We have heard some interesting claims about upcoming electric vehicles before but 175 mph for the Volta G/T (pictured above) definitely raises some eyebrows. While being interviewed by CBS4 at his offices in Boulder, CO, we heard Electric Vehicle Company (EVC) president Bill Kent state that, "Performance wise, this bike will do zero to 50 in about 4.5 seconds". Ok, that's pretty quick and, for all we know, it's entirely possible. He then went on to say, "In the series you have top ends that range from about 120 to 175 miles per hour." Whoa! Now that's fast!
But is it true?

According to the specs listed (PDF) on the EVC website, the fastest bike in their 3 deep line-up is the EVC-21. The top speed listed for this lithium ion battery powered machine is 110 mph which is still pretty fast considering the Vectrix is "only" capable of a humble 62 mph. It could be that the information at the website is outdated or that possibly Mr. Kent misspoke. CBS reporter Dave Aguilera did take the bike for a ride but as he was not on a track (or wearing a helmet), we don't think he had the chance to wind it out. According to the report, six bike models will be available this summer with prices starting at $8,000. We look forward to news of the official launch and more details.

[Source: CBS4]

According to a news item posted on the Vectrix website, California will be offering a $1,500 rebate for purchasers of the electric Vectrix scooter. Early adopters will not be punished either, as the rebate is retroactive to purchases of these $11,000 EVs made as far back as May 2007.

In other news, and as a follow-up to our recent article regarding police in the U.K. riding on Vectrix scooters to patrol parking lots, we decided to let you know that the city of Sacramento, CA, has also chosen to use the all electric maxi-scooter for certain enforcement duties. We imagine that the choice was made easier by the fact that the scooters were practically given to them, cosing only $1 each for four months, but whatever. The City of Sacramento is the first to take advantage of the offer from Vectrix but, at that price, they may not be the last.

[Source: Vectrix]

EDIT: Don actually received his Vectrix scooter yesterday. Whoops!

The Vectrix all electric maxiscooter has already received its fair share of coverage from us, all before it was even available to American consumers. That is all starting to change, though. Word comes from The Scooter Scoop that the first Vectrix scooter was received today. Don Auker from Lebanon, PA, should have gotten his scooter, and that means that you can order one now too. If any of our readers happens to get their hands on one, let us know about it!

Related:

• The Scooter Scoop takes a ride on a Vectrix electric scooter
• New video of the Vectrix electric scooter from its U.K. introduction
• Electric Vectrix maxi-scooter review
• Vectrix electric bikes coming in early 2007

[Source: The Scooter Scoop]

Certainly by now you are aware of the Vectrix electric maxi-scooter, as we have featured it in posts and videos these last few months. The scooter is hitting American shores as we speak, and The Scooter Scoop has gotten a ride on the vehicle and have posted some thoughts. I will spare you all the details of the machine and just remind you that it is (just) capable of highway legal speeds and should get you back and forth to work if your commute is reasonable.

My favorite quote from their review: "I found the fit and finish to be excellent as I excitedly approached this environmentally friendly chick magnet for a closer look (let it be known, this is only the second time that the four words "environmentally friendly" and "chick magnet" have been seen side-by-side... and no, Tesla didn't beat us to it it..."

If that sounds interesting to you, why not check out the rest?

Related:

• New video of the Vectrix electric scooter from its U.K. introduction
• Electric Vectrix maxi-scooter review
• Vectrix electric bikes coming in early 2007

[Source: The Scooter Scoop]