Piaggio is set to introduce its inaugural volume-based electric scooter in India under the Aprilia brand in 2027. Chairman, CEO and MD Diego Graffi stated that the upcoming mass-market zero-emission vehicle will utilize a completely new platform built specifically for the domestic market from the ground up.
Piaggio's New Aprilia EV and Export Strategy
The newly developed architecture will additionally support a 125 cc internal combustion engine powertrain. Meanwhile, there are no electric Vespa models planned at present, as Graffi explained that the current Vespa platform cannot deliver an EV of the required range at a competitive cost. Piaggio has been working on this versatile architecture for the past several years to address a wide band of consumers.
Target pricing for the upcoming electric range is set between Rs. 85,000 and Rs. 1.3 lakh, with additional room for higher-spec variants. Piaggio intends to leverage its domestic facility's low manufacturing costs and product development capabilities to export the new scooters to Europe, increasing its current export share of 10 to 20 per cent. While quarter-litre to 400 cc range scooters are a possibility for the future, no immediate plans exist.
VinFast Expands Its India Scooter Portfolio
Vietnamese automaker VinFast is expanding its presence in the Indian electric two-wheeler market alongside its electric car initiatives. The company has signed Letters of Intent with up to 50 dealerships across 34 major cities in India to introduce global models such as the Evo, Feliz, Viper, and the Rasad maxi scooter with 14-inch wheels.
In addition to these global models, VinFast is developing India-specific electric scooters tailored to local preferences. A recent patent filing in India has revealed a new electric scooter design that does not match any currently sold or officially announced global VinFast models, sparking speculation about localized production.
Design and Hardware Details of the Patented VinFast Scooter
The newly patented VinFast model blends a sporty electric scooter aesthetic with practical family utility. The front fascia displays a minimalist approach with a one-piece apron housing the brand logo, a lower-mounted headlight unit, and flush LED turn indicators. Tall 14-inch wheels are fitted at both ends, covered by a front fender and providing an elevated stance.
- Flat, long seat with a subtle step and a functional pillion grab rail
- Exposed street-style handlebar with an LCD or TFT instrument cluster
- Conventional keyhole indicating a non-premium market positioning
- Accommodating flat floorboard with under-seat storage potential
- RSU telescopic front forks and rear twin shock absorbers
- Rear hub motor handling propulsion
Market Outlook for Buyers
Both manufacturers are positioning themselves to capture growing segments in India's competitive electric two-wheeler sector. Piaggio aims to address a broad demographic with targeted pricing between Rs. 85,000 and Rs. 1.3 lakh for its 2027 Aprilia EV launch, while VinFast continues to establish its retail network and test local preferences with newly patented designs alongside global offerings.