Rolektro E-City 45 Retro: test riding the electric scooter that brings vintage charm back to the streets

There are vehicles that take you from point A to point B, and vehicles that turn the journey into a small pleasure. The Rolektro E-City 45 Retro undoubtedly belongs to the latter category. It's an electric scooter that dresses up as a classic Italian moped — soft lines, a nostalgic bench seat, discreet chrome accents — but hides a modern 2000W heart, a removable lithium battery, and the promise of up to 70 km of range at negligible running costs. On paper, it's the synthesis of yesterday's charm and today's technology. But admiring it stationary is one thing; experiencing it in daily traffic, perhaps with a passenger, is another. That's why we tested it as someone who truly uses it would: in the city, on mixed routes, with and without a passenger.

Why we chose to test it

The segment of 45 km/h retro electric scooters is booming, driven by those seeking a clean alternative to the 50cc petrol moped without sacrificing aesthetic pleasure. In this landscape, the German brand Rolektro — part of Soletek — is among the most established, with a widely distributed and proven range on the European market for years. The E-City 45 Retro represents its most elegant interpretation: a two-seater vintage electric scooter designed for daily urban mobility.

We were interested in understanding one concrete thing: is there substance behind the attractive design? Is the torque from a standstill sufficient to effortlessly move two people in traffic? Does the declared range hold up in real-world use? And most importantly, what's daily life like on board, including charging, comfort, and practicality? We took it through traffic lights, roundabouts, city hills, and commutes to answer without filters.

First Impressions

The first thing that strikes you is its presence. At approximately 88 kg, the E-City 45 Retro is not a toy: it's a real vehicle, built around a robust tubular steel frame that conveys an immediate sense of solidity. The body plastics are thick, the joints are regular, and it looks like a well-finished scooter, not a low-cost product disguised as retro.

The design is its true calling card. The proportions evoke old Italian scooters, with the brown bench seat adding a warm and refined touch to the dominant black of the bodywork. It's a vehicle that attracts attention, and those who seek personality beyond mere function will appreciate it at first glance. It's not aggressive or sporty: it's deliberately elegant and timeless.

In terms of finishes and features, the package is comprehensive: a front windshield, full LED lighting with turn signals and brake light, a digital display, a USB socket, an alarm with remote control, and a lockable rear top case. These elements, combined, elevate the perceived quality and make the vehicle immediately ready for daily use. Practicality starts here: you get on, turn it on, and go. No complex preparation, no ritual.

On the road: how it really performs

It's in motion that the E-City 45 Retro clarifies its character. The 2000W motor in the hub ensures a quick and silent start from a standstill: when the light turns green, the vehicle accelerates decisively, without the hesitation typical of some inexpensive electric scooters. A particular feature we appreciate is the presence of three speed levels (15, 20, and 45 km/h), which effectively function as a selectable limiter: very convenient for beginners, for moving in low-speed zones, or for managing range on longer journeys.

In the city, its natural habitat, the vehicle moves with balance. The steering is precise and predictable, the riding position is comfortable and relaxed, and the acceleration remains convincing even with two people on board, albeit with the softer progression expected from a double load. Pickup when exiting roundabouts is adequate for the urban context, and the quietness of the electric motor transforms every journey into a discreet and pleasant experience, far from the hum of thermal 50cc engines.

On mixed routes and on not always perfect city asphalt, the full suspension comes into play, with hydraulic shock absorbers at the front and rear. Comfort is good: potholes, manholes, and joints are absorbed effectively, and the 10-inch wheels (3.50-10) contribute to stability and a reassuring contact with the road surface. On hills, with a declared climb capability of up to 20%, the vehicle performs well on overpasses and urban inclines; as is natural for the category, with two people and on long ramps, the speed gradually decreases, but never causes difficulty.

The braking chapter deserves a note of transparency. The system combines a front disc and a rear drum: a classic and reliable solution for this segment, offering safe and progressive stopping. The front disc does most of the work with good modulation; the rear drum performs its task effectively, although a second disc would have offered slightly more bite. The overall control remains solid and predictable, an essential condition for a vehicle designed for the city.

Range in real life

The official figure indicates up to about 70 km on a single charge, a value made possible by the large 60V-27.5Ah lithium battery. This is a significant range for the category, but here too, the transparency expected from a serious test is needed: that number represents favorable conditions — a single occupant, steady pace, mild temperature, flat terrain. Several independent sources indicate a more conservative real value, around 60 km, and the range shifts further based on how and with whom you travel. (Declared range ~70 km to be verified under real-world conditions.)

Here's what concretely affects the range:

• Number of occupants: traveling with two people, utilizing the vehicle's two-seater nature, requires more energy and significantly reduces the mileage compared to solo riding.
• Selected speed level: consistently traveling at 45 km/h consumes more than staying at intermediate levels. The three-stage selector is also a tool for managing range.
• Temperature: cold weather penalizes lithium batteries. In winter, it's realistic to expect values below the stated figure, while in warmer seasons, you get much closer to the declared range.
• Hills and wind: hilly routes and windy days increase consumption and should be taken into account when planning longer journeys.
• Riding style: smooth acceleration and anticipating braking preserve range much more than aggressive starts.

The great practical advantage is the removable battery: weighing approximately 12.6 kg, it can be taken home or to work and easily charged from a household outlet in 6-8 hours, without having to move the entire scooter. For those who live in an apartment and park on the street, this solution changes daily life. It must be honestly said that the weight of the battery is not negligible: carrying it upstairs requires a minimum of strength, unlike the much lighter battery packs of a kick scooter.

Daily Comfort

Comfort is one of the E-City 45 Retro's strengths. The two-seater bench seat is wide and well-padded, with an ergonomic shape that encourages relaxed riding, and the riding position — upright back, legs extended on the footboard — is typical of a classic scooter, restful even on longer journeys. The windshield offers appreciable protection from wind and light bad weather, effectively extending the season of use.

In terms of practicality, the lockable top case of approximately 49 liters solves the space problem: it can hold a helmet, a bag, or light groceries, all secure thanks to the key lock. The USB port allows you to keep your smartphone charged, the digital display monitors speed, mileage, and battery status, and the alarm with remote control adds peace of mind during stops. It's the combination of these details that makes the vehicle truly suitable for everyday use.

However, there is one aspect to consider: the vehicle's 88 kg. It's not a vehicle that can be moved by hand like a kick scooter; maneuvers from a standstill — parking, getting off the stand, moving in the garage — require a minimum of getting used to and strength. This is the natural trade-off for a real, robust, two-seater scooter.

Safety

A vehicle capable of reaching 45 km/h and carrying two people must prioritize safety, and the E-City 45 Retro starts from solid foundations. The mixed disc-drum braking system ensures safe and progressive stops; the hydraulic full suspension keeps the wheels in contact with the ground, improving control; the 10-inch tires offer good grip, provided the correct pressure is maintained (typically up to 2.48 bar / 36 PSI).

On the visibility front, the full LED equipment — headlight, brake light, taillight, and turn signals — makes the vehicle highly noticeable to other road users, an aspect that is far from obvious and particularly valuable in the evening hours. The windshield also contributes to protection from splashes and light rain. As with any vehicle, common sense rules apply: regularly check brakes, tires, and lights, and adjust speed to road conditions and weather.

Who we truly recommend it to

Not all electric scooters serve the same audience. Here are the profiles for which the E-City 45 Retro proves particularly suitable:

• The urban commuter: for city commutes, it offers range, comfort, and negligible running costs (approx. €1 per 100 km), excellently replacing a 50cc petrol scooter.
• The couple: the two-seater approval and wide bench seat make it ideal for traveling with two people, for shopping, an evening out, or accompanying someone.
• The professional: those who travel between appointments in the city center will appreciate its refined image, the practicality of the top case, and the ease of parking.
• Those transitioning from thermal to electric: it retains the feel of a classic moped — position, two-seater, top case — while eliminating emissions, noise, and fuel costs, with a view to sustainable mobility.
• The vintage design lover: those seeking personality and timeless style will find a vehicle that combines retro aesthetics and contemporary technology.
• Those who park on the street: the removable battery solves the charging problem for those who don't have an outlet near their parking space or live in an apartment.
• Those aiming for low running costs: between energy, reduced maintenance, and the absence of road tax for many electric vehicles, the E-City 45 Retro positions itself as an economical alternative in the long term.

Comparison with other retro electric scooters in the same range

The segment of 45 km/h retro electric scooters is now crowded, with offerings ranging from more economical brands to more refined design interpretations. Compared to competitors, the E-City 45 Retro brings concrete arguments to the table.

Where it excels most is in the balance between features and substance: the high load capacity of up to 150 kg, the 2000W motor, the large removable battery, and comprehensive equipment (top case, alarm, USB, windshield, full LED) place it among the most practical options in its category. The robust construction and long-term reliability — with users reporting batteries still efficient after years of use — are further points in its favor.

On other fronts, some competing models may offer different and equally valid features: even more refined and sought-after design interpretations, or lower starting prices, but with lower power and range. It's not about choosing an absolute winner, but about identifying priorities: those who prioritize entry price will look at entry-level models; those seeking balance between performance, features, and load capacity will find the E-City 45 Retro a difficult answer to ignore.

Pros

• Elegant and refined retro design, capable of attracting attention.
• 2000W motor with quick acceleration even with two people.
• High range for the category (up to ~70 km declared) with a large battery.
• Removable lithium battery: convenient charging even at home or in the office.
• Three speed levels (15/20/45 km/h): flexibility and range management.
• Two-seater approval with a wide and comfortable bench seat.
• Rich features: lockable ~49 L top case, alarm, USB, windshield, full LED with turn signals.
• Full hydraulic suspension and 10" wheels: good level of riding comfort.
• High load capacity up to 150 kg and minimal running costs (~€1/100 km).

Areas for Improvement

From a constructive perspective, here are the points where the E-City 45 Retro could improve, useful for an informed choice.

• Actual Top Speed: Some independent tests show that the actual top speed may remain slightly below the stated 45 km/h, especially with two riders or uphill. Those who need to constantly travel at maximum speed should consider this carefully.
• Rear Drum Brake: Reliable but less powerful than a second disc. A dual-disc system would offer superior modulation.
• Overall Weight: The 88 kg is noticeable when maneuvering from a standstill and parking in tight spaces.
• Battery Weight: The removability is a plus, but the ~12.6 kg battery pack requires a minimum amount of strength for transport up stairs.
• Range with Two Riders and in Winter: As with any electric vehicle, the real value deviates from the stated figure with double load and low temperatures: it's advisable to plan trips with a margin.

Final Verdict

The Rolektro E-City 45 Retro does not aim to be the fastest or most technologically advanced vehicle on the market, and it would be a mistake to judge it by those parameters. It is built around a precise and coherent idea: to offer the timeless charm of a classic scooter combined with the concrete advantages of electric power — silence, zero emissions, minimal running costs, and the convenience of a removable battery. And on that ground, it convincingly delivers.

It should be chosen with an awareness of its nature: it is a true moped, with the legal obligations that come with it, and with a weight and top speed consistent with its category rather than pure performance. For the urban commuter, for couples, for those who want to ditch their 50cc petrol scooter without sacrificing style, the E-City 45 Retro proves to be one of the most balanced and complete options in its segment: a vehicle that combines head and heart, and that makes every city commute a little more pleasant.

Technical Specifications

Data verified based on the official Z.A.M.I. Medical Care data sheet and manufacturer sources. Where values differ between sources, they are marked as "to be verified".

Want to see it up close? Discover the Rolektro E-City 45 Retro at Z.A.M.I. Medical Care.