EICMA 2023: Vespa & Piaggio News
Every year since 1914, the two-wheeler sector has met in Milan, Italy, at the "Esposizione Internazionale Ciclo Motociclo e Accessori" (EICMA for short). According to its own statement, this trade fair is the most visited event in the world in terms of the number of exhibitors, visitors, operators and the international press. Who would doubt that? Not us! And that's why we sent our expert Jesco, among others, to the south to provide us with the latest information on two-wheelers in general and scooters in particular. His first stop took him straight to the Vespa and Piaggio stand to check out this year's new products.
EICMA 2023: Vespa Primavera and Vespa Sprint in the spotlight
1968, 2013 and 2023 - these are the milestones for the Vespa Primavera model - from its market launch to its revival and the latest electric version from this year. However, the combustion engine with all-steel bodywork continues to enjoy great popularity and the Primavera is available from 50 to 150 cc.
This also applies to another member of the Vespa family, which dates back to the mid-1960s: the Vespa Sprint. These days, the scooter for young people is closely modelled on the look of the Primavera and is now brought into line with technical and stylistic developments. The Sprint is also available as an E-Vespa. Piaggio itself says: "All models with electric drive feature technology developed in recent years on the Vespa Elettrica presented in 2018, in which the Battery is located under the Seat. An efficient and compact layout that ensures that the unique and iconic Vespa design is retained. Because the Vespa is not just an electric scooter, but a work of art with a technological heart."
The design of the Vespa Primavera and Vespa Sprint
The handlebar area has been completely redesigned, with particular attention paid to both the main shape and the smaller details. The Grips have also been redesigned to ensure improved and more intuitive handling. The back plate of the leg protector on the Primavera and Sprint S models has been updated to emphasise the quality of the materials and assembly. The Vespa Primavera Tech version offers a keyless system with a rotary switch that replaces the traditional Ignition Lock. The wheels have also been renewed; the Primavera features a five-spoke design, while the Sprint S has a unique spiral design with six Spokes, giving the vehicles increased aesthetics and dynamism. The Emblem on the Mudguard of the Vespa Primavera has also been redesigned, as has the appearance and finish of the central steering wheel cover. The seat quality has been enhanced in the various models thanks to the insert of new materials that ensure a higher quality of workmanship.
"The new Vespa Primavera and Vespa Sprint S have not only undergone a comprehensive restyling, but have also been brought up to date technically, just as Vespa has always done in its history, embodying the best technology available for decades," explains Piaggio in the press release and, depending on the model, this means in short: new instrument panel, 3-inch LCD display or TFT screen, LED technology, App connectivity and even pictogram-based navigation with dual day/night view. Welcome to the 21st century!
"The Modern Vespas are mainly about new colours and a new speedometer. However, I find the new rims the most beautiful. The sporty, classic version in particular is not bad. With the E-Vespas, one model goes 45 km/h, one 75 km/h and in Eco mode you can travel 125 kilometres. Then it's off to the Charging Device for four hours and you're ready to go again."
-Jesco, SIP reporter
Everything is so colourful here
Piaggio is certainly not skimping on new colours, and the names alone promise a better attitude to life. These include Verde Amabile, Arancio Impulsivo, Beige Avvolgente and Rosso Coraggioso - to name just a few. Once again, there is plenty to see in the configurator on the manufacturer's website: "Each colour is combined with special graphics and eye-catching black details that are either matt, such as the traditional steering wheel cover, or polished, such as the wheels," is how the Vespa designers describe their creations and continue: "With its colourful, carefree universe, the Vespa expresses the personality of its rider. That's why the new Primavera and Sprint S take up the colour tradition of the Vespa to create an even more vibrant and modern look." We think: you can't ask for more!
No longer completely fresh, but still refreshingly different, is the marriage of Piaggio and Disney. We have already dedicated a separate blog to the Vespa "Mickey Mouse", so just for the sake of completeness, we would like to report that the marriage still seems to be going strong.
Take a look at the picture gallery to marvel at all the new Vespa models and much more!
Picture gallery: EICMA 2023
Video: Piaggio Vespa Primavera e Sprint
