Dispatches from OpenWorld: The Vectrix Scooter, in Living Color
by Collin Dunn, Corvallis, OR, USA 
on 11.12.07
This is the third post in TreeHugger's coverage of Oracle OpenWorld in San Francisco. Click here for the other entries, and stay tuned for more!
TreeHugger has had its eye on the Vectrix 100% electric scooter for a long time, since we first spied it back in 2005 all the way until we had proof that it really existed, and really worked, too. So, while seeing one here at OpenWorld might not be a big shock to the regular TreeHugger reader, it’s still important: to see an innovative product come to market from start to finish; to see that green tech can be sexy and cool; to see a quick glimpse at the future of urban transportation technology and know that it’s just the tip of the iceberg.
For anyone uninitiated, here are the vital details: 100% electric -- that means all battery power, all the time -- with Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) batteries that gets you up to 68 miles per charge and tops out at 62 miles per hour. It accelerates 0 - 50 in 6.8 seconds, and when the battery pack is spent, recharges on a standard 110V plug in about 2 hours. And, now that it’s really here, we can verify that it does really work.
Of course, actual numbers and tech stats will vary with each user, how its driven, where it’s driven, etc., but the simple fact that it exists and is now for sale in California is enough for most folks here. Its design is no accident: it’s meant to look like a true crotch rocket, and perform similarly to one, too, and most people are surprised to learn what it’ll do on fossil-fuel-free electric power. We overheard several people react with surprise, saying things like “Wow, 62 miles per hour, huh?” and “2 hours? It recharges that fast?” (To be clear, the Vectrix website says 2 hours will get you an 80% charge.)
Green tech definitely has the power to impress, especially with something as “normal” -- as in, stuff we use every day -- as a commuter bike. It’s not built to be a road trip machine, for sure, but looks pretty tough to beat for the normal commuter who wants to put a little pep in their step on the way to work, or around town. And, as we mentioned, perhaps the biggest story here is that they simply exist, and anyone here in California (as well as a few other states), TreeHugger or not, can go out and buy one today. It’s also worth nothing that if you’ve got the need for speed and a motorcycle license, you can strap on and take the future for a test drive; hit up your local dealership for details. ::Vectrix and ::OpenWorld
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Just to clarify - ideally no electric vehicle should have the battery pack discharged all the way (at least not on a regular basis) so the 2 hour-or-less charge time is typically what an owner will see. And what if you do end up draining it entirely before where you need to be? This beauty has a limp mode to help you move the bike 5 miles towards your destination (or the nearest outlet).
And speaking of fast, the bike is a complete blast to ride. No waiting for combustion to occur for power to generate and with the regenerative braking, this bike accelerates and decelerates like a charm.
$11,000
Before tax, title, plates and options.
That's expensive! But on par with what you'd pay for a nice road bike. Less than what you'd pay for a Toyota Yaris or a new Honda.
What's the warrenty on the battery? Those things ain't cheap.
Those eletric scooter are fantastics!
Here in Brazil we also have our eletric scooters models. See http://www.motor-z.com.br/produtos.htm. These fabric have one model inspirated in the old Vespa!
I am really thinking in use one, instead of use my alcohol/gasoline car. The maitenaince It will be much cheaper and also save the planet.
I am really looking forward to the day where there is an affordable electric motorcyle. these scooters are fine for short trips maybe to the store but a really affordable mortorcyle would be awesome for longer trips like work
Boy oh boy how I hate waiting for combustion to occur. Sometimes a couple milliseconds can seem like a lifetime!
I'm so glad this is available. So many great vehicles on the drawing board, but so few get to the streets.
Looks like a crotch rocket? I don't think so. Not even close, but that's good in my opinion. If it looked like a crotch rocket, people would expect it to be one. And the need for speed simply doesn't mix with the need to commute.
"$11,000 Before tax, title, plates and options.
That's expensive! But on par with what you'd pay for a nice road bike. Less than what you'd pay for a Toyota Yaris or a new Honda"
A Ninja 250 is only $3500 new, highway speed capable and gets around 60-70mpg. (Really, any scooter of 250cc should get the same mileage but with maybe less top speed capability)
$7500 in fuel at $3/gallon gets me 2500 gallons, or 150,000 miles worth of riding.
I think I'll wait until the price comes down! and I do think as the LiIon battery technology matures, I think the price will come down.
A step or a roll in the right direction!!
It's hard to be the first. It's hard to develop. It's hard to get acceptance. You can substitute "it takes a lot of dollars" for 'hard'.
Hopefully the technology will trickle down or up. I think if set up in a touring motorcycle configuration, there will be more room for batteries which have more range with a good center of mass, etc.
Hey, the Tesla is expensive, hopefully their planned sedan will be more down to earth.
In a lot of companies, the high line or introductory models serve as the test beds for other stuff. AntiLock Brakes and AirBags are on almost anything these days whereas before they were only on the top of the top models.
Good Luck !
vsk
One thing that no one ever talks about concerning electric vehicles and scooters are there performance in cold weather. I live in Canada after all!! How does cold temperature affect battery ranger / life?? Here people drive motorcycles up until it's about 0ºC (32ºF).
And for cars, would I be able to drive an all electric car to work when it's -20ºC or even sometimes -30ºC ? ?
That's what I want to know.
Marc P.
JC, you didn't calculate the cost of the TerraPass needed to offset the emissions from the Ninja 250. For true impact you'll need to factor that in there.
Also, since gas prices are going only one direction... UP, you've gotta factor that in there, too. BTW... $3.00 per gallon. Where do you buy gas, my friend? The days of $3.00 per gallon are long gone.