Piaggio
New Wave

A new chapter in iconic urban mobility.

Development of the design language of a luxury residential truck

Project background

The Chao concept is a reflection on the evolving landscape of micromobility, rooted in the legacy of the Vespa Ciao moped. Our intention was not to reproduce the past, but to reinterpret it: what would an entry-level yet characterful Piaggio vehicle look like in today’s urban mobility context?

Throughout Piaggio’s history, a wide spectrum of lightweight mobility solutions has always been present — a category that becomes particularly relevant again with the spread of electric technology. Quiet, clean, and easy to use, electric propulsion provides an ideal foundation for vehicles like the Chao, positioned at the intersection of a bicycle, a moped, and a scooter.
solution

The exterior design of the residential truck was designed in line with the Dembell team's creed, brand strategy and thoughtful technical innovations. We designed a sophisticated, timeless look that reflects Dembell's vision of creating the world's first luxury inland yacht — completely unknown in the world of motorhomes

The product design won the renowned Red Dot design award in 2022 and 2023.

motorhome photos: Péter Mosoni
Production photos: Csaba Villányi
visuals: Ustory Design Studio

Proportions

Two main sources of inspiration guided the definition of its character. The proportions of the original Ciao — the minimalist frame structure, the pronounced rear section, and the compact wheelbase — established the core dimensions and the visual center of gravity of the vehicle. The rear was intentionally designed to feel compact and mechanical, emphasizing the relationship between the drive unit and the wheel.

At the front, however, we moved away from the original handlebar form reminiscent of a camping bicycle. Instead, we took inspiration from the iconic vertically structured front section of Vespa scooters, translated into a narrower and proportionally reduced form. The long, pronounced steering column is not merely a visual element; it acts as a structural spine that allows the integration of accessories such as a larger front basket or modular storage solutions.
package rack
range extender
The New Wave concept represents a contemporary reinterpretation of Piaggio’s historical approach to mobility. The brand has always operated across the full spectrum of urban vehicles — from lightweight mopeds to scooters and utility vehicles. In the electric era, this mindset opens new opportunities to expand the micromobility product portfolio. New Wave explores one possible direction for this future: a family of lightweight, characterful vehicles that redefines Piaggio’s role within the broader ecosystem of urban mobility.

Teher nélkül, egész nap

The cargo box is sized and shaped to safely carry a small child.The open view, low center of gravity, and lockable cover together ensure stability, comfort, and protection in everyday city use.
A playful steering wheel inside the cargo area allows children to experience the joy of motion while riding.This small detail adds emotional value to the design, creating a subtle connection between the vehicle and its passenger.
The body shape and optional weather cover are designed to adapt to changing conditions.The forward-leaning front section channels rainwater away, while the cover keeps the cargo or passenger dry even in wet weather.
Design without compromise.
In developing its motorhomes, Dembell follows a completely new design philosophy within the industry. Design—including brand building—is treated on an equal footing with engineering, approached in a holistic manner. As a result, we were able to create a sophisticated, high-quality appearance down to the finest details with minimal compromises.