Not all Ciao Piaggio are the same. Although the style is unmistakable, under the paintwork there are important differences between the frames of the different series. Ambra Italia has divided the Ciao series into two main families: SC (older) and PX (newer). These families have some construction variations that it is essential to know before proceeding with the transformation into an e-bike.

In this article we analyze the most relevant differences between the two models and explain how they affect the installation of the Ambra Italia Kit, to ensure a personalized and safe transformation on your Ciao.

 Frame and initial preparation

The general structure of the frame is similar in the two families, but significant differences emerge already in the preparation phase:

• Spool housing: some older series of the SC family do not have the coil housing on the left side of the frame, which is present in the most recent versions of the same SC and PX families.

In these cases, the milling provided on the frame to remove the housing (indicated in I.O.001) cannot be carried out, because the frame does not have the depression for the reel. It is therefore necessary to mill the left part of the frame directly, in correspondence with the cable grommet hole on the reinforcement side supplied with the Kit. This alternative procedure is described in detail in Appendix 1 of I.O.001.

Reinforcement sides: beware of the restraint seats.

The steel sides — key components for reinforcing the frame and ensuring a secure fit — maintain the same overall shape for the SC and PX, but differ in one crucial technical detail:

• The seat for the retention of the right plastic side panel (the plastic aesthetic cover) is located:
  • in the forward position in PX frames.
  • in the rearward position in SC frames.

For this reason, Ambra Italia has created two different versions of the right reinforcement side, each with specific holes for its series.

Horn: different model and mounting

Another important distinction concerns the horn and its mounting system. The horn supplied with the Kit is different for the SC and PX series, and the installation methods also change:

• In PX frames, the headlight body is equipped with a subframe on which the new horn is attached with silicone, before screwing the entire assembly to the headlight. In some models, this frame is replaced by a steel spring that keeps the horn in position: in this case the mounting has small variations but is still compatible.
• In SC frames, the light body already has holes for direct horn attachment. The horn supplied must therefore be drilled manually in the positions indicated by the instructions, to allow it to be correctly assembled.

Practical advice

When you want to order an Ambra Italia Kit to transform your Ciao, the first step is to precisely identify the series of the frame (SC or PX). We always recommend having a direct technical interview with Ambra Italia managers, to check the characteristics of your vehicle and order the most suitable kit.

In this way, it will be possible to carry out the assembly correctly, following the appropriate instructions and using the right components, avoiding errors or complications that could compromise the transformation.