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jasoncala... jasoncala...
 
M$2 February 10, 2009 12:43 AM

Best electric scooter?

I want to get an electric scooter to combine with my Tesla Roadster--which one should I get?

Inspired by this post: http://www.supereco.com/news/2009/02/07/6-reasons-you-need-an-electric-scooter/
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dattappan dattappan
 
 February 10, 2009 12:50 AM
Vectrix VX-1 :
The 2009 Vectrix VX-1 is a redesigned version of the Vectrix Personal Electric Vehicle with new graphics, four vibrant colors and new accessories. Who knew that doing the right thing could be this much silly-grin, yee-ha fun?

The VX-1 is a powerful, all-electric, all-highway-capable Personal Electric Vehicle that goes 62 mph, has a range of 35-55 miles, and does it all for about a penny a mile. Motorcyclist Magazine said:

"It's smooth, it's quiet, it's clean and it's all-electric. It's also a fully realized, beautifully engineered way to laugh past every gas station..."

Source(s):
http://www.autobloggreen.com/tag/vectrix+vx-1e/
http://greenhome.huddler.com/products/vectrix-electric-maxi-scooter/reviews



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Other Answers (11)

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rossmort rossmort
 
February 10, 2009 12:49 AM
I saw one tonight at Costco that seemed to be really solid. It looked very similar to the picture you posted and had all the necessities - Lights/Turn signals/horn/etc., but it's not on costco.com, so ymmv.

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c.k. c.k.
 
February 10, 2009 12:51 AM
It's not pure electric, but Piaggio recently announced a new hybrid version of their 3-wheeled scooters. WANT
Source(s):
http://blog.wired.com/cars/2008/11/piaggio-unveils.html


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flexdaddy flexdaddy
 
February 10, 2009 12:51 AM
The rMOTO
Source(s):
http://robrady.com/vsb.html


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cyber34 cyber34
 
February 10, 2009 12:53 AM
There are plenty of websites that list many electric scooters and all their merits (a few linked below) so you can see what different websites think of them.

After reading them a bit, and looking at pictures, I the Vectrix 2009 VX-1 would be a sound choice (and a stylish one I might add).

Source(s):
http://www.metaefficient.com/electric-bikes/the-best-electric-scooters-of-2...
http://www.treehugger.com/files/2008/06/7-best-electric-scooters-prototypes...
http://www.zoomilife.com/tag/best-electric-scooter/


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dmann dmann
 
February 10, 2009 01:05 AM
which ever one you get, get a HELMET!

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imsoronry imsoronry
 
February 10, 2009 01:28 AM
cnet called the vectrix the "tesla" of scooters. So might as well keep it in the family.http://news.cnet.com/1606-2_3-6185000.html
Source(s):
cnet


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easyeboy easyeboy
 
February 10, 2009 01:30 AM
I used to own a Zap Bike when I was in college. In memory of my Zap, I would go with the Zapino, but that's just because I was an early adopter 12 years ago when Zap just started. It's my belief Zap must make them better nowadays than they did when they first started. Be sure to be careful, as scooters are not the easiest to ride if it's your first time, and in my humble opinion, the Tesla would be the method of transportation of choice, and the Zapino would just be something fun. If they have something more enclosed, I'd recommend that as well, but this one seems to match the picture up there. Although electric scooters are not as fast as the Tesla, it certainly is something to enjoy riding on a warm day when you'd like to catch a nice breeze, or when you have a commute that is not far.

Filling the gaps between Point A to Point B transportation, ZAP has finally found the middle road. The new Zapino Electric Scooter is a great link between ZAP's personal transporters and electric cars. Not only economical and non-pollutant, the Zapino Electric Scooter is also powerful with an advanced 3000-watt brushless DC hub motor, perfect for city commuting. Able to reach speeds of about 30 mph, you will be able to keep up with city traffic without contributing to city pollution.

The hub motor in the rear wheel creates more room on-board for additional batteries, greater functionality and performance. This eliminates the need for belts, or chains, resulting in a more enjoyable ride with less vibration and noise, and a smoother acceleration while reducing overall maintenance.

Motor: 3000W Super efficient brushless hub motor
Max Torque: 120NM/900RPM
Max Speed: about 30 mph
Range: up to 30 miles each charge*
Brake: Rear and front disc
Weight Limit: 280 lbs.
Battery: 60V 38AH Batteries
Net Weight: 297lbs (includes battery)
Optional Upgrade: 60v 40AH Lithium battery; up to 65 mile range
Climbing ability: 25% grade with 177lb rider*
Intelligent Controller and DBI-digital
3000 peak watts, 60 volts
This is the most powerful electric scooter in its class

http://www.zapworld.com/files/Updated%20content/Zapino_solo_left.jpg
Source(s):
http://www.zapworld.com/electric-vehicles/electric-scooters/zapino-electric...


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davepamn davepamn
 
February 10, 2009 04:23 AM
Bravo EVT-4000e
2009 Models feature more efficient Brushless Motor
Electric Power – Skip the Gas Pump
Clean, Quiet and Smart
Simple Power – Plugs into any standard household outlet. Takes only a few hours to charge.
Practical Range - Up to 35 miles per charge with a maximum speed of 30 mph.

EVT 168
EVT-168, Z-20, Z20, ...
168 Category: Electric Motor Driven Cycle Body: Retro Top Speed: 30 Miles Per Hour (50 KPH) Range: 25 to 35 Miles (42 to 58 Km) W/out Recharging Motor: 1500-Watts 48-Volt
Source(s):
http://mrgreenbiz.wordpress.com/2008/10/05/the-best-electric-scooters-of-20...

The Best Electric Scooters Of 2008: A Review

http://www.a2bscooters.com/elve.html
A2B Scooters

http://travelectro.com/electric-motorbikes.html
TRAVELECTRO

http://www.goldengateveloteq.com/Scooter_Style_Ebikes.html
Golden Gate Veloteq

http://www.electricgreenshowroom.com/zapino.htm
Zapino Electric Scooter

http://www.greenwheelinscooters.com/details3.asp?id=26
X-treme XM3500Li Electric Moped

http://www.zeroemotor.com/electric-scooters.html
Zero Emissions Motors

http://www.thescooterfamily.com/electric-bikes/
The Scooter Family

http://www.free-press-release.com/news/200815/1218815778.html
Electric Vehicles Welcomes Motorworks Clean Vehicles as a New Authorized Dealer

http://www.reviewcentre.com/reviews61316.html
EVT 168


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emailuser4... emailuser4...
 
February 10, 2009 09:04 AM
If I had to pick an electric scooter between what I saw on the web and the answers I would pick C.K.'s selection for the simple reason that it would be more stable to ride. That may not seem such an important feature but if you can avoid some falls you will appreciate it very much after you have experienced one or more. I met someone who fell many times - mind you it was a used motorcycle and they go a bit faster than scooters I think, and one time their leather jacket prevented them from having to graft some flesh onto the bone as the jacket sleeves completely wore away on the pavement leaving just nasty burns on their skin and maybe saved their life also (yes they were wearing a helmet with a face guard). Riding bikes was a lifestyle choice for them regardless of the danger as they were a risk taker so they explained, but after that bad accident admitted they would gladly drive a car instead but did not have the money to get one and would rather continue with the risk than stay at home. I met another ex-scooter rider in a rural area who did quit riding a scooter because cars kept forcing them off of the road when they could not keep up with the speed of the cars and they kept falling on the gravel shoulder of the road because it was too uneven to drive on, so it was too dangerous for them to continue. Depends on where you have to drive I guess. They ended up using public transit instead.

On that cheery note - included a link to a store that specializes in safety scooter technical wear as leather may be too hot to wear yearround and other links for accessories like helmets, knee and elbow pads etc. but your local high quality store supporting the scooter/bike market may have more appropriate attire and expertise to recommend what is best for you. Below, the California police seemed very pleased with a particular scooter model so that may be worth checking out.

What about an electric bike instead of /or in addition to a scooter? A bike will fit in a car... a scooter won't. The one illustrated below is an electric assist bike that you power with an assist from electricity so may not regularly go at such high speeds.
Mahalo pages features one kind of electric bike but there are many others available too.
http://www.mahalo.com/Electrobike_Pi
One of many electric bike and scooter sources with links to choosing them and legislation
http://www.iloveebikes.com/
Four Rules for Choosing an Electric Bike or Scooter motherearthnews.com
http://www.motherearthnews.com/Green-Transportation/2007-02-01/Four-Rules-for-Choosing-an-Electric-Bike-or-Scooter.aspx
To expand on dmann's suggestion included are some links for helmets and protective riding gear.

Calif. police buy electric scooters
http://www.policeone.com/police-products/vehicles/personal-transportation/articles/1767601-Calif-police-buy-electric-scooters/

Universal Helmet Safety Standards
Scooter Safety From the Consumer Product Safety Alert
http://www.mth.org/scooter.html
http://helmetsup.com/universal-helmet-safety-standards-i-18.html
Helmet School
http://helmetsup.com/helmet-school-i-15.html
Helmets for all purposes at helmetsup.com
http://helmetsup.com/motorcycle-helmets-c-21.html
Helmets, gear, accessories at motorcycle-superstore.com
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/5/DVG/Scooter.aspx

Corazzo Designed for Riders. By Riders
Technical riding gear CE rated for impact protection and increased visibility.
http://www.corazzo.net/?q=node/112
http://www.corazzo.net/?q=node/4
California dealers carrying Corazzo - they recommend buying in-store
http://corazzo.net/?q=node/114

Laws Concerning Electric Scooters
http://www.electricscooteroutlet.com/law.php
Links to State Departments of Motor Vehicles
http://www.dmv-department-of-motor-vehicles.com/

Electric scooter articles
Choosing the right electric scooter etc.
http://nycewheels.com/articles-scooters.html

Electric bike articles
EG. Is an electric bike appropriate for me? etc.
http://nycewheels.com/articles-electric-bikes.html

What about one of these? A Schwinn Tailwind Electric Assist Bike
They don't take up much room on the road, you get more exercise,
they cost less, are more portable, and also look great
Creative Commons by richardmasoner
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bike/3248155037/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bike/3250195179/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bike/3237014263/
Source(s):
http://www.mahalo.com/Electrobike_Pi
http://www.iloveebikes.com/
http://www.motherearthnews.com/Green-Transportation/2007-02-01/Four-Rules-f... http://www.policeone.com/police-products/vehicles/personal-transportation/a... http://www.mth.org/scooter.html
http://helmetsup.com/universal-helmet-safety-standards-i-18.html http://helmetsup.com/helmet-school-i-15.html http://helmetsup.com/motorcycle-helmets-c-21.html
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/5/DVG/Scooter.aspx http://www.corazzo.net/?q=node/112
http://www.corazzo.net/?q=node/4
http://corazzo.net/?q=node/114 http://www.electricscooteroutlet.com/law.php
http://www.dmv-department-of-motor-vehicles.com/ http://nycewheels.com/articles-scooters.html http://nycewheels.com/articles-electric-bikes.html


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emailuser4... emailuser4...
 
February 10, 2009 10:22 AM - New Source
CES quick look: Fast-charging electric bike
"Schwinn says it's the worlds fastest charging, longest-life and safest electric bike available."
http://blogs.usatoday.com/technologylive/electronics/index.html

UK safety video. DO THE TEST. (why cars don't see bikes on the road)
http://illowacyclecenter.com/?p=58

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emailuser4... emailuser4...
 
February 10, 2009 11:11 AM
Looked but could not find - electric scooter crash tests like they do for cars.
But found this page of crash tests for the BMW C1 which I assume is not electric.
From the pictures, I might forget to get any scooter or bike if it will be driven near cars and get one of these instead.......how much is keeping your life worth?
http://www.bmwc1club.com/ENGnotizie.html

Motorcycle Safety Statistics: Crash, Fatal Bike Accidents
http://www.motorcycle-accidents.com/pages/stats.html

Motorcycle Safety webbikeworld.com
http://www.webbikeworld.com/Motorcycle-Safety/safetypage.htm

Scooters: Consumer Reports Road Tests
"There's a high probability of serious injury with motorcycles. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2006 motorcyclists were about 37 times more likely to die in a crash per driven mile than someone riding in a passenger car."

"Scooters and motorcycles require different skills to operate than cars and provide nowhere near the safety of even the smallest car."

"To minimize risk, professional instruction is a must for new riders, as is protective gear."
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/magazine-archive/march-2009/cars/scooters-and-motorcycles/overview/scooters-and-motorcycles-ov.htm?resultPageIndex=1&resultIndex;=4&searchTerm;=scooters

Protective gear for riding scooters and motorcycles Consumer reports
"The helmet should be a full-face design that's approved by the Department of Transportation."

"Even low-speed spills can cause painful "road rash." So it's critical to wear a leather or other reinforced jacket as well as gloves, full pants, and secure footwear, even in summer."
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/magazine-archive/march-2009/cars/scooters-and-motorcycles/protective-gear/scooters-and-motorcycles-protective-gear.htm

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emailuser4... emailuser4...
 
February 10, 2009 08:18 PM - New Source
Unfortunately, they don't make the CS 125 or 200 anymore, looks like you can only get them used. The good news is that rumors seem to indicate that BMW may make an even better model that is even safer with three wheels in the future. Perhaps, like the Smart Car with excellent crash ratings which is now planned for electric production - that model too will eventually come out in an electric model. So the short term answer is the best electric scooter would be one that incorporates the safety features of the BMW C1 as safety is number one for me and perhaps preferred by family members, and the long term answer may be their rumored new product when it comes out in an electric version. So, my short term suggestion would be the electric scooter recommended by C.K. and the Schwinn electric bike only if driven on even surfaces with no car traffic until BMW comes out with a newer three wheeled even safer scooter that may eventually have an electric version - unless you are willing to buy a non-electric but efficient used C1, import it and convert it to U.S. safety standards, there seem to be 2 models, the 125 and 200 and I noticed people liking the 200 better with more power. Not sure which one is in the photo below, but it looks nifty. Not what I was expecting to find. Other links that I found below that still may be of interest re the C 1.

BMW considering a 3-wheeler, large scooters
"Featuring a full roof, roll bars and seat belts along with ABS brakes, BMW claimed that C1 riders were safe enough that they did not need to wear a helmet. Unfortunately, though, not everyone agreed and low sales numbers resulted in the innovative machine's cancellation in 2002. Now, BMW is said to be considering a three-wheeled machine, which could allay some of the safety fears which ultimately led to the demise of the C1."
..." low sales numbers resulted in the innovative machine's cancellation in 2002."
http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/06/bmw-considering-a-3-wheeler-large-scooters/

BMW C1 Wikipedia page
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_C1

BMW C1 America
"In case you haven’t ever heard of the C1, it’s a revolutionary motorcycle/scooter that was years ahead of its time. BMW designed the C1 to be the first motorcycle designed with both low-emissions, and safety standards in mind. The C1 is the first motorcycle to feature dual-seatbelts, a windshield, and a roof.
Because of these design changes, the C1 has impact resistance on-par with that of a small car."
"Earlier this month, the Department of Transportation (DOT) certified the C1 as being import-able to the United States. That means that now, for the first time, you can import a C1 and have it converted to be legal to drive in the United States."
http://www.bmwc1usa.com/

BMW World C1
"Why is it so safe? The driver is protected by shoulder height protective bars, an impact absorbing front wheel guard and a rigid aluminum roll-over cage. The C1 thus incorporates a car-style safety cell, formed by its aluminum "space frame" and roof struts. The C1 is fitted with twin seat-belts in a "cross your heart" fashion to keep the rider safely inside the vehicle."
http://www.usautoparts.net/bmw/models/concepts/c1.htm

BMW C1 Owners Forum & Website
"This forum offers owners the opportunity to exchange ideas with over 1,250 registered members. Whether you are an owner, prospective owner or merely interested in this weird and wonderful vehicle, you are more than welcome. Find out what real owners and users of the BMW C1 really think about it."
http://www.c1forum.co.uk/

Talk:BMW C1 Wikipedia Reasons for Failure in the UK
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:BMW_C1
http://www.flickr.com/photos/11298718@N02/1222195347

Creative Commons by Tavallai
http://www.flickr.com/photos/54201263@N00/1571430997

Creative Commons by WorldWideMotorcycles
http://www.flickr.com/photos/11298718@N02/1222195917

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murci murci
 
February 10, 2009 02:13 PM
All you are seeking can be found at falconev.com
Source(s):
www.falconev.com


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domenick domenick
 
February 10, 2009 07:40 PM
Since it's Jason asking, I have to say "You have out-grown scooters my friend. What you need is an electric motorcycle." In that spirit, I suggest the Zero S that will be unveiled by the end of the month and available later this year. ( http://www.zeromotorcycles.com/zero-s.php ) Of course the Brammo is pretty sweet looking and is supposed to officially launch this quarter. ( http://www.enertiabike.com/component/option,com_contentform/Itemid,36/&Itemid;=35 ) Being a Tesla guy though, my numero uno choice for you would be the just revealed Mission One built by ex-Tesla employees and much faster than your pretty Roadster. ( http://www.ridemission.com )
Source(s):
http://www.zeromotorcycles.com
http://www.enertiabike.com
http://www.ridemission.com
http://www.autobloggreen.com/bloggers/domenick-yoney/


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