Tag Archives: scooter

News

Yamaha Cancels NEO’s Launch Plans In Inda, Developing New Platform Instead

In April, 2023, Yamaha introduced the NEO’s electric scooter for the European market. This scooter was designed to provide convenient urban mobility and was classified as an electric moped. Unlike motorcycles, the NEO’s did not require a motorcycle license but could be ridden with a standard car or B license.

Initially, there were plans to launch the Yamaha NEO’s in India, which has the largest motorcycle market in Asia and is known for its innovation in electric mobility. However, the Indian government recently reduced subsidies for electric vehicles, causing prices to increase for end users. This made the NEO’s too expensive to be competitive in the Indian market, leading Yamaha to reconsider its launch plans.

Eishin Chihana, chairman of Yamaha India, explained that Indian consumers have different needs and preferences when it comes to electric vehicles. While economic value is a major motivation for purchasing electric vehicles in India due to high fuel prices, Yamaha customers also value style, performance, and aspiration. As a result, Yamaha decided to develop a new platform specifically tailored for the Indian market that would offer an exciting, stylish, and sporty scooter.

By localizing production and optimizing the model’s performance, Yamaha aims to reduce costs and better meet the needs of the Indian market. The development of this new platform has been underway for some time, and the company expects the model to be unveiled within the next two to three years.

Yamaha faces tough competition in India’s electric scooter market, which includes impressive offerings such as the Ola Electric S1 and Ather 450 X. These scooters offer excellent range, performance, and features at an affordable price, making them popular among commuters and enthusiasts.

News

Piaggio 1 Electric Scooter Gets Upgrades for 2023

In 2021, Italian scooter manufacturer Piaggio introduced the 1, a scooter designed specifically for urban commuting. It gained popularity in the European market for its simple yet stylish design. Now, for the 2023 model year, Piaggio has made several updates to enhance its performance and features. Let’s explore the changes.

The Piaggio 1 for 2023 now offers improved performance, thanks to enhancements in its motor internals. These improvements result in increased power and torque, allowing for quicker acceleration and easy maneuverability on steep slopes.

The latest version of the Piaggio 1 electric scooter delivers 2.2 kilowatts (about three horsepower) of power, equivalent to a 50cc moped. This represents a significant power boost compared to its predecessor, with a claimed 14-percent acceleration improvement, particularly beneficial in stop-and-go traffic. Additionally, the Piaggio 1 features a removable battery conveniently located beneath the saddle for convenient charging on and off the bike.

For 2023, the Piaggio 1 retains its sleek and compact design, offering stability and durability with its solid frame. Its sophisticated urban appearance is complemented by useful amenities such as a keyless start system, LED lighting, and a spacious under-seat storage compartment capable of accommodating a jet helmet. The scooter also incorporates a full-color display for an enhanced user experience.

The Piaggio 1 is available in various elegant color combinations. Those seeking a discreet yet trendy look can choose from Forever Gray, Forever White, and Forever Black. Alternatively, bolder options include Sunshine Mix, Arctic Mix, and the new Flame Mix, all featuring attractive two-tone finishes. With a price tag of 2,899 Euros (approximately $3,171), the Piaggio 1 offers an affordable way to navigate the city streets in style.

These upgrades to the Piaggio 1 demonstrate the continual improvement of electric scooters. Electric scooters are increasingly replacing traditional internal-combustion models as a popular commuting alternative in Europe and Asia. Their affordability and government incentives promoting sustainability contribute to their growing popularity. While the adoption of electric scooters in the U.S. may be slower compared to other regions, it is evident that they have a place in urban areas where sustainability and emissions reduction are prioritized.