Purposeful Evolution - For many motorcycle lovers, the word Ducati instantly brings to mind a roaring red machine slicing through the Italian countryside or conquering race tracks under a blazing sun. It’s a name that resonates with adrenaline, precision, and engineering excellence. Yet, there’s a curious piece of history that often surprises even devoted fans — once upon a time, Ducati built scooters. And not just any scooters, but ones that were ahead of their time. Still, despite this intriguing chapter in its past, the company made a very clear decision about its direction: scooters will not be part of Ducati’s future.
The idea of Ducati venturing into scooters resurfaced in the early 2010s, stirring excitement across the motorcycle community. Rumors hinted that the iconic Italian manufacturer was secretly preparing a new scooter line, possibly blending its racing DNA with urban practicality. However, by December 2013, those whispers were officially silenced. Claudio Domenicali, the CEO of Ducati, addressed the speculation directly, explaining that scooters simply didn’t fit into the brand’s long-term vision. As he put it, Ducati’s “future” lies in large-capacity motorcycles — machines that embody power, emotion, and performance, not small-engine commuters.
This stance may seem surprising in a world where many automotive giants diversify to capture broader markets, especially in Asia and Europe, where scooters dominate city streets. But Ducati has always been more than just a manufacturer; it’s a storyteller of speed and spirit. Rather than chasing volume or trends, the brand has consistently chosen to refine its identity through models like the Scrambler, which debuted shortly after Domenicali’s statement. It was Ducati’s way of blending modern creativity with heritage, proving that innovation doesn’t always mean following the crowd — sometimes it means redefining your own path.
Long before this modern decision, Ducati had already explored the scooter realm during the golden era of post-war Italy. Back in 1952, the company unveiled the Ducati Cruiser 175 at the Milan Motorcycle Show. It wasn’t just another scooter; it was revolutionary. The Cruiser featured a four-stroke engine and a continuously variable transmission — a rare combination at a time when most competitors, like Vespa and Lambretta, relied on two-stroke engines and manual gear shifts. Capable of producing 7.5 horsepower and reaching a top speed of 50 km/h (31 mph), it was one of the most advanced “twist-and-go” machines of its generation.
Despite its engineering brilliance, the Cruiser 175 struggled to find an audience. Italian buyers of the 1950s were drawn to the affordability and simplicity of Vespa and Lambretta, leaving Ducati’s technically superior but pricier scooter without a market foothold. Production ended in 1954 after just about a thousand units — a small yet fascinating footnote in Ducati’s long and passionate history.
A decade later, in 1963, Ducati gave scooters another try. This time, they teamed up with renowned designer Gio Ponti, famous for shaping the Fiat 600, to create the Brio. Unveiled at the Milan Exhibition, the Briocame in two versions — 48 cc and 80 cc — and was designed to offer smooth, efficient mobility. It could cover up to 220 kilometers (about 137 miles) on a single tank while cruising at around 40 km/h (25 mph). In Bologna, a special 100 cc versioneven served in the city’s traffic police fleet before being replaced bya more refined 50 cc model with a 49.6 cc engine. The Brio embodied style and practicality, yet, much like its predecessor, it never became a mainstream success.
Gio Ponti, a designer of Ducati Brio. (Picture from: DesignItaly)
Looking at Ducati’s modern philosophy, it’s easy to see why the brand chose not to revisit scooters again. In an era where many manufacturers are embracing electric and hybrid technologies to appeal to urban riders, Ducati remains loyal to its identity — powerful motorcycles that stir emotion rather than convenience. Its focus is on pushing the limits of performance, exploring new markets for high-capacity bikes, and infusing advanced engineering with Italian artistry.
There’s something admirable about that conviction. Ducati’s refusal to chase every possible market segment reflects a deeper understanding of what makes its brand iconic. While a Ducati scooter might have turned heads in the city streets, it would never evoke the same thrill as the rumble of a Monster, the elegance of a Panigale, or the freedom of a Multistrada. The company’s history with scooters may be short-lived, but it adds an unexpected depth to the legend — a reminder that even visionaries must sometimes let go of good ideas to protect great ones.
And so, the story of the Ducati scooter lives on not as a symbol of what could have been, but as a testament to knowing one’s true identity. Ducati, in choosing to keep its gaze fixed on the open road rather than the city square, continues to prove that passion — not practicality — is what drives greatness.
Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of two-wheeled monster and stay alive with the true safety riding. May God will forgive Your sins and so does the cops...... *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | DESIGNITALY |SCOOTERFILE | AUTOEVOLUTION | SCOOTERNET.GR ]
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And so, the story of the Ducati scooter lives on not as a symbol of what could have been, but as a testament to knowing one’s true identity. Ducati, in choosing to keep its gaze fixed on the open road rather than the city square, continues to prove that passion — not practicality — is what drives greatness.
