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Retro Thing reports that Vespa is testing two
different hybrid/gasoline scooters in Milan, including the Vespa LX 50 pictured here. According to the site, the
scooter can charge its batteries from the gasoline motor, while the electrical battery can be charged via a standard
European plug outlet. The combination of the gas and electricity reduces gasoline consumption by up to 20 percent.
Plus, via the hybrid feature, the bike can operate in the electric-only mode in such areas such as
tunnels, where fumes would be bothersome. Here's the
official
company release, translated (not always so easily) to English.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Todd Apr 17th 2006 10:09PM
perfect combo of two hot trends
Steve Apr 20th 2006 4:47PM
Great idea, greatw ay to conserve fuel. I am a scooter dealer and I wish my manufacturer did this on his models.
Dot Casto Apr 20th 2006 6:25PM
I own a 1965 Vespa. I love it. I also love the idea of making a more efficient Earth Friendly scooter. Go Vespa!
Jeff Apr 20th 2006 7:03PM
In the late 1960s, my cousin worked for an electrochemical engineering firm in New York City that was developing Extremely high-tech, high-power, fast recharging batteries for military use. They also were experimenting with batteries for automotive use. They had two electric vehicles, and we had a lot of fun driving them on the streets of New York. One was a Heney Kilowatt, and electric car made from a Renault Dauphine. The other was an electric motorscooter. The scooter was the most dangerous vehicle ever conceived my man. It was VERY fast, had VERY quick accelleration, and was completely silent. Pedestrians were always stepping out in front of it and cars pulled out in front of it because no one could hear it coming.
CerebralWaste Apr 20th 2006 7:41PM
"Plus, via the hybrid feature, the bike can operate in the electric-only mode in such areas such as tunnels, where fumes would be bothersome."
So.... You can run on batteries in a tunnel where fumes would be bothersome. Assuming you are the only one in the tunnel.