· City Commuting
· Commuting with Platform Scooters
· Costs To Charge A Scooter
· Electric Bike Benefits
· Electric Bike Positive Points
· Electric Bike Uses
· Electric scooters - Green
· Electric Scooters & Commuting
· Electric vs Gas scooters
· Gas versus Electric Scooters
· Light Electric Vehicles
· Lightweight Scooters
· Neighborhood Electric Vehicle
· One Person Cars
|
When it comes to electric scooters, bikes, and cars, there is yet another
player in the Personal Electric Vehicle (PEV) market. This one-person
electric vehicle can be used by college students rushing to get from one
side of campus to another, for the busy mom that has personal errands to
run before the children come home from school, for the vacationer on a
quiet beach resort, or for the elderly person living in a retirement
community. The Japanese company manufacturing these vehicles stated that
they sold several hundred within the first few months it was introduced to
the public.
The top speed for the Gizmo is 40 miles per hour. This model is enclosed,
offering protection from the elements and privacy. Not only is this an
economical choice but the Gizmo is fun to drive. The next time you need
to drive to pick up a few groceries, leave the car in the garage, grab the
Gizmo, and head out the door for a unique trip to the store.
Other features and information for the Gizmo include:
Maximum weight capacity 250 pounds
Measures 4 feet wide x 4.5 feet high x 8 feet long
Storage capacity 10 cubic feet
Motor 12 peak HP series DC
Batteries are sealed, lead acid
Chassis is made from steel tube truss
Speed up to 40 miles per hour
Range is approximately 25 miles for city driving per charge
Range 90 miles per hour within eight hours if recharging
Full recharge time approximately 3.5 hours
Life of battery three to five years
By 1999, there were over 12 beta models being tested with an estimated price of $8,000.
Another model is the TWIKE. This two-passenger street vehicle is licensed
and gaining in popularity. In addition to the passengers, there is also
amble room for cargo. Other features for this vehicle include:
Tops speeds of 52.7 miles per hour
Maximum allowed slope 22%
Chassis is made from aluminum
Power source 5 kilowatts electric motor with a pedal assist
Steering is performed with a joystick
Brakes are hydraulic disc and drum
Charging time ranges from one to two hours
Range averages from 25 to 50 miles
This vehicle is Swiss designed and sells around $18,000. This particular
model measures 4 feet high x 4 feet wide x 8 feet long. The design
features two wheels in the rear and one wheel in the front. The vehicle
is covered with a lightweight plastic shell that helps add protection from
the elements. The transmission, batteries, and motor are all maintained
in the rear of the vehicle. This vehicle has a unique battery system that
includes a 240-nickel metal hydride battery. This model will either have
a two- or three-battery pack with each having 280 C-cell nickel cadmium
batteries. Even more interesting is that fact that the batteries are
controlled by a computer board, which monitors the charge levels as well
as temperature.
As you can see, there are a number of fantastic, innovative options.
Although the price of these vehicles is similar to that of a car, remember
that you are not paying for gas, tires, transmission and oil changes, and
so on. Therefore, in the end, you get much more for your money. Shop
around and match your specific requirements with the vehicle that works
best with those requirements.
|
|
|
