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]

On January 15, Vectrix released a regulatory announcement titled "Preliminary Results." Thanks to some ABG reader comments that pointed out some just how bad the news is in this report, I thought it'd be a good idea to mention this on the front page. The short version: In 2007, Vectrix built 2,002 vehicles (the $12,000 scooter seen above) but sold just 123 of them and now has had a lot of debt.

Here are some key quotes from the statement:

During the 2007 financial year, we built 1,775 vehicles and sold in to dealers 462 of which 68 sold out to consumers. Through calendar 2007, we have built 2,002 vehicles and sold in 550 to dealers of which 123 sold out to consumers. The key financial impact of this is that for financial 2007 production and sales were not aligned and, as a result, both accounts receivable and inventory are much higher than expected. As we began financial 2008, we adjusted production due to slower than expected sales and we are increasing the number of dealers in our distribution network to accelerate vehicle sell through. [...]

While the Company has launched an innovative vehicle and created significant product awareness with consumers, dealers and government officials in the EU, North America and Australia, we have been slow to convert enthusiasm into consumer sales and as a consequence our sales results are running significantly below management's pre-IPO expectations. As a result of lower than expected sales and higher that [sic] expected inventories and a U.S. GAAP requirement that we forecast in a manner consistent with historical sales and trends, we incurred a US$9.1 million charge in cost of goods sold related to batteries and finished goods.

You can read the entire thing at the London Stock Exchange website. The question for us is, how long should we wait before we put Vectrix in the has-been pile? 2007 saw the launch of the MAXI Scooter, and Vectrix does have dealerships in seven countries now - will 2008 be the year these expensive but cool electric scooters catch on? And what's happening with the 1,879 unsold scooters?

Related:

• NYPD to test Vectrix electric scooters next month
• Free enterprise wingers attack Vectrix for using a diesel truck
• Cycle World rides the Vectrix

[Source: London Stock Exchange.com]

We have already told you all about the $11,000, NiMH-powered two-wheeled all-electric scooter from Vectrix. Now, why not take a closer look at this zero-emission vehicle with a 68-mile range and 62 mph top speed. We caught up with Vectrix at the Santa Monica Alt Car Expo, and I've gotta admit, they look like a lot of fun to use as a daily commuter, especially in warmer, drier climates. For that price, though, this isn't going to be a spur-of-the-moment purchase for most people. Still, would one of these fit well in your garage/budget/lifestyle?

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]