Piaggio Ciao Converted to E-Bike with Ambra Italia Kit

The iconic Piaggio Ciao moped, produced from 1967 to 2006 with over 3.5 million units sold worldwide, can now be legally converted into an electric bicycle using a kit developed by startup Ambra Italia. Based in Rufina, Florence, the company and its founder Tiberio Casali have scaled up a conversion process that has existed on an amateur level for about a decade. The kit includes mechanical, electrical, and structural modifications compliant with European standard UNI EN 15194 and certified by Accredia. It features a 250W motor with a top speed of 25 km/h, matching the original moped's performance. Installation must be done by authorized workshops; currently only one facility in Rufina converts about four Ciao per month, with others under development. The converted vehicle requires no insurance, registration, or helmet, though the latter is recommended. The cost ranges from €1,000 to €1,400, covering a 10-day artisan intervention and general restoration of the often-rusted moped. The conversion allows nostalgic owners to revive memories with an eco-friendly twist.