September 17, 2025

ARI 345 Retro: The electric alternative to the Piaggio APE and its 5 unique advantages (plus 1 bonus advantage)

75 years after the introduction of the Piaggio Ape, the time has finally come! With the ARI 345 Retro, an electric alternative to the Ape is rolling onto the market that is not only stylish, but also climate-friendly and practical. So say ciao, ciao to rattling and stinking and discover these 5 very special advantages (plus 1 bonus advantage) of the electric Ape alternative!

Have you been waiting a very long time and very eagerly for an electric alternative to the Piaggio APE? Because you think it's really stylish, but don't fancy the loud rattling and smelly exhaust fumes? Then the wait is finally over! Because now the ARI 345 Retro with closed cabin is rolling into your life - your simply different ARI APE with efficient electric drive! So say "Ciao Ciao" to rattling and stinking and look forward to these 5 advantages of the electric APE alternative from ARI Motors.

Advantage number 1 - The ARI 345 Retro is not only stylish, but also quiet, electric and climate-friendly

Sure, the APE is beautiful. Very much so. But it's also loud and smelly. And that's not just annoying, it's also really bad for the climate and sometimes very impractical. Because if you wrap yourself in thick diesel clouds, you unfortunately have to stay outside when it's time to go inside - curtain up for trade fairs or marketing.

On the other hand, those who not only shine with a chic retro front, but also with a whisper drive and zero emissions, are welcome everywhere. Be it in the market of a dreamy small town, on the promenades of the North and Baltic Seas or in the vastness of countless exhibition halls: The ARI 345 Retro is a welcome guest that is not shown the door anywhere.

Advantage number 2: The ARI 345 Retro is nimble and lively on the road and can be ridden from the age of 15

While the 2-stroke APE is rather slow to get going, only to retire all the quicker, the ARI 345 Retro is quick from zero to 45 km/h Vmax and whizzes through the streets like a little bee with its 3.0 kW electric motor.

It can cover up to 55 kilometers without stopping. Then it needs a short charging break of a maximum of 3.5 hours and is back on the road again. Incidentally, it is also suitable for very young retro fans aged 15 and over. A class AM driving license is sufficient to ride the APE alternative.

Advantage number 3: The ARI 345 Retro can be individually configured and adapted to your wishes

Anyone buying an APE has the choice between a flatbed, panel van and cross model with metal bumpers. A manageable selection that doesn't demand too much of your decision-making skills. Anyone buying an ARI 345 Retro, on the other hand, is spoilt for choice, as they can not only choose between a flatbed and box body in three different sizes, but also opt for a sales body or the food truck version.

But that's not all. The different bodies are not just available in one version. No, they are available with countless body accessories, such as tarpaulins, leaf grids and lashing eyes. With or without shelf fittings. With winter package. Or summer tires. With golden coffee tank. Hot dog module. And or extra comfort ...

So an ARI 345 retro purchase is more for advanced decision-makers who know what they want. And what they don't want. Let's just assume that you are one of them. Otherwise you would have left it at an APE;)

Advantage number 4: The ARI 345 Retro is very versatile

You've probably guessed it already. There is not just one answer to the question of what you can do with an ARI 345 Retro. There are many, many answers. But one thing is certain: with an ARI 345 Retro, you will certainly not be standing around bored in a corner, but will have your hands full.

For example:

because hordes of APE-loving connoisseurs will make a pilgrimage to your retro food truck to satisfy their summer hunger and hunger pangs at the same time
because parcels and packages jump onto the flatbed almost voluntarily to fill up on a little dolce vita before going under the needling Christmas tree
because suddenly everyone wants to become a hedgehog rescuer since you've been standing in the pedestrian zone with your cute spiky-style promotional APE
because you can finally dig the borders in peace and quiet, because even the most belligerent green gobblers are paralyzed by the chic sight of your garden APE

As you can see, with an ARI 345 Retro, you'll never get bored. No matter what you use it for. Whether as a flatbed for use in park and green space maintenance, as a delivery mini for Christmas mail, as a mobile promotional talent or as a food truck with a good mood guarantee - the ARI 345 Retro is available for (almost) everything!

Advantage number 5: The ARI 345 Retro is inexpensive and modest to maintain

That leaves the price. And you don't have to worry about that either. Because the ARI 345 cargo moped is available in the flatbed version from just 6,990 euros net. The hand-built retro cab from our factory costs an extra 6,950 euros, but then you have an extra-chic and very special promotional or sales vehicle.

In addition, the ARI 345 Retro with 5.8 kWh (combined) is very economical in consumption and costs you only EUR 3.10 per 100 kilometers at EUR 0.31 per kilowatt hour. It is therefore much more modest than a diesel-thirsty combustion APE and is also very easy to maintain.

Firstly, an ARI 345 Retro rarely breaks down thanks to its robust construction. Secondly, there are always inexpensive spare parts available in the ARI Motors store, which you can even install yourself with the help of the ARI Motors service videos. And thirdly, there are more than 1,200 ARI Motors service partners who are on hand with help and advice in the event of a minor ARI drama.

Bonus benefit: you can test drive the ARI 345 Retro free of charge

Your fingers are already tingling and you would love to configure such a chic ARI 345 Retro right away and speed off in it. But before you do, you'd like to see it up close again, take a look inside the cab, chat with a friendly ARI employee about the superstructure and, of course, take it for a spin. Simply to get a feel for the little retro star. And to try out whether it really puts you in such a good mood ...

But you're welcome!

Arrange a one-hour test drive at your premises right away. It costs you nothing and is completely non-binding. If you like the ARI 345 Retro and want to buy it - great! Then we'll prepare everything so that it's on your doorstep as quickly as possible. And if not? Then don't :) No stress, no costs, no worries.

Just an exciting hour of summer, sun and lightness!