: a slower version often gets by with an AM category, while a faster one needs a higher category. Always check the exact information in the documents.
Updated 2026-10-21 · Trim levels and equipment vary by market and model year — check the equipment of the specific car. · Translated automatically
