Why Indonesian Entrepreneurs Are Converting Vintage Vespas to Electric Vehicles

Why Indonesian Entrepreneurs Are Converting Vintage Vespas to Electric Vehicles

Indonesia is embracing a sustainable future by converting vintage scooters into electric vehicles. At the forefront of this initiative are entrepreneurs like Heret Frasthio, whose company Elders is revolutionizing the industry by transforming iconic Vespa models into eco-friendly rides.

A Passion for the Italian Icon

Frasthio's love affair with Vespas began when he acquired his antique 1957 VL Vespa. The scooter's white paint may be peeling off, but its charm remains intact. With Elders, Frasthio is turning his passion into a mission to create environmentally friendly vehicles that preserve the nostalgia of the original scooters.

The Problem with Air Pollution

Indonesia has struggled with air pollution for years, driven in part by the prevalence of inefficient and old vehicles. The country's reliance on internal combustion engines has taken a toll on its environment. With nearly one million Vespas in circulation as of 2022, according to the Indonesian Vespa Club, the government is urging a shift towards electric vehicles (EVs). By 2030, Indonesia aims to have 13 million EVs on its roads.

The Solution Electric Conversion

Elders has converted and sold around 1,000 Vespas across Indonesia since its inception in 2021. The company is working towards developing its own electric scooter. Once converted, a Vespa's fully charged electric battery can last anywhere from 60 to 120 kilometers (37-74 miles) or up to 200 kilometers with an upgraded battery.

The Cost

While the cost of converting vintage scooters to electric vehicles may be a barrier in Indonesia's largest economy, Frasthio emphasizes that there are affordable options available. The cost of a new Vespa Elettrica imported from Italy can be steep at 198 million rupiah ($11,750). However, kits for converting vintage scooters to electric vehicles range from $1,500 to $3,900.

The Nostalgia Factor

One of the biggest challenges facing Elders is the nostalgia surrounding these iconic scooters. Some enthusiasts prefer the authentic noise and design of older models. Muhammad Husni Budiman, an antique Vespa lover, appreciates the original roar for its uniqueness. It's classic and nostalgic, he says.

Conclusion

Elders' mission to convert vintage Vespas into electric vehicles is a testament to the power of innovation in achieving sustainability. By preserving a piece of history while reducing pollution, Frasthio's company offers an alternative for those who want to stay retro while contributing to a cleaner environment. As Indonesia strives to become more eco-friendly, the conversion of vintage scooters into electric vehicles is a crucial step towards this goal.

Keywords Vespa, Electric Vehicle, Conversion, Sustainability, Nostalgia

Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

Enjoy the little things in life. For one day, you may look back and realize they were the big things. Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.