Motocycle company Vespa is currently developing hybrid scooters based on its LX 50 and the
Piaggio X8 125. Both prototypes’ drivetrains will deliver a 25% power increase while delivering a 20% better fuel
efficiency. Unlike today’s production hybrids like the Toyota Prius or Ford Escape/Mercury Mariner, the scooters’
batteries can be recharged via a regular household plug.
London-based Intelligent Energy developed the
Emissions Neutral Vehicle, or ENV
(pictured), which Autoblog reported
in March last year. Jerry Garrett of the Copley News Service reports riding the prototype. He found the noise,
or lack of, from the ENV’s motor most disconcerting. Otherwise, he found the bike responsive and easy to maneuver, and
had no difficulty slaloming test cones.
[Sources: Treehugger; Copley News Service via Boston Globe]