Vectrix
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Vectrix electric scooter | |
| Manufacturer | Vectrix |
|---|---|
| Class | Electric scooter |
| Engine | Brushless DC motor |
| Top speed | 100 km/h (62 mph) |
| Power | 20.2 kW (27.1 hp) peak; 7 kW (9.4 hp) continuous |
| Torque | 65 N·m (48 lb·ft) |
| Transmission | Rear wheel planetary gear drive |
| Brakes | Front and rear Brembo disc |
| Tires | Front: 120/70 14 Rear: 140/60 13 |
| Wheelbase | 1525 mm (60 in) |
| Seat height | 770 mm (30.3 in) |
| Weight | 210 kg (463 lb) |
| Fuel capacity | 3.7 kWh NiMH |
Vectrix is an electric vehicle company based in Middletown, Rhode Island, United States, with research and development facilities in New Bedford, Massachusetts. Its vehicles are assembled in Wrocław, Poland.[1]
Contents |
[edit] Scooters
The Vectrix is the first commercially available high performance electric scooter.[2] It is capable of over 60 mph (97 km/h) and 50 mph (80 km/h) is reached in a little under 7 seconds, with maximum torque available from 0 revs, a characteristic of electric motors. It has under 250 parts, compared with 2500 for a conventionally powered scooter, and has a range of up to 65 miles (105 km) miles at 25 mph (40 km/h).
In the United Kingdom, the Vectrix is exempt from paying Road Tax.[3]
The Vectrix scooter uses NiMH batteries with a manufacturer-claimed life of 10 years and 1500 recharges.[4] The 125 volt battery pack has a capacity of 3.7 kW·h and can be recharged to 80% in two hours from a standard domestic power socket. The battery can also be partially recharged through regenerative braking.[5] Replacement cost of the battery is estimated to be around $3,000, almost one third of the cost of the bike.
[edit] Specifications
| Vectrix | |
|---|---|
| Maximum Speed | 62 mph (100 km/h) |
| Acceleration (0-50 mph) | 6.8 seconds |
| Acceleration (0-31 mph) | 3.6 seconds |
| Range* | 68 miles (109 km) |
| * Range is based on simulated urban driving at 25 mph (40 km/h) | |
[edit] Superbike concept
Vectrix showed a 125 mph (201 km/h) superbike concept vehicle at the 2007 Milan motorcycle show, to be produced if 500 deposits were received.[6]
[edit] NYPD purchase
The New York City Police Department announced in December 2007 that it will be testing vehicles from Vectrix with the goal of replacing its current gasoline-powered scooters.[7][8]
[edit] References
- ^ Company Background. Vectrix Corp.. Retrieved on 2007-12-16.
- ^ Susie Mesure. "Vectrix electric scooter: Power to the planet", The Independent, 1 August 2006. Retrieved on 2007-12-16.
- ^ UK Road Tax Exemptions. UK government.
- ^ Rated—Vectrix Electric Scooter. Greener Machine (June 1, 2007). Retrieved on 2007-12-16.
- ^ New Vectrix could break new ground for commuters. The Times (4 May 2007). Retrieved on 2007-12-17.
- ^ Angus Farquhar. "Milan show: Vectrix 125mph electric superbike concept", Motorcycle News, November 7, 2007. Retrieved on 2007-12-16.
- ^ "NYPD to road test electric scooters", Associated Press, December 26, 2007. Retrieved on 2007-12-27.
- ^ Tom Hays. "NYPD tests Vectrix electric scooters", BusinessWeek, December 20, 2007. Retrieved on 2007-12-27.
Vectrix User's Blog: http://visforvoltage.org/forums/vectrix
