SIP Scootershop has joined the electric scooter revolution with the release of kits to convert classic scooters to a greener solution. As needed for the increasing number of cities and areas where fossil fuels are banned.
The conversions come from Smeets Classics in the Netherlands and are suitable for most classic Vespas, small frame Lambrettas and some modern automatic scooters (ET2/ET4). The kits can be home fitted by an owner with some mechanical competence, as some fabrication may be needed to fit the universal swinging arm and motor. The 60 v Li-Ion battery has a range of 50 km (28 miles) and a top speed of 55 kph – ideal for city use. Of course, these kits aren’t meant for us long distance scooter riders – they’re a way to still use a classic scooter when legislation is against you.
Models covered
Vespa: 125 VNA-TS/150 VBA -Super/160 GS/ 180 SS/ Rally/PX/PE/T5/ETS/ET2/ET2/Sprint
Lambretta: 50-75 Lui/50-125 J
Price: £1846
Simply installed
- First remove the original engine unit and replace it with the electric motor including swing-arm. Both the shock absorber and main pivot mountings can still be used for the new motor. Depending on the model of scooter, a few spacers may be required to eliminate any mechanical play.
- The motors controller and converter units can now be located within the frame. Some initiative is required to mount them safely, the manufacturers recommend the modules be glued in a protected position.
- The cables from the throttle grip need then to be routed from the steering assembly, through the frame to the motors controller module.
- The original wiring looms power supply and earth cables can then be connected to the 12-volt port located on the controller.
- The positioning of the motors main power switch also requires a little consideration and depends completely on the individual choice and requirements of the rider. On Vespa models the fuel tap opening in the frame can be enlarged for this purpose.
- The battery can then be placed beneath the seat in the space vacated by the fuel tank, connected to the main switch and you are ready to go!
Technical specifications
- Battery: Li-Ion; 60V/20Ah
- Range: 50 kilometres (31 miles)
- Maximum speed: 55 kph (34mph)
- Battery charging period: 4-5 hours from 0-100%
- Motor: Bosch 1000W with 60V
- Aluminium swing-arm
- Throttle grip with integrated battery charge indicator
SLUK Shop – we still rely on fossil fuels
You won’t regret buying an electric conversion for your classic scooter, they are so convenient and fun too! Had my J range Lambretta for about a year now, I’m on mine every day for shopping, short work commutes and popping to friends etc. Not having to think about maintenance is nice,(just the brakes) no noise in some situations is great. It opens up uses that you wouldn’t necessarily fire up your two stroke for. Mines a UK conversion by Retrospective.. similar sort of kit as SIP so the above write up should be relevant.
Nice one matey. Gives new life to a Cento et al. Brilliant kit for a lighterweight smallframe Vespa or J range Lammy, which didn’t go much faster than 55 kph in standard 90-100cc trim!
My old V50 Special read 37 mph on the ahem, “speedo” head down and choke out and my old V90 Veglia clock was like a Geiger counter and read oscillating local radiation levels rather than accurate speed!
For a large frame, carrying more weight, like a fat old bastard British rider rather than a skinny young Continental, I’d need a higher power output that’s good for at least 55 mph before I’d consider it.
Hoping that Scomadi join in and put into production a leccy version of their TT range, the prototype being tested by SLUK, good for 75mph. That’s when I will definitely come out and go green.
🙂 I didn’t want to big up my conversion as writeup is about SIP mines a J50 with a 3kw motor fitted it’s been restricted a bit so does about 45mph. Unrestricted 3kw will get you 55mph but don’t need that on my small frame as you can imagine. Options were for a 4kw too!
As Maggie Thatcher said once: no, no, no