Electric motorcycles and scooters

Electric motorcycles and scooters are plug-in electric vehicles with two or three wheels powered by electricity. The electricity is stored on board in a rechargeable battery, which drives one or more electric motors. Electric scooters (as distinct from motorcycles) have a step-through frame.

Electric motorcycle manufacturers include Brammo, Zero Motorcycles, Lightning Motorcycle, Energica Motor Company, Johammer, Quantya, Electric Motorsport, Hollywood Electrics, Yo and Lito.Yamaha plans to enter the market shortly with at least two models. Spanish company Bultaco intends to enter the electric motorcycle market in 2015. Heavyweight Harley-Davidson introduced a new prototype electric motorcycle in June 2014.

Electric scooters: the primary commercial production supplier for worldwide markets, is Z Electric Vehicle. The BMW C Evolution electric scooter was released in Germany in May 2014.Honda participated in European lease demonstration and driving tests for its electric scooter in 2012 but has not yet announced its availability for sale. Terra Motors, a Japanese electric vehicle maker, will begin selling electric scooters in India by 2015.Gogoro announced a swappable battery electric scooter at CES 2015.

Mobility scooter

A mobility scooter is a mobility aid equivalent to a wheelchair but configured like a motorscooter. It is often referred to as a power-operated vehicle/scooter or electric scooter as well.

Description

A mobility scooter has a seat over three, four or now five wheels, a flat area or foot plates for the feet, and handlebars or a delta-style steering arrangement in front to turn one, two or three steerable wheels. The seat may swivel to allow access when the front is blocked by the handlebars. Mobility scooters are usually battery powered. A battery or two is stored on board the scooter and is charged via an onboard or separate battery charger unit from standard electric power. Gasoline-powered scooters may also be available in some countries, though they are rapidly being replaced by electric models.

The tiller, with forward/reverse directions and speed controls, is the steering column centrally located at the front of the scooter. The tiller may contain other features as well, for example a speed limiter, lighting controls (for nighttime use) and turning signals. A battery use indicator is also often included. Forward/reverse direction can be controlled by thumb paddles, finger controls, or a switch. There are two types of mobility scooters: front-wheel drive (FD) or rear-wheel drive (RD). The FD is usually a smaller device and is best used indoors. Rider weight capacity is generally upwards to 250 pounds (110 kg) maximum. The RD is used both indoors and outdoors with rider weight capacity of 350 pounds (160 kg). A heavy duty rear-drive can carry up to 500 pounds (230 kg), varying by manufacturer.