Vectrix files for bankruptcy

Vectrix Motorcycles has filed for bankruptcy, ending an eight-year history that has fallen well below expectations.

Five years ago, Vectrix first filed for bankruptcy protection and underwent some severe restructuring to stay afloat, but this could be the final nail in the coffin for the company as consumers have continued to shy away from its VX1 maxi scooter.

The embattled company has also been dogged by reliability issues, including battery pack failures, a low take-up in America where consumers prefer full-blown motorcycles, tough competition from the likes of Brammo and Zero (the latter now back on the Australian market) which have much more widespread market appeal, and the sheer cost of buying one – it was just too expensive for many commuters to consider.

The VX1 was sold in Australia from 2007-2009, and sold for $15,950. The Bikesales Network reviewed the maxi in 2009, and standard equipment included Marzocchi forks, a Sachs shock, Pirelli footwear, twin-pot Brembo brake calipers -- so no lightweight in the chassis takes. It tipped the scales at 234kg.

With a claimed range of 110km at 40km/h speeds, our real world figures were closer to a 70 or 80km range when commuting between 40-60km/h. Range could be extended ever so slightly when pushing the throttle forwards to initiate mild regenerative braking.

We bookended the VX1 review with this: “At the end of the day, the Vectrix is brilliant but awkward. The idea is compelling, but the execution not so great. Taking passengers is a bit dicey and the design is a bit queer, but it's comfortable and easy to use; commuting and short trips are dispatched with almost silent efficiency.”

Sadly, the time wasn’t right.