Back in the late 1950s a Czechoslovakian motor scooter manufacturer called Čezeta, gave Piaggio’s Vespa a run for its money. Now it is back in electric form.
Čezeta’s 501, 502 and 505 scooters were built from 1957 to 1964, and albeit the company’s lasted only a few years, it managed to create a cult of followers with its unique and interesting design – achievable by adopting the fuel tank above the front wheel.
As odd as it may look, this solution left room for a substantial luggage compartment beneath the long seat, making the scooter a practical companion.
Originally, the 501 and 502 models were powered by a ČZ two-stroke single-cylinder motorcycle engine, giving a top speed of 55 mph (88 km/h), but Neil Eamonn Smith reckoned the eternal style and charm of the vintage can be brought alive nowadays with the help of an 11kW electric motor.
In 2012, the very first Čezeta type 506 prototype was made in Prague, and now the company inches closer to make the funky-looking scooter available for production. Its shape was subtly redesigned and simplified with minimalist details, making for a sleek sculpture.
The hand-built scooters will be available with an app allowing its users to reprogram the speed and acceleration, check out the nearest charging stations or listen to your favourite music via built-in Bluetooth speakers.
Smith says that with the help of the 11kW motor, the Cezeta is fast enough for use of highway speeds, reaching 90-110 km/h (56 – 68 mph). It will also have a range of 100-200 km thanks to the long-range 5-10 kWh Panasonic batteries, and a 50-year longevity.
Interested? You can reserve yours now for as low as €7,000.
via Ride Apart