Self-described tinkerer and car enthusiast Tom Boyd was a successful salesman with no engineering training 3½ years ago when he came up with an interesting idea for a vehicle steered by its rear wheels.
Yesterday, the San Diego inventor zipped around a North Harbor Drive parking lot atop the first incarnation of his concept: the Zuumer electric scooter.
With one wheel in front and two in back, the Zuumer could be called a poor man's Segway or an oversized skateboard with handlebars.
“I like to call it the smart man's Segway,” Boyd said. “It's faster, maneuvers better and costs half as much.”
While the Segway never lived up to its hype, Boyd and colleagues from ZuumCraft Inc. hope to build a San Diego business by capturing a sense of “cool” with a scooter that can literally do circles around Segway.
They just completed a two-week trek on the scooter, from the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco to the San Diego-Coronado Bridge. In what was part publicity stunt and part demonstration of the vehicle's durability, Boyd rode along the coastal highway, pausing every 20 miles or so – more frequently when he had to climb hills – to swap fresh batteries.
The $2,195 Zuumer, scheduled to go into production in January, is capable of hitting nearly 20 mph and will go about 20 miles before recharging.
The scooter is considered a motorized bicycle in California, and generally can travel in bicycle lanes and on local roads where bicycles are allowed, according to ZuumCraft. It's also subject to local regulations and restrictions.
The Zuumer gets its power from an electric motor in its front wheel, but the steering is done from the back as the rider shifts his weight from side to side.
The back of the scooter turns separately from the front, like an articulated bus turning a tight corner. At the same time, the wheels lean into the turn, like a motorcycle, and they steer like a long firetruck with a driver for the back end.
For more
Electric scooter 'zuums' into play
Electric Scooter/Cycle Guide
Electric bikes, mopeds and scooters currently come closest to matching consumer expectations in terms of cost, performance and reliability of any electric-drive vehicle now available.
They also come in a dizzying spectrum of styles, capabilities and prices from inexpensive "toys" to moderately expensive maxi scooters soon to debut in Europe and North America. A handful of prototypes are even powered by miniature fuel cells.
While toy scooters are coming under increasing scrutiny by local law enforcement, statutes regarding adult-sized machines generally coincide with their gasoline moped counterparts on a state-by-state basis.
Speeds are typically limited to 30 mph for all machines in this class, so what is more important is the size of the battery pack in terms of amp hours -- the more the better -- and sustained wattage output of the electric drive motor -- again, more is better (see guidelines below). Distance on a charge is a function of battery amperage, terrain, speed and the weight of the driver (and rider). Expect less than 5 miles out of "toy" machines and up to 25-30 miles for more classic motor scooters
Two words of advice: don't trust the wattage numbers proffered by many Asian clone scooter makers -- they are usually grossly over-inflated. Second, buy as much amperage and wattage as you can afford. You won't be disappointed.
Finally, a word of caution: making a business out of manufacturing electric bicycles and scooters is a daunting undertaking, especially for the North Amercian market where bicycles and scooters are viewed more as recreational diversions than serious commuting/errand running machines, as they are in parts of Europe. The likes of Ford Motor Company (Th!nk brand) and Lee Iacocca (EBike brand) have tried and failed to make a business out of it, as has Wavecrest Labs. Be aware that while these brands offered quality products, they may no longer be supported with parts and service
| Bug Hawk 250 cc
Engine: Single cylinder liquid cooled 4 stroke
Displacement: 250cc
Starter: Electric start only
Description: Transmission: C.V.T constantly variable automatic transmission with centrifugal clutch
Introducing the all new Hawk 250cc, from Bug, a name synonomous with value! All the comfort and freeway capabilities of a Maxi scooter, in a more compact, city friendly package. Disc brakes front and rear for improved braking safety, dual rear shock absorbers for improved ride and handling, sporting good looks and very competitive pricing are the trademarks of the new Bug Hawk.
For a limited time the Bug Hawk comes with a free windscreen & top box!
Swoop in today for a test ride!
Dimensions: 2000mm, 750mm, 1140mm
Wheel Base: N/A
Seat Height: 795mm
Fuel Capacity: 10.5Ltrs
Front Tyre: 120/70 x 12
Rear Tyre: 140/70 x 12
Front Suspension: Hydraulic telescopic forks
Rear Suspension: Dual hydraulic shock absorbers with adjustable preload coil springs
Front Brakes: 230mm hydraulic disc
Rear Brakes: 210mm hydraulic disc
Dry Weight: 162kg
| Bug Agility 125cc
Engine: 125cc
Displacement: 124.6cc
Starter: Electrick & Kick Start
Description: Transmission: Automatic CVT
The Bug Agility here at long last! The Agility is powered by a 4 stroke 125cc Engine which will be more than capable of getting you around town! The Bug Agility also features large easy to read display as well as rear rack and large underseat storage. The Agility now comes with a 2 Year Factory Warranty.
Dimensions: 1835 x 690 x 1125
Wheel Base:
Seat Height: 780mm
Fuel Capacity: 6.8 Litres
Front Tyre: 120/70-12
Rear Tyre: 130/70-12
Front Suspension: Telescopic forks
Rear Suspension: Mono Adjustable
Front Brakes: Disc
Rear Brakes: Drum
Dry Weight: 105Kg
| Bug Pronto 50cc
Engine: Single cylinder air cooled 2 stroke
Displacement: 50cc
Starter: Electric start with kick starter as backup
Description: Transmission: CVT constantly variable automatic transmission
Introducing the Bug Pronto 50cc. Groovy neo-retro styling, great underseat storage, disc brake front end and excellent build quality. Good sized scooter perfect for taller riders. Available in Red and Silver.
Dimensions: 1927x700x1125mm
Wheel Base: 1320mm
Seat Height: 805mm
Fuel Capacity: 5Ltrs
Front Tyre: 120/70 x 12
Rear Tyre: 130/70 x 12
Front Suspension: Hydraulic telescopic forks
Rear Suspension: Single hydraulic shock abrorber with engine as oscilating swingarm
Front Brakes: 180mm Disc
Rear Brakes: 120mm Drum
Dry Weight: 97kg
| Honda planning some electric innovations of their own.
Dudel, or as we know him around these parts "Scoop Doggy Dog", has a hot scoop for ya like a big 'ole ball of sticky rice (with a side of Hawaiian macaroni salad and some teriaki chicken... Man, I need to each some lunch and I wish we had a Noho's here).
As I was saying, Honda has some electric innovations of their own that hit the patent office today. Here's what Dudel has distilled from the 28 page report containing 16 patent claims and 20 drawings.
Everybody is working on electric scooter technology. Honda patented the technology for "a drum brake unit on a rear wheel rotated by drive force of an electric motor... fins act as a heat sink to dissipate heat generated by the drum brake unit, and to resist heat transfer from the drum brake unit to the electric motor, helping to more efficiently cool the electric motor."
Ahhh, I see. A rear drum brake / electric motor that efficently keeps its cool.
Under the seat you can see the power plug and a removable bed pan. Wait, no... that's a removable storage which can be replaced with a net if you prefer to air your goods in the wind.
All I can say is I'm REALLY digging all the effort the big guys are making... With Honda, Piaggio, Vectrix and others working to produce quality electrics all we need is a serious quantum leap in electricity storage and BLAM! Electric scooters will be zooming all over your town... unless GM makes an electric Hummer first... then the dinosaurs will live on.
| Gizmag - Piaggio ready to release 170 mpg hybrid two and three wheel scooters
Italian manufacturer Piaggio, the maker of Vespa, is set to become the first company to release a hybrid drive scooter following an announcement that it is developing hybrid versions of its Vespa LX, Piaggio X8 and Vespa MP3 (the carving three-wheeler) models. The new hybrid system, which has a working title of HyS (Hybrid Scooter), can operate in full electric mode with a range of around 20 kilometres as well as hybrid mode - whenever the rider needs to accelerate more aggressively, the electric motor kicks in, providing about 85 per cent extra performance. Piaggio’s HyS system is a parallel hybrid in which a combustion engine and an electric motor incorporated into the gearbox casing are mechanically and electronically linked and simultaneously supply power to the rear wheel. The system uses drive-by-wire and the in-built electronic management combines the two engines to offer not only better acceleration but also a significant reduction in fuel consumption (up to 170 mpg or 1.67 liters/100 km) and in CO2 emissions, only 40 g/km (using 65% the hybrid modes and 35% the electric one). Perhaps the most exciting prospect is the hybrid MP3 which enjoyed such success as a 250cc it has since been developed as a 400cc version and was recently shown as a stylish 500cc Gilera – a sportier hybrid version of the 500 would enjoy exceptional performance.
In this dual drive-by-wire type system, a sophisticated electronic management system interprets the rider’s request for more power, and selects the level of assistance based on the current level of battery charge. The HyS uses a regenerative braking system to capture much of the energy usually lost under braking and the scooter’s range can be further optimised in the garage by charging the battery from an electricity source using the 220V battery charger.
The automatic gearbox, electric ignition and automatic start provide the usual zip and ease of use in town as well as out-of-town trips. The gas engine offers sparkling performance in standard running, charging the electric motor all the while.
The Piaggio HyS uses very innovative, avant-garde technical solutions but remains incredibly easy and intuitive to use.
The rider uses all the normal controls (accelerator, brakes and additional handlebar commands) as well as a specific switch to choose one of the different operating modes: three hybrid, one electric-only and the reverse.
In the first three modes the HyS manages power output from the two engines, thermal and electric, using a drive-by-wire type system: the electronic management system (SGE) interprets the rider’s request for more torque and selects the assist ratio based on the state of the system (e.g. the level of battery charge). During deceleration and braking, the control system recovers and accumulates power that is lost on normal vehicles in the battery.
The three hybrid modes are conceived to optimize performances, consumption and battery charge.
The rider simply turns a handlebar switch to shut down the combustion engine and turn the Piaggio HyS into a silent zero-emissions vehicle that can go into areas closed to internal combustion engined traffic. Another turn of the switch and the petrol engine turns itself on and goes back to being the main engine, charging the battery as it travels through areas open to normal traffic.
Drive-by-wire technology not only allows the control system to optimally manage the combined power output of the two engines but also ‘forces’ the thermal engine to work when it can be most efficient, thereby reducing specific consumption, with obvious advantages in terms of lower consumption and emissions.
| Fun in the Sun
Want to have some fun zooming around the race track! If your in the Brisbane area you might just be spoilt for choice!
Allen Drysdale
$80.00 gets you a heap of track time on Saturday 14th April 07 4.00pm till 11.00pm
And if you already have a scooter well then you already have a head start.
Held monthly at Ipswich Kart Track Willowbank the event is not a race, it’s a unique opportunity to get your scoot on the track and have heaps of fun in what will become a very popular form of motorsport.
The evening is open to all scooters up to 250cc and the Scooter HQ boys will be on 50cc machines in line with the Le Minz 24 hour format.
The 50cc classes are as follows
LA Class - Standard restricted Scooters
Unrestricted - You can remove the restriction devices only, change tyres, brake pads, fluids etc.
Modified - Go for it but it must remain a 50cc engine
Tim (Scooter HQ) is riding the VMoto Matrix as ridden in last years Le Minz with Brendon (Scooter HQ) opting for the Daelim S-five. Some Aerox 50’s have confirmed and all are welcome.
Our next track day Saturday 14th April, please contact Brendon (07) 55 321 928, email info@scooterhq.com.au or go to www.scooterhq.com.au for more information.
| Scooter accessories online
You won’t believe so many scooter accessories existed.
Allen Drysdale
Scooter-Accessories.com.au is a newly formed online scooter accessories website to cater for those that like the fact that those special items are only a mouse click away.
With over 2000 items online scooter-accessories.com.au offers you the latest in scooter apparel and protective riding gear. On the site you will even find a huge range of scooter related items from locks to goggles.
All items can be purchased through a simple shopping cart system as well as your details being protected from any fraudulent transactions.
Scooter-accessories.com.au is able to ship within
Duck in and take a look
| Scala Rider Update
New headsets provide options for those needing to communicate whilst riding.
Allen Drysdale
James Hood from www.blackberrydownunder.com.au gives us an update on what’s new in wireless Bluetooth headset technology.
As we have previously reported I was quite impressed with the Scala Rider from Cardo Industries. The wireless headset gives me the freedom to make receive calls safely whilst riding around on the scooter.
The price of the Standard Scala Rider has been reduced to $150.00
Now we learn of a few new models have that have joined the range.
Firstly the Team Rider which retails for $229.90 and includes two head-sets, one for rider and passenger.
Scala Rider Update
The new scala-rider™ TeamSet ™ Bluetooth headset is a great solution to a real need: Now motorcyclists too can benefit from wireless hands free communication without compromising security or comfort, thus opening a whole new realm for cellular use. The scala-rider™ TeamSet™ is a truly innovative, unique and immensely feature rich tool, providing safe and convenient cellular communication for motorcycle riders.Designed and Engineered for Heavy-Duty Performance.
Receive, initiate and reject calls by voice control (subject to mobile phone capabilities).
Two-way radio between rider and passenger (INTERCOM / Rider-to-Passenger communication).
Conference Call: Add passenger as participant to conversation with third party
Weather protected headset fits open-faced and full helmets.
Self-installation of entire system within 5 minutes, leaving no traces on helmet.
HIB (High Impact Balancing) Microphone for high speed conditions
AGC Technology automatically self-adjusts speaker volume according to ambient noise level and driving speed.
VOX Technology provides voice-controlled receiving and rejecting of incoming calls.
Special clamp allows attachment & release of the headset within seconds.
Up to 7 hrs. talk time / 1 week standby (recharging from regular outlet). |
Now hear this
Earplugs could be a way of canceling out any unwanted noise and keeping you alert for the journey ahead.
Jeremy Bowdler
Scooterists are blessed with six senses: taste, sight, smell, hearing, touch and traffic. And we use them all. But – and it’s a big but – riding
especially for extended touring. Foam plugs are handy and cheap, but for serious long-term protection, consider Earmould plugs, tailor-fitted to your very own ears in a 10-minute process. They make a world of difference and come in standard earplugs or wired plugs (shown here). These have the added advantage of letting you run your MP3 player at low volume to while away the hours, but not to whittle way at your hearing. I use mine every day...
COST: $60.00 (plain)/$200.00 (wired)
CONTACT: SportBike Tyres & Suspension 1300 793 423
Tune injected scooters
if you own a fuel-injected scooter and fancy a little bit more speed, then you'll be intersted in the ECU conversion kit just released by Malossi.
The ECU fits Aprilia, Gilera, Peugeot, and Piaggio fuel-injected scooters. It costs £186. Contact: 0115-9462991
Carbon scooters parts
If you fancy tricking up a Gilera DNA, Runner, or Italjet Dragster then there is a range of carbon-fibre parts now available.
The parts are made by Rage, but are brought into the Uk by exclusive supplier VE. Latest additions include the Rage carbon-fibre floorplates for the Gilera Runner, which are covered in clear vinyl to protect the plates from wear.
Also new to the UK are the carbon fibre screen for the Gilera DNA, the front grille covers for the Italjet Dragster, and a carbon rear hugger which fits both the Gilera Runner FX-FXR and Italjet Dragster 125-180.
if you're looking for parts, you'll need to locate your nearest VE Appointed Dealer.
Givi scooter range
Accessories company Givi has added a general purpose tunnel bag to its Gold soft-bags range designed to help scooter users.
This new bag is made of rope and retains its traditional bronze colour with a carbon finish.
Capacity is 19l, similar to that of several other top cases. The tunnel bag at 310mm long, 280mm wide and 230mm deep, does reduce in size so it does not interfere with the rider’s legs.
When you are off your scooter you can use the shoulder strap provided to carry the bag around easier. The other addition to the range is the 266DT windshield.
The 266DT is designed to fit the Suzuki Burgman and offers maximum protection in all weather conditions.
It is made of transparent Plexiglas at 840mm high, which is 160mm higher than the standard windscreen.
Once equipped with the screen, the Burgman 400 deflects airflow upwards and reduces air disturbance around the rider.
112BHP V4 Scooter
Specials & customs
Small scooters are known for being twitchy and a bit rubbish at going round corners – so imagine what this one’s like with three extra cylinders and 112bhp.
Scooter sensations
Stretched, slammed and radically tuned maxi-scooters are one of the fastest growing trends in Japan with some owners splashing out more than £15,000 to make them unique.
Would you spend £15,000 on a scooter? In America, similar scenes concentrate on sportsbikes – but the mainly-Tokyo based maxi-scooter tuners like Bell Custom are taking scooters like the Yamaha Majesty, Honda Fusion and Yamaha Maxam.
Almost a quarter of the scooters are owned by women like those pictured with their own bikes in MCN, March 14, 2007
.
Check out how to spend £15,000 on a maxi-scooter in MCN for more details and even more amazing photographs.
