Lambretta Elettra
In the realm of two-wheeled electric mobility, a new entrant fuses nostalgic design with avant-garde technology: the Lambretta Elettra. This modern iteration of the iconic Lambretta scooter not only pays homage to its historical roots with a steel frame and classic ‘pull-wheel’ front suspension but also embraces the future with its electric heart.
Electric Scooter with Retro Design and Fast Charging
Top Key Points
Design
Lambretta Elettra electric scooter front view
- Blends original Lambretta design with high-performance electric propulsion
- Steel frame and chassis
- 12-inch wheels
- Classic ‘pull-wheel’ double-shock front suspension
- Completely redesigned rear suspension with a shock-absorbing unit positioned horizontally above the engine and connected with an arm to the aluminium swingarm
- Handlebar hiding the wooden ‘retractable’ brake levers
- ‘Hooked’ headlamp
- Digital instrumentation
- The entire rear body can be automatically lifted at the touch of a remote control for practical access to the battery compartment
- Helmet compartment
- 135kg
Sustainable Mobility
Performance
- Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) capable of ensuring great torque, the best weight/power ratio, high efficiency and reliability.
- 4kW continuous power and 11 kW peak power
- 258 Nm torque
- Maximum speed of approximately 110kph
- Range varies from 130km (at a constant speed of 40kph) up to over 60km (at a constant speed of 80kph)
Battery
- Lithium, 4.6 kWh battery
- Charging time of approximately 5h30′ with a 220V home system
- Charging time can be reduced to approximately 35 minutes with a ‘fast charge’ in a public place (up to 80%)
With a design that conceals innovative features like wooden ‘retractable’ brake levers and a digital dashboard within its timeless profile, the Elettra stands as a testament to how classic charm and contemporary performance can coalesce. This scooter is poised to attract enthusiasts who appreciate the aesthetic of yesteryear while demanding the efficiency and power of today’s technology.
Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM)
The Lambretta Elettra is a fascinating blend of retro aesthetics and modern electric propulsion technology.
Design and Build:
- The Elettra maintains the classic Lambretta design but incorporates a high-performance electric motor.
- The scooter has a sturdy steel frame and chassis, essential for durability.
- It features 12-inch wheels that are suitable for handling city streets.
- The front suspension is a traditional ‘pull-wheel’ double-shock, which is typical for a classic scooter.
- A uniquely designed rear suspension with a horizontally placed shock absorber above the engine offers a modern twist on the classic design.
- An aluminium swingarm is connected with an arm to the shock-absorbing unit for the rear suspension, highlighting advanced engineering.
Unique Features:
- The handlebar conceals wooden ‘retractable’ brake levers, which is a novel design choice.
- The headlamp is ‘hooked’, contributing to the scooter’s vintage appeal.
- Digital instrumentation provides a contemporary contrast to the otherwise classic design, offering riders up-to-date information.
Practicality and Convenience:
- There’s a remote control feature to lift the rear body automatically, providing easy access to the battery compartment.
- The Elettra also has a designated space to store a helmet, which adds to its practicality.
Smart Features and Helmet Compartment
Performance:
- Weighing 135kg, the Elettra has a continuous power output of 4kW and a peak power output of 11kW.
- It boasts an impressive 258 Nm of torque, which is quite high for a scooter.
- The top speed is around 110kph, which is more than adequate for an electric scooter and suggests good overall performance.
- It is equipped with a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM), known for excellent torque and an efficient power-to-weight ratio.
Riding Modes and Range:
- There are three riding modes to cater to different preferences and needs: Eco, Ride, and Sport.
- The range is quite variable, offering up to 130km at a moderate speed of 40kph, which drops to just over 60km at a faster pace of 80kph.
Battery and Charging:
- The 4.6 kWh lithium battery takes approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes to charge using a standard 220V home system.
- A fast-charging option is available, which can charge the battery up to 80% in about 35 minutes at a public charging station.
Here’s a breakdown of the potential pros and cons:
Pros:
- Retro Aesthetic with Modern Tech: The Elettra captures the classic Lambretta design which can appeal to enthusiasts and riders looking for a stylish scooter with contemporary technological benefits.
- Electric Propulsion: As an electric scooter, the Elettra is eco-friendly, emitting no pollutants and contributing to reduced carbon footprint compared to combustion engine scooters.
- Performance: The electric motor offers impressive torque (258 Nm) and a good top speed (110kph), making it suitable for both city commuting and relatively faster road travel for a scooter.
- Customizable Riding Experience: With three different modes (Eco, Ride, and Sport), riders can tailor the scooter’s performance to their riding style or power needs, enhancing both the riding experience and the efficiency.
- Convenience Features: The automatic lifting of the rear body for battery access and the built-in helmet compartment provide added convenience for daily use.
- Battery and Charging Flexibility: While the standard charging time is reasonable (5h30′), the fast charging option greatly enhances the scooter’s usability for those needing a quick recharge.
- Digital Instrumentation: Modern digital displays allow for easy monitoring of the scooter’s status and performance, contributing to a safer and more informed riding experience.
Cons:
- Range Variability: While the range can be up to 130km on Eco mode, it significantly decreases at higher speeds. This could be a limitation for those requiring longer uninterrupted travel distances.
- Charging Infrastructure Dependency: The advantage of the fast charge is contingent on the availability of public charging stations, which may not be as widespread, depending on the region.
- Weight: At 135kg, the Elettra is relatively heavy for an electric scooter, which could affect its handling and may make it less manoeuvrable for some riders, especially in tight city spaces.
- Cost: While not explicitly mentioned, the advanced features and design elements suggest that the Elettra may come at a premium price point compared to standard electric scooters, which could be a barrier for some potential buyers.
- Limited Top Speed: Although 110kph is fast for an electric scooter, it may not be sufficient for all users, especially those who are used to more powerful motorbikes or need to travel frequently on highways where higher speeds are common.
- Retro Design Not for Everyone: The unique retro design, while a selling point for some, may not appeal to riders looking for a more contemporary look.
- Maintenance and Repairs: The blend of classic design elements with modern technology might pose challenges in maintenance and repairs, requiring specialized service beyond that for typical electric scooters.
The Lambretta Elettra offers a fascinating mix of characteristics that will make it an ideal choice for some riders, but less so for others depending on individual needs and preferences.
Conclusion
The Lambretta Elettra represents a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity, providing an electrified solution to the scooter market that honours its rich legacy. With its high-torque PMSM engine, variable riding modes, and practical design features such as remote-controlled body lifting for easy battery access and a compartment for helmet storage, the Elettra doesn’t just ride on the coattails of the Lambretta name.
Instead, it sets its sights firmly on the future, offering a promising combination of style, functionality, and performance. As it cruises the streets with a maximum speed of 110kph and a respectable range, the Elettra stands as a shining example of how electric vehicles can encapsulate the best of both worlds, delivering a ride that is as pleasurable as it is practical and as stylish as it is sustainable.
The Lambretta Elettra seems to be a well-thought-out modern electric scooter that doesn’t just rely on its nostalgic appeal but also provides performance and convenience features that could make it a competitive model in the e-scooter market.
