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:
IZIP HG-1000 Hybrid Electric Bike
IZIP HG-100 Electric Hybrid Bike
IZIP HG-100 Electric Hybrid Bike
The IZIP HG-1000 is a popular electric bike from IZIP that sells for around $750. The HG-1000 is called a “hybrid” because has a scooter-type frame, but it can includes pedal for human-assisted power. It has a range of 30-35 miles on a single charge and a top speed of 18 mph. It comes with lead-acid 36 volt batteries and a 240 watt motor. This bike is designed with commuters in mind — it comes standard with an integrated rack, lockable rear trunk, front basket and removable battery box. It also has a keyed power switch, a light, a horn and a battery gauge.
IZIP Sereno Hyrbid Electric Bike
This year, IZIP re-released this bike as the Sereno Hybrid Electric Bike. It has slight variations on the frame and accessories, but the specs are identical.
The IZIP HG-1000 electric bike is available from Amazon for around $750. The IZIP Sereno Hybrid bike is available from BikeMania for $750.
E-Zip Trailz 2008 Electric Scooter Bike
I’ve been testing the E-Zip 2008 Trailz bike. 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 pedalling lightly.
The E-Zip Trailz Bike available from Amazon for $370. The women’s version of this bike is available here
eGo Electric Scooter
The eGo is a stylish, electric scooter, that is well-liked by its owners. It’s built on an anodized aluminium 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.
I-Zip EZgo Electric Scooter
Here’s a folding electric bike that can be used as a scooter: the I-Zip EZgo. You can ride it without pedalling 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.
EZip 900 Electric Scooter
Currie Technologies makes an range of electric scooters branded as I-Zip or E-Zip. These are my favourite 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 900 (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 900 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 900 Electric Scooter is available from Amazon
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.
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:
- The Street Enlightened Electric Bicycle From IZip
- Zapino: A 100% Electric Scooter by ZAP
- The Vectrix 100% Electric Scooter
- 170MPG Hybrid Scooters By Piaggio
- Hot Electric Scooters
{ 68 comments… read them below or add one }
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I need your honest opinion. I have a regular beach cruiser-type bicycle that is still under warranty, but I’m thinking about converting it by mounting an electric motor and battery. I’m also considering purchasing a new EZip Mountain Trailz electric bike. Which option would be more economical? Should I buy a ready-built e-bike, or build one from scratch? Thank you for your time.
Hal, I had the same symptoms on a 24 volt Chinese BMX freedom someone gave me, and it turned out to be the fuse. It looked OK but it had intermittent internal disconnect. After replacing it, no problemo.
Maurice, I’m a retired ham and my first electric scooter project was a 2003 Viento made in California. They have notoriously weak rear wheels. After much $$$ and some pain it runs again like a bat out of LA. Although I haven’t ridden motorcycles in many years, the Viento can be scary. It is silent yet develops massive torque with a touch of the throttle. This means if you aren’t firmly seated, it runs away without you. I once hit a small dip in the grass while parking and it almost took me through a hedge. This led me to a habit of switching it off as I approach my destination. It goes about 30 mph and has three 30 pound batteries so it weighs about 200 pounds. Compare the Chinese Freedom BMX scooter which weighs about the same as a single Viento battery and goes about 5 mph. Apples & oranges. Anyway, I use it for trips to the post office (about two miles), and I’ve learned to exercise caution.
Hal
It sounds like you have a short where a exposed wire is touching the frame, etc. I would suggest getting an electrician to check it out for you.
John
Howard and John,
Thank you both so much for your suggestions. I will try the fuse first (if I can find it) then look for a loose wire or connection. I have noticed that if I elevate the rear wheels off the ground, and turn on the power, they turn freely and seem to be getting power consistently (instead of intermittently) Gosh, I’m not THAT heavy, about 180, so am hoping that the weight isn’t an issue. Please let me know if any further thoughts.
Oops, meant to say rear “wheel”, not “wheels”.
Hal
Your weight would not be a factor. Is there any torque when you lift it up. Try touching the ground slightly and see if it still runs. If so, again a short somewhere, possibly inside the motor. Try other loose wires first but you may have to take the motor apart to look for short. Again, an electrician could probably find it quickly.
66 y/o with emphysema, need something (?) to carry me and my photography gear around off-road. Would really hate to get jammed up in mud. Need something with a minimum of red tape for its use in most public places, like parks and sidwalks.
A little direction would be a good thing.
Aloha. I have an iMoto2 Verde electric scooter which has been a lot of fun even though it never came close to matching the specs for mileage and speed. It has trouble with the hills in Kailua Kona but used to have about a 30 mile range and a top speed of about 25mph on flat roads. Of late, the mileage has dropped off significantly. I rode it to the library yesterday and, when I hopped back on, it wouldn’t go when I twisted the throttle. I could feel it trying, but it vibrated for a few seconds and then cut off. The manufacturer suggested it could be the batteries, but I’ve checked the connections and put a voltmeter on them and everything checks out. The scooter doesn’t seem to be able to carry any weight. But when I put it up on its stand and twist the throttle, the wheel spins. I was wondering if anybody has any suggestions or thoughts on this problem. Mahalo.
Jim, I am having identical problems with my electric scooter.
Mine was purchased from GreenCycle in Gresham, OR. I’ve had 12 issues with the bike since purchase four months ago. It has been in the shop, or merely inoperable three of those four months. Unfortunately they don’t back their product or honor the warranty for an hour after it leaves their door. “Your tough luck” is their attitude. If anyone is considering purchase, please let me know, and I’ll send you a list of what to expect.
Hal,
I just checked out the scooter this morning. I had a friend sit on the scooter and twist the throttle while I put the voltmeter on each battery. The needle didn’t move on three of the four, but, on the fourth, the needle dropped to the bottom. Which I think tells me that that battery is kaput. In which case, I’m told that all four need to be replaced. Frustrating since I just replaced all four last September for about $400 (it costs a lot to have batteries shipped out here and it’s a weird amperage (12V22aph SLA). The whole scooter only cost me about $1500 when I first bought it back in 1/07. The battery problem might be related to the fact that a power surge fried my battery charged back in December and I had a hard time finding a replacement. So the scooter sat without being charged for a long time. I’m trying to do the right thing for the environment but they sure don’t make it easy.
Aloha.
From Dennis Thorn Forwarded by Justin:
Jim, I replaced all four of my batteries a month ago. (The originals
only lasted nine weeks.) So, I don’t think mine is a battery problem.
Took it to a professional shop in Phoenix about three weeks ago, and
still don’t have the verdict back from them.
I liked your comment…”they sure don’t make it easy”. And the
problem is compounded by sellers that have little understanding of, or
the integrity to stand behind their products. All they supplied with
the bike was an 8 page leaflet translated from Mandarin to broken
English.
Jim & Hal
It is a shame you are both having bad luck with your bikes. I would suggest fixing them up and selling and then buying a quality bike. Veloteq is the brand I have been riding for two years without a problem. It is great on hills and is top of the line and they back the warranty. Best of luck and don’t give up.
John
John,
I went to the Veloteq site and had several questions.
How accurate is the mileage claim? Is it really 35 miles or is that based on ideal conditions (perfectly level track, 140-lb rider, no wind, no rain, etc.)
I didn’t see anything about the top speeds for the scooters? What is your experience and which one do you own?
How easily does it handle the hills?
There also didn’t seem to be any prices attached to the various scooters. It just gave a range of between $1900-2100. Accurate?
Aloha and thanks for your help. I am kind of fed up with my scooter at this time although it was a blast for about a year and a three-quarters. Maybe the ocean air is hard on the components, giving it the benefit of the doubt.
Mike Zev,
I checked out some of the scooters at tradingcompany.com. Everything seemed to be conditional on buying at least 2 scooters. I only need one. Am I missing something?
I purchased a mid-level scooter from Green Scooters.com. After speaking with Mark, the distributor in Gresham, OR., I was confident that it was a reliable machine. Boy, was I wrong!!! He not only fails to stand behind the product, but the scooter eats batteries. Have had two sets fail in four months, even though I’m diligent in recharging. If anyone is considering a purchase from this company, e-mail me, and I can send you a litany of documented problems that I’ve encountered with this product and company. When contacted, Mark said he would have to send the issue to his factory in China to get it resolved. Two months…..nothing.
It’s rip offs like these that are casting a dim light on electrics, and reputable internet sellers. Hope nobody else gets ripped off from this guy.
If you want an absolute lemon, no QC, no product support, and a loss of $1200 to $1800, here’s your guy. No vendetta. Just personal experience.
http://www.greenscooters.net/
Jim
You will have no problems with the Veloteq. Mine goes about 40 miles on a full charge including hills because it charges the batteries while coasting. They also have a built in transmission for quick starts and tackling hills. If you want more info you can contact Peter Steinke at info@golectric.com. They are governed for a top speed of 32 km/hr. This makes them legal in Canada without a license, insurance or plates. The governor can be over-ridden for a top speed of 36 km/hr but this will reduce the milage slightly.
Dennis
You may want to check out these bikes as well. They are good quality and I know they sell them in the states out of Texas.
Jim, Hal, Justin, Dennis
You can also check out http://www.Daymak.com. The sell and E-bike called the “Smart” bike. Range is 50 miles with two battery system. Not sure of the quality although I hear they honour the warranty. I still recommend the Veloteq for quality.
John
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