Motorcycles
Rome Goes Vespa
Around 25,000 Vespa scooters from 67 countries filled the streets of Rome in what organizers described as the largest rally ever held for the Italian two-wheeler brand.
The parade was part of VESPA ROMA 2026, the 80th anniversary celebration of Vespa, which began two days earlier and continues at the Vespa Village in the Stadio dei Marmi at Foro Italico.
Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri flagged off the ride, which was led by presidents of Vespa Clubs from the 67 countries represented in the event.
The cavalcade started from the Terme di Caracalla before passing the Colosseum, Piazza Venezia, the Altare della Patria and the Fori Imperiali. Thousands of spectators lined the route to watch, cheer and record the convoy as Vespa models from different eras rode through the city.
The parade featured more than 160 Vespa models produced across eight decades. Among the rarest units were examples of the Vespa 98, the first series produced in 1946. Vintage scooters from the 1950s and 1960s also joined the ride, including “low-light” models and classic VBBs.
Other crowd favorites included the ET3, GTR, Rally models and the long-running Vespa PX. Newer models such as the Primavera and GTS were also strongly represented, including units ridden by owners who traveled long distances to join the Rome celebration.
The event continues at Vespa Village with public activities, parties, music from Radio Deejay, a photo exhibition, historic Vespa units from the Piaggio Museum, a display of the current Vespa lineup and a special Vespa Store.
The Rome gathering marks one of the biggest public celebrations for Vespa since the brand’s first scooter rolled out in 1946, turning the Italian capital into a moving tribute to one of the world’s most recognizable scooter names.
VinFast equips the Evo, Feliz II and Viper with IP67-rated motors and controllers that add protection against dust, rain and temporary water immersion.
VinFast has equipped the powertrains of its Evo, Feliz II and Viper electric motorcycles with IP67-rated protection against dust and water.
The three models entered the Philippine market on 31 July as VinFast expanded from electric cars into two-wheel mobility. Their protected electrical components are aimed at riders who regularly encounter heavy rain, standing water and wet streets during the monsoon season.
The IP67 rating applies to the motor and motor control unit, which are two major parts of the electric powertrain. The first digit indicates complete protection against dust, while the second covers temporary water immersion under specified test conditions.
VinFast said its internal tests subjected the components to 0.5 meter of water for 30 minutes. The company also tested the motorcycles while they travelled through water at the same depth for 30 minutes.
The rating can reduce the risk of water damage from rain, splashes or an unexpected flooded section. However, it does not make the motorcycles suitable for unrestricted flood crossings. Riders should still avoid moving water, submerged obstacles and areas where the depth cannot be determined.
VinFast also developed the removable lithium iron phosphate batteries to meet European ECE-R136 safety requirements for electric two-wheelers. The batteries have impact, overvoltage and overtemperature protection.
Additional durability work included a 500-hour salt spray test to assess corrosion resistance in humid and harsh conditions. VinFast said the batteries also completed internal testing at temperatures of up to 80 degrees Celsius.
The Evo, Feliz II and Viper can carry one or two removable 1.5-kWh batteries. With two batteries fitted, the Evo produces up to 5,200 watts, reaches a top speed of 80 kph and delivers a claimed range of up to 150 kilometers.
The Feliz II has the same maximum output but raises the top speed to 90 kph. Its advertised range reaches 145 kilometers. The Viper matches those figures and adds a TFT instrument display, smart key, anti-theft system and vehicle tracking.
VinFast offers a standard warranty of four years or 60,000 kilometers for the motorcycles and purchased batteries. Qualified customers may receive an additional two years or 12,000 kilometers, which raises the total coverage to as much as six years or 72,000 kilometers. Subscribed batteries are covered throughout the subscription period.
The company opened 21 e-motorcycle dealerships during the Philippine launch and plans to add more locations. It is also developing a battery-swapping network for riders who prefer replacing a depleted battery instead of waiting for it to recharge.
VinFast estimates that its electric motorcycles could cost 17 to 28 percent less to own over five years than comparable gasoline-powered models. Actual savings will depend on the motorcycle, battery arrangement, electricity cost and riding distance.
Maxim has started operations in Ormoc City, giving residents another app-based option for car trips, tricycle bookings and deliveries.
The Maxim app now lists four-seater and six-seater car services, Trike and Bike Delivery in the city. Starting fares are P45 for four-seater cars, P55 for six-seater vehicles and P10 for Bike Delivery and Trike services.
The platform is also looking for local driver-partners as it builds its operations in Ormoc. Maxim said its commission ranges from 15 to 18 percent, depending on the terms of cooperation. New driver-partners begin with a zero-percent commission, which gives them time to get used to the app and assess the service.
Donald Maing, head of Maxim Ormoc, said the service is intended to give residents a more affordable way to travel and send items.
“We are excited to bring Maxim’s services to Ormoc and provide residents with an affordable, reliable and convenient way to travel and send items,” Maing said. “We also look forward to welcoming more local driver-partners to the platform as we help meet the community’s growing transportation and delivery needs.”
Customers can download the Maxim app on Android and iOS devices to book the available services.
Maxim began operating in the Philippines in 2020, starting in Cebu. The company said its services have since expanded to more Philippine cities, where it provides delivery and pre-arranged car transport services.
In Metro Manila and Cagayan de Oro, Maxim is also part of a pilot program for motorcycle passenger transport. Its expansion in Ormoc adds another local market to its Philippine network while opening earning opportunities for drivers who want to join the platform.
Buying an electric motorcycle requires more than comparing its price and specifications. VinFast says first-time buyers should also examine the support network, battery plan, weather protection and real-world range before choosing a model.
The Vietnamese electric vehicle brand is building its Philippine two-wheel network around three models and 28 dealerships that will provide sales and aftersales services. This network is one of the first things buyers should consider because warranty support, servicing and access to battery-swapping stations can affect everyday ownership.
Battery cost is another major consideration. VinFast will let customers either buy the battery with the motorcycle or use a subscription plan. The subscription costs P439 a month for one battery and P799 for two batteries, which also gives riders access to the company’s swapping network.
Customers who subscribe on or before 30 September 2026 will receive a free one-battery subscription for 12 months and up to 20 free battery swaps each month during the period.
Prices under the one-battery subscription plan start at P62,900 for the EVO, P64,900 for the Feliz II and P73,900 for the Viper. With one battery included, prices are P75,600, P77,600 and P89,600, respectively. Two-battery packages cost P88,300 for the EVO, P90,300 for the Feliz II and P99,300 for the Viper.
VinFast estimates that its models could save owners P40,000 to P70,000 over five years compared with similarly positioned gasoline motorcycles. Actual savings will depend on use and prevailing fuel and electricity prices.
Weather protection should also be checked carefully. The Viper has an IP67-rated motor and controller system for water resistance in wet conditions. However, an IP rating should not be treated as permission to ride through deep floodwater, since other parts of the motorcycle and unseen road hazards may still put the rider at risk.
Range and performance must also match the rider’s routine. The EVO can travel up to 150 kilometers with two batteries under standard conditions and has a top speed of 80 kph. The step-through Feliz II reaches 90 kph and has a flat floorboard for bags and other items.
The sportier Viper produces up to 5,200 watts of power and reaches 90 kph with two batteries. It also has a 21-liter storage compartment, projector headlights, a TFT display, smart key and USB charging.
For first-time e-motorcycle buyers, the right model should fit the budget, daily route, charging access and available ownership support.
