Zoomi Life

As with our electric car picks for 2008, of top electric scooter picks are all available in the USA now or will be in 2009 and are top picks for various reasons: design, capability, innovation, etc. Most of you know by now that scooters are one of my least favorite things, but there are an amazing number of them on the EV market and they seem to be popular as commuters and all-around “get around” machines.

We narrowed the picks and left the best electric scooters by cutting out all that aren’t commuters, per se, and are really just glorified toys. So you won’t see any modified Razors or skateboards with handlebars on this list. You will see one and two passenger scooters and mopeds, though.

#1 – Piaggio MP3 Hybrid

Availability: 2009
Price: TBD

The Piaggio MP3 Hybrid is the only one on this list that’s not all-electric, but it won out purely on design and innovation. It’s 3-wheeled design, amazing engineering that allows a 40-degree tilt to either side, maximum stability (and safety) and extreme performance, all pushed it to the top of this list. Available world-wide next year, including here in the USA, this one will be hard to beat.

#2 – Vectrix VX-1

Availability: Now
Price: $10,495

While not a lot of change and innovation took place with the Vectrix VX-1 for the 2009 model, it’s one that already looks good, has great performance, and is tried-and-true on American streets. A name change and a paint job make this electric moped different from its predecessors, with performance and reliability already tested. New models, like the VX-1e and VX-2 will also be available next year, but are basically dumbed-down versions of this number two pick.

#3 – Zero Emission Motors Bolt

Availability: Now
Price: $1,645

Not the most stylish moped on the market, maybe, but the Zero Emission Motors Bolt electric scooter is a reliable performer with great characteristics. Aimed at a market that looks for affordability as part of their main requirements for an EV commuter, this model definitely delivers great performance for value. We were most impressed with the range and speed capabilities of this little goer.

#4 – Zuumer Electric Scooter

Availability: January 2009
Price: $2,195

I know I said I wouldn’t include any glorified skateboards on this list, but the Zuumer electric scooter is just too cool to skip. This one, though, is technically a glorified SNOWboard, so it sneaks past that little roadblock. There’s no other words to describe this one other than “cool” and “fun as hell.” The Zuumer is probably the most innovative scooter on this list as far as an enjoyable ride goes. Anyone who tries one will become addicted. Ask our editor, Sebastian. He’s waiting impatiently for his.

#5 – ZAP’s Zapino

Availability: Now
Price: $3,500

The Zapino is not the most stylish or most innovative scooter on the market, sure, but definitely one of the most popular and affordable. That puts the Zapino on our list, since not only are these well-tested, but they are also consistently popular. Their low price tag and decent performance are what make them the favorite for many EV buyers.