Primavera Elettrica: Has the Electric Vespa Been Left Behind?
- Buck City Biker
- Jul 2
- 2 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
When Vespa announced the Primavera Elettrica in 2016, electric scooters were still finding their feet. Most established motorcycle brands were sitting on the sidelines, leaving start-ups and smaller manufacturers to figure it all out.
Fast forward a few years, and the electric two-wheeler market has raced ahead, but the Elettrica has barely changed.
For the full Vespa Elletrica spec sheet, head here.
Same Scooter, Different World
Vespa didn’t chase the same direction as everyone else. It electrified one of its most recognisable scooters without messing with the classic Italian styling that made it famous.
Today’s model brings in refreshed styling, smartphone connectivity, riding modes, and a removable battery. Under the skin, though, it’s much the same scooter. It still has a claimed range of around 68 miles (109 km) (WMTC), a top speed of 28 mph (45 km/h), and a charging time of roughly four hours.
Those specs were respectable at launch, but today's riders can choose from a growing number of electric scooters with higher top speeds, longer real-world range, and more practical kit for everyday use.
That doesn't make it a bad scooter; far from it. It still does exactly what it was built for. It’s a short-hop city machine. Think school run, coffee run, station run. If your riding never leaves town, the numbers on paper matter less than how easy it is to live with day-to-day.
But has the Vespa Elettrica been left waiting at the lights while the rest of the market has ridden on?
The BCB Take
Let's be fair, Vespa isn't selling speed, it's selling style. And that's always been the point.
Nobody buys a Vespa to tear up the tarmac. You buy one because it looks good parked outside a café, is easy to throw a leg over for the daily commute and has a character that doesn't blend into the background. The Elettrica might be showing its age, but it still delivers exactly that. It's simple, quiet and perfectly suited to short trips around town.
£4,920 isn't outrageous, but it isn't pocket change either. The only question is whether that classic Vespa appeal is enough to justify the price when today's electric scooter market offers more for similar money. If you're buying with your heart, the Elettrica still has plenty going for it. If you're buying with your head, there are now stronger options.
The Elettrica may not lead the pack anymore, but it still knows exactly what it wants to be.
Ride safe, folks.
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