MTA Queensland member Benzina Zero is taking its range of compact, energy-efficient mopeds and scooters to the world, starting with the Australian and European markets.

The Brisbane-based start-up, appropriately named after the Italian word for “zero fuel”, was founded by Joe D’Ercole and Ben Silver – two entrepreneurs with a long history in the motorcycle and scooter industry.

When Motor Trader spoke to Mr D’Ercole and Silver back in July 2021, the company was just about to launch in Australia and had already set up shop in Italy in the city of Vasto, Abruzzo.

Now, they are one step closer.

The company plans to import scooters to Australia and Italy, using the latter as a distribution point into Europe.

“I can confirm that we have 14 countries interested in our brand, including in the UK, Philippines and Singapore, who have now confirmed orders for evaluation samples,” said Mr D’Ercole.

“There are also many European countries who are now waiting for our shipment to arrive in Italy, which is estimated to be January 2022.”

The pair have spent the past four years developing scooters in collaboration with the Chinese factory where they are built.

“We have worked extensively with the factory to produce a product that is very unique and robust for Australian and European Conditions,” D’Ercole continued.

Benzina Zero will offer a suite of products designed to cover a range of requirements. The City moped and the Sport scooter aimed at the commuter sector, the Duo moped and Duo+ scooter aimed at the delivery sector; and the Cargo three-wheel scooter.

The two-wheel scooters are powered by Bosche electric motor technology with LG lithium batteries, while the larger three-wheel Cargo model is powered by a Thai Yuma motor and lithium battery.

Each model offers a different top speed and range between charges, and all have European Certification and Australian Design Regulations compliance.

Mr D’Ercole said all models, bar the Duo+, could be ridden in Australia on learner licences, while the Duo and City could be ridden in Queensland, Northern Territory, Western Australia and South Australia by anyone with a full car licence.

See MTA Queensland’s Q&A with Benzina Zero HERE.

Source: RACQ | Brisbane scooter company targets local and European markets

18 January 2022