Aventura-X review: Classic Vespa vibes in a modern electric scooter
The Aventura-X EV29 has much of the feel-good charm that comes along with nostalgic Vespa rides, yet without any of the exhaust noise, smell of gasoline, or oily rag on your workbench. I spent a few enjoyable weeks riding this fun little runabout and felt almost like I was cheating, getting the fun vibes without paying the normal entry price of muss and fuss that goes with classic ICE scooters.
First of all, I probably shouldn’t call it a Vespa, even though it looks and feels like one. Aventura-X probably walks a fine line as it is, conjuring up old-timey Vespa vibes while maintaining just enough differentiation to avoid legal issues. It’s a common game these days, giving us old-school feels without blatantly ripping off a decades-old brand.
But those kinds of issues aside, this scooter still brings with it a classic-inspired ride that feels oh-so-good.
Check it out in my video review below, then keep reading for all of my thoughts on this fun ride!
Aventura-X EV29 video review
Quick, what are the specs?
You probably want to know the numbers right off the bat, so let’s hop to it.
The version I tested is the Aventura-X EV29. It has a 2,900 watt motor fed by a 72V 20Ah battery. There are actually two battery slots under the seat, so you could add an extra battery to double the range from 35 miles up to 70 miles (56 km to 112 km). If you don’t have an extra battery, like mine, then you’ve got some extra storage under the seat!
The current sale price of US $3,295 doesn’t include the extra battery, which is an additional US $799. You do get the keyless start from a wireless keyfob included for free though as part of a promotional add-on, so at least you’ve got that going for you!
Obviously this scooter is built for looks, though that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have some decent utility baked into it as well.
There is a small storage area in front of the battery compartment, but it’s more of a phone/wallet/keys/sunglasses-sized storage compartment. There’s also a larger storage compartment in the right rear fender that I was able to squeeze three of my riding cameras into as well as my microphone setup.
I know that’s not a normal unit of measure unless you’re a YouTuber, but I’d guess that the wheel well storage is around 1.5 liters or so. It’s also roughly in the shape of a water bottle. So for the Americans in the room, picture a 2L soda bottle and subtract a bit.
Then you’ve got the wicker basket on back, though that’s an add-on accessory. It’s also not exactly a high-security solution, but it does give you some extra storage and definitely looks classy. In fact, it’d be right at home riding to a picnic in your local park.
Now I think most people will agree that the scooter looks great, which is nice since it isn’t terribly fast. At 30 mph (51 km/h), people will get a good long look at you as you cruise by. Aventura-X also has 50 mph (80 km/h) models, but the one I’m riding is built for looks, not for speed.
Considering I was testing this in Florida, where 50 mph roads are just how you exit your neighborhood, that lower speed was a bit of an issue. I mostly stuck to smaller streets where I could and stayed in the right lane when I had to take faster streets.
I can absolutely see the wisdom in having more speed for keeping your options open in terms of road choice. Obviously a 30 mph top speed is going to impact where you can ride, and so I see this model being better for cruising along the beach roads than commuting on the highway, if that wasn’t clear.
But I guess that’s the beauty of multiple options. You can get the 50 mph scooter that Aventura-X offers if you want to ride on faster roads, or can save some dough on the slower scooter if you’re sticking to neighborhood streets.
And as a quick note on safety: You’ll notice in the video at the top of this article that I’m wearing my motorcycle jacket and usually my riding gloves on the scooter (though admittedly I did forget my gloves a couple of times). I’m also in full pants and boots. While I’m not going to be anyone’s mother here, I try to never get on a motorcycle without all of my protective riding gear, and that’s how I recommend riding. When it comes to scooters, the more laissez-faire nature of the ride makes it easy to accidentally (or purposely) push the thought of riding gear to the back of your mind. “I’m just going for a little cruise,” is a common enough thought, and I’ll admit that I’ve often heard the siren’s call of a romantic scoot alongside the lapping waves in nothing but a t-shirt and shorts. But ultimately, this is still technically a motorcycle and you can still technically cheese grater the skin off various parts of your body in a crash. So just consider that when choosing your ride outfit.
While I’m wearing my Dianese mesh motorcycle jacket in this video since I was travelling, I’ve been more frequently wearing my Beyond Riders motorcycle gear for my pleasure/commuter riding since it has all the protective qualities I’m looking for but looks like typical street clothes. I just got a new flannel shirt from them that has hidden armor and a pair of khaki pants that get the same treatment.
So I’m not saying you have to suit up, but I am saying I’d recommend it. Ok, safety rant over.
I’m glad to see both a side stand and a center stand included on the scooter, since they’re useful in different situations. The side stand is great for quick stops like hopping off and running into a store, while the center stand gives more stable parking, especially when parking on a hill or looser terrain like grass. It’s rare to see motorcycles or scooters that offer both. My daily rider – a Gogoro – has both, and I use them both often.
With cute little 10″ wheels and a faux leather seat, the scooter definitely looks the part of a vintage getup. Even the handlebars almost look like they could be from several decades past, skipping the big gaudy plastic molded parts of today’s scooters and putting as much metal as possible on those bars instead. I have a ’69 Honda Sports Cub and the bars/switches/mirrors, etc. all actually look quite similar to those on the Aventura-X. The rubber end grips take away from the retro vibe a bit, but not too much.
However, the body panels don’t get the same classic treatment. While they look the part, they’re actually plastic. That is fine from a few steps back since you’d never know from a glance. But if you grab hold of the front shield and shake it, it feels like a plastic panel.
That’s not really an issue per se, but it means you might want to be careful with your parking so you don’t crack a panel that would have merely dinged if it had been steel or aluminum.
As for the ride, I’ve long been a scooter fan. I’m a daily scooter rider myself. Since my wife and I went car-less a while back, an electric seated scooter is our main form of conveyance. And so the wide foot area of the Aventura-X feels at home to me, as does the convenient bag hook for carrying various odds and ends along for the ride.
In fact, as much as I like my motorcycles, I generally opt for my scooters when I’m actually commuting or running errands since the extra foot space makes it easier to carry things with me or do the occasional shopping trip.
The feel will be familiar to any scooter rider, even if the wheels are a tad bit smaller than on some of my other rides. The long bench seat is comfortable, the large front shield keeps you largely weather protected from splashes and road debris, and you get all the joy of being part of the environment (instead of watching it go by through a window) yet without the complex feelings that many people have towards true motorcycles. Basically, it’s all of the fun without the baggage.
Ultimately, I’m not exactly sure what I expected of the Aventura-X, but it definitely left me smiling and satisfied. It’s a fun, retro ride that seems to bring joy to just about everyone who sees you go by.
At the same time, though, you’re paying a premium for those feel-good rides. At its current price of $3,295, this is obviously not the most affordable way to cruise around at 30 mph. And speaking of which, that 30 mph speed is definitely limiting, leaving you barely faster than an electric bicycle yet on a vehicle that looks very out of place in the bike lane.
In fact, you almost certainly shouldn’t be using it in the bike lane, unless your local laws allow it. When I spent a year in Boston back in 2018, I actually could legally ride my 30 mph electric moped (a Genze 2.0, RIP) in the bike lane. Yet even with the law on my side, cyclists who saw me were pissssssed about it. That meant I rarely actually used the bike lanes unless it was to briefly skip a line of traffic, and even then I was always extra cognizant of any actual cyclists around me. I’m not sure many places would allow an Aventura-X in the bike lanes these days, or if Boston even still allows mopeds in, and so you’ll need to plan your own local trips accordingly.
There’s definitely a place for a ride like this, and I’m glad vintage-inspired electric scooters exist. I would certainly consider springing for the extra 20 mph though, as it opens up many more possibilities for where you can ride. But if you’re in a sleepy neighborhood or laid-back beach town, zipping down to that sea breeze coast at 30 mph on a scooter that looks like a blast from the past might be the perfect ride indeed.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
Hyundai has unveiled the design refresh of its Ioniq 6 sedan, and announced that it will become a family of cars rather than a single model, with an N Line trim and upcoming N performance model, much like its sister car the Ioniq 5.
Hyundai has been doing great with its EVs lately, hitting sales records and getting great reviews.
Much of that focus has been on the Ioniq 5, an attractive crossover SUV with lots of capability at a good price – and a bonkers N performance version which has been breaking different kinds of records.
The Ioniq 6, conversely, hasn’t attracted quite as much attention, even though it has some records of its own (it’s the most efficient vehicle in the US… for under $70k).
Between its admittedly odd looks – much more aerodynamic and rounded than the comparatively blocky 5 – and it fitting into the less-popular (but better) sedan form factor, it just hasn’t captured as much imagination as the 5.
It has also fallen somewhat behind. The Ioniq 5 got a big update this year, including a native NACS port, the first non-Tesla mass market vehicle to hit the road with one of these included (and it even charges faster than a Tesla does on home turf). The 6, however, is still sitting on its original design from when it first started production/shipping in 2022/23.
But that’s about to change, as Hyundai is giving the model some love with a design update and some hints at new things to come.
We’ve seen spy shots of these design updates before, but now Hyundai is showing them to everyone at the Seoul Mobility Show.
Hyundai showed two models today, the standard Ioniq 6 and the “N Line,” an upgraded trim level with some interior and exterior changes to look a little more sporty. Hyundai has used similar nomenclature for its other models, and that carries over here.
Both have a redesigned front end, making it look more aggressive than the prior bulbous and aerodynamic shape, and narrower headlights.
The N Line looks even more aggressive than the standard model, though, with an even more aggressive front and rear end.
Hyundai says that the redesign will also include interior enhancements for “a more comfortable, intuitive experience,” with a redesigned steering wheel, larger climate control display, upgraded materials and redesigned center console with more physical controls.
Beyond this, the refresh was light on details – intentionally, with a full unveil of specs and changes coming later. We can imagine a lot of the improvements on the 2025 Ioniq 5 will be carried over, such as a native NACS port for example, and potentially a slightly larger or faster-charging battery.
We had also previously heard hints that an N version (yes, “N” and “N Line” are different, no, we don’t know why they used these confusing names) of the Ioniq 6 is coming, and Hyundai reiterated those hints today – even giving us a glimpse of the car in the background of one of its shots.
Now THIS one looks quite aggressive, with a bigger double wing and potentially some changes to the diffuser (it’s hard to tell from the shot, as the N Line also has a modified diffuser).
The ioniq 5N has earned rave reviews from enthusiasts for its bonkers driving dynamics and comparatively reasonable price for a true performance vehicle. But it’s still an SUV format, and frankly, an SUV will never be a sportscar no matter how many horsepower you put into it (I will die on this hill).
The 6, however, with its sedan shape and footprint, could make for a much more compelling sports package once it’s all put together. So we’re very excited to see what Hyundai can do if they apply the same magic they put into the 5 into a new 6N. Looking forward to July.
Charge your electric vehicle at home using rooftop solar panels. Find a reliable and competitively priced solar installer near you on EnergySage, for free. They have pre-vetted installers competing for your business, ensuring high-quality solutions and 20-30% savings. It’s free, with no sales calls until you choose an installer. Compare personalized solar quotes online and receive guidance from unbiased Energy Advisers. Get started here. – ad*
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
Over the next two years, homebuilder Lennar is outfitting more than 1,500 new Colorado homes with Dandelion Energy’s geothermal systems in one of the largest residential geothermal rollouts in the US.
The big draw for homeowners is lower energy bills and cleaner heating and cooling. Dandelion claims Lennar homeowners with geothermal systems will collectively save around $30 million over the next 20 years compared to using air-source heat pumps. Geothermal heat pumps don’t need outdoor AC units or conventional heating systems, either.
Geothermal systems use the sustained temperature of the ground to heat or cool a home. A ground loop system absorbs heat energy (BTUs) from the earth so that it can be transferred to a heat pump and efficiently converted into warmth for a home. Dandelion says its ground loop systems are built to last for over 50 years and should require no maintenance.
Dandelion’s geothermal system uses a vertical ground closed-loop system that is installed using well-boring equipment and trenched back into the house to connect to a heat pump. The pipes circulate a mixture of water and propylene glycol, a food-grade antifreeze, that absorbs the ground’s temperature. A ground source heat pump circulates the liquid through the ground loops and it exchanges its heat energy in the heat pump with liquid refrigerant. The refrigerant is converted to vapor, compressed to increase its temperature, then passed through a heat exchanger to transfer heat to the air, which is circulated through a home’s HVAC ductwork.
Daniel Yates, Dandelion Energy’s CEO, called the partnership with Lennar a “new benchmark for affordable, energy-efficient, and high-quality home heating and cooling.” By streamlining its installation process, Dandelion is making geothermal systems simpler and cheaper for homebuilders and homeowners to adopt.
This collaboration is happening at a time when Colorado is pushing hard to meet its clean energy targets. Governor Jared Polis is excited about the move, calling it a win for Coloradans’ wallets, air quality, and the state’s leadership on geothermal energy. Will Toor, executive director of the Colorado Energy Office, said that “ensuring affordable access to geothermal heating and cooling is essential to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, and we’re excited to be part of such a huge effort to bring this technology to so many new Colorado homes.”
And it’s not just about cutting emissions – geothermal heat pumps help reduce peak electric demand. Analysis from the Department of Energy found that widespread adoption of these systems could save the US from needing 24,500 miles of new transmission lines. That’s like crossing the continental US eight times.
Colorado is making this transition a lot more attractive through state tax credits and Xcel Energy’s rebate programs. These incentives slash upfront costs for builders like Lennar, making geothermal installations more financially viable. The utility’s Clean Heat Plan and electrification strategy are working to keep energy bills low while meeting climate goals.
Read more: This will be the first geothermal energy storage system on the Texas grid
Now is a great time to begin your solar journey so your system is installed in time for those sunny spring days. If you want to make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. They have hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20 to 30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them.
Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here. –trusted affiliate partner
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
Polestar has removed the Polestar 2 from its US website header in an early sign of how new tariffs will restrict choice and competition for American consumers, thus increasing prices.
The Polestar 2 is Polestar’s first full EV – the original Polestar 1 was a limited-edition plug-in hybrid.
It started production in 2020 in Luqiao, Zhejiang, China, where Polestar and Volvo’s parent corporation, Geely, was founded.
And there’s the rub: while Polestar’s newer EV, the 3 (which we just drove the new single motor version of last week), is built in South Carolina, the 2 is not.
Unfortunately, that interacts with some news that has been getting a lot of play lately: tariffs.
The US has been gradually getting stupider and stupider on the issue of tariffs, apparently determined to increase prices for Americans and decrease the competitiveness of American manufacturing in a time of change for the auto industry.
It is widely acknowledged (by anyone who has given it a few seconds of thought) that tariffs increase prices and that trade barriers tend to reduce competition, leading to less innovation.
It started with 25% tariffs on various products from China, implemented in the 2018-2020 timeframe. Then, in 2024, President Biden implemented a 100% tariff on Chinese EVs, effectively stopping their sale in the US. These tariffs included some exceptions and credits based on Volvo’s other US manufacturing, which Polestar had used to keep the most expensive versions of the 2 on sale in the US, while restricting the lower-priced versions from sale. Nevertheless, they were a bad idea.
Now, in yet another step to make America less competitive and inflate the prices of goods more for Americans, we got more tariff announcements today from a senile ex-reality TV host who wandered into the White House rose garden (which he does not belong in). These tariffs do not include the same exceptions as the previously-announced Biden tariffs.
Apparently this has all been enough for Polestar, as even in advance of today’s tariff announcements, the company suddenly removed its Polestar 2 from its website header today.
The change can be seen at polestar.com/us, where only the Polestar 3 and 4 are listed in the header area. On other sites, like the company’s Norwegian website or British website, the car is still there. The Polestar 2 page is still up on the US website, but it isn’t linked to elsewhere on the site (we’ll see how long it stays up).
We reached out to Polestar for comment, but didn’t hear anything back before publication. We’ll update if we do.
It makes sense that the Polestar 2 would still be for sale elsewhere, as it only started production in 2020. Most car models are available for at least 7 years, so this is an earlier exit than expected.
So it’s likely that all of the tariff news is what had an effect in killing the Polestar 2.
Then again, this is also just the second day of a new fiscal quarter. Perhaps the timing offers Polestar an opportunity to make a clean break – especially now that the lower-priced version of its Polestar 3 is available.
Despite the lower $67.5k base price of the new Polestar 3 variant, that represents a big increase in price for the brand, which had sold the base model Polestar 2 for around $50k originally, before all of these tariffs.
Update: Polestar got back to us with comment, but understandably, it doesn’t say much:
Polestar is a three-car company and Polestar 2 is available for customers now. There are a select number of Polestar 2s in stock at retailers that can be found on Polestar.com, but Polestar 3 and Polestar 4 will be the priority in the North American market.
Electrek’s Take
This isn’t the first car that America has been deprived of due to tariffs. The Volvo EX30, one of our most anticipated vehicles, and Electrek’s Vehicle of the Year for 2024, had its American availability pushed back due to tariffs.
Volvo decided to build the car in Belgium and export it to the US, but now that new tariffs apply to the EU as well, maybe that low-priced, awesome, fast, small EV will instead stay in Europe instead of being shipped overseas.
This shows how mercurial tariff fiats from an ignoramus are bad for manufacturing, as they mean that companies can’t make plans – and if they can’t make plans, eventually, they’ll probably just write the country making the random decisions out of their plans so they don’t have to deal with the nonsense.
And we’ve heard this from every businessperson or manufacturer representative we’ve talked to at any level of the automotive industry. Nobody thinks any of this is a good idea, because it objectively is not. All it does is make business harder, make the US less trustworthy, make things more expensive, and overall just harm America.
Yet another way that Americans are getting screwed by this stupid nonsense. 49% of you voted for inflation, and 100% of Americans are now getting it. Happy Inflation Day, everyone.
Charge your electric vehicle at home using rooftop solar panels. Find a reliable and competitively priced solar installer near you on EnergySage, for free. They have pre-vetted installers competing for your business, ensuring high-quality solutions and 20-30% savings. It’s free, with no sales calls until you choose an installer. Compare personalized solar quotes online and receive guidance from unbiased Energy Advisers. Get started here. – ad*
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
-
Sports2 years ago‘Storybook stuff’: Inside the night Bryce Harper sent the Phillies to the World Series
-
Sports12 months agoStory injured on diving stop, exits Red Sox game
-
Sports1 year agoGame 1 of WS least-watched in recorded history
-
Sports2 years agoMLB Rank 2023: Ranking baseball’s top 100 players
-
Sports4 years ago
Team Europe easily wins 4th straight Laver Cup
-
Environment2 years agoJapan and South Korea have a lot at stake in a free and open South China Sea
-
Environment2 years agoGame-changing Lectric XPedition launched as affordable electric cargo bike
-
Business3 years agoBank of England’s extraordinary response to government policy is almost unthinkable | Ed Conway