➤Piaggio 1 test: a successful electric scooter despite some limitations 🕹

Piaggio 1 test: a successful electric scooter despite some limitations

The Piaggio group accelerates on the electric and offers a new scooter. More affordable than the Vespa Elettrica, the Piaggio 1 is also much more comfortable. We were able to try it at leisure in the streets of the capital.

Like the automobile, the electric scooter market is growing in Europe. While volumes remained anecdotal until recently, this type of vehicle now represents more than 10% of registrations. No wonder then that every week sees its announcement of a new model, old or new manufacturers throwing themselves into the breach. This is particularly the case with Piaggio, which launched its first electric scooter in ... 2001.

Piaggio 1 test: a successful electric scooter despite some limitations

7 Read the conclusion Piaggio 1

Manufacturing quality
Comfort
The agility
The removable battery

Lack of power
Autonomy which can be very quickly limited

Summary

Three versions for the Piaggio 1
An easy and well thought out scooter
A complete and efficient dashboard
Two batteries for the Piaggio 1
Up to 100 km of autonomy… under conditions
A comfortable scooter made for the city
Piaggio 1: price and ecological bonus
Piaggio 1 review: should we crack?

Three versions for the Piaggio 1

Piaggio is now marketing its second electric scooter, this time under its own brand. Called Piaggio 1, this new model is available in three visually identical versions: the standard Piaggio 1 (1,4 kW), the Piaggio 1+ which has a larger capacity battery (2,3 kW), and the Piaggio 1 Active (2,3 kW). Thanks to the 1,2 kW motor, the first two can reach a top speed of 45 km / h.

Equipped with a more powerful engine of 2 kW, the Piaggio 1 Active appears as an equivalent 125 cm3, according to the manufacturer. But things are still quite different in practice. Indeed, with a top speed limited to 60 km / h, the Piaggio 1 will not be able to venture on expressways or even the motorway. The only distinctive feature of the Piaggio 1 Active compared to the rest of the range: three very discreet red stripes which are found in the rear suspension, but also two hoses instead of one on the front brake.

Piaggio 1 test: a successful electric scooter despite some limitations

Whatever the version, the Piaggio 1 uses the brand's codes, starting with the characteristic tie on the front. The scooter also marks its difference from the electric models which abound now by displaying a modern style, and above all a finish free from the slightest reproach. The assemblies are neat and the machine displays a very successful presentation, as evidenced by the parts in relief on the apron and the trunk or the taillight. The Piaggio 1 also sports elements in black lacquered plastic, which were notably the heyday of high-end televisions in the early 2000s. However, the evolution over time remains to be seen, in particular the sensitivity to scratches which are generally good. visible on this type of material.

The cables are also perfectly integrated and the Piaggio 1 benefits from 100% LED lighting, whether it is the front and rear lights, or even the small indicators.

An easy and well thought out scooter

The Piaggio 1 is an ideal model for those who want to try their hand at a scooter for the first time. Very accessible, it displays a very compact size and a contained weight. The flat floor and saddle height of 770 mm are reassuring, and the machine is reassuring from the first contact. The riding position is natural and comfortable, but the duo will be limited to short trips due to the limited length of the saddle.

Piaggio did not neglect the practical aspects either, in particular in the trunk which accommodates the battery. A rare thing in the electric scooter segment, it also has sufficient space to accommodate a jet helmet. At least in theory: our size L helmet, for example, was too wide to fit.

In addition, the Piaggio 1 has a keyless locking system. The scooter automatically detects the remote control to operate the starter switch. Backlit, the latter takes place on the right side of the apron. It allows you to power up the vehicle, open the trunk and lock the steering if necessary.

A USB port is integrated on the other side and protected by a rubber cover. However, no chaplain is planned to store your smartphone for example, and it will be necessary to invest in a suitable support. Finally, a hook allows you to attach a bag to the apron.

A complete and efficient dashboard

The Piaggio 1 has an astonishing dashboard. Very complete, it is based on a 5,5-inch color LCD screen. Perfectly readable even in direct sunlight, it displays the speedometer in a central position, with a power bar that indicates the status of the battery power supply or energy recovery.

Other information is displayed, such as the necessary battery charge level and remaining range in kilometers, average or instantaneous energy consumption, driving mode, trips, clock, outside temperature, etc. Everything is perfectly hierarchical to identify information in the blink of an eye. A light sensor is also integrated, which allows the display to be switched to night mode with characters that change from white to color while adapting the brightness.

Finally, the Piaggio 1 dashboard is compatible with the optional Piaggio Mia solution. Thus, the user can connect his smartphone to see the incoming calls and messages on the screen of the scooter. Please note, this is not about reading messages or picking up their phone using a button, but simply informing the pilot via dedicated icons.

Two batteries for the Piaggio 1

As mentioned above, the Piaggio 1 is available in three identical versions, except for their battery and their engine. The standard Piaggio 1 is equipped with a 10 kg battery which has a capacity of 1,4 kWh. The Piaggio 1+ and Piaggio 1 Active have a physically larger and heavier battery (15 kg), with a capacity of 2,3 kWh. Both offer a six hour recharge time to go from 0 to 80%.

Placed under the saddle, the battery is very easy to remove. Just unplug the connector and grab it by the handle to take it with you. Of course, it is also possible to recharge the battery directly on the scooter if you do not have bodybuilder arms and if you have a plug nearby.

The manufacturer also offers a deep sleep mode to preserve the battery if the Piaggio 1 is not used for more than 30 days, or if the capacity is less than 10%.

Up to 100 km of autonomy… under conditions

Piaggio announces 55 km of autonomy in Eco mode for the standard Piaggio 1, and 43 km in Sport mode. The Piaggio 1+ version with the larger battery capacity sees its field of action increased to 100 km in Eco mode, and 68 km in Sport mode. Finally, the Piaggio 1 Active version promises 85 km in Eco mode and 66 km in Sport mode. These values will therefore depend on the driving mode, but also on other factors such as the average speed of the electric scooter, the weight of the user, the outside temperature which can strongly impact the performance of the battery, or even the topology.

There are two driving modes that are activated via a dedicated MAP button on the handlebars. The passage from one to the other can be done while driving, on condition of returning the "gas". But in practice, the procedure is not really practical and it is better to do it while stationary. The Eco mode will strongly restrict the machine with a speed limited to only 30 km / h. Best if the remaining range is limited, in traffic jams or in areas where the speed is limited to 30 km / h.

The Sport mode should have been named Normal, as the name seems overused to us. Far from offering impressive acceleration, it is content to release all the power of the engine. And with 85 Nm of maximum torque on the Piaggio 1 and Piaggio 1+ and 90 Nm on the Piaggio 1 Active, you don't risk having to hang on to the handlebars. Finally, note that a reverse gear is also available, but given the size and weight of the scooter, it is of little use.

A comfortable scooter made for the city

From the first laps of the wheels, the Piaggio 1 Active which was loaned to us for our test is extremely agile and playful. Squeezing through traffic is a snap, but the limited power demands special attention as the pace increases. The accelerations are very linear, which has the advantage of not surprising the novice pilot. For the others, on the other hand, it is a far cry from the behavior of a 125 cm3 scooter. We were able to reach a top speed of 67 km during our test, but things get complicated on a hill or out of a tunnel, for example. Our Piaggio 1 Active then sees its speed drop to 57 km even though we keep the handle in the corner. Difficult to venture on the expressways in these conditions, and commuters will likely look elsewhere (once again).

Braking contributes to the feeling of safety provided by the Piaggio 1. The standard and 1+ versions are fitted with 175 mm discs at the front and rear. The Piaggio 1 Active benefits from the same equipment but also from the CBS coupled braking system. By pressing the left lever, the braking is distributed between the front and rear wheels. But the most astonishing remains the suspension. Indeed, the Piaggio 1 ranks among the most comfortable scooters in this area regardless of the type of engine. The imperfections of the road are perfectly filtered and driving on the cobblestones of Paris is not a session of torture for the lower back.

Piaggio 1: price and ecological bonus

The Piaggio 1 is marketed at a price of € 2 before the ecological bonus of € 699 in its standard version. The Piaggio 100+ model with the “big” battery is priced at € 1 and can claim the same ecological bonus as the entry level. Finally, the Piaggio 3 Active is listed at € 099. The latter can claim an ecological bonus of € 1. To this can be added other regional and local bonuses, but also the conversion bonus.

Three colors are available at launch with white, black and gray. More cheerful two-tone versions will also be offered later.

Piaggio 1 review: should we crack?

With the Piaggio 1, the Italian manufacturer marks its difference in the electric scooter market. Elegant, the vehicle displays a neat style and an impeccable finish. Very comfortable in particular thanks to its impressive suspension, it will not have to do with bumpy or paved roads.

However, the Piaggio 1 cannot yet stray too far from city centers and other nearby suburbs. Not so much because of its autonomy as of its too modest performance to claim to replace an otherwise more versatile 125 cm3 thermal scooter. However, when it comes to electric scooters, Piaggio offers one of the most successful solutions today.

Piaggio 1

Boasting high build quality at the top of the basket, the Piaggio 1 is a well-born electric scooter. Comfortable in particular with a very high performance suspension, it is perfectly at ease in the city, especially as its mobile battery allows it to be recharged anywhere between two stages. Too bad it lacks the power to open up to wider horizons.

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