Ladakh isn’t gentle. It doesn’t make room for pretenders. The air is thin, the roads are harsh, and every ride is a test of both machine and rider. So when I decided to take the Vespa Elettrica 70 km/h version through the barren beauty of Ladakh, I was both excited and a little skeptical. An electric Vespa in a land known for its altitude, extremes, and unforgiving terrain? I had my doubts. But over those days, climbing from Leh to Magnetic Hill, through Nubra Valley, and towards Khardung La, something happened. The Vespa didn’t just manage, it proved itself. This was no gimmick. This was a real ride. Let’s dive into the real experience: every turn, every throttle input, every feature that mattered when the road got real.

Vespa Elettrica: Three Riding Modes

From the moment I unlocked the scooter at our Leh guesthouse, the Vespa Elettrica felt like familiar territory dressed in futuristic tech. The iconic Vespa silhouette was untouched, curved bodywork, smart paint, and chrome details, but the tech under the skin was unmistakably modern. Starting it wasn’t like flicking a switch. You turn the key, wait for the bright color digital display to light up (with info like outside temperature, battery level, range, and more), and then you’re asked to choose your riding mode: Eco, Power, or Reverse. Yeah, reverse. And in Ladakh’s tight, rocky parking spots, it was no joke. I used it more times than I can count. But it’s the difference between Eco and Power mode that truly changes the ride. In Eco, you’re limited to 45 km/h, but the range stretches a bit more. Great for navigating the twisty old market roads of Leh or cruising slowly through monasteries like Thiksey. But when the road opened up, I always flipped to Power mode. It unlocked the full speed potential (up to 70 km/h), and while it ate into the battery more quickly, the performance gain was worth every single percentage point. The interface felt intuitive after the first day. I could switch modes on the fly and monitor the changes in throttle behavior and battery consumption through the handlebar buttons. The UI felt as well-thought-out as a premium smartphone.

Now, let’s talk about the soul of this machine: the 4 kW motor. That might sound modest on paper. But numbers don’t always tell the story. On the long, straight stretch between Leh and the confluence of Indus and Zanskar rivers, I pushed the Vespa hard. It responded with smooth, linear acceleration. It didn’t growl or grunt. Instead, it just went. Quietly. Seamlessly. The motor felt like a whisper that moved mountains. Up to about 50 km/h, the acceleration was brisk. At 60, it slowed slightly. Beyond that, it became more of a gentle nudge than a push. But at no point did it feel underpowered. And keep in mind, this was with full riding gear, a backpack, and in altitude above 11,000 feet. The throttle response was incredibly precise. Twist a little, and it glides forward. Twist more, and you get immediate feedback. There’s no lag, no drama. Just control. It made weaving through narrow village roads and steep mountain switchbacks an absolute joy. What really impressed me was the refinement. Even during prolonged rides, the motor never got hot or loud. No vibrations, no jitter. It felt as solid at the end of the day as it did in the morning.

Range of the E-Vespa: 70 km

This was my biggest concern going in. Would the 70 km range be enough in a place like Ladakh? Turns out,it’s tight, but manageable. We started our rides early, typically fully charged. The onboard display would show a solid 70 km at 100% charge (in Power mode). On one of the days, riding from Leh to Alchi Monastery, with plenty of stop-and-go and a few high-speed stints, we ended the ride with 32% battery left. That’s pretty decent considering the elevation and temperature. At just 10°C, the battery held its own. It didn’t drain erratically or cause any anxiety mid-ride. The only time we saw range drop quickly was during extended climbs on the road to Khardung La. But to be fair, no e-scooter is designed for that kind of punishment. And yet, the Elettrica made it more than halfway up before needing a break. That’s an achievement in itself. Charging is straightforward but has a caveat. The charging cable lives under the seat, and you plug it into a regular power outlet. From zero to full in about four hours. But remember: the battery is not removable. That meant we had to plan our overnight stays where charging was possible, guesthouses, homestays, or cafes that’d let us borrow a socket.

Would I like a removable battery? Sure. But it’s not a dealbreaker.

Elettrica 70 with Good Equipment

Now here’s where Vespa justifies the premium. The build quality, the fit and finish, the equipment,it’s all top tier. The seat is plush and wide, and even after long rides, I never had to shift around to find a comfy spot. Under the seat, there’s enough room for a jet helmet, and the little lockable glovebox on the front was perfect for a phone, some cash, and powerbank. It even has a USB charging port. The LED headlight is bright and focused, and helped a lot during pre-dawn starts or when we returned late from a monastery visit. The mirrors are stable and wide, giving a great rear view without vibrating all the time. Handling-wise, the chassis and suspension setup felt mature. The single-sided front and rear wheels not only look great but also help with quick direction changes. Even at speed, the Elettrica was stable, planted, and very easy to control. On one occasion, I leaned a bit hard into a left-hander near Diskit, and the center stand scraped the road, not dangerously, but enough to remind me this scooter wants grace, not aggression. Brakes? Fantastic. Thanks to the combined braking system (CBS) and regenerative braking, slowing down felt secure and progressive. On steep descents, I barely had to use both brakes heavily,the regen system helped a lot, reducing strain and returning some energy back to the battery. The ergonomics are spot-on. It’s a scooter built for humans. No weird footrests. No cramped handlebars. Just clean, simple comfort.

Technical data Vespa Elettrica 70

Components	Specifications
Motor	Hub-mounted electric motor in the rear wheel; 3.5 kW/4.9 hp continuous power; 4 kW/5.4 hp peak power; Range according to the manufacturer: 70 km in power mode; Battery capacity: 86.4 Ah or 4.2 kWh; Charging time: 4 hours
Dimensions and weights	Length 1.87 m / Height 1.15 m / Width 0.74 m; Weight with one battery 130 kg
Driving performance	Top speed 70 km/h
Price	from 7199 euros (including additional costs)

Conclusion: A New Chapter for an Old Soul

The Vespa Elettrica isn’t a toy. It’s not a tech gimmick wearing vintage clothes. It’s a serious scooter that’s been thoughtfully built for the real world, with a quiet confidence, not flash. In Ladakh, where roads cut across the sky and the silence is sacred, the electric hum of the Elettrica felt surprisingly appropriate. It didn’t pollute the air. It didn’t drown out the wind. And it didn’t let me down, not once. Yes, it’s pricey. And yes, the battery could have been removable. But if you’re looking for an electric scooter that rides like a Vespa should, with grace, style, precision, and actual capability, this is it.