Retrospective Scooters: Electrify Your Classic Scooter

Converting classic cars from their original internal combustion to an electric powertrain is a rapidly growing industry in places where money and motivation permit. So here’s your chance for a new business idea: the electric motorcycle conversion phenomenon isn’t fully underway yet, but we can see glimpses of it.

Converting any motorcycle from internal combustion power to electric power can present a whole host of issues that need to be addressed. How to mount the motor and its batteries and power the rear wheel? These questions become easier when you can standardize some of the solutions.

Classic scooter electrification

Enter a company called “Retro scootersthat do exactly that. They are based in Walthamstow, North East London.

We might affectionately refer to guys like this as dyed-in-the-wool “scooter trash”; they seem to absolutely love what they do. Their passion for classic scooters practically transpires through their website. I highly recommend poking around there and taking a look at some of the truly exquisite work they have done.

Not only do they rip off classic scooters and sell neo-classic internal combustion and electric scooters (Euro 4 compliant), but you can also buy a kit from them to convert your own classic Vespa or Lambretta from internal combustion to electric. ‘electric.

Keep them out of landfills

So many classic vehicles are tossed or ignored when they have an engine problem that can’t be fixed or can’t be fixed easily. Parts availability can be an issue (especially these days), and finding a knowledgeable and trustworthy mechanic is a constant problem. If you have a beloved Vespa from the 50s or 60s that hasn’t run in decades, this could be your ticket to getting it running again.

The electric conversion kit is not cheap. All kit prices, for large frame, small frame and wide mount Vespas, as well as the Lambretta J range, start at £3450 (around €4110 or $4500), and kits for other Lambrettas start at £3650 (around €4345 or $4760). They offer worldwide shipping, so depending on the total value of your old scooter, it might be a small drop in the bucket to get it rolling again.

Does it increase the value of an antique?

This raises another question, however. Is an electric conversion kit on your beloved classic scooter going to be worth more or less on the open market? The global transportation trend is such that a converted classic electric scooter could fetch a high resale price. Especially if it is in good condition or has that patina that so many old Italian scooters are looking for.

It looks like the guys making the retro scooters are making quite a living. Maybe kickstarting your own scooter could fetch a good price, or replace that overly-modern goofy electric scooter you’ve been coveting.