Description
This motorcycle is Lot 87 to be auctioned by Bonhams at the Timed-Online June Sale, please see the Bonhams website for full details. The timed online auction runs between June 6th through June 16th, with lots closing from midday June 16th 2025.
Public Viewing:
Available 11th & 12th June 2025 from 09:00 until 17:00, by appointment only at Bonhams Milton Keynes.
Lot 87
1981 Vespa 50 'Special' Electric Scooter
Registration no. OBU 576P
Frame no. M10934 CM V5B 3T * 533267*
Engine no. none
• 4 kW hub motor
• Range: 30 miles or 40 miles, depending on the battery size chosen
• Top speed 28 mph (restricted)
• Fully restored with the original paint scheme
• Only 4 miles covered since restoration
The Vespa 50 Special evokes fond memories of their teenage years in the 1970s and '80s for many 'Baby Boomer' Britons. Embracing 'Mod' culture often meant owning an Italian scooter, adorned with lights, mirrors, and lashings of extra chrome. Vespa-makers Piaggio and other motorcycle manufacturers recognized an emerging market among teenagers who desired greater freedom of movement and a vehicle all of their own. In the early 1970s, UK government restrictions on 16-year-old riders prevented them from riding larger, more powerful scooters and motorcycles, which led to a market for 50cc scooters restricted to 28mph (45k/ mh). Many teenagers bought after-market tuning parts to boost top speed and acceleration beyond the standard limits.
Today, electric alternatives are rapidly transforming the two-wheel scene. Retrospective Classic Scooters (RCS) of London have observed this shift and have developed a natural progression: electric conversion kits for all classic (geared) Vespa and Lambretta models, together with some 'vintage' scooters from the 1950s and '60s. This iconic Vespa 50 Special has been restored to factory specifications, albeit with the petrol engine and fuel tank removed. In their place, a new electric drivetrain has been installed, featuring a 4 kW hub motor and a 48V 40 Ah battery, which provides a range of approximately 30 miles. An optional 48V 50 Ah battery extends the range by an additional 10 miles. Alternatively, 72V batteries can be used to increase speed and performance, achieving torque comparable to that of a conventional 125cc scooter and delivering a top speed of 55-60 mph.
As well as the new electric motor, the scooter now benefits from a rear disc brake, which significantly improves the braking performance necessitated by the more powerful motor. According to RCS: 'acceleration is dramatically enhanced thanks to the instant power of electric drive; it can pull away with the force of a 200cc scooter, smoothly and effortlessly, without the need to shift gears.'
All the aforementioned modifications retain the original chassis and structure. The electric conversion kit is pre-assembled to bolt into the original mounting brackets and suspension. Original cables are reused and connected to the throttle and brakes, and the wiring harness remains unchanged, simply connected to a 12V power feed. Starting the scooter is via a key fob with 'ON' and 'OFF' buttons. Additionally, the original clutch lever includes a safety switch activator: pull the lever to cut the motor, and pull again to reactivate it. Powerful LED lights, which consume less electricity, provide bright illumination.
These enhancements represent a natural progression to more modern technology integrated into an authentic, classic chassis. The beauty of this electric conversion kit is that it in no way damages the original chassis, which can be reverted to petrol power if desired. This approach helps preserve these beautiful, iconic machines in a world where emissions laws and ethanol-blended fuels threaten the long-term viability of internal combustion engines. The electric conversion offers a non-intrusive, sustainable extension of their lifespan: recycling older machines with modern improvements, including LED lighting, disc brakes, and upgraded suspension.
It should be noted that the V5C Registration Certificate is currently being updated to the electric taxation class. Offered with key.
All lots are sold 'as is/ where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams Motorcycles website for all pertinent auction information.
