I was surprised to learn, courtesy of the ebiketips search function, that Fantic has been making e-bikes for a relatively long time given that e-bikes are still really in their infancy in historical terms. We liked their fun take on an electric fat bike back in the mists of time in 2016.
The orignal Issimo arrived in 2019, and its innovative truss style frame earned design awards whilst reviews from real world testing were also positive, praising the ability of the small wheels to accelerate at busy city junctions and the large tyres to roll over potholes and tramlines. Above all, the distinctive design looked to tap into the Italian mania for all things moped, fuelled by the immense popularity over there of the likes of Vespa.
Fantic has recently announced a 45km/h (28mph) version of the Issimo, aptly named the Issimo 45. It shares that highly eye-catching spaceframe style design which also makes for step-over practicality and an overall very moped-like appearance.
Apart from the extra speed - which of course technically makes it a moped in the UK, requiring a motorbike helmet, insurance and registration - the Issimo 45 differs from the original 15.5mph version in opting for an Enviolo continuously variable rear hub gear rather than a 5-speed Shimano Nexus gear hub. It also has hydraulic disc brakes with 180mm rotors and an 80mm Zoom front suspension fork.
Perhaps the most notable change though is that the mid-drive has been upgraded to a Bafang M600 motor, rated at an enormous 120 Nm of torque (for comparison Bosch's highest performing mid-drives are rated at 85Nm). This runs off a 600Wh removable battery.
As you would expect with a speed pedelec, it has the legally required rear licence plate holder, lights to s-ped specifications and a rear view mirror.
The Fantic Issimo 45 is sold in Italy from €3,590, though at present there are no details for availability in other countries. The original 15.5mph Issimo is available in the UK in two variants and quoted weight starts at 32.4kg. Whilst that is heavy by e-bike standards it's pretty light by moped standards.
