Electric Vectrix

Plug-in Maxi Scooter

NOT SO MUCH

OVERVIEW
US-based Vectrix has come a little out of the blue - it's not a motorcycle or scooter maker with a history, but has nevertheless spotted a trend towards 'green' vehicles and has run with it. What it's come up with is a real, serious, electric-powered maxi scooter built in Poland.

It's not something that's easily dismissed as a flash in the pan, because the thing works and gives every indication of having been put together by people who know what they are doing. As a first attempt, it's impressive, and sets a new standard for electric-powered two-wheelers.

There's no question the design is functional and a bit of fun.

The firm is ambitious, showing protoypes of an MP3-like 3-wheeler and a sports bike.

For the time being, riding one gets attention. People are naturally curious to meet such a big bike that's full electric, while bystanders are sometimes baffled by the lack of engine noise.

PRICE AND EQUIPMENT
What price being green? The general theme has been you sacrifice performance and pay a bomb for the privilege of being environmentally responsible. And you end up with something a little weird.

Vectrix has gone a long way towards killing much of that myth by building a maxi that is approximately the equivalent of a petrol-driven 250. It's a sophisticated bit of kit and will no doubt be developed further over time. However, this one, now, is a very useful unit.

It's got a bit of performance, is comfortable, handles respectably, and is easy to live with.

Price was the killer when it was first launched last year - about $17,500. But the exchange rate has improved and we're told it now sells for more like $14,000. Given it can save (by our rough calculations) over $5000 in petrol costs over the estimated 80,000km battery life (and yes, we did factor in electricity for recharging), we'd say the price is looking very reasonable. So long as it remains reliable. The maker is offering a 24-month warranty and clearly has confidence in it.

If you buy one, you will be what's known in the marketing game as an early-adopter. Our experience with the machine says that should be enjoyable.

DRIVETRAIN
You need to rethink your riding a little on this toy, assuming you're an established rider. The starting procedure is different: switch it on, hold the rear brake and tap the front to get the "go" signal from the dash. Then you just twist the throttle.

If you push the throttle forward, it scuttles back in reverse at a brisk walking pace - a useful feature if you've parked it awkwardly. Twist it back, and the Vectrix silently heads off, eventually developing a tram-like motor/transmission whine as the speed picks up. To those used to hearing revving petrol engines, it's a little spooky - very much a magic carpet ride.

It's a little slow off the mark and we suspect this comes down to the 'tuning', given an electric motor in theory develops max torque the minute it is spinning.

That said, it gets away acceptably and really picks up its proverbial skirts once the speedo hits 30km/h and above. By 50km/h it is pulling very good acceleration and will leave most traffic behind until it hits 90km/h, when the performance starts to flatten out again.

Top speed is a governed 100km/h, and we'd really like to another 10km/h added to make it a little more flexible on the freeway.

Its midrange acceleration is truly impressive and would give a 250 maxi a big run in that zone. While it weighs a hefty 225 kilos (claimed) it also has around 28 horses, which is substantial for this class.

Something that surprised me was a run up one of the longest and most steep hills in Melbourne. We got the usual slow start, but it happily charged up the incline at a very respectable rate once we hit the midrange. I can't wait to see what a hot-up shop could do - wheelies? Why not...

A unique feature is, once you're running, you can twist the throttle forward and get 'engine braking' which also activates the rear brake lamps. What happens is the motor switches to being a generator and recharges the battery pack in the process, while providing something resembling 'normal' petrol engine resistance when you throttle off. It's called regenerative braking and is a first for two-wheelers.

The makers claim regenerative braking can add 12% to battery charge.

Overall, you can step off a petrol-driven scooter and on to this with no trouble. The regenerative braking is nice, but not necessary for the newcomer.

Battery charge and range is an issue. The company quotes a 110km range at a gently-ridden 40km/h (about right for many cities), but our heavy throttle use around town saw more like a reliable 60km. Reports say the machine will not suddenly switch off, but give ample warning of impending stasis by losing top speed. There's a good chance that, even if you screw up, you'll make it home. Slip an extension cord in the boot, and you can always beg the use of a power socket...

The dash gives an estimated range at current usage, while we're told you should take more notice of the charge gauge - if it gets down to the last three bars, start reconsidering your plans.

CHASSIS
Vectrix has taken a sensible approach with the chassis, which is use known product. To that end, it has Marzocchi front forks and Sachs rear suspenders, with two-piston single disc Brembo brakes on both ends. All good quality gear and quite conventional.

The result is the ride is comfortable and the suspension action predictable. Ours felt like it was a little heavier sprung in the front than the back, and we suspect a slightly more nose-down attitude would aid the corner turn-in.

However it turned in predictably and gave no cause for real complaint. A surprise was the very generous 250kg load limit, which means this thing has been designed as a serious load-carrier. If you normally go to work with a friend/partner, this scoot will have no trouble with that.

The Brembo brakes work well and the whole plot is tied to the road by premium rubber. The latter runs quite high pressures: 32psi front and 40 rear.

Working with the regenerative braking takes a little revision of your front brake technique, as you have to get used to combining the roll forward on the throttle with modulating the lever. It's easily done, so long as remember the main priority is to use the real brakes.

PACKAGING
The Vectrix comes across as a sophisticated package. The styling is distinctive and very angular, while the dash offers myriad options. Information includes all the usual warning lights, plus niceties such as dual trip meters and a couple of ways of reading how much charge is left.

There are indications that the machine will eventually be set up for blue-tooth operation (for mobiles) but is not yet functional.

The tail-seat bin will take a large full-face helmet, plus other gear such as wet weather suit and an extension cord.

Recharging takes 2 hours for 80%, and more like 6 for full charge. The progress of the process is monitored on the dash and you can expect to hear a cooling fan running. Because it runs NMH batteries, you can plug in and unplug at will.

All the powertrain (motor, transmission and batteries) are sealed units and should not need regular servicing. Which means you should only need to watch the chassis consumables, such as brake pads and tyres. In the absence of a better plan, I'd be taking it to a workshop for an annual check-up. There are some critical adjustments, such as how the throttle works, which will need monitoring.

Servicing should be cheap, though you might need to be mindful that the battery pack will need replacing at 80,000km or ten years - according to the maker. The prices for this (we've been quoted $2000) should drop over time.

Day-to-day running costs should be low. Colleague Rob van Driesum calculated that a recharge was costing about 60 cents at local prices. That was for 60km with our throttle-heavy riding habits. A petrol 250 maxi could be expected to eat 3 litres of fuel under similar circumstances which, priced at $1.50/litre or so, is more costly.

One small point - the Vectrix has a sidestand only as stock, while a centrestand is an accessory.

COMPETITORS
Well...none, yet. The Vectrix is in a field of one. But there are lots of really nice petrol-driven 250s out there, which are more flexible in the current environment.

ON THE ROAD
I'll admit genuine surprise with this toy. How interesting could an electric scooter be? Very, as it turns out. It's got some performance and gives every impression of being a big, solid, way of getting into work - without the dramas of resorting to public transport. The numbers look like stacking up and it's a pretty decent ride in its own right.