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As I was dwindling out of the carpark today watching the hordes of cars banked up at the local servo because of discount day at the petrol pumps - i thought to myself  - I really want to get an electric scooter - but there doesnt seem to be a heck of a lot of them out there right now.  Is this an area that is really seriously been explored or developed - the only high end performance scoot is the Vectrix at the moment - but I would like to see something more in the mid range - around the 150cc equivalent that wouldnt weigh half a tonne .  But also is there much in the 50 cc equivalent range???...I see EMC have one of their scoots available now - but no dealers australia wide - and there appear to be higher powered (i'm assuming) scoots sometime/somewhere on the way - but there is a definite lack of info or demos to try.

Would scoot dealers be interested in having these as part of their stock in order to get more people happy about the transport they use??...Also what are city councils doing to help this push towards electric - is going electric really all that more green given the coal burning issues needed to generate the electricity needed to recharge batteries in the first place???.  It would be good to see more discussion around these points - but I would also at leasat like to see one or two around the place at the dealers so at least we can try them to see how feasible they are.

If it is really all its cracked up to be - I would definitely look at changing over to electric.  Something like a Yamaha Giggle 150 Electric with 14 inch wheels - you've got me sold!!!...bring it on

scootmama 

If you are looking at electric scoots then you have two basic choices
1. Low power maximum 200 watts, they do not require registration in any state of Australia, but are 100% legal to ride on the road, are limited to about 30 km/hr and cannot cope with any sort of hill unless you assist by pedalling.
2. High power, anything over 200 watts, require full registration, usually not capable of more than 60 km/hr.

The EVT4000e is in the same ADR category as a 50cc scoot, meaning that in NSW, ACT, and Vic, you will need a motorcycle licence and in other states a car drivers licence.

The current price is $3990.00, so being green does not come cheap.

Basic Specifications are:
Dimensions (LWH): 1692 x 647 x 1010 mm
Wheelbase: 1240 mm
Weight (incl. batteries): 127 kg
Suspension: front and rear hydraulic shock absorbers
Brakes: front and rear hydraulic disks
Range: 50-65 km (depending on payload and terrain)
Max speed: 50 kph
Motor: 48 Volt DC brushed motor
Batteries: 4 x 50 a/h SLA
Charger: 240 v / 8 amp 48 v
Tyres: 3.00-10 6PR

Beware that riding an electric scoot up any sort of a hill will quickly drain the battery and most require 10-12 hour recharge time.

For further information http://www.neco.com.au

HI there Kiwiscoota - sorry for the late reply - havent been round the forums much - but thanks for taking the time out to post the info.  I read that there are some more scoots possibly in the pipeline or at least in development (according to one of the articles posted here) for higher powered electric scoots - and the ones that are being offered by EMC in WA run on silicone batteries - rather than the lead ones - which is also a good plus for the environment - also I dont think they end up getting the memory effect that a lot of batteries do.  I'm just really hoping that there is some serious development in transportation using this technology - as I would really like to do my part and give it a try.  The Vectrix is just waaaaaay too expensive to be a feasible commodity for me - but some serious input in the above 50cc range equivalent would be a good thing.

Again - thanks for the info - I would like to see some reviews of performance etc done on these in the real world and in real conditions just to see how they truly get on about their business,

cheers  :)

scootmama

 Hi scootmama,

I can tell you that next year (2008) you should see a number of very competitive electric scooters in both the LA category and LC. LA is where a 50cc scoot sits, LC is anything bigger/faster basically.

I am in the process of ADR complying three scooters for release next year. 2 will be LA and at least 1 will be LC.

I have compared my scooters to the 50cc 2 stroke market leaders and they compare well. These are not slow, by any means. 

I will post the web site location as soon as I am no longer embarrassed by how basic it looks.. It is just a place holder with some details for now.

BTW.. Silicone batteries, while they sound good seem to be a bit of problematic snake oil.. I have been following the problems owners have had on a different forum. Pity.

Ben 

C'mon myFEVA more details pelase. You've teased quite a few people now so bring that website up to your satisfaction and get it online!

 I am trying to get the site up ASAP... Just the S part of ASAP seems to drag on a bit.

Some basics detail maybe..

Both LA scoots will be restricted to 50kph as are every LA scoot (petrol included). De-restricted however, entry level scoot would be capable of 65kph and next up would be capable of 65-70kph.

Genuine question here.... Does anyone actually ride a restricted scooter?

LC model would be capable of 80-90kph. 

 All motors are brushless, so require no maintenance.

Ben
 

myFEVA:

Genuine question here.... Does anyone actually ride a restricted scooter?

I hope you are not "accusing anyone" of breaking the rules relating to ADR's......... 

check my signature line <grin>

myFEVA:

I have compared my scooters to the 50cc 2 stroke market leaders and they compare well. These are not slow, by any means

I've ridden electric scooters and this is a BIG claim to make. If you have enough confidence in your product send one to us, we would give you an honest and impartial evaluation.

Does anyone ride a restricted scooter?

Yes.

Good to hear that someone does ride restricted scooters.. I must say most that I see on the road are keeping up with traffic traveling at 60kph. Just an observation and a genuine question.

I've ridden petrol scooters too Scooter HQ both 4 stroke and 2 stroke.. I am an old 2 stroke fan/nut.. (RD 250, RD 350, RZ 250, TZR 250)... Electric on renewable energy is just so planet friendly. You cant go past that one little fact. Good commuter transport.

As I only have 3 scooters in the country (prototypes) and they are being ADR complied, sending one away is not really an option at this stage. If you are genuinely interested, other arrangements for a test may be arranged.

I did notice your tag line kiwi.

Ben
 

myFEVA:

Electric on renewable energy is just so planet friendly. You cant go past that one little fact. 

Yes but only if its being recharged by a solar panel or wind station, if its plugged into the wall our energy stations still have to produce the electricity to recharge so there is a carbon footprint.

PM or Email me

Scottie I need more power give me warp 8 ! ....captain I canna push the the crystals anymore ! .....SCOTTIE ! I WANT MORE POWER DAM IT !  GIVE ME WARP 8 !......captain!  the crystal canna take much more ! they a gunna blow ! .......SPOCK ! WHERE ARE YOU ! .....DAMMIT  spock!  stop playing with my scooter and give me warp 8 ! .....captain thats illogical......illogical my ass spock just........err sorry guys kind a got carried away.... if electric scooters do warp speed I'm all for it.

 A lighter side to electric power.

Flash:

Scottie I need more power give me warp 8 ! ....captain I canna push the the crystals anymore ! .....SCOTTIE ! I WANT MORE POWER DAM IT !  GIVE ME WARP 8 !......captain!  the crystal canna take much more ! they a gunna blow ! .......SPOCK ! WHERE ARE YOU ! .....DAMMIT  spock!  stop playing with my scooter and give me warp 8 ! .....captain thats illogical......illogical my ass spock just........err sorry guys kind a got carried away.... if electric scooters do warp speed I'm all for it.

 A lighter side to electric power.

Have you considered going back to your old medication ?   It seemed to work better.............            <grin> 

Yeh I know Kiwiscoota, I should go to bed it's late and I'm dead tired, I go all strange when I'm tired.....LOL

Scooter HQ:

Yes but only if its being recharged by a solar panel or wind station, if its plugged into the wall our energy stations still have to produce the electricity to recharge so there is a carbon footprint..

You can always elect to have your electricity supply provided by a green supplier.. Eg. Origin 100% Solar or Origin 100% Wind products. There seem to be options to head in the right direction. Visit your local supplier's web site for details.

I'll be in touch soon Scooter HQ.

 
Ben
 

myFEVA:

Origin 100% Solar or Origin 100% Wind products

Are you sure they are 100% renewable? I thought it was a lower percentage. Hear from you soon.