Vectrix Electric Scooter: The easy rider with environmental appeal

It's cheap to run, maintenance-free and produces no harmful emissions. Tom Stewart tests the electric dream

hink "electric vehicle" and what springs to mind? Something whining, ugly and slow, like a golf cart or milk float? I thought the same, but my horizons have recently been expanded by a test ride on the Vectrix electric scooter.

hink "electric vehicle" and what springs to mind? Something whining, ugly and slow, like a golf cart or milk float? I thought the same, but my horizons have recently been expanded by a test ride on the Vectrix electric scooter.

From February next year the Vectrix will be the first full-size electrically driven scooter to go on sale. Unlike most electric vehicles, this one also moves the alternative power game forward in several respects.

Being electric, it is totally emission-free. Under the seat, instead of a fuel filler-cap there's a three-pin plug. Simply put it in a wall socket and the 1.5kW charger will replenish the scooter's 120-volt nickel metal hydride (NiMH) battery in two hours. The battery has an estimated life of 50,000 miles, and each charge gives a range of 68 miles. In a recent test a Vectrix managed four hours of urban running before requiring a recharge.

The compact, brushless, "radial air-gap" motor, which sits on the near-side of the rear wheel, has been jointly developed by teams in the US, UK and Italy. The 29bhp motor contains just ten moving parts, requires no oil or filters and is effectively maintenance-free. But what sets this apart from other electro motors is the patented multi-function throttle and regenerative braking system. Twisting the throttle back gives liquid-smooth acceleration, while closing it allows the Vectrix to coast freely and twisting it forwards redirects energy to the battery, simultaneously extending range by up to 12 per cent and providing braking. So, this isn't just "twist-and-go" like most scooters, it's "twist-and-stop", too, and if extra braking is required then there are conventional hydraulic discs at front and rear. The Vectrix is also "twist-and-back" thanks to its slow reverse mode - handy if parked nose-to-the-kerb on a cambered street.

As an owner of a conventional scooter I found the Vectrix a doddle to ride, despite its unusual throttle and eerie electro soundtrack. One lap of Soho Square was all I needed before confidently embarking on a 40-minute ride around London. I quickly found out that closing the throttle allowed it to coast as freely as a motorbike in neutral, and that twisting it forward was as easy and effective as gently pulling on the brake levers. Regenerative braking also brings satisfaction from knowing that in effect you're also topping up your "fuel tank" with volts.

With 80kg of battery amidships creating a very low centre of gravity and large wheels (14in front, 13in rear) that smooth out poorer surfaces, I had no qualms about the Vectrix's brakes, chassis or handling, and so headed off to test the claimed 62mph top speed. I hit 65mph before the limiter cut in (a higher maximum would be possible at the expense of range) but more impressive was the strong mid-range acceleration. Though the Vectrix isn't that quick from a standstill (0-50mph in 6.8 secs) its 48lb/ft of torque makes its overtaking from 30 to 50mph truly remarkable.

The Vectrix is about the same size as a 250-400cc maxi-scooter, but it will be accessible to anyone with a CBT (not a full motorcycle) licence. The price has yet to be confirmed but will be in the region of £5,000. That's substantially more than for an internal combustion 125cc scooter, but with free road tax, insurance at about half what you'd pay for a 125, minimal maintenance and immeasurably small fuel costs, plus the Vectrix's green appeal, I'm struggling for a reason not to buy one. See www.vectrix.co.uk or call 01962 777600.