Impressions of my 2008 EVT-4000e 50Ah SLA powered scooter -

The EVT has been around in several incarnations for about 8 years and with its conversion from sealed lead acid (SLA) to lithium batteries it has undergone some rather dramatic upgrades over the years. You can find an excellent technical review of the basic SLA model that was done way back in 2003 at: EVT ION Test Ride

Although my Bravo incarnation is pretty much the same as this model, there are some subtle differences even with this SLA powered version. My model is an older 2008 version that the dealer had left over and was selling as new with zero miles at a substantial discount. I chose the SLA powered version due to cost and capability. For my needs, it performs admirably; in fact I would say more than admirably as long as its limitations are respected. But like any sophisticated piece of machinery it has some quirks. After just over 300 miles here are some observations:

It is a scooter so if you are at all embarrassed by the image of a scooter as opposed to a full blown motorcycle, you should look at other types of transportation. The performance of this scooter both in terms of speed and range is limited by the now dated batteries. With the SLA version you should expect to spend a lot of time transitioning in and out of bike lanes and be content to travel much slower than the general traffic speeds. That said, the difference between 25 mph and 45 mph over the typical 12 mile commute is 12 minutes. Catching that hulking SUV at the next stop light has definite rewards. But one must be VERY cautious when mixing it up with automobiles! There are drivers out there who will take it as a personal affront that their $60,000 gas guzzling behemoth cannot get them there any faster than your green machine. Even at nearly 500 pounds your combined electric scooter/rider weight will never be a match for their many tons of conspicuous consumption (until gas hits $10 a gallon that is). Besides my helmet, when riding I wear a bright lime green safety vest and am not embarrassed to do so. Riding with a meek mindset and a determination to stay out of everyones way helps keep things in perspective. That said, for certain applications a scooter (and especially an electric one) has definite advantages:

1) With a trunk, the ability to carry groceries, laundry and all sorts of other items.

2) A pass through to put your feet that is arguably more comfortable than straddling a motorcycle. There is a hook just above the pass through from which grocery bags or a small backpack can hang perfectly balanced on the floorboard between ones feet.

3) You can park it anywhere including with bicycles near their racks or along the wall just to the side of most store entrances.

4) It is less of a theft risk than would be say that newest and greatest flashy Ninja motorcycle.

5) In California, electric scooters with motors of 3 HP or less qualify as mopeds. That means a one-time licensing registration (it never expires) by mail of only $19 and NO insurance requirements.

6) No gas to buy

7) Plug in electric outlets are available in lots of places you commonly shop and park

8) The sensation of moving without noise must be experienced to be appreciated.

Other items specific to the EVT-4000e:

1) This scooter is heavy (283 lbs) thanks to those lead-acid batteries. Add your weight and that of your groceries or other items, and you will likely be pushing 500 pounds. The scooter handles this weight but as you might imagine, performance suffers. One must be careful going over bumps and driveway lips as even on the highest setting both shocks can bottom out easily. Those shocks are adjustable and I have them on the strongest setting. The reviewer in that 2003 article weighed in at 120 pounds so I imagine performance with the SLAs at that weight was pretty good.

2) If you are tall, you can slide back on the seat to provide a more comfortable riding position. In fact you should slide back because during turns because if you dont, you can get your knees caught under the handlebars. When I first got on, I didnt realize this and almost tipped in my first turn.

3) There are two power settings, E and P. P provides performance that is almost up to the level of a standard gas powered 50cc scooter. Top speed in this setting is about 33 mph though your battery life and mileage to a charge will suffer. In Economy, the top speed is right at 30 mph on level terrain keeping it within the limits that most states have for moped qualification. But in either mode, the scooter seems happiest traveling at 20-25 mph. The total mileage you can travel between charges is inversely proportional to the speed you choose. In either mode the scooter protests with a gentle beeping if you lay on too much power with the twist grip throttle. Its only a 1500 watt motor so adding more power beyond a certain level is pointless. Plus it uses up the batteries faster. There is a four light meter next to the speedometer that keeps one informed as to the status of the batteries. Its not real accurate but does provide a general indication of battery health as well as a guide to how much you can roll the throttle when accelerating. The gauge does not work well for range except when your pack is nearing empty. When accelerating, keeping the meter in the top green level provides optimum mileage from a charge in either mode but the P set point is more power hungry. And as you climb hills backing off on the throttle and speed to keep the first green light on will again extend your overall range. As you near the end of your batterys charge, your ability to keep the meter out of even the second green will diminish so it is easy to tell when it is time to head for the charging plug-in. I look at my mileage on the odometer when starting and figure I can get somewhere around 25 or even 30 miles from a charge, if I ride conservatively.

4) The scooter can climb hills without protest as long as you are willing to let the speed bleed off during your climb. Trying to keep the speed at your typical level terrain clip will result in progressively lower battery charge and a yellow or even red meter reading during your climb.

5) With almost 100 pounds less, conversion to lithium batteries is on the horizon for me. I will use those SLAs till they give out and then convert. The only obstacle to that is of course cost. If I do the conversion myself, the conversion will run about $1,200 which is more than the scooter cost me. But the performance gain from dropping nearly 100 pounds should be dramatic.

6) As to cost of the scooter, you can certainly find regular gas powered scooters that are less money. Several mail order Chinese models using the same frame and basic features are now available via the internet for as low as about $600. The advantage to these is of course unlimited range with fill-ups being available at any gas station. The downside is maintenance, noise and the smell of their motor/exhaust. The electric novelty of this scooter makes it worth dealing with the down side of limitations of its reduced range and sluggish performance. Would going to lithium batteries help? Certainly, but going to a 150 cc or even 250 cc gas powered scooter would too. Until lithium batteries (or whatever comes along next) drop in price, one does not buy an electric scooter solely for the range/speed.

7) Quality of the scooter is top of the category. Although made in Taiwan, the EVT build quality is not to be confused with your typical Chinese scooter. This scooter is solid. Plus Bravo backs their scooter with a great one-year warranty. The only parts issue I have had was my seat lock cylinder broke. I contacted Bravo with my registration number and they promptly sent out the necessary part (I told him I could install it). They have been great about answering my technical questions as well.

8) For technical questions and information about what other EVT owners are doing to upgrade their rides, I recommend forums such as El Moto or V is For Voltage.

Would I purchase another EVT-4000e? Certainly yes!