KICKSTART

IS SILENCE GOLDEN?

Making its debut at VWD was Retrospective’s prototype electric conversion. Electric two-wheelers are a growth industry but Retrospective’s solution is believed to be unique in that it allows conversion of a classic scooter to electric power in a way that’s entirely reversible, the design brief being ‘no welding, no cutting’. Although it’s currently only available for small-frame Vespas, a PX conversion isn’t too far away. But the big question is what’s it like to ride? First impressions are that a lot of thought’s gone into making this look completely stock.

The hub motor’s hidden behind a dummy plastic crankcase and a mock expansion chamber means that when parked up it’s very difficult to tell this from a standard machine. The power cell is mounted beneath the seat and is removable so it can be charged indoors. Once you’re astride the machine everything looks standard, the gear selector is fixed, and the clutch lever’s redundant. Unlike ‘new builds’, which are based on automatics, Retrospective’s conversion retains the standard floorboard mounted rear brake. Startup is simplicity itself – turn the key, wait a second for the battery to check itself and then wind open the throttle. At first it’s an eerie experience, very similar to freewheeling downhill, as speed gathers rapidly. The prototype motor is a rough equivalent to 50cc but it feels much more like a 125. Unlike petrol engines there’s no ‘lag’