Vectrix Electic Scooter Test Drive: It Really Works!
by Collin Dunn, Corvallis, OR, USA on 10.22.07
TreeHugger has had our eye on the Vectrix electric scooter for a long time, ever since we first spotted this super fast electric scooter up through its very first delivery earlier this month. The guys at LA Cityzine had the pleasure of test-driving this electric scooter, and were impressed with its performance. Here's an excerpt:
"The machine is easy to ride, and very pleasant. It is almost silent, and the wind/road noise is far louder than any sound the motor makes. When the scooter is stopped, there is no sound coming from it at all. The only indication that it is on comes from the instrument cluster, which gives the usual feedback one would expect from a motorcycle, with the exception that it tells you about your electric charge, rather than your gasoline reserve. This, of course, is the best feature."
"Then came the fun part. I purposely accelerated hard, and the scooter shot off. That baby’s got juice! The acceleration was much faster than I expected, more like a motorcycle than a scooter...The deceleration system worked flawlessly, and was very intuitive. I keep using the term deceleration rather than braking, because the scooter also has disc brakes.
"So there you have it… the Vectrix scooter is real, it does what the manufacturer claims it does, it’s available, and people are buying them in Santa Monica."
Great to see! We can only hope that Tesla's electric car can have similar success when it hits the road next year. Thanks to Mali for the tip! Vectrix via LA Cityzine
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isnt the lack of noise going to be a safty issue? it could
$11,000
Deal killer.
I've had an electric scooter for two years. It cost $2k and works perfectly. Why the hype about this one?
I've had an electric scooter for two years. It cost $2k and works perfectly. Why the hype about this one?
Because it can go highway speeds. Yours?
"I've had an electric scooter for two years. It cost $2k and works perfectly. Why the hype about this one?"
Yours is probably equivalent to a 50cc scooter in terms of performance: 45Km/h (30mph) top speed, poor acceleration, 70Km (45 miles) range.
The vectrix is equivalent to a 125cc scooter: 100Km/h (65mph) top speed, good acceleration (better than a 125cc), 100Km (65 miles) range.
The Vectrix simply matches more people's needs. For me the problem is still the short range: my commute is about 40Km one way, most of it at top speed (freeway) so I don't know if the Vectrix could hold that. Another problem is the fact that it's not sold here ;) The price is high but I could shell it out for a good electric scooter.
"The Vectrix simply matches more people's needs" and thats one very important facor for success. Ther will probably be more like this one on the market soon :)
Its too expensive. I reckon its for the income bracket of people who buy teslas too.
isnt the lack of noise going to be a safty issue? it could
I know! And I worry about first responders getting electrocuted, too!
Well, see you later! I need a quart of milk and I think my Hummer's warmed up now.
China will probably copy it, give it more powerful batteries and sell it for $1,500.
It looks beautiful. Costs will come down and range will improve as time goes by. A great step in the right direction.
Noise vs. safety? As long as the horn works I think it will be fine.
vsk
Not to beat a dead horse, but I'd like to sound off on the noise v saftey issue as well.
Sound isn't an issue. Unless you're driving with your windows down, you don't hear other vehicles around you. I've been in newer cars with the widows up and the radio playing at a moderate level and not heard fire/police/ambulance sirens until they were practically on top of me. So while it doesn't affect other drivers, the reduced noise is a benefit for everyone nearby not in a car -- not in a sound-deadening steel and glass vault.
I think the safety issue is exactly for the people who are NOT in cars. Seriously, many people expect motorized vehicles to make sound, and thus may walk/bicycle/wheelchair/skate/etc. out in front of said scooter unawares of its existence.
To repeat what has been said, yes it is expensive... but cool at the same time... will no doubt appeal to the people who are used to buying cool expensive things.
Prices will come down eventually and it is a step in the right direction.
One thing I can't understand is why TreeHugger.com hasn't done any coverage whatsoever about EVT america's Z20 scooter. Sometimes I wonder if the articles are more "infomercials" paid by the manufacturer than serious journalism.
The z20 is an intersting inexpensive scooter that, while not capable of highway speeds, is quicker (45mph Max) and has more torque (on paper anyway) that all the other small 30mph Max scooters. It would therefore be easier to keep in urban and suburban trafic sppeds. The Z20 has been anounced for a long time and I think it is now shipping.
Marc
I bet if it had the eestor battery/capacitor it would be able to go a lot farther. Has anyone heard any new information on them???
The fact is when people decide they want an electric car it has to have all the comforts and performance and price of a ICE car. Air conditioning range and charge time are a big factor.
Scooters and motorcycles are a really good place to start because riding them is an experience. You don't need the luxuries of a car.
Seriously, many people expect motorized vehicles to make sound, and thus may walk/bicycle/wheelchair/skate/etc. out in front of said scooter unawares of its existence.
That's never happened to me, and like I said, 2 years.
The wind noise alone will alert people. I would think most people look left and right before they set foot crossing any highway. Oh, I have ordered a R-20 from EVT America and planning to start riding it in a few week.
Phil in Chapel Hill
the vectrix is now availiable in australia at $15000 +gst and +orc.
comes to around $17000