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 they 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, basic electric scooters start at $350, and even at this price level you can find a good electric scooter that will serve you well for 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 (see more information below).
Let’s start by taking a look at electric scooters that are available for under $1000:
I-Zip 650
Currie Technologies makes an range of electric scooters branded as I-Zip or E-Zip. These are my favorite sub-$1000 brand of scooters. They have a decent build quality, and they can offer you enjoyable trouble-free travel for years. The I-Zip 650 (pictured above) features both a deck for standing and a removable seat for comfort on longer rides. When you need to go a farther distance than a comfortable walk, the I-Zip 650 will get you there and back quickly thanks to its 12-mile range (depending on rider weight) and top speed of 15 MPH.
The I-Zip 650 Electric Scooter is vailable from Amazon
E-Zip Trailz 2008
OK, this isn’t a scooter per se, it’s an electric bike. But it will take you as far as a comparable scooter, plus you can pedal it like a bike to help the motor along. I’ve been testing the E-Zip 2008 Trailz bike (pictured above). I’ve found that the range of a fully-charged battery is about 10 miles — that’s if you make liberal use of the electric assist. If you just use it to go up hills, the charge will last for about 20 miles. The battery detaches so that you can charge at a cafe or an office. You can also add a second battery for $120 from Currie Technologies, that will double your range (but it will also increase the bike’s weight).
If you use this bike for a commute that is 20 miles or less, you could definitely arrive at the office without breaking a sweat. I was pleased by the power of the motor. It was easy to achieve speeds of 25 mph while pedaling lightly.
The E-Zip Trailz Bike available from Amazon for $399. The women’s version of this bike is available here
I-Zip EZgo
Here’s a folding electric bike that can be used as a scooter: the I-Zip EZgo. You can ride it without pedaling for about 10 miles, or you let the motor assist you with pedaling, and go for 18 to 25 miles with speeds up to 18 mph. The I-ZIP EZGo weighs 53 pounds, including the motor.
The bike’s ability to fold makes for easy storage. The EZgo has a simple twist throttle with a battery gauge. The wheels are 16″ heavy duty alloy with stainless steel spokes. The bike includes an integrated rear carrier for storage.
It’s available from Amazon for $649. The bike’s home page is here.
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 $1400, 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 for around $1400.
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 40 mph, and its 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.
EVT America R20 Scooter
The EVT R20 electric scooter has been widely sold in the U.S. for about a decade. It can travel 30-45 miles on a charge, and it has a top speed of 45 mph. It’s 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.
Bravo EVT 168 Electric Moped Scooter
A great looking scooter, the classically styled EVT 168 was introduced last year by EVT America. It has a 1500-Watts 48-Volt Brush Hub Motor.
It has a top speed of 30 miles and hour, and can go 25 to 35 Miles (42 to 58 Km) without recharging. In case you are wondering, it comes in a range of colors (not just purple).
The EVT 168 is available from OverStock for $2999 including shipping.
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.
Update August 2008: The price has reduced to a much more reasonable $8,795 for the 2007 model, and $9,395 for the slightly improved 2008 version. They hope to launch a more modest $5,000 bike in 2009 featuring a “next-gen” NiMH battery that should boost the range by ten miles for a total of 70.
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.
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.
A commenter below points out an upgraded version of the Skeuter Condor is available here.
Available from these dealers.
Read more! Related stories:
{ 36 comments… read them below or add one }
What about the BugE?
30 mile range
50mph top speed
1/2 cent per mile
$6000
looks like the e-moto and the zap run on the exact same chassis
hmmm
jorge
Thanks for this roundup.
Nice to see so many good choices in terms of low/no-emission transport.
Any thoughts on the relative utility and value of low-end electric scooters like the eGo versus electric bicycles like the OHM Cycles you profiled last month on MetaEfficient?
- Aaron Dalton, 1GreenProduct.com
Brilliant overview Justin. Do you think the price is low enough for people to make the switch though?
Excellent overview, did the Powascooter PS168 miss out by much?
The thing that stops me from switching is the range of these scooters, how long will it be before we manage to get ranges closer to 60-100 miles?
Goatslayer,
Unfortunately, our review scope only covered scooters available in the U.S.
Justin
Richard,
I do think scooters are overpriced in the U.S. (especially compared to prices in Asia). But cost can be offset by the savings gained by replacing a car for short trips.
Justin
Aaron,
I’m partial to electric bike like the OHM or the eZee because of the great reviews they get performance-wise, and because you can take them on bike paths.
But eGo does come nicely equipped for the road with lights, fenders and other accessories.
Justin
I bought my wife an eGo because her foot problem made walking difficult for the 1.5 miles to work. She loves it, reports that it is a real “guy magnet” and has not had any trouble with it in a year or so of usage.
One point about these reviews though — simple “top speed” and “top range” estimates are nonsense — you are NOT going to go 60+ miles on the Vectra if you go 60+mph.
If you can’t get the full curves (speed vs. range) then at least you should settle on some standard speed settings and post the range attained at those (constant) speeds — say, 10 mph, 15 mph, 25 mph (or top speed), 35 mph (or top), and so on.
The eGo, for example, will definitely take you 20+ miles — but not if you go for 23 mph for long!
Beware of the R-20.
Unless I’ve got a complete lemon, the build quality is abysmal. All exposed metal shows signs of rust. The trunk snapped off the cheap plastic mount in the middle of an intersection. Range is only 15 miles if you leave the headlight on. The charge indicator has stopped working. Need I go on?
I’ve been riding a Vectrix for 9 months now, after riding a long list of smaller electric scooters (2000-3000 watt varieties). It’s a dream machine. Expensive, but worth every penny, I’d have to say. I get up to 32-48 miles per charge depending on speed and type of driving. Excellent build quality. If you can spare the dough, there is absolutely nothing better on the market.
The reason i think that ZAP has not advertised too much for the ZAPINO is that really there is no need. Demand actually outweighs supply and being the best such product in the market, the scooter does its own marketing by word of mouth.
The blurb on the Skeuter Condor was taken from the (horrible) website and the specs were below what I was interested in; however, a scooter club in Santa Monica has upgraded them with lithium iron phosphate batteries (LiFePO4) and a larger engine - increasing range (>60 miles) and speed (35+) - without breaking the bank like the zap $2000 lithium battery upgrade. There are 2 levels of upgrade, the second 90+ range and 50+ mph. With a scooter club vouching for Skeuter, and seeing the flexibility, I’m interested now even though I live on the east coast.
http://www.zenbiotic.com/scootclubscooters.html#batterycomp
Hi~How are you? I’m Jenny I’m from China I deal with scooters.Are you finding scooters now?Pls send me your enquiry,I will offer you ASAP.
Regards,
Jenny
Just curious to know, does a hub motor offer better efficiency than the regular DC brushless motors?
I’m doing research for a scooter conversion and curious to know what type of motor I should buy.
I live in Taiwan so I know I can get the LiFePO4 here but want to make sure I can find the appropriate motor setup.
If I could do 60v, I think I could make my old 50cc ICE into a neat machine.
Ilike these scooters but i want the one with less price or used one.
great intro … do keep abreast …. NOTA BENE : conspicuous by abscence mention of reliability , maintenance. street legality concerns , insursance status …. again thank you …. mab
We have a machine shop at a very good location for the sale of scooters and electric bikes. We have been at the same location for over 50 years. The traffic cout passing our facility every day is about 25,000. We are looking for a distributor.
michael bose:
we’d be happy if you send us a donation, and we’ll be able to fund some further research.
justin
Hi there,
We currently sell some of the cheaper version electric scooters directly from China. Probably can’t compare to the “best electric bikes” of 2008, but definitely worth having a quick look at. Check it out at http://www.tradingcompany.com if you get the chance.
We are an American trading company based out of China, so we understand the quality needs of the US and other western countries.
Drop me a line if there is anything there that might be of interest.
Cheers,
MZ
This is so helpful. Do you think you can add details about how secure the vehicles are–I mean, what type of anti-theft security these vehicles may have? The electric bikes and scooters–they’re not key-starters, are they? I would love to get one to run errands in, but what would be the point, if someone will steal if if I park it outside the store? Thanks.
what happened to EVADER electric scooters
let me know wether thse electrical scooters are available in Europe and/or France and which cie are selling it ?
25 MPH? Here in Florida, that would legally make the E-Zip Trailz bike a MOPED, which requires a driver license, tag, and registration! To keep it legally a BICYCLE (NO license, tag, or registration), one HAS to keep the bike’s speed UNDER 20 MPH (yes, even while pedalling!). Not only that, the Trailz even has an electronic governor to automatically shut the motor OFF, if the speed exceeds 18 MPH.
great reviews on the different types of electric scooters. I’m a fan of electric scooters as well and I think they’re the best thing in the world as it’s environmentally friendly and friendly to our purse as well.
Personally… I’m holding out for the Vetrix. Either that or one of the many electric cars that will be avail w/in the next few years.
Even though I am getting a regular bike soon, I STILL have a “hankering” for a cheap electric scooter, as well, just to ride around the house, since here in Florida, one needs a driver’s license to ride a scooter ON PUBLIC ROADWAYS….but NOT on “private property,” at least. And so, if I DO get one in the not-too-distant future, I’ll have MORE than one way to have some “fun in the sun!”
Check out http://www.smmotors.net, we have mopeds as low as $660
@ sihanat:
But these are GAS scooters, NOT electric! I think you’re posting to the WRONG message board!
Best options U can find at
http://www.bereco.es for the European Market
LIFEPO4 Batteries make a great Range
I have FINALLY made up my mind….I’m not interested in bikes, scooters, cars, ANYTHING on
Just my
wheels, anymore….it was just a half-baked, foolish dream, and I never
should have been watching NBC Weatherplus…since that channel is going OFF
THE AIR pretty soon, anyway. Those scooter and bike things are for people
who have jobs, and DO have SOMEWHERE to commute to on wheels….I AM
RETIRED, AND NEED NOT GO ANYPLACE UNLESS ABSOULUTELY NECESSARY, AND ONLY BY
BUS! I would surely get BORED with a bike…even an electric bike, and end
up either selling it, or just THROWING IT IN THE TRASH! Maybe God does NOT
want me on wheels…ever…after all!!! Do you agree? I’m pretty BLESSEDLY
assured of THAT!!! I DON’T EVER WANT TO DRIVE ANYTHING, OR RIDE ANYTHING BUT
A BUS!!! That’s the ONLY thing I ever want to ride, from now on! My money
would be BETTER spent on ELECTRONICS….NOT electric vehicles!!!
two cents!
Great review. Wonder what they have now that it’s been six months since this review was done?
And Maurice C., its great to see that you’ve made a decision.
Thanks, Andrew. It’s great to see that someone “sat up and took notice” of my last post. Right now, as it stands, electric vehicles are too expensive and dangerous for the likes of me. Someday maybe, if I live long enough (I’m 46 years old), electric bikes and scooters will be more enjoyable for me, because they, IMHO, will be so much cheaper and safer. Of course, if I DON’T live long enough….I wonder if people ride scooters and bicycles in Heaven….?!
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@ canoas: So now, Vectrix has some competition! Maybe now, the prices will start to come down–even in TODAY’S sorry economy. Lotsa luck to ya…I hope even MORE companies will jump on the electric scooter/motorcycle bandwagon!