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 scooter 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.

The new Bolt Electric Scooter from Zero Emission Motors is the newest edition to their lineup of 1,500watt Electric Scooters. We last caught up with the guys at Zero Emission Motors when they released a similarly named the Volt Electric Scooter.  The Volt was the first electric scooter, that I know of, in the price range, to achieve its’ top speed/range numbers.

The Bolt electric scooter is powered by a 1,500 Watt / 48 Volt Brushless Motor. The larger motor helps when driving up hills with heavy loads. It falls in the mid-range category of electric scooters/mopeds between the low power electric scooters (<1000W) and the higher-power freeway legal Vectrix. With a powerful 1500 watt motor, it scoots out faster from a stop and goes faster (45 MPH) than most other electric mopeds/scooters in its’ class. It has also been tested to give you a range of 30 miles on a single charge.

We found that the Bolt has a compact design that is meant for riders of short to average height. For riders with longer legs, Zero Emission Motors recommends the Volt instead because of increased legroom. Non-slip rubber floor mat is great in all weather conditions. It is available in Silver, Black, Red, Blue, and Maroon and retails for $1,595 plus $150 shipping to any 48 Continental United States.

Zero Emission Motors is also offering the Volt & Bolt in two holiday packages with a full-sized helmet, scooter cover, and magnetic u-lock. Packages start at $1545. They are now also offering a limited time holiday discount to all ZoomiLife readers. Five percent (5%) off their entire store, including all electric scooters, bikes, mopeds and accessories. Just enter the coupon code Z654422 under Coupon Code / Promotional Code in the store checkout.

In motor vehicles, whether they be electric or gasoline powered, or halfway between, there’s a basic understanding among manufacturers: if you don’t have anything to ad, repaint it and call it “new” anyway, so you can market it to the masses.

Such is the case with Vectrix’s new 2009 series. Not that this is a bad thing. The scooters (which look like motorcycles, as I mentioned in an article not long ago) are basically good how they are and don’t need much change anyway. They changed the name (from MaxiScooter to VX-1) and that’s about it.

The great machines still go up to 62mph and do 0-50 in 7 seconds. They still have the same great display, easy ride, and good performance. Otherwise, the only new addition will be two new models.

Oh wait, that’s a big addition. Well, OK, sort of. The first is the VX-1e, which will be available around Spring 2009 that is basically a standard VX-1 with slower top speeds and acceleration and a lower price tag to go with that. Sort of the “dumbed down” version of the regular edition.

The other is the VX-2, which is a much smaller version with much less power (equivalent to 50cc) and size, expected to appeal to the lower end of the market and short distance commuters. This one should be available by Summer.

Vectrix saw a lot of growth this year, with their dealership distribution network growing from 38 to 160 dealers and sales growth of 156%. Good news for the otherwise dismal industry!

Source: AutoblogGreen.com

Piaggio makes unique scooters, to say the least, that utilize 3-wheeled designs. Unfortunately, Piaggio decided to name this machine the MP3, which their marketers failed to tell them would instantly make it seem less hip as it tries to rip off the popular music format’s household status.

When I tell you I’m riding an MP3, you’ll assume I’m using a creative euphemism for listening to a song. No one thinks of scooters when they hear “MP3.” If you see a scooter and someone tells you it’s called an “MP3,” you’ll just shake your head and say “what a stupid name.”

Other than the lame name, though, these scooters do have a lot of great technology behind them. Stuff you don’t see, like the great engineering that allows it to tilt 40 degrees to either side, allowing for motorcycle-style turning without fear of spilling.

This plug-in hybrid can move around too, doing a reported 0-60 in 5 seconds. That’s impressive. It charges to full in about three hours, travels 13 miles on batteries alone (about the average one-way commute) and utilizes regenerative braking. The little 125cc motor can charge the batteries even while underway at top speed.  All told, the Piaggio MP3 gets about 141 MPG.

This stylin’ machine will be out next year, worldwide. Check out the Piaggio USA website for more information.

Better Place, based in Palo Alto, California, has announced deals with both the State of California and the State of Oregon to install a network of electric car power stations throughout both states. These should be ready to go by 2012, which is when most experts are predicting that population centers in those states will have a large population of electric vehicles (all electrics, hybrid-electrics, commuters, etc.).

These are to be done through partnerships with Nissan, Coulomb Technologies, and individual city and county governments and business groups. This couples with the announcement by Nissan that they will be releasing their first electric car in Oregon in 2010.

How It Works

The stations will be similar to those that Better Place is doing in Australia, which we covered here at Zoomilife just a short while ago. Rates have not been announced, but the price will be less than the equivalent amount of gasoline (in energy) and the power sources will focus at least partially on renewable resources (wind, solar, etc.).

Many stations, especially along highways or in cities near commute points such as office and industrial zones, will also have “battery swap points” where owners of Nissan cars can swap their EV’s cells with freshly-charged ones or use a charge-while-you-wait service. Nissan has technologies to charge their vehicles with special charging stations at very fast rates.

Both systems will be part of subscription services or one-time-pay offerings, depending on what the driver opts for. Those who commute regularly will likely be interested in buying a subscription to discounted use of the charging stations, for example, while those who drive longer distances may have more interest in the battery-swap and charging station combination. Rental car agencies may also offer EVs and include pre-paid charging cards or other incentives as part of the rental.

Not to leave out traditional service and gas stations, Coulomb Technologies has announced that, for their part, they will be utilizing existing gas stations, service stations, travel stops, etc. as the focus of their electric vehicle charging units. They currently have agreements with 40 locations and the list is growing.

In California

Targeting the San Francisco Bay area, Sacramento, Los Angeles, San Diego, and the highway and freeway corridors between them, Better Place plans to have curbside charging stations similar to parking meters set up throughout these and nearby cities. These will function similarly to the stations they’ve announced for Australia.

The Governator is very excited about this and took the opportunity at a press conference to tout his state’s leadership in environmental issues. Interesting, coming from a multi-millionaire who drives a Hummer and a bulletproof limousine.

Governors and city councils of various towns and cities in California have made a push to institute policies that give incentive to employers and parking facilities to install EV charging stations. They’ve also pushed to create an expedited process for the permitting and installation certification of those stations in homes, businesses, parking lots, etc. “Expedited,” remember, has a different definition for government, so no word yet on what that will really equate to.

Those are just a few of the long list of things the various city and county governments have proposed or promised in relation to this.

In Oregon

At the LA Auto Show on November 20, 2008, Carlos Ghosn, CEO of Nissan-Renault, announced the partnership with the State of Oregon to build a charging network for EVs. He also announced that Nissan’s first electric to hit American shores will debut in Oregon in 2010. Their entire lineup of zero-emission electrics will be available world-wide by 2012.

The partnership in Oregon involves Better Place, Nissan, and Portland General Electric. Oregon has also announced a $5,000 tax credit towards the purchase of any all-electric car. Oregon’s Department of Transportation has also committed themselves to maintaining and operating the infrastructure the state owns or provides.

The charging stations and other facilities will center first around the Portland area, but will eventually include the entire I-5 corridor to link up with California’s infrastructure in the future. No definite plans were given as to time frames, though the Portland-area plans are targeted for 2012 rollout.

Oregon’s plans are more state-focused, as opposed to California’s more municipal focus.

Sources:1, 2

If you prefer traditional, but more modern-styled scooters, then the Zapino electric scooter will appeal to you for sure. For the urban or close suburban commuter, the around-towner, or people who need a small, low-cost get-arounder for their RV or similar use, it’s hard to beat the Zapino. And for the ladies out there? It’s available in pink! Sold yet?

OK, let’s look at some specifications and information on this neat little ride. First, it’s rear-wheel driven and the motor is mounted directly adjacent to the wheel, so no long belts or chains—this means less vibration, less maintenance, etc.

To me, though, the machine has two big selling points: the $3,500 price tag and the 30mph/30 mile speed and range. That and it’s relative light weight (less than 300 pounds) make it a good option for those who need something small, usable, and that has enough storage space/capacity to make it a realistic errand runner.

Here’s a couple of other specs that will probably decide it for you, one way or another:

• Motor: 3000W brushless, 60V
• Controller: DBI (digital battery indicator)
• Brakes: front-rear disc
• Batteries: 60V lead-acid (optional Li-Ion available)
• Range: 30 miles (optional batteries boost this to 65)
• Weight Limit: 280 lbs.

The Zapino is a big step up from the line of scooters ZAP has been offering thus far. Building on their kiddie-scooters-with-motors background, ZAP introduced the Zappy 3 Pro, which wasn’t much of a leap forward from earlier models. The Zapino, however, is a big jump ahead and a whole new market for this company. Given it’s relatively cheap price tag for what it’s offering, I expect these to get fairly popular.

These little get-abouts come in five colors: black, red, lime green, sky blue, and the aforementioned pink. I’d probably be on their website buying one right now if it also came with ape-hanger handlebars. Seriously.

Check out a short video of the Zapino electric scooter in action below:

Scooters have come a long way from their early days as glorified bicycles and nerd-haulers. They aren’t just for geeks anymore, but have grown up into stylish and sleek performance machines. The Vectrix VX-1 is one of the top machines on this list and is fast becoming the world’s leader in all-electric, road worthy electric scooters. Even the NYPD is fielding them!

These scooters (they look more like a small motorcycle to me) debuted in America in 2006 and went into broader national sales in 2008 and are now available in most major cities in both the U.S.A. and the EU. The ‘08 and ‘09 models retail for about $11,000 (before rebates or incentives) with all the trimmings and are made (for the most part) in the company’s Massachusetts plant while EU models are made primarily in Poland.

Sounds pretty expensive. Right? It is, all at once, for a “scooter.” Consider this, though: if you continue to drive your car, what will that cost? Let’s do some quick math. Over a year, the average person will drive their car to work about 250 days of the year. At a commute of about 30 miles round trip, gas prices at $2.50/gallon, and miles per gallon at 25 in-city, that works out to $750 in gas (7500 miles, 300 gallons). That’s an optimistic set of numbers and does not include maintenance costs, but it gets the point across. A VX-1 scooter, under the same conditions, would have less than half the maintenance costs of a car and zero gasoline purchases. Ad in the other errands you use a car for and you can see why these are becoming so desirable to people.

Models have been test-driven and adopted by several large groups, including the New York City Police Department and police departments in Scotland, Italy, France, and others. So these aren’t fly-by-night machines, but real workhorses. Their 24-month warranty is standard. Of course, that means nothing without specs. Right?

Exactly. So let’s look at how these electric scooters stack up. The VX-1 2009 model specifications are pretty impressive for an electric. We’ll start with the fast numbers, the ones that will make-or-break this electric for most daily users:

• Max Speed: 62mph / 100km/h
• Acceleration: 0-31mph (50km/h) in 3.6 seconds
• Range: 68 miles under optimum conditions (35 miles average)
• Battery recharge time: 80% charge in 2 hours (110v)
• Estimated battery life: 10 years or 50,000 miles (80k km)

Those numbers will probably decide it for you. For some of us, an all-electric is not likely because of range restrictions, but for suburban and urban commuters, this little scooter is a very likely candidate. This is also one of the very few all-electrics available right now that is federally highway and freeway rated. That’s an important consideration for many.

The VX-1 has a lot of other impressive features besides it’s core specs. It’s really friendly LCD instrumentation is one. These can be seen in most light conditions and tell you at a glance where you are in terms of speed, battery power, etc. There’s even a “backwards mileage counter” on the display that shows you about how many more miles you can go under your current riding conditions.

The whole bike weighs about 450 pounds and has a “trunk” (under the seat) big enough for a full-face helmet to fit into, plus a small glove box at the front big enough for a cell phone, iPod, etc. (even with accessories). An optional cargo box ads even more storage. This means no nerdy backpack required while riding your scooter.

Other great ideas like regenerative braking, where you turn the throttle forwards (rather than back) to decelerate without using your physical brakes, can ad up to 15% of the power returning to the scooter. This form of braking still activates the brake lights, so it’s not dangerous to use it in traffic. Standard hand brakes (working like a motorcycle’s disc brakes) are also on the scooter.

Here’s the rest of the specs for you number junkies:

• Tires: Pirelli GTS23 12/70-14 (front) and GTS24 14/60-13 (rear)
• Suspension: Sachs Twin Shock
• Battery: Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH)
• Battery Capacity Rating: 30Ah, 3.7kW-h
• Battery Voltage Rating: 125V
• Charger Type: 1.5kW (on-board, 8ft cord in trunk)
• Battery Discharge Cycles: 1,700 (80%)
• Motor Type (rear-wheel drive): Brushless DC, radial air-gap
• Peak Power: 20kW at 3,000 rpm
• Max Torque: 65Nm
• Gearbox: Integrated rear-wheel planetary gear drive
• Electronics: DSP & IGBT-based all-digital
• Communications: CAN and Bluetooth wireless for diagnostics
• Seat Height: 30 inches
• Frame: Aluminum

So there you have it, the Vectrix VX-1 electric scooter. Watch for further developments too, as they test market their new three-wheeled model, which has better stability and handling.

Check out videos of the Vectrix VX-1 below - one is an official promo video, the other is a ‘drivers-view’ of what it’s like to ride a Vectrix:

Motorized scooters, whether it be electric or otherwise, have been popular for years as grownups took these popular kid’s toys and added propulsion and power to make them…well, grownup toys. That phenomenon lead to entrepreneurs who built them to sell, which lead to manufacturing, and finally to more sensible, realistic models being introduced. Now you can purchase electric-powered scooters that are relatively safe, reliable, and might even be useful. Of these, Go-Ped is the best-known and is easily the market leader.

Go-Ped produces several models of electric and gasoline powered scooters, with their ESR 750 being the most popular adult commuter and get-around models. These come in variations, such as the Sport, some racing models, and the very popular Hoverboard series. These are all based on the same basic chassis, motor, and drive train design, with modifications between models being to the foot board, wheel size, and handlebar design. Most come with optional seating and even trailer hitches. Prices start at the $800 mark, but go up quickly with accessories and options.

Here are some quick specs to get you started:

• 24v Brush DC motor w/ aluminum heat sink
• 20mph maximum speed (in turbo)
• Four 12V SLA batteries (standard, other options available)
• Chain-drive transmission (15/76 sprocket ratio)
• Standard range of 8 miles (options up to 12)
• Weight of 52 pounds (standard model)
• Cargo capacity of 400 pounds
• Front disc brakes (Mad Dog ultra)

Those specs are the standard, off-the-shelf version of the ESR 750. Options include larger battery packs (standard on the Hoverboard), Lithium-Ion batteries, and solid rubber tires (rather than inflatables). Seats, trailer hitches, the wagon, and other options are also available.

These little machines have received wide feedback since their electric release in 2006, with the 2007 models being widely accepted and the 2008 models seeing huge improvements in design. One big caveat to these scooters: do not get them wet. Yep, they short out in the rain or when going through puddles quite often. While this usually just means drying it out and recharging the batteries, it can fry some of the circuitry, resulting in more costly repairs. Several enthusiasts have figured out how to seal the battery and component boxes to prevent this, so expect this to be a standard improvement in the 2009 models.

The Wagon is a big improvement and makes this a realistic commuter or errand-runner. The cargo capacity, because of it’s small size, makes the scooter very limited in this role, but the wagon can make trips to the grocery store or market an actual possibility. The company’s ad photography optimistically shows a construction worker using one to haul some equipment.

Some other little things make this a true adult machine and not just a glorified child’s toy. The folding handlebars for compact storage are a great example of that. The wide, skate-board-sized platform and thicker tires for better stability are also a great addition. The on-or-off screw-in seat is the final capper on this adult-oriented machine.

The controls and “dashboard” are simple, but effective with battery status clearly displayed by three lights (green, yellow, red) showing your current capacity and blinking while the battery charges. The brakes are on the right.

One of the biggest improvements is the two running modes the scooters have: economy and turbo. In economy mode, acceleration is cut back and the top speed drops to about 12mph, but the machine can almost double its range with this setup. In turbo, of course, all bets are off and the top speed of 20mph and warp acceleration makes this a machine to still appeal to the child in all of us. Make sure to keep a firm grip, though, because they really do accelerate and will leave you behind if you aren’t hanging on.

Overall, these are basically realistic short-range commuters and, since they aren’t classified as “vehicles,” they require no extra licensing (or any at all, actually) in most areas and can be ridden on the sidewalk. They’re also quiet and easily charged, as well as portable, so you can take it right into the office and plug it into the wall to recharge.

Here’s a video that shows the ESR 750 in action:

Zero Emission Motors’ Volt electric scooter

If you’re looking for an inexpensive electric scooter tailor-made for city driving, then the new Volt electric scooter from Zero Emission Motors might be just the ticket for you. The new Volt electric scooter (named just like the newly-announced electric car, but unlike the car, available today) is a new electric scooter just released by our friends over at Zero Emission Motors - we got the opportunity to meet Adam Maoz, president of the company, a couple of weeks back at the Kick Gas festival in San Diego, and got to see the Volt in person.

The Volt electric scooter is a mid-range electric scooter that straddles the gap between low-power electric scooters (< 1000W) and higher-power, freeway-legal scooters such as the Vectrix.

The Volt electric scooter is driven by a 1500 watt / 48 Volt motor and can propel you at speeds up to 30 mph for up to 30 miles per charge. We like the 1500 Watt motor because it provides enough power to get you up hills without slowing down too much, and will also provide good acceleration when you need it.

Details on the Volt electric scooter

The Volt electric scooter features all the trimmings you would expect from a scooter in this range - mirrors, headlights, taillights, blinkers and brake lights, keyed start, a horn, and an under-seat storage compartment and glove box. An odometer is included to let you know how far you’ve traveled, and a speedometer is also provided. A battery indicator is also provided to let you know how much charge you have left. The battery pack is lead-acid, and takes about 8 hours or so to fully charge using the included battery charger, which you can plug in to any wall outlet. It costs about $0.10 for a full charge, which means $10 of electricity will get you about 3000 miles worth of travel. Try that with gasoline.

The Volt is capable of seating up to two people at a time - its weight limit is 500 lbs. And at $1,495 plus $150 shipping, we think this e-scooter gives a you lot for the price. The Volt electric scooter is available today from Zero Emission Motors.

Adam Maoz at the Kick Gas Festival with his Volt electric scooter

While the United States continues to suffer this year’s economic downturn, one sector of our industry is enjoying record growth and attracting more entrepreneurs than ever before - green transportation. One such entrepreneur is Adam Maoz, of Marina Del Rey, CA.

Adam Maoz is the owner of Zero Emission Motors, a company which is importing and selling electric scooters into the United States. Adam started Zero Emission Motors in early 2008. His background is perhaps not what you would expect from someone getting into the electric vehicle industry - Adam’s background is in IT. Before starting Zero Emission Motors, Adam was a senior analyst at a large healthcare provider.

Adam started the company as much from a personal need as a business opportunity. “I was looking for a local commuting vehicle for myself that could also get me off of gasoline,” Adam said. “After doing some research, I found that electric scooters/mopeds have been in-use in many Asian countries for many years and were wildly popular. I started the company because I knew there were many people like me that were searching for a fun local commuter that could get them off gasoline today.”

Zero Emission Motors’ new Volt electric scooter.

Since starting the company, Adam has expanded his product line to include 5 electric scooters, including their latest Volt electric scooter, and he says the response has been very positive. “People are genuinely excited about electric vehicles. The scooters are major head turners. I have heard from people that have bought one that they have literally stopped traffic. The most common response I get from buyers is just how fun they are to ride on”.

Starting a new company around a little-known product does come with it’s difficulties.”Electric scooters are virtually brand new to the US market,” Adam said. “The biggest challenge is getting people familiar with a brand new product. Electric technology is here today and ready to ride.”

But business is good, and Adam is passionate about his product. “Zero Emission Motors was founded for the simple purpose of selling high quality electric scooters to the public at an affordable price. We are committed to doing our part in lowering emissions. Our scooters are a fun way to get around town while saving you the high cost of gasoline.”

A detail shot of Zero Emission Motors’ new Volt.

Zero Emission Motors currently sells their electric scooters through their online store, and Adam is currently exploring the possibility of opening a retail showroom.

Zero Emission Motors’ latest scooter offering is the Volt electric scooter, pictured in this article. The Volt electric scooter features a 1500 watt brushless motor, and can move you along at speeds of 30mph for up to 30 miles per charge. Power is provided by four 12v 38 amp batteries. The Volt features all the trimmings you would expect on a motorized scooter - headlights and tailights, brake lights, blinkers and a horn.

And at only $1,495 retail, the Volt electric scooter is highly affordable, and is available for purchase today through Zero Emission Motors’ website.

For more information about Zero Emission Motors, check out their website, ZeroEMotors.com.