Taking the plunge...

[errantember]

I just sent in my deposit on the R-20, the 45 MPH electric scooter I mentioned earlier. I have no idea exactly when I'll be getting it, except that it's expected to be before the end of the year. They are hand-assembling them as the orders come in.

I got it in silver instead of my preferred red, because it will probably reflect more heat and keep the body marginally cooler on hot days. Assuming we ever have any hot days again.

Time to start thinking about $10,000 of extra chrome, Gothic wings and gargoyles, etc.

I may also have to purchase a Hun Hat.

I went down to Alien Scooters and test-drove one of EVT's 30 MPH models, the EVT 168, to get a feel for their products. I was very impressed by the overall solid feel, acceleration, and control ergonomics. I cruised around inside the parking lot, then headed by way of Kinney to Lamar, where I got to experience the thrill of being on a scooter in traffic for about two minutes. Motorcycle enthusiasts (hell, bicyclists!) will laugh, but 30 MPH seems pretty damn fast when your sitting in a chair 8 inches off the road. I can imagine the pants-shitting fun of going 120 on a crotch rocket. My only complaint was that it's tiny wheels definitely find and transfer the impact of an uneven road to my bony ass, and going over speed bumps was very difficult without bottoming out. We'll have to see if any of these complaints have been addressed on the R-20.

Comments

Gotta love 'em

[alphablonde.livejournal.com]

I loved my Yahama Vino -- cruising at night with no traffic in the hills is a blast! They go up to 80 mph -- my suggestion is to buy one that goes faster it gives you more getaway power ( and you'll need it.)

Btw -- email me at my private account and I can put you in touch with the local scooter club that can also be really helpful in purchasing.

Re: Gotta love 'em

[errantember.livejournal.com]

I'm sure I'll miss the extra speed, but my primary goal was to get a viable electric vehicle. Besides, there would be something wrong with my scooter being faster than yours! The 70 MPG, even 100 MPG, isn't enough of an improvement for me. :) I want something quiet (the EVT scooters are almost completely silent) that I can re-charge anywhere without having to go to the gas station.
There's currently no other way to get this scooter than to order it from the manufacturer. I have no idea how long it will be before I get it.

That's great!

[errantember.livejournal.com]

...that you can live without a car. One of the things I'll be doing is lowering the insurance on my CR-V, since I won't be driving it as often. I still have to figure out the insurance and licensing situation for the scooter. I think it operates under a moped license, but I'm not 100% certain. I heard from a friend that you can ride in between lanes during rush hour on a bike in the Bay Area, so you can cut right through rush hour traffic!