Yamaha’s new electric scooter takes aim at Europe’s 125cc commuters

Yamaha is expanding its electric scooter lineup with the new XENTER E, a 125cc-equivalent electric scooter designed specifically with European city riding in mind. Unveiled around EICMA 2026 in Milan alongside the new NMAX E, the XENTER E is a high-wheel scooter riding on 16-inch wheels front and rear. That’s an important distinction in European cities, where larger wheels can make quick work of the cobblestones, potholes, and tram tracks that can turn smaller-wheeled scooters into teeth-rattling experiences. The XENTER E uses Yamaha’s new eAxle powertrain, combining the motor, controller, and reduction gearbox into a compact frame-mounted unit. The motor produces 7.5 kW (10 hp) of peak power and 33.3 Nm of torque, putting the scooter into Europe’s A1 license category. Mounting the motor to the frame also means Yamaha can use a more conventional motorcycle-style swingarm rather than hanging the motor on the rear suspension like many scooters. That reduces unsprung weight and should help improve handling and ride quality. Power is supplied from an integrated 3.5 kWh battery mounted low in the chassis. Yamaha claims 108 km (67 miles) of range on the WMTC Class 1 cycle, though real-world range is expected to be somewhat lower. An 800W onboard charger can refill the battery in around 5.5 hours from a public charging station. Yamaha will also offer a cable for charging from a household outlet. Other niceties include three riding modes, traction control, regenerative braking, a reverse mode for maneuvering at low speeds, smart-key operation, and a 5-inch TFT display. Smartphone connectivity adds navigation, battery information, maintenance reminders, and parking-location tracking. There’s also enough underseat storage for a full-face helmet, depending on its size, plus USB-C charging and provisions for accessories such as a windscreen and 34-liter top case. The XENTER E shares its powertrain and battery with Yamaha’s new NMAX E, but the high-wheel layout gives it a distinctly more European commuter flavor. Yamaha hasn’t officially announced pricing for each market, though early reports from Milan point to €7,799 in Germany. Deliveries are expected to begin in spring 2027. It’s certainly not cheap, but the XENTER E looks like Yamaha is finally getting serious about building electric scooters that can replace its bread-and-butter 125cc urban machines, rather than simply supplement them. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.