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“It was a COVID Lock-down purcahse whoops!”
“It has enhanced my lifestyle”
MEET THE RIDERS
Talking, style, fun and freedom with four of our city’s new Vespa Elettrica owners... By James Crook 21 April 2022
Evening standard takes to the streets of London to meet and chat with four young professionals, who have recently embraced the growing electric vehicle ownership trend by purchasing one of Vespa’s new electric scooters, the iconic Vespa Elettrica
Home is?
Julia: London! I was born and raised in Fulham and still live in the same area. Mike: Italy! I moved to London for work eight years ago, I live in Shepherds Bush. Jason: I’m from Hampshire originally but work brought me here! I live in Streatham. Will: I’m a Londoner ! My roots are South of the river but now I live in Primrose Hill.
What is your occupation and name your main hobby...
“It’s so much easier than getting the bus and tube to work.”
Julia: I am a HR manager for the BBC. I like to dance and swim in my spare time! Mike: I am a senior accountant for a large law firm in the city. I love to travel! Jason: I am a psychologist based at St Thomas Hospital. I love to cook and read! Will: I am an architect for a large practice based in the city centre. I have a skiing addiction!
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What made you purchase a Vespa Elettrica? Julia: It was a COVID lock-down purcahse!! Whoops!
Mike: I really like the style of the Vespa and when I saw the electric version I thought why not!! Jason: My friend has one and I had Vespa envy!!
“It’s cool It’s Vespa and so much more!”
Will: I’ve been thinking of going electric for a while and this looked a fun and classy way to step into the electric market.
Name three things you love about the Vespa Elettrica...
Julia: OMG! EVERYTHING!! It has changed my life and my commute! Three things? well it would have to be STYLE, CLASS and ECO-FRIENDLY! Mike: Italian (of course!!), silence, it’s cool! It’s Vespa and more! Jason: Convenience, Clean, Trendy. I love it. It has enhanced my life! Will: Quiet, Green, Stylish. There’s nothing not to love about this little scooter!
Describe how you use your Vespa Elettrica in London
Julia: Commuting! It wins hands down. I used to get the tube to work pre pandemic and now life is so much easier on my little Vespa. I also use it to nip to the shops on days off, it’s just so easy to manoevre and park. Mike: I used to get the tube to work but now I am converted!! No more cramming and queing to get into packed tube trains! Now I just hop on my Vespa and i am at work so easily. It’s really easy to park and recharge aswell. Jason: We have an electric vehicle charge port at the hospital so its so much easier than getting the tube and bus to work. I use it on days off too. It’s really fun to ride and really quiet. Will: I use it to commute as its just so easy. But if it was really bad weather I would switch back to getting the tube! It’s also useful for popping to the shops and gym after work.
The detail...
Vespa! The iconic Italian brand that has been a symbol of style, freedom and fun since 1946 has gone green! There is nothing not to be excited about with the launch of the Vespa Elettrica. It embraces its heritage by retaining the classic Vespa shape, whilst stepping to the future with its electric battery and eco credentials. Electric scooter and motorcycle sales are rocketing in the UK. Even in the first year of COVID in 2020, electric two-wheelers were up by 50%. As city restrictions on petrol vehicles gather pace, for battery power and the new Elettrica the only way is upwards. Prices are not cheap starting at £6300 for the 45km/h model and moving up to £6600 for the 70km/h model, but fortunately the Elettrica is eligible for the Plug-In Grant, which slashes those prices to £5040 and £5280 respectively. It was certainly hard not to get caught up in the excitement and enthusiasm of these four young professional Elettrica owners. I am seriously tempted to go for a test ride! How about you? Find out more: https://www.vespa.com/en_EN/models/elettrica/