The BMW E-Scooter concept has become the BMW Concept C (or vice versa, or not at all?) and apparently it could be ready for a production model launch by autumn. We suggest that after seeing last year’s EICMA concept, we could actually see the production version at the 2011 EICMA this November. In any case, it looks as though BMW is at an advanced stage of the project and the only things left to reveal are the style and technical specs.

The BMW Concept C is an electric commuting scooter and we’re assuming BMW has been working on the range (and removing associated anxiety), of the model. HFL suggests we will see two models - both the electric version and a petrol-powered one designed to unseat the Yamaha TMAX as the industry’s favourite maxi-scooter.

In this video from BMW Mag, we can clearly hear the electric motor and we’re guessing BMW will create quite the luxury maxi-scooter. It claims that it has a range of 100 km and is a maxi-scooter in terms of its weight, size and power. We liked the quirky style of the Mini Scooter E, but are keen to see what BMW can produce with an electric maxi-scooter, which could become a very relevant entrant in this sector.

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We can’t help wondering if Aprilia thinks its SR Max scooter can’t stand on its own two wheels without draping a lady all over it in the official press shoot, but anyway here is some added eye candy for the gents with the new Aprilia SR Max for 2011. The new scooter comes in 125 or 300cc versions, with a four-cylinder, four-stroke engine and 15 hp at 9,250 rpm, or 22 hp for the 300 version.

The new Aprilia maxi-scooter is designed for touring and is the company’s first real splash into the grand touring segment. Aprilia has tried to keep a balance between its traditional sports style and fun scootering, while providing an elegant large touring model. The SR Max is available at prices of 3,790 euros and 3,990 euros and comes in Nero Aprilia and Bianco Glam (without the girl). See after the jump for all the details and specs.

Continue reading: New Aprilia SR Max Scooter

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It makes so much sense to us that BMW should create its own maxi-scooter model that we almost can’t believe it hasn’t done so before. The BMW Concept C has been presented live at the EICMA show and it made quite a splash among those present. BMW plans to introduce two premium maxi-scooter models to start with, both equipped with an internal combustion engine. A future model will most likely offer an electric option but let’s take this one step at a time.

BMW has already announced the production of its new maxi-scooters at its new Berlin production plant. They will offer an innovative and futuristic take on the maxi-scooter segment (we like the style already even if the production version will change somewhat from the concept seen here) where the ‘C’ stands for Commuter. And there’s nothing BMW will do better than offer a luxury, cool but practical commuting scooter. Imagine going to work on this thing and you’ve got what BMW has in mind.

BMW Motorrad has done an impressive job with the Concept C scooter. Maxi-scooters are not traditionally the most emotional part of the motorcycle market, but the company has tried to mix both technical functionality and great style. On this first glimpse, we feel they’ve achieved that so far. For all the details, check out the press release after the jump with more pics from EICMA 2010 and the official Concept C gallery.

BMW Concept C live Eicma 2010

BMW Concept C maxi-scooter official pics

Continue reading: BMW Concept C maxi-scooter live pics from EICMA 2010

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Live at EICMA Piaggio has presented the hybrid USB “scooter”. USB in fact stands for Urban Sport Bike, a concept designed by Marco Lambri at Piaggio’s Pontedera Style Centre. The Piaggio USB is another step in the company’s exploration of urban motoring, and attempts to combine ecology with fun and safety in an innovative design.

Piaggio has its roots in scootering innovation, from the Vespa to the latest MP3 Hybrid and this prototype is another development on that hybrid technology. The Piaggio USB combines scooter, motorcycle and automobile technology, in an unusual design form with snug seating for the rider in an almost F1 maxi-scooter mix.

The Piaggio USB is equipped with a thermal two-stroke GDI motor and a rear wheel electric machine. It can run off either hybrid or full electric mode and has plug-in option for zero emissions riding too. Full details after the jump, and more Piaggio USB pics in the gallery.

Piaggio USB hybrid prototype

Continue reading: Piaggio USB hybrid concept at EICMA

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The Yamaha T-Max is turning ten and Yamaha has created a T-Max 500 White for 2010 to honour the occasion. The maxi-scooter was a revolution for touring scooters in the two-wheel world, combining a mix of technology and comfort that seemed to be just the right balance in the market.

While large and comfortable, it also has enough agility and manoeuvrability to be classified as a scooter, appealing to the European scootering public in particular. The T-Max 500 White Max 2010 includes the following features:

* TMAX WHITE MAX, 10th anniversary edition
* Great midrange, 4-stroke, 2-cylinder 499cc engine
* Light, easy-handling die-cast aluminium chassis
* Large 15inch wheels for great stability
* Double front disc brakes with 4-piston callipers
* Luxurious finishes for extra comfort and style
* Sporty yet comfortable suspension

Yamaha T-Max 500 White Max 2010

Continue reading: 2010 Yamaha T-Max in white

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This is Oberdan Bezzi’s vision of the new BMW maxi-scooter, the SCT 800 Superscooter. The sccoter has a twin cylinder, four valve engine of about 800cc, with power at nearly 70hp.

The scooter shows the tipical BMW attention to detail in the suspension with a front Telelever and rear shcok absorber placed under the engine at the back. The wheels measure 16 inches, the brakes are double disc at the front and single disc at the rear, both with ABS and a semi-automatic transmission.

The BMW scooter includes a GPS unit, showing that the company is serious about producing the most sophisticated scooters at the top end of the market, but with a sporty style.

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This is a video of the elegant Honda SW-T400, updated in 2009 with a new look and new performance which makes this a must-have maxi-scooter in terms of comfort and style. The name “Silver Wing” gives you some idea of what Honda is trying to achieve - like the Top Gun version of scooters.

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Gilera has also produced a prototype for the Eicma show in the form of a concept scooter. It’s a new Gilera GP 850 Corsa which takes the engine and the GP 800 road chassis of the maxi-scooter, while other elements have been borrowed from the supersports road version.

The GP 850 Corsa has an upside-down fork and rear Ohlins suspension, a double side mounted crome exhaust and radial Brembo calipers which are the same as the Aprilia Tuono models.

The tail is more tapered than the previous GP 800, and has vertically placed lights in the place of the production series horizontal ones. The front is also new and currently has no headlight, but is characterised by a generous air intake modelled on that of the Aprilia RSV.

Continue reading: Eicma 2008: Gilera GP850 Corsa maxi-scooter concept

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