Full-Size Electric scooters

Top row: Scooters that are currently in production and have a track record - Lepton, EVT-4000e

Next row: Scooters that are not out of production but are very likely to appear this summer 2005 - E-MAX, Z-20 (EVTAmerica)

Full-size electric scooters are heavier and just as stable (if not better) than the 49cc full-size gas scooters. The electrics resemble their gas powered cousins in style.

Many of the gas 49cc models have restricted power plants to keep the speed down to 30 mph. This is done to allow said scooters 'moped' status in states where such a status usually means no motorcycle drivers license required and if also often means no registration or insurance required.

Electrics can hang with restricted 49cc gas scooters on the streets in terms of acceleration, hill climbing and speed. They can't of course hang with the gas models in terms of range in between re-fueling. Electrics also present a charging problem to people who live in apartments/condos/town houses. They are too heavy to bring inside, and without a garage or porch, or backyard, charging become a serious problem. The batteries typically weigh 100 lbs or more so taking them out and bringing them inside for charging is a very labor intensive task.

Almost every gas scooter owner defeats the restricted system on their scooters, and ends up with a scooter that can do about 40 mph, which is slightly above the 'minimum' speed required (35 mph) to ride in main traffic in the typical medium to large city.

No current model of a full-size electric scooter can be easily made to go faster than 28-30 mph by by-passing some restrictive device; although, I suspect we will see such a possibility in the future if the full-size electric scooter is to survive and flourish.

The advantages full-size electric scooters have over their gas counter parts are as follows:

  • Charging is cheaper than gas
  • Very silent operation
  • No tune-up, oil changes, spark plug, air filter replacements.
  • No problems starting, no carburetor replacement or adjustments.
  • Less maintenance on the power train system as a whole.
  • No direct pollution caused by the operation of the vehicle.

The disadvantages full-size electric scooters have in comparison to their gas powered counter parts are as follows:

  • Battery pack replacement can negate cost gains from charging versus buying gas.
  • Range is usually limited to maximum distance one can go on a charge, since there are no standard, or plentiful charging situations away from home.
  • Charging requires close proximity to an 'ac' power socket, which can be a problem for apartment dwellers, etc.
  • The 30 mph maximum speed is not easily increased as with a 49cc restricted gas powered scooter.

Whether a full-size electric is right for you, you will have to decide. We hope to test both the E-MAX and the Z-20 in the coming months.

For factory specifications on the above models see 'Gallery of Models', or click on images above.