Sprint S Elettrica (MY2024)

The Sprint S Elettrica puts an electric drive inside the compact Sprint body, and Vespa keeps the numbers modest on purpose: 4 hp and a top speed of 28 mph (45 km/h). That keeps it in the city, and that's the whole idea. The package around it is small and light, at 245 lb (111 kg) wet, with a 30.9 in (785 mm) seat and 12-inch wheels on a 52.4 in (1,330 mm) wheelbase. Ride modes, an LED headlight and a center stand come standard. Smartphone connectivity is an option. It's Vespa style without the combustion engine. Pure city tool.

On paper, this hardware is built for short urban trips, not open highway. With a 28 mph (45 km/h) top speed, fast arterials are out, so it's meant for the run between home, office and café, on streets where traffic rarely moves faster anyway. The low seat and light weight point to newer riders and shorter riders who want a scooter that's easy to park and push around. There's no engine to warm up and no gears to think about. If you'd buy a Vespa for the look and still need it to work in gridlock every day, this is that idea in electric form. Style, short range, no fuss.