The electric Vespa just got better where it actually matters

Vespa’s electric scooters have never exactly screamed for attention. That’s sort of the point. They look like Vespas, ride like Vespas, and just happen to swap the gasoline engine for a much quieter electric drivetrain. But for 2027, Vespa has given its electric lineup a fairly significant technological overhaul while leaving that iconic steel bodywork largely untouched. Unveiled at EICMA 2026 in Milan, the new electric Vespa lineup now consists of the Primavera Elettrica, Sprint S Elettrica, and the faster Primavera Tech Elettrica. And while you’d be forgiven for struggling to spot the differences from across the show floor, there’s a lot more happening underneath. The biggest upgrade is an entirely new electric motor developed and manufactured in Italy by Vespa parent company Piaggio Group. The motor uses a new modular design intended to improve both performance and efficiency, while also doing away with rare-earth materials. On the 45 km/h (28 mph) Primavera and Sprint S models, Vespa says the new motor provides stronger acceleration for stop-and-go city riding. Range reaches up to 85 km (53 miles) in Eco mode. But perhaps the biggest practical improvement is the new removable battery. Being able to pull the battery out of the scooter and carry it inside for charging makes a massive difference for urban riders who don’t have access to a garage or dedicated charging spot – exactly the kind of riders Vespa is targeting. The Primavera Tech is where things get a little faster. This version is homologated as a motorcycle rather than a moped in Europe and reaches 67 km/h (42 mph). That’s still not terribly fast, but the electric Vespa line has never been known for its top speed. Its range has increased by 12.5% thanks to the new motor and Vehicle Management System, reaching 90 km (56 miles) on the WMTC cycle or up to 100 km (62 miles) in Eco mode. There’s also a new charger that Vespa says reduces energy consumption from the wall by 17%, with a 0-80% charge taking around 2.5 hours. A new Maintenance mode is designed to protect the battery during longer periods when the scooter isn’t being ridden. The Primavera Tech also gets the technological bells and whistles you’d expect from the flagship version, including a 5-inch TFT display, keyless operation, navigation through Vespa’s smartphone connectivity system, and remote seat unlocking. Perhaps the most Vespa thing about the whole update is how little of it you can actually see. The company hasn’t tried to turn its electric scooters into rolling science-fiction props. They’re still unmistakably Vespas, complete with the same classic styling that has defined the brand for generations. They just happen to have a much more interesting electric drivetrain hiding underneath now. Of course, they also carry some very Vespa pricing. While we don’t have word on the updated pricing for the new models, the outgoing Primavera Elettrica 70 RED was priced at $8,299 in the US. So don’t expect these models to come cheap. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.