Products

15th June 2007

Well, judging by our test ride, it has a great chance. Unlike most rival electric scooters, the Vectrix has been designed from the outset to run on battery power, rather than being converted from a petrol machine.

And you can tell as soon as you get on it. It’s a maxi-size scooter, so it has room for a substantial nickel-metal hydride battery pack under the rider. This is mounted low, which, combined with a responsive direct-drive electric motor, makes slow manoeuvring very easy.

The precise throttle is also used to slow the Vectrix with engine braking. Rotate the twistgrip away from you, and the scooter loses speed – quite dramatically so when pushed right to the stop. There are powerful disc brakes, too, but you rarely need to touch them, as the engine braking – which also recharges the battery – is very effective.

Despite its size, the scooter manages a 0-50mph time of 6.8 seconds, delivering rapid acceleration throughout the power band up to its 65mph restricted top speed. It could go faster, but battery life would be much shorter. The maker claims a two-hour, 20p charge is good for nearly 70 miles, and our test would suggest this is possible.

Once over the hefty initial cost, the Vectrix makes a lot of sense, especially in major cities, where it can use car parking bays without charge all day. And, of course, it is emissions-free.

Vectrix electric maxi-scooter, price: £6,930, rating: 4/5, buy from: 01962 777600, www.vectrix.co.uk