This testimony is part of the column "The world through the Ciao: the stories of our customers", in which we collect authentic experiences of those who have chosen to transform their historic moped into an e-bike with the Ambra Italia kit. Michele, from Trieste, tells us about his experience, between technical satisfaction and small trips on two wheels to discover new landscapes.

My name is Michele, and I live in Trieste. I have always had a special bond with my Ciao. It is a vehicle over fifty years old, in excellent condition, and which now also represents a piece of my personal history. When I discovered the possibility of transforming it into an e-bike, I had no doubts: it was the perfect opportunity to put it back on the road, but in a modern way.

I brought my Ciao to Rufina, in the Master workshop of Ambra Italia, "La Strana Officina". In just 15 days they have done an extraordinary job: the result is a vehicle that seems to have left the factory yesterday, but which today moves in silence and without emissions. In just over twenty days I have already covered 260 km.

I use my Ciao e-bike in my free time, to ride around town or on cycle paths. What I appreciate most is the feeling of lightness while driving: on the flat and on not too demanding climbs, no effort is needed to go on. The electric assistance does all its job, making every journey smooth and enjoyable.

One of the most beautiful experiences I had was just a few days ago, during a ride on the cycle path "Between sea and Karst", in Trieste. I left home around 5 p.m., crossing some urban stretch to reach the beginning of the trail. The first part, slightly uphill, is paved; then, halfway along the route, a well-maintained, compact, very smooth dirt road begins. I maintained a constant speed of 18-20 km/h, with the motor set to level 3 (out of 5). No effort, just pleasure.

The landscape is spectacular: woods interspersed with views of the city, shady stretches and others completely exposed to the sun. Every now and then you stop for a photo, to breathe the air of the Karst, to enjoy the silence. From certain points you can see Trieste from above, at about 500 meters above sea level.

Along the way you cross tunnels, cross pedestrians, other cyclists and, surprisingly, even some animals: two ponies, some goats and a small deer that crossed the track right in front of me. This leads to the border with Slovenia. There the track becomes less cared for, and I decided to go back.

The descent, on the way back, was a real delight, without even pedaling. The Ciao glided silently through the trees, and the only sound was that of the tires sliding on the ground. In all, I covered about 27 km, in two hours, consuming only half of the battery.

This experience confirmed to me how apt the choice to transform my old Ciao was. It's not just a technical or functional issue: it's the feeling of bringing something into the present that meant so much in the past. A historic vehicle, which returns to the forefront — but this time, in full respect of the environment, with the taste of a slower, more aware, more personal mobility.