Modern Vespa

I was looking at some older 2-stroke Vespas at a gathering recently.
They have a classic beauty and each one ahs a story to tell with dings and dents and patina from years of Life. I thought how sad it would be to see them disappear forever due to emission controls banning them from the roads.

Then I wondered why doesn't someone develop an electric drivetrains to substitute the 2-stroke motor and give them another few decades of admired life?

If they can do this with VW's 2CV's etc, why not Vespas?

There are outfits here-and-there doing just this; I don't have any links handy at the moment, but they're out there.

there are people doing them now!

it's only a matter of time before a major player in the game (SIP, probably) offers a full conversion kit.

but the chances of them disappearing off the roads forever, unlikely.

anyway, the bigger issue is that vintage enthusiasts love the machines because of what they are and what they represent. the pain of ownership is what builds the love of the machine.

I considered putting one in my 1970 Super. There's a bolt on kit available but it's expensive, underpowered and has a 50km range. I'll reconsider when something better comes on to the market.

[anyway, the bigger issue is that vintage enthusiasts love the machines because of what they are and what they represent. the pain of ownership is what builds the love of the machine.
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An excellent use of the written word and really very profound. As with many things in life the more difficult it was the prouder you are of having accomplished it. Working at something, pouring in your blood sweat and tears to be able to improve on the task is what builds self esteem.

Thank you for putting it into such simple words and I couldn't agree more!

I'd love to see this happen with cars too. I know some people are doing it. I have a beautiful gas-guzzler which I don't drive much but I'd love to get an e-conversion but it's unlikely to happen.
Miguel

there's a movement in vintage cars toward upgrading to fuel injection or newer modern more powerful and efficient engines-- I'm currently in the process of putting an LS into a 74 jeep truck and have a 71 Volvo 142 that's getting a 2.3 eco boost scheduled next. the next obvious conclusion is that electric will catch up at some point.

but in that same movement are the people that are all about preserving and protecting the original manifestations of what rolled off the assembly line.

I carry water for both of these groups (glass house, stone garden attached) but I can see where there's room for everybody in the hobby.

I get Greasy entirely.

My BMW R80 G/S is a loveable old girl, but the front suspension is from the Ark and barely adequate for tar. Many of the Airhead fans that actually ride the bikes on dirt have fitted more modern front suspensions ex WP, Showa etc and it vastly improves the ride and handling. This is done without modification to the existing bike, so by retaining the original in a crate somewhere, the originality can be 100% restored for resale.

I can just see that emission control legislation will rapidly tighten up on the gusslers, making essential parts unavailable, in order to push non-compliant vehicles into museums or breakers yards.

PS My mate Mike has a 50's Corvette in RED that has been restomodded with disk brakes up front etc. but all original parts carefully crated

Retrospective Scooters in London come to mind:

https://www.retrospectivescooters.com/for-sale/project-e-electric-vespa-conversion

Doubles the cost of the scoot...?

EV cars also aren't cheap. People who buy Teslas won't mind the cost of converting a Vespa to EV

I'm waiting for the hover conversion "ala" Back to The Future.

I see there is a move to built Deloreans again in Texas - as fully electric cars...!

Retrospective Scooters kit.

If you are looking to buy the kit made by retrospective scooters ! am selling and installing them in Southern California

https://www.retrospectivescooters.com/for-sale/project-e-electric-vespa-conversion

^^^ Can you post up some pics, please?

+1

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