My primary reason for visiting TexaseRider.com in Austin, this passed June, was to test rider the E-MAX scooters. Since Larry at TexaseRider.com is also an distributor for Oxygen products in North America, we also had an opportunity to do some serious riding on the Oxygen products.

The fit-n-finish of the Oxygen products is excellent. Bill Moore of EVWorld.com liked the traditional Italian scooter styling better than the modern E-MAX look. It is hard for me separate my bias for performance when evaluating style, so I probably like the E-MAX better because it performs better.

The Oxygen MB50 uses NI-ZN battery technology which is both lighter and a more efficient battery chemistry over Seal-Lead-Acid (SLA). The MB-50's battery pack is 48v at 40 ah, but has more range than the EVT units which have SLA battery packs of 48v 50ah.

I was unable to do any range tests with the MB-50, but 30 miles range ridden mostly in 'Sprint' (Fast) mode is probably likely.

The maximum speed of the MB-50 is between 28-29 mph. It accelerates better than the EVT, and regular E-MAX (1500 watt). The 28-29 mph speed, however, is not enough to ride safely in most USA cities and suburban areas. You will have to usually ride to the extreme right like a bike in most situations.

The MB-50 weighs about 235 lbs which is about 50 lbs less than the E-MAX or EVT scooters, due largely to the lighter weight of the Evercel batteries. It rides better and handles bumps better than the EVT, but not better than the E-MAX.

The MB-50 climbs very well. I didn't do a head to head, but I think it climbs better than the EVT, and regular E-MAX, and no worse than the E-MAX Sport (2000 watt).

The MB-50 has nice styling, is well designed and constructed and has excellent performance, except for top end speed. It cost over $3600, however, so I don't see a future for it in the USA, especially now that the E-MAX Sport has entered the market.

J.B.