Electric scooters?

**prettybillie** · 29th November 2008, 08:14

Heya - does anyone know much about electric scooters? I'm thinking about getting one to blat to and from work. I only live 8 k's from my office and thought one of these might be an option. The whole lower my carbon footprint and crap

**CrazyFrog** · 29th November 2008, 10:33

Electrics are cheap for a reason....not that well built, and only have a 30-35km range before battery dies, also only about 40kmph top speed. Okay if you live close to work tho, and your route isn't hilly. They suck on hills.
Don't know how much power they draw charging the batts....okay if your boss doesn't mind you charging it at work tho!!!

**MisterD** · 30th November 2008, 09:23

I think Scooter Emotion might have some electrics now, personally I'd still say if you want a little scooter, then 50cc 2-stroke is the way to go. If you're bothered about buying into the globular yawning scam and want to travel 8ks silently, get a push bike.

**tri boy** · 30th November 2008, 14:26

Finding tyres for them, (if it has 14" rims) can be a pain.

**Jantar** · 30th November 2008, 15:35

I'd be more interested in a genuine electric motorbike rather than a scooter. Something like this perhaps. http://www.electricmotorsport.com/st...ycle_gpr-s.php

**Dave C** · 30th November 2008, 18:49

Talk to Moto Mandy at Scooter Emotion right at the top of New North Rd. I have ridden their electric scoots ,and they perform at least as well as a 50cc petrol scoot, even with my (80kg+) weight on board, run (almost) silently, are well made, and score highly on the fun factor!

**Pogo2** · 30th November 2008, 18:49

Originally Posted by MisterD

I think Scooter Emotion might have some electrics now, personally I'd still say if you want a little scooter, then 50cc 2-stroke is the way to go. If you're bothered about buying into the globular yawning scam and want to travel 8ks silently, get a push bike.

I hear Goetz is going to stock a few variants of the electric kind. He seems quite passionate about it.

**prettybillie** · 1st December 2008, 07:27

Originally Posted by tri boy

Finding tyres for them, (if it has 14" rims) can be a pain.

Does anyone know what they are like to maintain - easy to get parts etc???

**davereid** · 1st December 2008, 17:36

Originally Posted by prettybillie

Does anyone know what they are like to maintain - easy to get parts etc???

I don't particularly know about electric bikes, but I regularly have people coming in and saying "Can I have a new drive belt - disk pads - tail light lens for a Kamasuta illustrated I bought off TardMe ? Its the same as the ones you sell "

And I have to say, err no. Its not the same. It looks the same. But its not. I can't sell you those brake components, cos if they don't work, and you die, I don't want a visit from plod.

So, the rules are...

- If you don't know the brand, how can you be sure you can get parts ?
- If the retailer is not reputable, does he care ? will he just promise you parts ?

Why not just by a quality petrol eating moped, from a european manufacturer, or a quality asian... and dodge all the hassles of the kamasutra illustrated ?

**prettybillie** · 2nd December 2008, 07:41

Yeah - I think I'll just go for a petrol one. These ones seem to be a little more trouble than the output you get from them.

**vtec** · 5th December 2008, 13:34

Range of 30 k's sounds very useful for in the cities. These will probably take off as long as a decent quality supplier is found. No fuel yay.

50cc scooters are fun, but I prefer my bicycle for the cost savings. I would however love a Suzuki UZ125 scooter, 120kph top speed, 40km/l fuel usage. and fast and fun and two seater, little and light and reliable and well built. Best scooter ever. Ask Danchop.

**geoffm** · 6th December 2008, 08:05

Biggest problem I can see with an electric scooter is top speed (and maybe power up hills on some). My FA50, now retired, topped out at 42kph - and that is dangerous in Auckland traffic since you get carved up by all the cars. Any scooter used for commuting needs to do 60 IMO.

**portokiwi** · 6th December 2008, 09:16

Originally Posted by Jantar

I'd be more interested in a genuine electric motorbike rather than a scooter. Something like this perhaps. http://www.electricmotorsport.com/st...ycle_gpr-s.php

That looks cool. Just wonder how long before you to replace bty, how much for the bty. Are they here in NZ?

**prettybillie** · 8th December 2008, 13:26

Originally Posted by Jantar

I'd be more interested in a genuine electric motorbike rather than a scooter. Something like this perhaps. http://www.electricmotorsport.com/st...ycle_gpr-s.php

Oh my god - those are cool! The only thing I've found in NZ are these www.envirgold-electric-cycles.com