Piaggio Wi-Bike

[21moby21]

Hi all

Anybody have any information on these ebikes? When/if they are coming to Australia? How much they are going to cost? Getting information from Piaggio is like hens teeth. Very frustrating



http://www.piaggio.com/wi-bike/en_EN/#home

Thanks

[21moby21]

Anyone.....

[eldavo]

Italjet are another European motorcycle/scooter brand, probably under Piaggio Group as PG seem to have a monopoly on all the old independent brands now. Italjet have a new range of extra trim/finish electric bicycles, with extra price, though many components will be Chinese.

My guess is the EU have granted environmental business development funds for bicycles as they've done for hybrid motors. I observed Piaggio group had received significant millions of euros they used to develop an electric hybrid maxi-scooter.

Italjet Australia have a website and it's about $5000 for the motorcycle brand style electric bicycles of that platform they're offering. I'm guessing the Piaggio will be about that much if you also look at what the other urban/commuter European electric bicycles sell for. Offroad options with suspension and premium components are priced higher.

[21moby21]

Thanks eldavo

Just had a look at the italjet website. Not really my cup of tea. Thought that, that might be around the price they would be asking. (+- $5000)

Do you have any idea when they might be coming to the market?

Thanks

[eldavo]

No idea personally, but since it's bleeding edge over there for them, and we're a tiny market that's got a weaker dollar, poorer cycling culture, and about 5 years behind them in uptake and cycle of avoiding cheap/nasty stuff, I wouldn't hold my breath for them.

It's still a legal 25kph limited urban tool with plenty of competition in that price point that are waiting in shops now.

[21moby21]

I agree. But one thing that will be interesting for Italjet/Piaggio etc is that they have motorbikes that sell at/below this price range. Marketing the ebike will be interesting to say the least.

[eldavo]

That's always been the case, apples and oranges.