Vespa Primavera and Sprint S 2027: electric update

Even with electric drive, the Vespa stays true to its steel body. For 2027, however, there's a new motor underneath, developed and built entirely in Italy by the Piaggio Group. The electric family still comprises three models: the Primavera and Sprint S as mopeds, plus the faster Primavera Tech in the A1 class. The focus of the update therefore lies beneath the familiar shell. Piaggio promises greater efficiency, lower energy consumption and livelier responsiveness. A new speed sensor is also said to improve control on the move.

The new drive uses a modular architecture and, according to Piaggio, does without any rare-earth components. The manufacturer points to the environmental impact of mining and processing them. The press release gives no specific power or torque figures. It does, however, make clear what the revision aims for in each version: the 45 km/h models should respond more forcefully when pulling away, while the Primavera Tech should go further on the available energy. So the improvements differ within the family.

The electric Primavera is homologated as a moped with a top speed of 45 km/h. According to the manufacturer, the new motor delivers more torque and should therefore react more eagerly, especially when pulling away in city traffic. Vespa quotes a range of up to 85 kilometres in ECO mode. Handy for anyone whose power socket isn't right next to their parking spot: the battery can be removed for charging. The documentation gives no details on charging time, battery capacity or battery weight.

The electric Sprint S also belongs to the moped class and remains limited to 45 km/h. It too gets the new motor with the announced torque boost. The same figures apply: up to 85 kilometres of range in ECO mode and a removable battery. So if you're torn between the Primavera and the Sprint S, you get the same package in terms of these key data. No specific torque difference between the two models is stated.

The electric Primavera Tech is the A1 version of the family and, according to Vespa, reaches 67 km/h. Together with the new Vehicle Management System, the more efficient motor is said to increase range by 12.5 percent and cut energy consumption by 17 percent. The manufacturer quotes a range of 100 kilometres in ECO mode and 90 kilometres in the WMTC cycle. The two figures therefore refer to different conditions. For longer periods off the road there's also the Maintenance function, activated via the dashboard, which according to Vespa is designed to support the battery when the vehicle isn't in use.

The Tech gets a new 5-inch digital TFT dashboard. It shows remaining range, battery status, regeneration level and navigation information. In combination with the Vespa MIA app, GPS navigation is possible. The Piaggio Keyless system is standard on the Primavera Tech: it starts the vehicle, activates the electronic immobiliser and unlocks the seat remotely. Two LED courtesy lights in the leg shield are designed to help in the dark. They stay on for 30 seconds after the motor is switched off and, before starting, remain lit until the motor is running.

The electric range retains the familiar Vespa design with LED headlight, tail lights and alloy wheels. According to the manufacturer, the seat material is designed to offer comfort for both rider and pillion. The remote key features a Bike Finder function that flashes the indicators to help you locate the vehicle, and it opens the compartment under the seat. There's also a USB port in the glovebox in the leg shield for charging mobile devices.

VESPA MIA is standard on the Primavera Tech and available as an accessory for the Primavera and Sprint S. Once connected to a smartphone, the Tech's TFT displays incoming calls and messages. Calls can be answered via the handlebar buttons, while phone calls and music playback can be controlled by voice command. Navigation instructions appear directly on the display. In addition, the Vespa app provides usage information: riding time and distance, the share of battery charge used and the number of completed charging cycles. So on paper, the connectivity goes beyond just the next turn-off.

For everyday use, Vespa offers a top case painted in the vehicle colour with a chrome logo, which can hold a full-face helmet. A backrest in the same material as the seat is available as an add-on. The top case carrier doubles as a luggage rack. For wind protection, there's a choice of a windscreen made of what the manufacturer describes as shatterproof methacrylate, or a clear or tinted wind deflector. Classic front and rear luggage racks plus protection bars to safeguard the bodywork round off the genuine accessories.

The accessory range also includes several helmet lines. The Argentario is an open-face helmet with an ABS shell, a clear scratch-resistant main visor and an internal sun visor. Its new ventilation system is designed to dissipate heat and keep the lining pleasantly cool. Cheek pads and lining are removable and washable, and various colours allow it to be matched to your Vespa. Then there's the Vespa Dec demi-jet with a black-on-black logo and the Vespa Bling with crystals and a contrasting logo.

The Vespa Blade combines an ABS shell with stitched-on faux leather, a scratch-resistant tinted visor and aluminium trim. The Vespa Langhe also features an ABS shell covered in faux leather. For the Vespa Versilia demi-jet, the manufacturer lists two metal logos, a micrometric quick-release buckle and a hypoallergenic, breathable lining. Its padding can be removed and washed. Vespa does not state prices or a specific market launch for the revised electric range in the documentation at hand.

Which electric Vespa models are named for 2027? The press release names the Vespa Primavera, Vespa Sprint S and Vespa Primavera Tech. All three get the new motor developed and built in Italy by the Piaggio Group.

How fast are the electric Vespa models? The Primavera and Sprint S are homologated as mopeds for a maximum of 45 km/h. The Primavera Tech is an A1 version with a top speed of 67 km/h.

What ranges does Vespa quote? For the Primavera and Sprint S, Vespa quotes up to 85 kilometres in ECO mode. For the Primavera Tech, it's 100 kilometres in ECO mode or 90 kilometres in the WMTC cycle. These are manufacturer figures based on different reference conditions.

Can the battery be removed for charging? A removable battery is explicitly mentioned for the moped versions, the Primavera and Sprint S. The press release makes no corresponding statement on whether the Primavera Tech's battery is removable.

What extras does the Primavera Tech offer? It gets a new 5-inch TFT with range, battery and regeneration displays, plus navigation via Vespa MIA. MIA and Piaggio Keyless are standard. On top of that come the Maintenance function for longer periods off the road and two LED courtesy lights in the leg shield.

Are there prices or a market launch date yet? The press release at hand contains neither prices nor a specific date for the market launch.