I'm seriously considering...

[errantember]

...putting down a deposit on an EVT R-20, a 45 MPH electric scooter with a 30-45 mile range.


Ever since I got my 23 MPG CR-V to help with home improvement tasks, I've been looking for an electric commuting solution that was able and legal to drive on most in-town roads. This vehicle, currently retailing at $2k plus between $400-$600 for shipping, looks like it might be just the thing. Recharge costs at current electric rates have been quoted at under 50 cents, which even at the lower end of 30 miles is an excellent value. Furthermore, if I eventually get a solar array for the house, I'd be nearly independent in terms of transportation.

There's a waiting list, which you can linejump to a certain degree by offering a non-refundable deposit. I think I'm going to go down to Alien Scooters tomorrow and try out one of their lesser models (Alien doesn't carry this one yet) to see if I like the fit and finish.

Comments

This one...

[errantember.livejournal.com]

...at least support having one passenger, though I'm sure it seriously slows down the maximum speed. I probably won't get the full 45 MPH either, since it's tested with a 160lb person and I'm at least 200 lbs.

Re: This one...

[jenmarie.livejournal.com]

Still, for around town it should get ample speed. Either way, you just would have to rely on the side roads and not the highway system. (which, admittedly is a real boon for those of us that live south and know all these north-Austinites, heh)

I love the idea of a scooter with sidecar, but I haven't seen them for the electric scooters, only for gas-powered ones like the Vespa.

And you certainly don't LOOK 200#. But, muscle is more dense than fat, so what do I know. ;)

Conceivably I could eventually get an electric car. The four-seater versions are only running about $10-12K, which isn't hideous.

I'd have to see what my options were whenever we moved out of Austin. :)

Thanks!

[errantember.livejournal.com]

My friend Chris Robison actually does electric car conversions on the side professionally. The Austin EV group has successfully converted at least 5 or 6 cars. I considered having them convert my old 626, but it's too big and expensive a project right now. The balance of having a big cargo vehicle for hauling and large groups plus the e-scooter should work out well.