Electric motorcycles and scooters
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Electric motorcycles and scooters are rising in popularity because of higher gasoline prices. Battery technology is rapidly improving making this form of transportation more practical[1].
Advantages of electric over gasoline power:
- The fuel costs for electric power are less than one-third the cost of gasoline power.
- Nearly silent.
- Zero emissions. Can ride indoors.
- No trips needed to a petrol station. Plug in and recharge at home.
- Lower maintenance costs and fewer maintenance activities. For example, no need to change oil.
Disadvantages:
- Up front costs are higher than comparative gasoline powered motorcycle or scooter.
- Reliability not proven. How long do the batteries last?
- Shorter range before recharging.
- Longer "fill up" or recharge time.
- Comparatively lower maximum speed.
There are three basic types of scooters:
- Mobility scooter (disability riders)
- Stand-up scooters (like a child's kick scooter)
- Seated scooters/mopeds
[edit] Current or upcoming
| Name | Top Speed | Cost | Battery | Range | Comments | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Life | Capacity | |||||
| Myers Motors NmG | 75 mph | US$25K | valve regulated lead acid (VRLA) | 25-30 miles | The Case for the Tango | ||
| Vectrix | 100 km/h, 60 mph | $11K | Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) | 10 years or 50,000 miles / 80,000 km | 30 Ah, 3.7 kW-h | 110 km @ 40 km/h, 68 miles @ 25 mph | South Africa review |
| ZAP Xebra | 65 km/h, 45 mph | US$10K | Lead Acid | 3 years | 25 miles at 30mph | review | |
| Eco-Glide LE | 55 km/h, 34 mph | $1,400 | 12v/20ah 2 packs of 4 (8-pcs total) | 10 miles | ocregister.com | ||
| Evader | 50 km/h, 30 mph | $2,500 | 4x12v Sealed Lead Acid Gel[2] | two years | 45AH | 70 km, 40 miles | |
| eGO Cycle 2 | 40 km/h, 23 mph[3] | $1,200 | 40 km, 25 miles (18 mph, 150 lb rider, flat terrain) | ||||
| Electric Motorsport | 65 mph | $6800 - $8000 | 48 Volt 44 Ah Pack includes. 8 BB High Rate 12 volt 22 Ah (SLA). In parallel series connection. | 200-500 charge cycles | 10+ kW | 40 miles | |
