The Piaggio 1 Active is an entry-level electric scooter model with good value for money, but also the weaknesses typical of this type of drive. Driving report, pictures, data, price.
- Easy to handle
- 60 km/h maximum speed
- Great value for money
The Italian company Piaggio is so far the only major two-wheeler manufacturer dedicated to the topic of electric mobility in the 125cc range. In addition to the elegant Vespa Elettrica 70, the Italians also have a good-looking compact scooter, the 1 Active, which is attractively priced at 3399 euros.
This is made possible by production in China using purchased components, which is not necessarily a disadvantage. A closer look at the impeccable workmanship shows this . The scooter also offers attractive details such as the curved aluminum double-sided swing arm or the drawn single-sided swing arm at the front.
Apart from the neat design, the compact dimensions of the e-scooter immediately catch the eye. Nevertheless, even riders over 1.80 meters tall will find enough space on the seat, even with an additional passenger on shorter city trips.
Table of Contents
Display: Informative and easy to read
The front of the scooter features a 5.5-inch LCD color cockpit that is perfectly legible thanks to light-sensitive lighting. All important driving information is presented clearly: in the central area, the speed, energy consumption and recovery, battery charge level and the remaining range in kilometers. A button on the left handlebar or directly on the display reveals further information, such as the current or average energy consumption, driving time, total and daily kilometers.
In the lower area, the driving mode selected via a button on the right handlebar can be read: The Piaggio offers “Eco” and “Sport” as well as a reverse gear, which would not be necessary given the uncomplicated handling.
To set off, pressing the remote key unlocks a rotary knob that arms the scooter and operates the seat compartment. The control unit has the high torque of the electric motor well under control, and setting off and driving slowly is possible without annoying jerking.
Driven in the most powerful mode, the 1 Active, which is powered by a 2 kW motor integrated into the rear wheel hub , moves briskly. It picks up speed well up to around 50 km/h, but above that its momentum wanes noticeably. Even in ideal conditions, it can only do 57 km/h, while the instrument panel shows 63 km/h. Adequate for the city, but you feel uncomfortable outside of it.
The good integration and the very low weight mean that the e-scooter is easy to control. On agile ten-inch wheels, it circles around every obstacle with ease. Even without ABS, it stops reliably and effectively. But it also seems a little fidgety. Nevertheless, the ride comfort is good, but the narrow front does not offer much wind and weather protection.
Moderate range in the test
If the fun-oriented sport mode is left engaged, the color display will indicate that the battery is empty after 39 kilometers of normal driving. The ability to recover energy when braking has only a minor effect on the achievable range. After opening the seat using the rotary switch in the front, the lithium-ion battery, which is not exactly light at 15.2 kg and has a capacity of 2.3 kWh, can be removed.
Using the external charger, it takes around four hours to fully charge. The power pack is conveniently positioned under the seat so that there is still room for an open face helmet in the storage compartment.
Piaggio 1 Active: Technical data, price
| Manufacturer’s Components | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Motor | – cylinder, electric motor, 0 cc displacement, 2.0 kW at /min, max. torque 90.0 at rpm, valves/cylinder, -, kA |
| assistance systems | Operating voltage 48 V, rated continuous power 2 kW, maximum power 3 kW, charging time approx. 6 hours, wheel hub motor with energy recovery system |
| chassis | Steel tube frame; mm single-sided swing arm, mm suspension travel; double-sided swing arm at the rear, mm suspension travel; |
| Mass | Empty weight approx. 95 kg, permissible total weight 235 kg; length/width/height 1680 / 750 / 1080 mm, seat height 770 mm; tank capacity l |
| brakes | Combined brake system, front disc, 175 mm, rear disc, 175 mm |
| performance / consumption | Top speed approx. 60 km/h, kA l/100 km |
| Price | 3399 euros |
Conclusion
The easy operation, compact dimensions and always controllable power delivery, along with the high quality workmanship and high-quality components, are the big plus points of the Piaggio. The attractive price is the icing on the cake.
