Ducati held its World Ducati Week event last month at Misano, Italy. But the week before saw a slightly smaller – but no less interesting event – at the World Circuit Marco Simoncelli. Leading electric urban bike maker Vmoto, has held its annual Pro Day at Misano for the past few years, and BDN’s Alan Dowds was there for the 2024 event.
The firm’s main European importer, based in Italy, has a strong relationship with both Ducati and the Misano circuit. So, the event had a strong Bolognan feel, with a full grid of red V2 and V4 machinery, and a sprinkling of Ducati race stars out for a blast, with some instructing. Vmoto dealers, importers, customers and guests took to the circuit for a super-hot 35°C trackday on day one, followed by an evening of good food, beer, and special guests, including Vmoto ambassador Jorge Lorenzo.
The second day was all business, though. Despite its success in the sector, Vmoto is aware that the electric bike industry still has plenty of work to do. It’s launching all-new product such as the 125cc-equivalent Stash bike, and is also moving its battery tech to a new generation. For 2025, the firm will offer a new battery design, using bigger cells, that will give more power in a smaller, lighter package, with faster charging, and a new industry standard charging socket – as used on electric cars. That will allow Vmoto owners to charge on the growing public network of outlets, rather than being stuck with a bike-specific charger setup. There will be a crossover period when buyers can choose the older battery setup for a lower cost, but the plan will be to move over to the new tech completely.
Vmoto also offered an interesting comparison at the circuit’s ‘mini-Misano’ go-kart track. It had a line-up of learner-legal 125 petrol bikes to ride alongside its battery-powered units. I tried out a Benelli Leoncini 125 against a Vmoto TC Max, and the electric machine was a clear winner in terms of the drivetrain. Where a restricted, Euro 5+ 125cc engine has a rather wheezy power delivery, the electric scooter has instant, torquey drive off the line. Add in the need for gearshifts on the petrol bike – not always the smoothest on budget 125s – and the TC Max felt quicker, smoother and sharper. The Benelli is cheaper of course and doesn’t have the range/fast charging issues of the Vmoto, but the comparison was still illuminating.
Vmoto remained at Misano for the World Ducati Week, where it served as the official electric scooter supplier. The limited-edition Citi scooters, with the license plate number WDW 2024, were on offer for customers to test and buy at the Vmoto Store situated in the iconic Misano World Circuit Square.
Back on UK roads
The 2025 Vmoto Stash arrived too late for the Misano event, but I managed to secure a test ride on one of the first bikes that arrived in the UK. I spent a few days riding the bike around South West London, and I was impressed by its performance. It’s Vmoto’s first motorcycle-style machine, featuring a central motor and chain final drive. The bike delivers brisk performance, with sharp, instant drive and a top speed well in excess of 70mph when I took it for a ride down the A3. In urban areas, it excelled with its super-slim profile, low seating position, strong, instant drive, good brakes, and safety features like ABS and traction control. The bike boasts decent specifications, including Pirelli tyres, a radial-mount four-piston front brake caliper, and USD front forks. However, the suspension is a bit harsh, and there was a clunking sound over potholes.
It’s packed with equipment, including a colour dash, smartphone app, cruise control, three power modes, and keyless ignition. The single non-removable battery claims a range of around 90 miles, though I could use up half the charge in 30 miles on one flat-out A-road blast. Sensible daily use should bring the range closer to the claims.
The Stash, named for the storage space under the ‘fuel tank,’ is priced at £6299. While expensive for a basic 125, it has to be tempting for a technophile urban commuter.
vmoto.co.uk/bike/stash