Vespa

For a Limited Time Only, The Vespa 946.

Since it’s beginnings Vespa has always had a distinct look and classic design lines. The new limited edition Vespa 946 is no exception to the rule. This striking redesign of this scooter maintains the classic look with updated details across the bike.

The dynamic lines, the distinct proportion of the fairing, the sweep of the handle bar, the single round tail light all come from some of the earliest Vespa drawings. The 946 is hand built with an attention to detail and a craftsman’s approach to build quality. Every detail reflects a choice and a reference to Italian-style production.

Limited batch of 3,600 units for all markets worldwide, the production of which in the Pontedera factory will terminate with the month of November. The 946 is priced out at $ 9,946.00 which will probably limit some sales, but if you want one you better not wait much longer.

Carlos Alberto’s Wooden Vespa “Daniela”.

A couple of months back I posted about a steam punk Vespa that was a visual treat. Today, I’m posting about the wooden Vespa created by Portuguese carpenter Carlos Alberto. His hand crafted creation is named “Vespa Daniela”, and it is completely hand-crafted from a variety of woods all the way down to the wooden roulette wheels.

Carlos took what looks like a late 1950’s Primavera that was abandoned in his garage and used it as the frame work to build this masterpiece of craftsmanship. Designed for his daughter Daniela, the entire metal structure was replaced with wooden forms leaving only the original 50cc engine and suspension.

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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.