Back in 2008, gas prices was skyrocketing from $2.50 per gallon to $4 plus per gallon. This was the begining of my concern in two folds. My biggest delima was the insane amount of money I had to pay just to fill up my gas tank in my 95' BMW 525iT (wagon). Cost was anywhere between $50 to $60 just to fill up my wagon, that's alot of dough. My other concern was how long will the oil supply in the world last. So I decided to unplug and find an alternative mode of transportation so I started researching online. Of course Vespa was the first thing that popped in my mind, then motorcycle was another consieration. Then by chance I came across Vectrix and it's 100% electric, doing 0 - 50 mph in 6.8 seconds with a max speed of 62mph!
Very thing about the idea of an EV really spoke to me and made sense to me; environmentally and oil dependency. What really sold me over to electric vehicle is the maintance free requirements. Since there are no engine, I do not have to deal with the regualar schedule maintanence like oil change, spark plugs, minor and major tune up, belts, hoses, etc. You know this all adds up to a whole lot of money not to mention the average $60 - $75 per hourly mechanice / technician service fees. Plus regualr gas motorcycle and scooter polutes 2.5x more than automobiles making EV the obious choice as a conscious buyer on all level: budget and environmental.
After numerous days and hours of research, I've settle on the Vectrix Maxi-Scooter model 2007 VX-1. Why the Vectrix? No gas, 100% pure electric was the main reason, saving me a ton of money. To charge the Vectrix scooter from 0 to full charge only cost me $0.80. It's large enough so I can be seen on the street of Los Angeles for safety purpose since most of our drivers here in LA are always on the phone and not paying attention to what's around them. The size and heft of Vectrix made alot of sense. Althought I must admit the 450 plus pounds was a bit intimidating but once the scooter gets some speed, the weight issue dissappears. Plus I was tip toeing when I am on the Vectrix and with a lower seat upgrade totally resolved the issue allowing both my feet to plant flat and firmly on the asphault. And the aesthetic of this scooter is beautiful. The sexy lines of the scooter looks more like a motorcycle than a standard scooter profile, very futuristic. The LCD color gauges are just pure joy to look at during night riding, definitely very Sci-Fi. In addition, the back seat was super comfy and roomy. And it's the first electric scooter that has been certify for Highway driving by the US Department of Transportation since the Vectrix can reach up to speed of 62 mph. So far, It's been almost a year and I am having a blast riding the Vectrix scooter around town! And each time when I hop onto the Vectrix, it just feels like I am stepping into the future with it's nearly silent engine and it's futuristic design. If this is a glismp of what the future has to offer to man kind, and I know we're just getting started here, it's is going to be a beautiful world!
Until next time, share the lane and be safe.
