One brand that is always going to cause a negative reaction from many classic scooter riders is Lambretta. The iconic brand name is owned by Dutch entrepreneur and brand developer, Walter Scheffrahn.
Don’t shoot the messenger, here’s a look at what’s new and current from the Lambretta range.
What’s underneath
At EICMA Lambretta had an impressive stand with their existing scooters, soon to be released and electric concept for the future. They also showed a bare metal frame, which ironically has more in common with a modern Vespa GTS than it does the skeleton of a Lambretta of old.
Elettra concept
Taking centre stage on its own turntable was the concept Elettra, a sleek ultra-modern design. I’m not quite sure many Lambretta owners will agree with the design ethos though “Its uniqueness is revealed by the sharp and decisive lines of the front, perfectly armonized with the softer and more organic rear volumes. A tribute to the lines of the Lambretta LD. An aesthetic dialogue between past and future, marked by the very personal, minimalistic, sinuous profile of the floating seat.”
Made from steel, the bodywork boasts lighting concealed beneath the exterior shell, including controls for the lights on its handlebars. The levers are wooden and retractable and according to the press release “The ‘hooked’ head-lamp the most innovative on the market. The digital instrumentation projects Elettra into another aesthetic dimension of communication and interaction with the rider.”
It will be interesting to see how much actually makes it onto the production machine which is likely to be shown around the same time next year. At the moment the handlebars don’t have any controls, grips or real-world functionality. It’s an interesting concept though for sure.
Hydraulic rear end
Moving to the rear end, the whole rear body section lifts at the touch of a button to reveal the motor and associated gubbins (see video above). Not that most owners need to show off their electric power pack. It’s something more akin to a custom Lambretta, like Chris Mac’s Brogue Trader/SLUK project SSR 265.
Powering the Elettra will be a 4kW Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM). It’ll have three rider modes, Eco, Ride and Sport and a range between 60km-130km depending on mode and speed. The scooter will weigh 135kg, and have a seat height of 780mm.
G-Special
Seen as a concept at EICMA in the past, the G-Special is due for release in 2024 with a 330cc liquid-cooled engine which makes 26.5bhp. Designers, Walter Scheffrahn and Peter Beselin were inspired by “The classic Lambretta designs of the past.”
Looking at it without a lifetime of classic scooter fuel and oil running through my veins, it’s probably close to what the original Lambretta company would have been producing today if the company had survived. In a similar way to how Piaggio evolved the Vespa into the current GTS.
The G350 is the Lambretta brand’s flagship model.
You can see a walkaround of the Lambretta stand in the video above.
Casa Performance special editions
Walter told us at EICMA that the special edition Casa Performance/RLC G350 models on display will be available to order. The collaboration with Rimini Lambretta Centre and the Lambretta brand has been going on for a few years. They do look very tasty in Casa colours and gained plenty of attention on the stand.
Lambretta range and prices
- Already available: V50 (£3099 plus OTR) V125 (£3299 plus OTR), V200 (£3599 plus OTR)
- X125: €5700 (available 2024)
- X300: €6200 (available 2024)
- G350: €7200 (available 2024)
- Casa special editions: Available to order, price to be confirmed
It may be a scooter. But a Lambretta it ain’t.
For all the flack they shall get , i firmly beleive that if Lambretta was still operating under the origional and proper ownership , this is probably along the lines of what they would be making . Lets face it , a GTS doesnt look or sound or look like a Vespa GS , but its still a Vespa.
That being said , its sad they seem to be cashing in on the name , a bit like 16″ wheeled MINIs.