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.

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.

‘The World’s First Sun-Powered Electric Car’ by International Rectifier of El Segundo, CA on display at the Kick Gas Festival

If you’re an electric vehicle enthusiast, live in San Diego, and had the day off on Sunday, October 12, the place to be was definitely the Kick Gas Festival, held in Lakeside, CA about an hour away from downtown San Diego. The Kick Gas Festival is a place for gas and EV motor-heads to strut their stuff, compete in time trials, and get to know each other. Paul Thomas, organizer of the festival, calls it “Earth Day on steroids for motor-heads.”, and I felt right at home here.

As I arrived I was greeted by the familiar deafening roar of tricked-out dragsters trying to best each other on the track. And as I parked I was treated to a surreal sight - one of the dragsters had broken down at the end of the track, and had to be towed back by the only 100% electric towing truck that I’ve ever seen. Somehow, it was strangely satisfying watching the wounded, gasoline-hungry beast being towed back silently to its owner’s pit for repairs.

My dog attempts to ride the Zuumer electric scooter.		TJ Aguirre from Zero Motorcycles with the Zero-X electric dirt bike.

The electric contingent at this year’s Festival was out in full force.  Several vendors were present showing some innovative new products; Tom Boyd of Zuumcraft was there offering attendees a chance to test ride the Zuumer electric scooter. I am a big fan of the Zuumer - it’s an electric scooter with a special rear suspension that lets you steer the scooter in much the same way as you would a snowboard or a skateboard. So I grabbed my opportunity and spent about 15 minutes zipping around the festival grounds, carving and cutting the pavement on the Zuumer and getting my concrete surfing fix in for the day.

Zero Motorcycles was there, showing their 2009 Zero-X electric dirt bike. I got a chance to meet TJ Aguirre, SoCal Team Leader for Zero Motorcycles. TJ graciously let me ride the Zero-X, and I will be running a feature soon on my experience with this awesome electric dirt bike. All I can say right now it that the bike itself has a ton of power for such a light unit (the Zero-X weighs 140 pounds) - the bike itself will easily propel you to 60 mph, will do from 0-30 in under two seconds, and handles great.

Todd Kollin from Electric Motorsports with his GPR-S electric sportbike.		Another shot of the GPR-S electric sportbike.

I also got a chance to meet Todd Kollin from Electric Motorsport, Inc., of Oakland, CA. Electric Motorsport offers the first 100% street and freeway legal electric sportbike - the electric GPR-S. This all-electric sportbike has a top speed of 70 mph and a range of 30-60 miles per charge, with an average recharge time of four hours. Electric Motorsport is currently accepting orders for the first 100 production units of the GPR-S, which retails for $8,000. Head over to the Electric Motorsport website for more details.

Adam Maoz, president of Zero Emission Motors with his Volt electric scooter		Zero Emission Motors’ Retro electric scooter.

Adam Maoz, president of Zero Emission Motors of Marina Del Rey, CA was also there showing his electric scooter product line. Zero Emission Motors offers five electric scooter models available today, from the 350 watt Metro to the 1500 watt Volt electric scooter. Prices for the Zero Emissions Motors electric scooters range from $895 for the Metro to $1,495 for the Volt. Check out the Zero Emissions Motors website for more information.

Colby Trudeau and Lisa Wires from Plug In America promote PHEV’s at the festival.		Robert Lange of Kelseyville CA with his ‘Amp Hog’ electric motorcycle.

Colby Trudeau and Lisa Wires from PluginAmerica.org had a large booth at the event. Plug In America advocates the use of plug-in vehicles powered by electricity to reduce our nation’s dependence on petroleum and improve the global environment. For those of you interested in converting your Prius to a PHEV, check out their website for great resources.

Abran Quevedo, EV conversion expert, with his electric Volkswagen Bug.		Another festival attendee with a home-built electric motorcycle.

The electric DYI contingent at the Kick Gas festival was strong - I saw at least 6 or 7 different home-built motorcycles, and several cars converted over to electric. Robert Lange of Kelseyville, CA and the Konocti EAA raced and displayed his ‘AMP Hog’ electric motorcycle, which scored him a time of 10.26 seconds in the 1/4 mile - that’s a top speed of about 59 miles per hour.

If you’re ever in San Diego in October and are interested in cars, motorcycles, and other toys with wheels - electric or not - I definitely recommend looking up the Kick Gas festival. Chances are, you’ll meet some interesting people and get to see some fascinating vehicles you might not see anywhere else.

More Festival Pictures:

Ego Electric Scooter on display.		Ultra Motor’s A2B electric bicycle.

Trunk battery of a PHEV-converted Prius at the festival.		Electric dirt dike from Extreme Green Machines of San Francisco, CA.