Zapino, the new electric scooter sold by Zap
Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Zap, On Two Wheels
Oh, scooters... What would be a postcard from Italy be without the looks of a Vespa? And how practical a scooter is to get around the city to do errands, almost forgetting what it means to look for a parking space? However, 2-strokes are traditionally quite polluting engines (usually) and it would be good to have an alternative.ZAP introduced recently a new electric scooter into their range of vehicles, called Zapino (the name surely sounds Italian). It's the electric equivalent of a 49cc scooter and the looks are quite impressive.
As the main innovation, the Zapino has a hub brushless motor in the rear wheels, thus allowing more space for batteries under the seat and the announced price, a tad less than 3 grand, is quite adequate for the product. You might also want to install solar panels to make it even a greener option (but I guess it might void the warranty).
Stats on the main features from the press release after the jump.
[Source: Zap]
- Motor: 3000W Bbrushless hub motor
- Max Torque: 120NM/900RPM
- Max Speed: about 30 mph
- Range: up to 30 miles each charge*
- Brake: Rear and front disc
- Weight Limit: 280 lbs.
- Battery: 60V Green saver silicone batteries
- Net Weight: 297 lbs. (including battery)
- Optional Upgrade: Replace with 60v40AH Lithium battery for a range of up to 75 miles
- Climbing ability: 25% slope with a 177 lb rider.*
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
6-16-2007 @ 5:21PM
Manu Sharma said...
That's one powerful scooter. I know of electric scooters that have mere 250W motor.
http://www.induselectrans.com/compare_yobykes.htm
I doubt that the solar panels would void warranty though. You're not messing with the controls, only changing the source of electricity. It shouldn't matter whether you charge from a wall or through solar power.
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6-16-2007 @ 6:40PM
Tormod Henne said...
2-stroke motorcycles have been outlawed in some large Asian cities because of their fumes..
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6-18-2007 @ 11:09AM
Rick said...
Now if we can just get those things up to about 70 mph and a 50 mile range, I might just buy one.
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6-18-2007 @ 12:02PM
Tim said...
Rick. I ride a 750cc motorcycle and I wouldn't want to go 70-mph on a scooter with huge trucks wizzing by. Scooters are far too light to be highway capable and thus they are stickly low speed vehicles. It's now power, it's mass. This will be a great city commuter.
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6-18-2007 @ 4:41PM
Rick said...
45mph would be fast enough for most city roads. I would not want to go 70 on a tiny, light scooter either. As for miles, how far around the city could you really drive to max out 30 miles? 50 miles would be better no doubt, but don't think it's important for suburb or city commuting (just not to and from)
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6-18-2007 @ 4:54PM
Kalle Andersson said...
Very neat... I have an electric scooter, perfect for city traffic.
I can say that it's no problem doing 60mph on a scooter on a highway. Scooters have very low center of gravity meaning that they're quite stable.
Did some highway riding on a 125cc scooter in thailand this christmas.
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7-15-2007 @ 3:01PM
Wilscombe said...
I use a 15mph E-bike around town and the back roads but for highways I believe a max speed of at least 70mph is necessary (in the UK).
The first car to achieve 100mph was an electric one so it is not impossible.
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