Retro Thing: Vespa Unveils Two Hybrid Scooters: “The company has developed two versions, based on their Vespa LX 50 (shown above, with 50cc gas & 1000W electric motor) and the more sleek and powerful Piaggio X8 125 (125cc gas & 2500W electic motor). The combination of electric and gas engines provides approximately 25% more power, helping to alleviate fuel consumption when starting or accelerating. It also reduces gasoline consumption by 20%. The scooter can also operate in locations where combustion engine fumes would be undesirable (inside buildings or covered areas) by
switching into a low-speed ‘electric only’ mode.”
It’s good to know that scooter manufacturers are looking at this option, especially with the recent announcement of hybrid cars (Prius) that are expected to reach 94 MPG next year. Cars with moped mileage? Promises, promises… and NOW with gas about ready to make the leap over the $3.00/Gallon mark here in the USA, we’re gonna be seeing EVERYONE (except for the insanely rich) making even more serious considerations to dump the guzzler.
I’ve said it before, but I expect some interesting scooter / moped developments in 2007.
14. April 2006 at 8:55 pm
I really like the X8 hybrid. I really wonder how it works. It looks like the thing still has a CVT rather than using the engine just as a generator and an electric motor to drive the rear wheel. I’d like to compare the design drawings to the Vectrix electric scooter to see if they are mechanically the same.
Brad
16. April 2006 at 5:08 am
To compete with 90mpg hybrid cars, Vespa is going to have to not only add on an electric motor, but they are going to need computer controlled CVTs. With just that, and no hybrid stuff they could really improve mileage and performance.
A super high tech, high mileage scooter would be cool, but there are some inefficiencies that will have to be worked out first. Particularly with automatic scooters. Stellas and Bajaj scoots get very good mileage with very old technology.
16. August 2006 at 11:22 pm
Creating a scooter with hybrid engines, computers etc. Hmmm…the price of a small car? I think not.
Gas mileage is one reason we ride scoots. The other reasons; fun, “flying” looks great, different and INEXPENSIVE sticker price.