Vertrix - Who wants it?

[WhiteOryx]

Given the current high fuel prices and the issue of global warming, it is quite puzzling to see that there are no electric scooter (and i mean those with the size of normal scooter) in Singapore. Do you guys/girls think this scooter below will be introduced in singapore? And if it does, how popular do you think it will be? Its max speed is nothing much to talk about though but think of it as saving the environment Maybe the government could cut off some COE off this dude to promote the environment awareness to the community

 

http://www.vectrix.com/ContentResources/1/69575286/30/benefitsimage2.jpghttp://www.vectrix.com/ContentResources/1/69575286/30/benefitsimage1.jpg

 

More Info:

 

The Vectrix electric maxi-scooter is the world's first high-performance electric two-wheel vehicle to offer all the benefits of a traditional gasoline-powered scooter but without the noise, pollution, expensive maintenance, frequent oil changes, and regular trips to the gas station.

 

The Vectrix maxi-scooter is fun to ride and easy to operate. Its top speed of 62 mph (100 km/h) and fast acceleration make it safe and easy to zip in and out of traffic. The onboard charger plugs into any standard electrical outlet to quickly charge the batteries, which provide 35 to 55 miles (55 to 90 km) of travel on a single charge. A low center of gravity and stiff frame provide excellent handling, and the multi-function throttle allows riders to accelerate and slow down with a simple twist of the throttle. The retail price is $11,000.00.

 

With the Vectrix maxi-scooter you’ll be free to move, free from traffic jams, free from expensive maintenance, free from rising gas prices, free from pollution, and free from guilt about damaging the planet.

 

 

 

Performance:

 

Max Speed: 62 mph / 100 km/h

Acceleration:0-50 mph (80 km/h) - 6.8 seconds

0-31 mph (50 km/h) - 3.6 seconds

Range: 35-55 miles (55-90 km) per charge depending on speed

Braking: Patented multi-function throttle (DAaRT) provides regenerative braking and slow-speed reverse

Front and rear Brembo disc brakes

Tires Pirelli: GTS23 120/70-14 (Front) and GTS24 140/60 13 (Rear)

Fork: Marzocchi Telescopic Fork

Suspension: Sachs Twin Shocks

 

Battery

 

Battery Type: Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH)

Rated Battery: Capacity 30 Ah, 3.7 kW-h

Rated Battery Voltage: 125V

Charger: 1.5kW on-board battery charger

Recharge Requirements: 110V-220V (50/60Hz)

Recharge Time: 2 hours (80% charge)

Battery Discharge Cycles: 1,700 (80% charge)

Estimated Battery Life: 10 years or 50,000 miles / 80,000 km

Motor & Gearbox

 

Motor Type: Brushless DC, radial air-gap motor

Peak Power: 20 kW peak power at 3000 rpm

Max Current: 275 Amps

Max Torque: 65 Nm

Gearbox: Integrated rear-wheel mounted planetary gear drive

 

 

Electronics

 

Controller: DSP & IGBT based all-digital electronic control and motor drive system

Instrumentation: LCD¹s display speed, odometer, battery charge,, estimated range, and system status

Communications: Controller Area Network (CAN)

Bluetooth wireless sytems diagnostics and communication

 

Dimensions: Weight 462lb (210 kg)

Wheelbase: 60" (1525 mm)

Seat Height: 30" (770 mm)

Wheels: Front - 14"

Rear - 13"

Storage Capacity: Under seat storage for a full-faced helmet

Glove compartment

 

Other

 

Frame: Lightweight aluminum frame

Warranty: 24 months

Emissions: Zero

Retail Price: US$11,000, not including tax, registration, freight or delivery charges.

 

More Pics:

 

 

http://www.vectrix.com/ContentResources/1/1448392229/1/57_1wheel.jpg

 

http://www.vectrix.com/ContentResources/1/1448392229/1/10_2Dashboard.jpg

 

http://www.vectrix.com/ContentResources/1/1448392229/1/37_2vectrix072-DSC00973.jpg

 

http://www.vectrix.com/ContentResources/1/1448392229/1/82_xhi_01.jpg

 

http://www.vectrix.com/ContentResources/1/1448392229/1/35_1blow_07_532x800_jpgq8.jpg

 

http://www.vectrix.com/ContentResources/1/1448392229/1/94_3CutAway.jpg

 

http://www.vectrix.com/ContentResources/1/1448392229/1/28_xhi_06.jpg

 

http://www.vectrix.com/ContentResources/1/1448392229/1/67_3wheelc.jpg

An MP3 clone? Only diff is running on battery?

 

http://www.peoplepoweredmachines.com/vectrix/_img/vectrix-top.jpg

 

Price is abit steep though at US$11,000 which roughly converts to SGD$16000 but who cares. Now there is better reason to bring an extension cord around and tap electricity from fast food outlets like those that tap them for their lappy That way, we can save on petrol cost and engine oil So anybody willing to get one in???

[Reese]

if i rem correctly, Singapore Powers tried some electric powered bikes in the past

but the lifespan of the battery was too short to get to anywhere

basically the bikes jux died off in every part of the country

so unless they do something like increasing the capacity of the battery for longer duration... otherwise u will be calling the tow truck more often than u r on a gas powered bike now

[Sharpey]

I know someone else is going to chime in and say this...

 

but how is this scooter more environmentally friendly?

 

Singapore gets all of its electricity from burning fossil fuels.

 

Thus all this scoot does is move the source of the pollution somewhere else.

 

Greener maybe.... totally green it is not.

[WhiteOryx]

if i rem correctly, Singapore Powers tried some electric powered bikes in the past

but the lifespan of the battery was too short to get to anywhere

basically the bikes jux died off in every part of the country

so unless they do something like increasing the capacity of the battery for longer duration... otherwise u will be calling the tow truck more often than u r on a gas powered bike now

 

You mean those electric powered bicycle? If its not, then it could be some low powered /tech batt that was used I believe with the current technology, batt nowdays can hold their charge longer and last longer. The cost of a replacement batt might be costly as well. Maybe this bike is more suitable for city riding Cause in the city, it should always be a powerpoint somewhere

 

I know someone else is going to chime in and say this...

 

but how is this scooter more environmentally friendly?

 

Singapore gets all of its electricity from burning fossil fuels.

 

Thus all this scoot does is move the source of the pollution somewhere else.

 

Greener maybe.... totally green it is not.

 

Hmm.. thats true in a way but i believe the power stations do their burning in a much more controlled environment. In a way, maybe they could covert the CO2 + CO3 to C + O before letting it out Back to the issue, electricity is getting more and more ex due to the high fuel price. In the end, its still back to square one

 

I've read somewhere that they have a breakthru in creating some cheap solar films. Maybe they can try to "solarised" the vehicle or something? That would certainly make full use of the abundant power source on earth, the Sun. Then, we do not need to even top up our fuel or charge up our vehicles at all. but that would be a long time to come. Maybe once they realise that they shall not be any fossil fuel in around 10 yrs time?

[Echo]

I know someone else is going to chime in and say this...

 

but how is this scooter more environmentally friendly?

 

Singapore gets all of its electricity from burning fossil fuels.

 

Thus all this scoot does is move the source of the pollution somewhere else.

 

Greener maybe.... totally green it is not.

 

that what i thought so too. it wont reduce pollution and depletion of natural resources, but in fact it doing the harm in another way.

 

what i think is, the best way to get energy is still natural energy. either be solar-powered or using solar cell batteries.

[spy622]

B4 the problem with price n where to find a "legalise" charging area, the following will be something to look at..

 

the range is too short...55-90km per charge is not good enuff for even a small country like Singapore.

 

If I were to ride it I think I can make a 1.5way trip from Jurong to Changi airport n then on the way back hav to stop at Kallang Mac for 2hrs to "steal" some power.

 

Batt life is also short...80000km means if u r an over average user after 4years of ownership mean u had problems liao.

 

Other than the above the overall design n performace for the scoot is gd n compeitive among other maxi...but if this electric engine is too to be put into a smaller scoot might be a better choice but the selling point will be gone...as we cannot expect an office executive to be riding a skipper size scoot to work compare to riding something of a maxi size scoot with more space n fuction

 

My 2cents

[azzym]

well if the can make a "Hybrid" version of it like some of the cars now.. Maybe, just maybe it will catch-up on people...

[TS1]

man.. imagine riding up NS highway with this.. too sLow n needs to charge at every petrol kiosk..

[Sharpey]

I think hybrids are a good proposition... Piaggio are leading the way on this front...

[WhiteOryx]

http://www.newsday.com/media/photo/2007-12/34365406.jpg

 

Hmm... i wonder if the bike got enough "juice" to chase after their criminals?

 

"NEW YORK - Police have found a way to help save the planet and perhaps sneak up on bad guys at the same time: an electric, ultra-quiet scooter.

 

The New York Police Department will begin road testing four of the plug-in Vectrix scooters early next month _ part of a broader campaign to make the nation's largest police department a greener one as well."

 

Actual article can be found here>> http://www.newsday.com/news/local/wire/newyork/ny-bc-ny--nypdgreen1220dec20,0,140504.story

[Reese]

i totally agree with & support the hybrid idea! i believe hybrid versions will be a nice way to kick start the path to being environmentally friendly & it doesn't compromise the quality of the vehicle (so to speak for the 4 wheelers)

 

but 1 thing is for sure... hybrid owners r penalised in monetary wise for being enviromentally friendly... becoz they use lesser petrol...

[ahboy535]

electric motors troublesome la...for example if tp in singapore using this bike there'll be no law in singapore already...just slowly lead them abit for 90km den their bike will die off...

[Aqis]

Happy New Year To All!!!

[sheep]

Electricity price go up liao..

when singapore implement electric cars, the price of electricity confirm on par with petrol. Our gahment clever one..

[mohgui]

fully electric is not very viable. like what spy mentioned, if we want to make this happen, need to have charging outlets at every 50km radius.

 

this will allow bikers to charge their bikes as and when required. the charging outlet could be like a self-help thing where bikers insert their credit card/cash card/atm card to pay for the charge.

 

the other thing to make this a success is to cut short on the charging time. 2 hours for a 80% charge along the way is unacceptable. it's just a waste of time.

 

so i guess like what many have mentioned, hybrid is a more preferred choice for a cleaner motoring.