AUTO BILD MOTORRAD has selected ten retro scooters with electric drives that combine locally emission-free mobility with a lot of dolce vita. The list starts with the Emco Nova and ends with the brand new Yamaha Neo. There is an overview of the most important data.
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Emco Nova
Emco is a fixture in the scooter segment. This also applies to classically designed scooters like the Nova. Its ten inch small wheels are not always ideal for driving stability. But the removable batteries make charging around town super convenient.
The Emco Nova inspires with removable batteries. This makes charging in the city wonderfully easy.
Prices start at 3599 euros for the version with 2.3 hp and 28 Ah battery. With the 4.1 hp motor and the optional second battery, the Nova costs 4,999 euros, not including additional costs. The top speed is 45 km/h, and the manufacturer specifies a range of 50 to 130 kilometers, depending on the version. The charging time is two to four hours.
Govec’s E Swallow
The Schwalbe drives in the electric scooter league to the upper end of the price scale. The Govecs company from Munich has successfully revived the cult scooter: as the 45 version, the E-Schwalbe has an output of four kW and sees itself as an alternative to 50-series combustion engines.
Govecs has succeeded in reviving a legend with the E-Schwalbe. Unfortunately not very cheap.
The Bosch drive train drives the Elektro-Schwalbe forward with vigour. ABS is available as an option. The battery and the charger with coiled cable are built into the E-Schwalbe. 135 kilos can be loaded, an optional top case offers the necessary storage space. Price: from 5590 euros.
Kumpan 54 Inspire
The Kumpan brand scooters play with the chic of the 50s and early 60s. The machines are built south of Bonn. According to the information, 80 percent of the parts come from Germany!
Kumpan comes from Remagen near Bonn. 80 percent of the scooters are made in Germany.
The Kumpan 54 Inspire has 4.1 hp and is said to have a range of 62 kilometers with one battery. Battery two and three cost extra. The payload is given for a battery with 188 kilograms. For the 2022 model year there were both software updates and optimizations such as a new LED headlight and revised ergonomics.
Sidekick 54 Ignite
The equally chic Kumpan 54 Ignite is one size larger. With an output of seven kW, it wants to be understood as an electric alternative to the 125 scooter. New drivers with an A1 license and people switching cars with a B196 license can drive it. Manufacturer Kumpan specifies a top speed of 100 km/h for the 54 Ignite. This also makes driving overland fun.
The range should be up to 80 kilometers and is certainly enough for a tour to the bathing lake. The question that remains is how much of the specified kilometers is left at higher speeds. With three batteries, the Ignite weighs 112 kilograms. Prices start at 6999 euros.
Nova Motors eRetro Star Li
The eRetro Star Li from Nova Motors is completely different. It impresses with one thing in particular: with its low price. It starts at 1999 euros. In return, the buyer gets two kilowatts of power and a maximum speed of 45 km/h. You need a class A or class B driver’s license for this. The manufacturer specifies a range of 40 to 60 kilometers, depending on driving style.
Six lead-fleece batteries are installed on board. They require just as little maintenance as the lithium-ion variant, but are significantly cheaper. But there is no memory effect. Therefore, the batteries should never be completely discharged. Too bad: The batteries cannot be removed from the scooter for charging. This makes the cheap eRetro Star a little less attractive for city dwellers.
Motoron Cupertino
KSR is considered a professional in importing and developing makes and models. The self-created entry-level brand of the Austrians is called Motron. Motron offers affordable two-wheelers that are also (or especially) suitable for a tight budget.
The lovingly designed Cupertino is available from 1999 euros. You can call that a competitive price. The Cupertino is visually reminiscent of the Honda Supercub, the best-selling vehicle in the world. The narrow, 17-inch wire spoke wheels should be able to withstand a lot. The battery is removable. There are LED lights for good visibility. Two HP and drum brakes are enough for comfortable driving.
Trinity Romex
The chic retro cruiser Trinity Romex is available from 3299 euros. At this price, the little one tries the balancing act between a beautiful shell and modern technology and is a real eye-catcher. The chrome attachments in particular take the viewer back to the golden years of scooter construction. (This was the result of a test by BILD in 2019.)
The Trinity Romex looks chic and exudes a lot of flair. However, it quickly becomes slow when the energy is low.
Here, too, the battery can be removed for charging. This is important for anyone who does not have their own garage with electricity. If necessary, the range can be extended with a second battery. Fast isn’t Romex’s way. What you should know: From about 30 percent charge, the top speed drops. Then sensitive natures in the city feel like a traffic obstacle.
Trinity Uranus
Another pretty e-scooter from Trinity is called Uranus. The company develops in Germany and has it built in China. The retro look and the technology of the Uranus with, among other things, a wheel hub motor are welcome plus points, but they don’t let the German Chinese stand out from the crowd of its competitors.
The situation is different with the LG batteries. They cannot only be removed from the scooter for charging. If necessary, individual cells of the batteries can be exchanged. Very innovative! The Uranus has 5.4 hp and drives at a maximum speed of 45 km/h. Cost point: 3499 euros. If that’s not enough, you can also get the Uranus as an R version and even as an RS later this year.
Vespa Elettrica
For enthusiasts, there is no scooter that stands for relaxed cruising and dolce vita more than the Piaggio Vespa. The Wasp is already prepared for a possible future without combustion engines. They are available with 5.4 electric horsepower and a range of 70 to 100 kilometers.
But the E-Vespa has not yet been able to build on the success of the combustion engine versions. A possible reason for this could be that there is a bit of a lack of modern technology on board. There is no ABS, for example, and the version for 70 km/h only has a combination brake. Battery and charger are permanently installed. So you have to get to the socket. Price: from 6390 euros. This isn’t a bargain.
Yamaha Neo
The electric Yamaha Neo will be launched in June 2022. It will cost 3324 euros and will be available in two colors. Yamaha has experience with both 50s and electric drives. The cuddly Neo now wants to combine both.
Yamaha brings the Neo in the middle of the year. It can be paired with a smartphone using an app.
A stepless and brushless wheel hub motor on the rear wheel provides propulsion. Its power output is highest in standard driving mode at 2.06 kWh at 40 km/h. Yamaha recommends this mode for normal driving. There is also an optional eco mode. With the free Yamaha MyRide app, scooters and smartphones can be connected. Numerous holders and a helmet compartment under the seat should ensure practicality in everyday life.
