The electric scooter and moped sector, particularly in cities, is experiencing strong growth, driven in no small part by its undeniable advantages. What advantages? Beyond the environmental ones (zero emissions and noise), what attracts new users most of all are the low maintenance costs (consider that in the case of the Exe electric scooter, the motor requires only a transmission oil level check and belt tension check every 5,000 kilometres), exemption from ownership tax for 5 years, access to the Ecobonus (which brings down list prices that are normally higher than those of internal combustion models, as is the case with electric cars), and the possibility of obtaining reduced insurance rates.

The powered two-wheeler market in Italy is growing. A look at the figures released by Ancma, the national cycling and motorcycling association, reveals that Italian interest in motorbikes, scooters and mopeds grew by 16.8 per cent in the first half of 2023 compared to the previous year. The market is being driven above all by scooters, which on their own recorded a quarter more volume than the first half of 2022 (+24.93 per cent), with 102,470 units sold. The electric market hit a stumbling block: after months of growth, it slowed in June, with a decline that weighs on the half-year balance by more than 20 per cent. We shall see what happens after the summer.

The second life of batteries in African communities

Meanwhile, the market is quickly filling with new offerings, such as those from Spanish brand Nerva, which is making its Italian debut with the Exe electric scooter — a scooter that, in addition to the features mentioned above, brings a range of characteristics, including battery purchase and management options, that make it even more appealing. We have seen on many occasions how circular economy principles, in various forms, are increasingly finding their way into mobility as well.

And the topic of battery lifespan, end of life, or so-called second life comes up repeatedly whenever electric mobility is discussed. The Spanish company Nerva has built an important part of its strategy around precisely this issue, offering, as an alternative to purchasing the scooter outright, a formula involving battery rental for a period of 5 years, at the end of which customers can choose either to replace the batteries with new ones (which will have evolved in the meantime, offering greater range) and continue the rental — the preferred option — or to pay the residual amount and keep the old batteries. But there is another reason to opt for the rental formula: the returned old batteries, once inspected, enter a humanitarian programme managed by the Eki foundation; once reconditioned, they will be used as energy storage systems in African countries with significant infrastructure shortfalls. There is more. Customers who join the initiative will always be able to track, via a code, where their retired batteries are and how they are being used.

Exe is an electric scooter designed for urban mobility

Let us now look more closely at the new Exe electric scooter. Starting with the manufacturer: Spanish company Nerva is making its Italian debut, though it has long been investing in sustainable mobility, backed by a partner such as BYD, which supplies the batteries. For now it is a single-model proposition designed primarily for urban mobility, although its performance (comparable to that of a 125 cc internal combustion scooter, to put it in perspective) is, as we shall see, also suited to suburban commutes; the only caveat is that its type approval does not permit riding on ring roads or motorways, while a category B or A2 licence is required to ride it. Comfortable for two (the under-seat compartment conveniently fits 2 helmets), it offers a low centre of gravity thanks to the floor-mounted battery layout, making it very stable and extremely easy to ride, with a tall windscreen that provides effective protection from the wind, even at the top speed of around 125 kilometres per hour. There is also a reverse gear, which greatly simplifies low-speed manoeuvring.

Three riding modes and up to 150 kilometres of electric range

The Exe electric scooter is equipped with a 9 kW motor (equivalent to 12.2 "old-style" horsepower, positioned close to the rear wheel as on thermal scooters, coupled to the transmission) — an ideal output for tackling any kind of route, with peaks that can reach 12 kW, delivering the extra surge of power needed in situations such as overtaking. The overriding sensation is one of ease: ease of riding, certainly, but also of use; a USB socket and Bluetooth connectivity allow you to pair your mobile phone. As with electric cars, this electric scooter also offers a choice of 3 riding modes, which also determine the range.

When riding in the city, Eco mode automatically limits speed to 50 km/h, acceleration becomes more progressive, and the battery range reaches its maximum of 150 kilometres. Leaving the city makes it necessary to switch to Normal mode; in this case speed rises to 80 km/h and range falls to 115 kilometres — a more than acceptable figure and one that exceeds the average commuting distance. For those in a hurry, there is Sport mode: this delivers the highest performance in terms of speed (rising to 125 km/h), though electric range drops to 75 kilometres. Charging from a standard domestic socket takes around 4 hours, or 3 hours to reach 80 per cent charge; included as standard is an integrated 1.8 kW on-board charger complete with a type 2 Schuko cable.

The second life of batteries in African communities

The Nerva Exe scooter is equipped with two LFP (lithium iron phosphate) batteries of 2.88 kWh each, for a total of 5.76 kWh; the 5-year warranty covers 6,000 charging cycles, equivalent to an estimated range of approximately 900,000 kilometres. Now let's turn to prices and purchase options. The Exe electric scooter is coming to market these days at a price of €7,940. But there is a decidedly more interesting option: paying €5,140 upfront and spreading the remaining amount by renting the batteries for 5 years at a cost of €53.80 per month. "Once the 5 years are up, the batteries can be replaced with a new kit and the rental continued, or a residual sum can be paid to purchase the batteries already installed," a note from the manufacturer states.