TVS electric scoots land in the Vatican
Zero emissions, minimal noise, and enough range for papal errands; the TVS iQube has rolled through the gates as the Vatican continues its push towards greener mobility.
If ever there was a place where you’d expect a bit of divine guidance when choosing new transport, it’s Vatican City. And while no burning bushes were involved in this particular decision, the world’s smallest independent state has just taken delivery of two TVS iQube electric scooters as it continues its steady march towards cleaner mobility.
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The handover took place on February 5 and forms part of an ongoing collaboration between the Governorate of Vatican City State and mobility specialist Exelentia, with TVS Motor Italia helping shepherd the deal over the line.
The move represents another step in the Vatican’s ecological transition, a programme focused on introducing zero-emission vehicles capable of operating efficiently within one of the most historically sensitive urban environments on the planet. The narrow streets, constant tourist foot traffic, and global significance mean whatever rolls around inside those famous walls needs to be reliable, discreet, and respectful of its surroundings. Enter the iQube.
Chosen for its near-silent running and modern tech package, the TVS iQube looks tailor-made for a setting where noise is unlikely to be welcomed with open arms. In eco mode, the scooter can manage up to 100 km (around 60 miles) on a charge, which should be more than enough for the sort of short-hop duties expected within Vatican territory.
It also features TVS’s SmartXonnect system, accessible via a TFT dash and companion app, bringing the kind of connectivity we’ve come to expect from contemporary urban EVs.
Speaking about the delivery, Giovanni Notarbartolo di Furnari, General Manager of TVS Motor Italia, said:
“The deployment of TVS iQube electric scooters in a prestigious setting such as the Vatican validates our vision for urban electric mobility — anchored in reliability, intuitive usability, and world-class quality.”
While two scooters might not sound like a fleet overhaul, the symbolism here does matter. The Vatican has been steadily signalling its environmental intentions in recent years, and swapping combustion for battery power reinforces a message that sustainability is becoming something close to doctrine.
And frankly, if electric scooters can make sense amid centuries-old architecture and priceless artwork, they can probably work just about anywhere.
From a product standpoint, the iQube leans heavily into the fundamentals that urban riders require. Crucially, it delivers all of that without tailpipe emissions or mechanical clatter, attributes that feel particularly appropriate in a city better known for quiet reflection than redlines and rev limiters.
No word yet on whether the Swiss Guard will be requesting a sportier variant, but for now, the iQube appears to tick the right boxes for daily operational duties.
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Simon (AKA Toad) has been working within the motorcycle industry for more than twelve years, and a member of the motorcyclist family since birth. Growing up around British-built single and twins, it was inevitable that a life on two wheels was on the cards, from a very early age!
