eGo Cycle 2: Great style and fewer emissions than your Vespa

I've had an eGO II for more than 3 years and have never had a significant problem with it. It's well built, reliable, and great for local commuting and errands and such.

This looks nifty, although I'm always slightly concerned about motorized vehicles that can't keep up with traffic. This forces you to drive on the side of the road which is usually cluttered with rocks and debris. It also means that you'll be invisible to drivers and get squeezed to the curb and denied your right of way. Those of us who ride scooters know the importance of "owning" your lane and ensuring that you're visible.

I used to think that it wouldn't be good, riding on the side of the road. But come to think of it, isn't that how a bicycle is ridden? If it's works for a bike it'll work for a scooter. If anything it would be safer on a eGo because you can focus more of your attention on the hazards.

Actually, in most states, you are required to ride a bicycle to the side only if: you are going slower than traffic; you are not making a left turn; the lane is sharable ( there is enough width for a car to safely pass you); and there are no obstructions or debris in that area.

Otherwise, you leave the side. If it's not sharable when you do so, you have to "take the lane" similar to how the second poster mentioned "owning" your lane.

Just watch out for cyclists when you're blasting down the bike lane at 24mph. Most people are going to be doing about half that under pedal power.

Also, while the eGo falls under the category of "powered bicycle" and is allowed in the bike lane, there are a lot of motorcyclists out there who also illegally use the bike lane. The average pedal cyclist is not going to be aware of these subtleties and may get pretty mad at a careless eGo rider.

Here's the official policy in California:
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/d11/vc21209.htm

ah this looks awesome! will definitely be keeping an eye out for these bikes in Australia.

Former eGO owner (times 2 in the family - my wife had one, too). They sound great, and work great for several months... but then the problems begin. I rode mine into the ground, spending extensive time repairing and maintaining it, replacing numerous parts, including several complete overhauls. This device doesn't live up to its hype, or its specs.

Secondly: I'm tired of people claiming that the eGO doesn't require licensing or registration, or insurance, in California. The eGO is _not_ a motorized bicycle (406b)! It is a greater class, "moped", 406a. See http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/d01/vc406.htm, which clearly requires a top speed of 20 and a maximum power of 1000 watts. The eGO has a 4300 watt motor (according to its website - it was specced at 1500 when I bought mine), and a top speed of 24.

Actually, a better summary is on the California High Patrol website. http://www.chp.ca.gov/html/motors.html

Riders of the eGO must have an M2 license, and carry their own insurance. Mopeds are allowed in bike lanes, though.

In any case, I'd stay away from the eGO. Much better scooters are around, that can actually live up to their hype. My wife currently rides an EVT-4000e, which has had almost no maintenance issues, and has much better range. eGO has a long history of problems - from its questionable past as a company being ripped from the hands of its creator, to the many many ex-Riders who got poor support repairing their rapidly-deteriorating devices.

Ever heard of this other really great low emissions vehicle called the "bicycle?" I have one or two of them, and their top speed is much greater than 24 mph. And oh yeah- it runs on power bars and tap water.

BP,

Thanks for the truth about the eGo.
The part you wrote about the company being ripped from the hands of it's creator reminds me of the story I recently read of George Hurst, the Hurst of speed equipment fame. Sunbeam Corp. got control of his company and he became despondent and died at age 59.
I checked out the EVTAmerica website and was impressed. There's a new model due shortly that goes 45 mph and has a range of 30-45 miles.
It uses four 12 volt 50 amp hour lead acid batteries. In other words, car batteries. I think this is a good idea. They are cheap and, of course, widely available. Exotic batteries are nice until you need to replace them and since you are not pedaling this vehicle, the weight becomes less of a concern.
Let's hope it's reliable.
I'm interested in electric bicycles but I have not seen one that I would lay my money down on. The problem is that that almost all designs power the wheels. If it powered the crank or chain the bikes gearing system could be utilized to multiply the torque. (Machine-X is an exception.)
I envision a bicycle that offers power assistance no matter what speed you are going. I've heard a cyclist makes from between 1/4 and 1/2 horsepower. Adding a 1/2 horspower electric motor would give you more
power than Lance Armstrong!
I'm a long time bicycle and motor scooter rider. Scooters are fun but the possibilities of a motorized bike are more tantalizing. You are not limited to riding on the street. Hop a curb to escape a hazardous traffic situation. Take a dirt trail instead of the road. Go to remote places where the only type of vehicle permitted is a bicycle.

By California statute, motorized bicycle and moped mean the same thing if the bike is electric. At 1500 W, the Ego does classify as a motorized bicycle. It requires a 1 time registration with DMV, but does not have to be insured. Here is Vehicle Code 406.
(a) A "motorized bicycle" or "moped" is any two-wheeled or three-wheeled device having fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power, or having no pedals if powered solely by electrical energy, and an automatic transmission and a motor which produces less than 2 gross brake horsepower and is capable of propelling the device at a maximum speed of not more than 30 miles per hour on level ground.

(b) A "motorized bicycle" is also a device that has fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power and has an electric motor that meets all of the following requirements:

(1) Has a power output of not more than 1,000 watts.

(2) Is incapable of propelling the device at a speed of more than 20 miles per hour on ground level.

(3) Is incapable of further increasing the speed of the device when human power is used to propel the motorized bicycle faster than 20 miles per hour

DM,

You site the code, but you're being selective. The eGO is a 406a vehicle (specifically distinct from 406b, which it is not). 406a vehicles require an M2 license, and are not exempt from insurance requirements. This is specifically clarified in the CA motorcycle handbook (http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/dl655/dl665mcycle.pdf), page 3:

"If you operate a motorized bicycle which meets the definition of VC 406b, you:
[...]
Are exempt from the motor vehicle financial responsibility, driver license, and moped plate requirements. (VC 12804.9)"

Again, the eGO falls into the 406a classification, so it is not exempt. It's a motorized scooter/moped, which makes it an M2-class vehicle in California.

Basically, if its a motorized vehicle that goes faster than 20mph, it must require some kind of registration/licensing/insurance, unless its not even street legal for some other reason.

I'd like the guest author to comment on where she bought the scooter, and what her dealer's justification was for mis-reading the law (besides the apparently common reason, as is clear from this thread, that everyone else is trying as hard as they can to mis-read the law, as well).

I purchased an Ego Cycle 2 years ago and it has been in and out of the repair shop on a regular basis ever scince. I have decided not to fix it again and take it back to the dealer which no longer carries them and let them dispose of it. When people ask me about the bike I tell them I got a lemon. For the cost of the bike and all the parts and repairs I could have bought a Vespa. Ego Cycles are a great idea, it's just to bad they build them to break down.

Toby

A note from the amateur writer and author of this article... I obviously need to bone up on my research, or just not be so naive about believing the "no license and registration required" claims of the dealer who sold me the bike! I checked back on this artcile last week, and promptly went out to get my M2 permit, license plate and insurance. So thanks to those of you who set it straight!

I have an EGO in San Francisco and it gives me no trouble when I use it wisely. That means I try to avoid the worst hills and if the scooter goes below 14 MPH I get off. I don't have it licensed or insured and, honestly, I'm just not that stressed about it. I rarely if ever get the thing above 20 MPH and the numerous police I've passed in the city seem to give me no mind. I love it...

Can anyone recommend a mechanic in or near Santa Cruz, CA, for repairs to an Ego scooter? It has performed wonderfully for the first two years we've owned it, but it has recently been unexpectedly losing power without any apparent reason. Thanks for any suggestions.

To clarify. In California, the eGO is a motorized bicycle. See the text below from Highway Patrol link furnished above. The eGO, having 1.99 gross brake hp, clearly qualifies under Section406(a)...and IS NOT precluded under the following section.

What is a moped or motorized bicycle?

There are TWO TYPES of motorized bicycles, defined in the California Vehicle Code (VC) Sections 406(a) and 406(b).

Section 406(a) VC refers to a moped or motorized bicycle as any two or three wheeled device having fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power, or having no pedals if powered solely by electrical energy, has an automatic transmission, and a motor which produces less than 2 gross brake horespower and is capable of propelling the device at a maximum speed of not more than 30 miles per hour on level ground.

Section 406(b) VC refers to a motorized bicycle as a device that has fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power and has an electric motor that:
Has a power output of not more than 1,000 watts;
Is incapable of propelling the device at a speed of more than 20 miles per hour on level ground; and
Is incapable of further increasing the speed of the device when human power is used to propel the motorized bicycle faster than 20 miles per hour.

The ' e- slow' is fine if your a small girl.
But for the rest of us we need POWER. Only the Forsen
E-transporter is capable. When your get serious about Electric transportation, get a Forsen. forsenusa.com

I've owned an Ego scooer for 3.5 years. I love i.t. Ride all over Lawrence, Kansas. No license required (doesn't go more than 20 mph). Very well made machine. After 2 years of very heavy use, I replace primary belit, and have changed into new tires several times. My electric (hub motor) bicycle is more efficient...but Ego is more stable and fun, and great front and rear lighting .
. Some of the posts I see on here are slightly nasty. No need for thaf (unless you're a competitor??).
Reid

I live in downtown Austin, Texas and ride an EgoCycle 2 LX. When I first got it I had a few problems with it...but since it was under warranty my dealer fixed it and it didn't cost me anything. I had an extender pack added to it and now get greater milage and top speed. My husband rides an EVT and has clocked me at 30mph on the ego. One feature that the ego has that his doesn't is that it recharges itself when going downhill. With my extender pack I can usually go farther and at times faster than him. Of course...he's a giant man... 6'6" tall and a really big guy....like 280.

We own a car, which we only use if we go out of town really. He rides his to work everyday and I use mine for errands. I've been known to get 150 dollars worth of groceries in my to panniers (sp?). I've also carried 4 or 5 loads of laundry on it. I love my egocycle. No gas, no parking problems, less traffic, fresh air.....the list goes on.

I live in Santa Cruz, CA. I bought my eGo because it's great transportation and didn't require a driver's license. I've had my eGo for 4 years now. In Feb. of this year I was hit by a car, injured, (the car was on top of my scooter but hardly damaged it,) then two weeks after getting out of the hospital I get a letter from the D.A.'s office with a court date and a warrant for my arrest driving my beloved eGo scooter on a suspended license. Now I'm looking at a minimum 30 days in jail... for riding my scooter.

I wanted to let others know that a driver's license IS required even though many websites AND the dealer I bought it from said no license is needed.

I have what seems to be a motorized cycle 149cc it will go 40mph. I have looked everywhere to see if this vehicle needs to be licenced? How much is the licence?

I have a cheap easy way to extend egocycle
range,email me for info

Can eGo owners who live in San Francisco recommend a repair shop?

My eGo does require belt adjustment/repairs every so often. I keep thinking that someone who really knows what they're doing will be able to keep it in working order. That, and being very careful to avoid tough hill climbing.

Thanks.

After spending several months test riding and talking to friends who own eGO's, I decided to get one of my very own.

I got mine one week ago, and this is what I learned after reading the 2009 California Vehicle Code, the 2009 California Motorcycle Handbook (Rev. 3/209) then spending an hour standing at the counter in my local DMV office while 4 people researched, checked and rechecked the DMV guidelines on how to classify the eGO:

1. The California DMV considers the eGO to be a "moped". As such, it needs to have a special license plate and I.D. card. There is no special license required to operate it.

2. There is a ONE TIME, NON-RENEWABLE fee of $19.00 (says $18.00 in the Code) for the license plate and I.D, card.

3. The eGO is not "registered" in the traditional sense, but having a plate issued creates a record of ownership on file with the DMV.

4. If you sell your eGO, you need to complete a Transfer of Ownership form. If you destroy your eGO, you also need to let them know and complete paperwork.

5. My insurance agent told me that I DO NOT need insurance, if it goes less than 20 miles per hour. I am not so sure about that one though, because of the top speed, but I'm gonna go with what she says.

When I rode over to a friend's house to show off my new ride, her husband, who is a local police officer, told me right away to make sure that I got a license plate (already had it, just hadn't put it on yet). Honestly, I don't know anyone else who has bothered to even check with the DMV, let alone actually get a plate for their eGO.

So far, I have been riding it every day, and I LOVE IT! I'm looking forward to getting good use out of it for a very long time.