Soundspeed Scooters now offers electric Vespa in kit form
Electric Vespa - Click above to watch the video after the break
The last time we took a look at the electric Vespa kit from Soundspeed Scooters, there was a ton of interest. At that time, the only part of the kit that wasn't included was the battery pack, but that's apparently been rectified. We made a quick call to Soundspeed and we learned that the base power pack included in the kit's $4,200 price tag is a 48-volt 30 AH lithium unit that allows for a top speed of around 38 miles per hour and a range of over 30 miles even when ridden aggressively. For an additional $800 or so, the buyer can upgrade to a larger 40 AH lithium polymer battery that should extend the range a bit.
The "Complete Kit to Convert Your Old Gas Machine Into a Sleek Sleigh of Electric Luxury" (their words, not ours...) also includes a custom swing-arm, master cylinder, caliper, brake line, motor wheel, controller, dc/dc converter, brake disc, rear shock, fuel gauge, wiring kit and charger. Most of those bits can be purchased separately for the true DIYers out there. Click past the break for a short video of the electric Vespa in action.
Update: Soundspeed just email us with revised pricing information. The 30Ah Vespa kit is now $3,999 and the 40Ah kit is $4,599.
[Source: Soundspeed Scooters via 2 Stroke Buzz]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
paulwesterberg 8:09PM (6/05/2009)
I have a neighbor with an old vespa that this would be perfect for, too bad it costs $4,200. I bet all the parts are purchased at retail and then resold.
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paulwesterberg 8:19PM (6/05/2009)
The battery pack is 1.59kWh or 1.8kWh(for an extra $800), for comparison the toyota prius battery pack with 1.3kWh is sold for $2.5k. But this kit contains a controller, inverter, motor and other useful bits so I guess the price is somewhat justified, but I think I will stick with my bike.
You can get a really nice bike for $4,200.
contact 9:37PM (6/05/2009)
I couldn't justify spending that much and only being able to go 38mph. You'd get run over here going that slowly.
I bought a 250cc for $2500 and it'll do 80mph and get 70+mpg. These guys have to make the EV version similar in performance and price if they want to change peoples minds.
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required 12:31PM (6/06/2009)
I would bite if they could sell it for less. their current pricing is much to high.
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required 12:35PM (6/06/2009)
just realized that it is without a bike, insane. that makes this crazy expensive. all I can say is good luck with that.