Today, electric scooters or electric mopeds are just as powerful as their gasoline-powered counterparts, with the added advantage of being virtually silent, clean machines that can plug into a standard electrical socket to recharge. Typically, a charge will give you enough juice to travel 20-60 miles, depending on the scooter and battery system. Most scooter comes with lead-acid or nickle-metal hybrid (NiMH) batteries, but can usually be upgraded to the more expensive lithium-ion batteries, which are lighter and last longer. A scooter’s top speed is usually limited or “governed” to 25-28 mph in the U.S. in order to be classified as a “moped”. In terms of price, $1500 will get you a basic model like the eGo which is fine for short neighborhood trips. At the high end, $11,000 will buy you the Vectrix (pictured above) which is really an electric motorcycle — it has top speed of 62 mpg and range of about 60 miles.
Those in the market for a scooter may also want to consider buying an electric bicycle, which will offer a similar battery range, but with the added benefit of human pedal power!
Here’s our round-up of some of the more notable electric scooters available today:
eGo Electric Scooter
The eGo is a stylish, electric scooter, that is well-liked by its owners. It’s built on an anodized aluminum monocoque chassis, and some that bicycle-like design features.
The eGo has a range of 20-25 miles, with a top speed of 23 mph. Twising the throttle will engage either of two operating modes (”Go Far” and “Go Fast”), letting you tailor your ride for either greater distance range or maximum speed.
The eGo’s regenerative braking system captures your momentum as you ride, charging the battery. The built-in 5-amp charger plugs into any standard AC outlet for an 80% recharge in just 3 hours – and a full recharge from empty in 4 to 6 hours.
A built-in rear rack holds briefcases, picnic baskets and extra gear; optional folding rear baskets each hold a full bag of groceries; and optional front basket converts to shopping basket; optional cargo trailer attaches in a snap, folds flat for storage, can haul additional 100 lbs., and keeps brake light visible.
There are three models of the eGo: a classic model which sells for about $1500, and a LX model which has more accessories for about $1900, and a limited “special edition” LX model that features alloy wheels for $2000.
Available from Real Goods or Electric Cyclery.
Zapino Electric Scooter
Just about everyone seems to like the Zapino electric scooter by ZAP. Owners like its performance and its well thought-out design (see reports here, here and here). Strangely, ZAP has not marketed the Zapino much. It has a powerful 3000-watt brushless DC hub motor, which, according to ZAP, makes it the most powerful scooter in its class. It has a maximum speed of 30 mph, and can it’s range is “up to 30 miles per charge”.
The hub motor in the rear wheel creates more room on-board for additional batteries. According to ZAP this eliminates the need for belts, or chains, resulting in a more enjoyable ride with less vibration and noise, and a smoother acceleration while reducing overall maintenance.
The Zapino comes with silicon gel batteries, but it will soon be possible to extend the range of the Zapino to 65 miles per charge, with an optional 60V 40AH lithium-ion battery.
The Zapino sells for about $3000.
Available directly from ZAP.
The Vectrix Electric Scooter
The Vectrix is a 100% electric vehicle which is more like an motorcycle than a scooter. The Vectrix goes 62 mph, has a claimed range of 68 miles, and it accelerates faster than most cars at the stoplight. The Vectrix is powered by a low-mounted, 3.7 kilowatt NiMH battery pack that recharges to 80 or 90 percent of capacity in two hours. Three hours is usually enough for a full charge, four if you start from flat empty.
The V is For Voltage forum for the Vectrix is here.
The Vectrix sells for about $11,000.
See our full review of this scooter for more details.
Available from these dealers.
e-Moto Electric Scooter
The e-Moto Classic is a reto-styled scooter with a range of “up to 50 miles” and a governed top speed of 28 miles. The e-Moto Classic run on a 2000 watt motor, powered by a 48-volt silicon battery pack.
The e-Moto Classic sells for about $3000. A similar moped, the e-Moto Retro sells for about $2200.
Available from NeoScooters.
EVT America R20 Scooter
The EVT R20 electric scooter has been widely sold in the U.S. It can travel 30-45 miles on a charge, and it has a top speed of 45 mph. The EVT R20 is powered by a 2500 Watt brushless 60V motor (more powerful than the 1500W model in the original EVT-4000e). It can seat two riders, and it sells for $2500.
Skeuter Condor Electric Scooters
The Condor is an attractive, retro-styled scooter by a California distributor called Skeuter. It has a 1500W electric motor that is powered by a 48V Sealed Lead Acid battery pack or an optional lithium ion battery pack, It can be charged from a 110V or 220V outlet in about 6 hours using the 3 amp charger and range is quoted as 40 miles although I would expect more like 15 miles in real world riding. The Condor includes front disk brakes and rear drum brakes. It seat two people.
The Skeuter web site gets my Award for the Ugliest Web Site of The Year.
Available from these dealers.
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I sell a much cheaper electric scooter ($750)
come check us out, tundraenterprises.com
Electric Moped Scooters are a class of low-powered motorized vehicles, generally two-wheeled. Moped classification is designed to allow the use of small motorized vehicles, avoiding the safety restrictions and licensing charges required of larger motorcycles. Some motorized bicycles, small scooters, and small motorcycles fit the definition of a moped. In many countries scooters like EVT America R20 Scooter, e-Moto, Zapino, eGo and Piaggio Ape are classified as mopeds because of their low top speed and small capacity engine. In legal literature, Electric moped scooters are normally defined by limits on engine displacement, speed, power output, transmissions, or the requirement of pedals. In some countries, the legal driving age for a moped is lower than for larger motorcycles, and consequently electric moped scooters are popular among the youth. Typically, Electric moped scooters are restricted to 30-50 km/h and engines less than 50 cc. Some localities require pedals, thus making them a form of hybrid vehicle, using both human power and machine power. Because of their small size, many jurisdictions consider them limited speed motorcycle.