The Vectrix Electric Scooter has a top speed of 62mph, a range of up to 70 miles, and goes 0-60 in just under 8 seconds. The recharger plugs into a standard outlet and gets up to 80% charge in about two hours. There's no clutch, no gears, just a single regenerative throttle that slows the scooter smoothly when it's let off (while also using the braking energy to recharge the battery!). And according to their FAQ, they're planning a fuel cell/electric hybrid scooter with a much higher range. And of course, it goes without saying: no noise, no emissions.
http://www.vectrixusa.com/index.html
Frequently Asked Questions
General
Q: What are some of the advantages of owning a Vectrix electric scooter?
A: The Vectrix electric scooter combines all the benefits of a traditional gas-powered scooter but without the noise, pollution, expensive maintenance, frequent oil changes, and regular trips to the gas station.
Q: When can I buy a Vectrix electric scooter?
A: As soon as 2006, depending on where you live. The Vectrix scooter will be launched in Italy and England in early 2006, followed by the rest of Europe, North America, and Southeast Asia. To reserve a Vectrix scooter click here.
Q: Where can I buy a Vectrix scooter?
A: Initially, the Vectrix scooter will be available in major cities in Europe and the United States, including London, Rome, Milan, Florence, Paris, Berlin, Frankfurt, New York, Los Angeles, Miami and San Francisco. Vectrix scooters will be sold through a combination of Vectrix franchised retail stores, electric vehicle dealers, independent motorcycle dealers, direct sales to fleet buyers, and consumer direct (e.g. catalog, internet, direct marketing).
Q: How do I become a Vectrix dealer?
A: Vectrix is currently evaluating partners/franchisees for Europe and the United States. Please click here for more information.
Q: How much will a Vectrix Scooter cost to buy?
A: Retail prices have not yet been finalized, but the scooter is expected to sell for around $8,000 (or €7,000 after rebates). While it will cost slightly more to purchase than an equivalent gas maxi-scooter, the Vectrix scooter will be up to 25% cheaper to own over four years. The Vectrix scooter offers a 90% saving in energy costs (assumes gasoline is €0.95/liter and electricity at €0.11/kilowatt hour), a 67% saving in maintenance costs, a 50% saving in insurance, plus additional savings in licensing and registration.
Q: Will the Vectrix electric scooter be available in the United States?
A: Vectrix plans to launch the scooter in the United States in 2005. Initially, the scooter will be available in stores in major metro areas, including New York, San Francisco, Miami and Los Angeles, and elsewhere through online purchases. Eventually, the Vectrix scooter will be widely available in stores throughout the United States.
Q: Is the design of the Vectrix scooter similar to a gas scooter?
A: While outwardly similar to a gas scooter/motorcycle, the design of the Vectrix scooter is completely different in almost every respect. The Vectrix scooter uses relatively few parts (250 vs. 2,500 for a gas scooter), resulting in reduced assembly costs and minimal maintenance.
The Vectrix scooter is comparable to a 400 cc gas scooter in all other key areas, including weight, peak power, maximum torque, acceleration, weight, wheelbase, seat height and price. Furthermore, the look, feel, ride, comfort, and handling are comparable to a maxi-scooter.
Q: What makes the Vectrix scooter better than a gas scooter?
A: The Vectrix scooter was designed to outperform an equivalent gas scooter (e.g. 250 cc – 400 cc) in almost every way; a 25% lower cost of ownership, zero emissions, faster acceleration, lower maintenance, easier to ride, lower insurance, attractive government incentives and rebates, more convenient (avoid messy gas stations, charge at home), cleaner, lower licensing and registration fees, free parking in many cities, access to gas-restricted inner-city areas, and the list goes on and on.
Q: What is the regenerative throttle?
A: The patented regenerative throttle reverses the polarity of the electric motor which has two effects. Firstly, the energy that is usually dissipated during braking is directed back into the batteries, extending range by up to 8% to 12%. Secondly, the regenerative braking system slows the scooter smoothly and safely (similar in performance to antilock brakes), without the driver needing to use the brakes under normal driving conditions. This saves wear and tear on the brakes, further reducing the operating cost of the scooter.
Q: Does the Vectrix scooter require any special permit or license to drive?
A: This varies from country to country. For example, in the United States the Vectrix scooter is classified as a motorcycle, for which a full motorcycle license will be required. In Europe, it is expected that a rider will only require a full driver’s license (and not a motorcycle license) to ride the Vectrix scooter. For more information about obtaining a motorcycle license in the US please visit Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s website at www.msf-usa.org.
Q: Will the Vectrix scooter need to be registered?
A: The Vectrix scooter does need to be registered as a street legal vehicle.
Q: Are helmets required to ride the Vectrix scooter?
A: Many European countries and most of the United States require helmets to be worn while riding the scooter.
State helmet laws may be found at http://motorcycleinfo.calsci.com/Packing.html#Laws
Vectrix Corp recommends wearing a helmet at all times while riding the scooter.
Q: Will Vectrix offer finance options for purchasing the Vectrix Scooter?
A: Vectrix has teamed with ASI Finance to provide financing for the Vectrix Scooter to consumers, private fleets, and municipalities throughout Europe and the United States. The ASI Finance Group is comprised of financial specialists who are dedicated to helping make the purchase of the Vectrix Scooter a fast, easy and convenient experience. Contact ASI's finance department for complete details (www.ASIFinance.com).
Performance
Q: Does the Vectrix electric scooter have the same performance characteristics as gas scooters?
A: With a top speed of 62 mph (100 km/h), 0-60 mph in just over 8 seconds, and a range of up to 70 miles between charges, the Vectrix scooter will leave many equivalent gas powered scooters in its tracks. The Vectrix scooter also offers outstanding handling due to a stiff frame and low center of gravity.
Q: What is the top speed of the Vectrix electric scooter?
A: The Vectrix scooter can achieve speeds of up to 62 mph (100 km/h). The top speed has been limited to 62 mph (100 km/h) to help extend range, but still meet the requirements of the executive commuter. It is possible to achieve a higher top speed with existing components, but there would be a trade off in range, i.e. as speed increases above 100 km/h, there is a sharp reduction in range.
Q: How far can I travel before I need to recharge the batteries?
A: Vehicle range is very dependent upon your driving habits and the profile of your trip. At a constant speed of 25 mph (40 km/hr), which is average around town commuting speed, the scooter will travel 68 miles (110 km) on a single charge. Range will be increased significantly with the introduction of the Fuel Cell / Electric Hybrid scooter in 2006.
Q: Do I need any special equipment or electrical service to charge the batteries?
A: The 1.5 kW on-board charger plugs into a standard single phase outlet (120 volt, 20 ampere North America, or 220 volt 10 ampere European).
Q: How long does it take to charge the batteries?
A: The onboard charger provides an 80% charge in just over two hours, and will fully recharge the batteries in just over three hours.
Q: How often do the batteries need to be charged?
A: Based on a daily commute of 20 miles (32 km), the batteries would only require charging 2-3 times a week. It is, however, recommended to charge the batteries whenever possible, if even for a few minutes. It should be noted that charging the scooter for short intervals or when very little battery power has been discharged does not count as a cycle so will not reduce the life expectancy of the battery pack.
Q: How long will the battery pack last before it needs to be replaced?
A: The Gold Peak Nickel Metal Hydride batteries used in the Vectrix scooter have been thoroughly tested and are designed for up to 1,700 full charging cycles. Based on 2-3 full charging cycles per week (100 – 150 per year) the battery pack will last between 10 to 15 years. Partial charges will not reduce the life expectancy of the battery pack.
Q: Will the batteries suffer any degradation during their life?
A: The batteries will only lose about 5% of maximum capacity and output over their life time.
Q: Will extreme cold adversely affect the batteries?
A: A temperature range from 0 to 50 centigrade (32 to 120 Fahrenheit) is optimal for charging and discharging. Storage in temperatures as low as – 20 C (-4F) will not cause any harm to the battery pack.
Q: What happens if the batteries run out of charge before I reach my destination?
A: The Vectrix scooter has a sophisticated in-dash display that provides useful information such as battery status and remaining range. In the unlikely event the batteries do run flat, the batteries can be easily charged from any standard power outlet. Vectrix will also have service trucks roaming major cities that will assist, free of charge, any Vectrix scooter in distress.
Q: How much electricity does it take to fully charge the Vectrix scooter?
A: Electricity costs are about 50 cents to fully charge the batteries. This represents over 90% saving in fuel costs compared with a gas-powered scooter (assumes gasoline costs €1.17/liter and electricity costs €0.15/kW).
Q: Should the charger be left plugged in for long periods of inactivity?
A: The Vectrix scooter has a very sophisticated charger which automatically controls the current to the batteries. Keeping the scooter plugged in after the battery pack is fully charged uses only a very small amount of energy to keep the control system powered and will not damage the batteries.
Q: Do you have a question not answered in our FAQ?
A: Email us.
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