Lambretta

Be. e, The Electric Scooter from Holland.

As a former vintage Lambretta owner, I’m kind of a purist when it comes to scooters. I lean toward classic design styling, but I’m a realist and know the two stroke engines are horrid pollutants. I like the look of the current Vespa line. Piaggio has stayed true to their design heritage and you can easily make the visual connection between a 1950’s Prima Vera, and one of today’s bikes. With all that said, I know there is a need for a zero emissions scooter, and that means designing something that uses lightweight parts. It doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice on style though.

Be. e, combines sustainable design with updated styling that gives a nod to scooters of yesterday with out going to far. Be. e is a standout among current electric commuter motorcycles and scooters. The scoot is designed for urban and light countryside use. It’s not a speed demon, but it is as fast as most smaller displacement bikes with a top speed of about 30 mph thanks to it’s torquey electric motor. Be.e has a two hour battery capacity which is perfect for most commuter trips, and has a recharge time from a fully displaced battery of just 3 and a half hours.

Designed by Waarmakers for Van.eko, Be.e is available in black, brown, or a tasty pale green. It also features inlaid circles of brown and silver which look sort of like the number shields found on classic Cafe Racers. The body of the scooter is made from Natural Sustainable Fiber-reinforced Composites, including hemp and flax seeds, which are actually stronger than fiberglass and plastic used by most competitors. The plant based products are compressed in a solid hull shape that forms the rigid exterior and a frame.

Vespalogy from Nomoon Creative.

Here’s to Friday, here’s to summer, here’s to Vespa. I think all three go together so well. Nothing says lazy summer day to me like getting on a vintage Vespa and spending a warm sunny day scooting about town having fun.

French creative agency Nomoon has put together a fantastic little animated short that chronicles the history of Vespa scooters from the 1940’s through the present day. The short film has some great, simple animation combined with tight illustrations of the scooters themselves. Someone at Nomoon is obviously a scooter fan and knows Vespas. What a great tribute to the long standing king of Italian motor scooters.

Lambretta Watches.

I like, and own a number of fine timepieces. I also used to own a very nice Lambretta back in the day. Actually I wish I still had my TV 175, but alas it went away years ago, and I simply don’t have the time and patience to maintain one these days. The scooter is not the subject of this post, neither are luxury timepieces. This post does however combine Lambretta, and watches.

Lambretta, still manufactures motor scooters, although none of them in my opinion are as iconic as the classics from the 1960’s. That doesn’t mean they aren’t stylish designs, I just prefer the look of the vintage scooter. Lambretta like so many other brands has branched out over the last few years and now extends their name to lifestyle accessories that help promote the primary brand. In this case Lambretta has developed a line of Swiss made watches along with a handful of other fashion accessories.

These watches are modern fashion accessories with a Lambretta inspired retro twist. The watch collection is clearly inspired by the look, design, and spirit of Lambretta scooters. The watches feature unique designs that are inspired by Lambretta’s racing history and mod scooter culture of the 1950’s and 60’s. While I wouldn’t compare these to something like a Rolex, they are fun, and the retro design styling looks great. The watches range from the simple minimalist “Franco: design, to the racing inspired chronograph “Imola”. The entire collection has a really nice look to it, and they appear to be well constructed with solid materials. Like the Lambretta scooter, these watches are eye-catching, and have an affordable price point.

Heritage Helmets. Cafe Racer Helmets from the UK.

In the state of Kansas you aren’t required by law to wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle. (I think that the state of Kansas should make it mandatory that all motorcycle owners sign the organ donor line on the back of their licenses.) I know we are talking about a state that in the last decade has chosen to not believe in evolution, is home to that idiot Fred Phelps, and has now discontinued funding for the arts. Thank god I am almost in Missouri.

OK enough of that, the reason I mentioned the helmet thing is because if you are on a motorcycle or a scooter you should put a helmet on your head. If you are fashion conscious and need something that will make you look all retro cool, you might want to try Heritage Helmets from the UK. The Lambretta helmet is Retro styled, with cool graphics, and affordable. The helmets are emblazoned with the Lambretta logo, and as former Lambretta owner, I have to say Heritage has done a great job with the styling on these.

The helmets are a Cafe Racer style shell featuring a classic open-faced design, from the early seventies. They are painted, lacquered and finished in Italy with work being done by Giancarlo Daneo (Project’s owner and designer), to create Heritage’s initial range.

The helmets meet European Road Safety Standards ECE 22/05 and are made to the highest standard. They are manufactured by Project srl, who have been designing, developing and creating motorcycle helmets for over forty years.

Heritage Helmets feature a shell made from a composite ABS with the inside lined with polystyrene, with a calibrate density for extra protection, safety and comfort. The linings are interchangeable, washable and are covered with a microfiber eco leather finish, which is breathable and absorbent. The buckle/safety chinstrap has a micrometric regulator for easy fitting, and a quick release fastener. Each helmet comes individually boxed and bagged, with an optional detachable peak and a booklet giving advice on safety, maintenance and storage.