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VIDEO: Jay Leno takes the Vectrix for a ride!

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Jay Leno featured the Vectrix in an episode of Jay Leno's Garage.

To watch the video of Jay Leno's talking about and riding the Vectrix click HERE.

Updated January 5, 2009

2008 Was a Triumph

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

While the car industry struggles with the crunch, motorcycles are coping far better.

Click HERE to read the full article.

Updated January 5, 2009

City and Holbeck Trial Electric Scooter on the District's Roads

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

City and Holbeck Road Traffic Unit is trialling an electric scooter for responding to incidents within Leeds city centre.

The battery-operated Vectrix scooter has an engine as powerful as a 400cc motorbike and can reach a top speed of 65 mph, and has proved useful for officers weaving through congested traffic.

During the last 10 days the bike has been used to respond to over 50 incidents including thefts from person and theft from shop, theft from motor vehicle, and road traffic collisions, with a number of arrests made.

Officers using the bike have also issued more than 30 tickets to drivers for motoring offences where vehicles have caused obstructions, particularly to bus gates and box junctions, to ensure that traffic is kept flowing around the city centre.

The bike's response to road traffic collision has also led to gridlocked roads being quickly cleared.

The bike's battery allows it to travel a maximum range of 60 miles, and takes around four hours to fully recharge.

PC Chris Worsnop has used the bike throughout the trial period. He said: "We've enjoyed a really good response, particularly from bus drivers and Hackney carriage drivers, who say the bike has made a real difference when it comes to keeping the traffic flowing and make it easier to pass through the city centre.

"But it's been particularly useful when chasing down suspects, either to make an arrest or to pursue them until more officers arrived.

"We haven't had regular use of bikes in the city centre for a number of years, and it would be great to introduce a bike back on the beat in the near future."

Updated December 22, 2008

Santa on track for Christmas

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

As it turns out, Nicholas Claus is also on the “good” list, and this Christmas he received a very special present, writes Colene McKessic

IT IS a little known fact, but even Saint Nick himself gets a Christmas present. You’d think he would be tired after travelling around the world at 1,279 miles per second on Christmas Eve, but on December 25, Mr and Mrs Claus sit down and open presents, munch on turkey and mincemeat pies and then settle down to reflect on the past year, just like the rest of us.

Though he may have one of the most individual and sought-after modes of transport, even Santa is a bit of a petrolhead at heart.

So he was full of Christmas joy when he received an early present from Mrs Claus this year – a voucher to “fly” around the track at Knockhill.

Awaiting Father Christmas and a party of his elves was a bright red Morgan and five Vectrix electric scooters.

Said a jolly Santa: “The conditions at Knockhill were ideal for testing the Morgan sports car, one of my favourite classic cars, though it’s not as old as me.”

He added: “I’ve decided to give Rudolph and the rest of my reindeer a long overdue and well deserved break in the run-up to Christmas this year, and I was delighted with these electronic replacements – a full team of five environmentally-friendly scooters.

“Though I’m sure they would help me deliver all the presents on time, I think Rudolph’s nose might be slightly out of joint if I returned to the North Pole with these in tow.”

The gorgeous Morgan Plus 8 is powered by a four-litre V8 engine and blasted Santa quite ably around the famous curves and dips of the track.

“I nearly lost my hat at one point,” laughed Santa.

“It really was quite nimble, though it needs to be tuned a bit more to produce the kind of horsepower my reindeer do after a diet of carrots, beans and second-day broth. In fact, I think I’d need to diet if I were to use it every Christmas Eve as I could only just fit my belly behind the wheel.”

Though he emerged with a grin spreading beneath his beard, and his belly wobbling as he let out a hearty ho, ho, ho, Santa won’t be replacing the Mark 1 Super Sleigh just yet.

If you would like to follow in Santa’s steps and take the Morgan for a spin around Knockhill, call 01383 723337, or visit www.knockhill.com

To view the original article. Click HERE

Updated December 18, 2008

Parliament driving fight against pollution

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

LOTHIAN and Borders Police officers are using an electric scooter to patrol the new Scottish Parliament
building in Edinburgh. The procurement of a Vectrix electric maxi-scooter is part of the force’s drive to reduce transport emissions and traffic congestion in Scotland’s capital.

The scooter is the first electric vehicle to be procured by the force. Two or three officers will be
trained to use the Vectrix which will directly replace a petrol patrol car covering 20 to 30 miles daily.

To read the entire article download it HERE.

Learn more about Vectrix Fleet opportunities HERE.

Updated December 17, 2008

Look ma, no gas! Cops get 100% electric bikes

Fri, 12 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

EAGLE - The mayor of Eagle along with Ada County Sheriff’s deputies announced they will test two 100 percent electric motorcycles.

High Desert Harley Davidson offered the motorcycles for a year-long lease at no cost.

“It’s something that is completely new and we are just excited to be able to try it and see how well we can make it fit in our law enforcement efforts,” said Eagle Police Chief Brian Hippe

“(We are) Looking for opportunities to cut down on emission, increase visibility for alternative transportation, and this is just a great opportunity for a relationship among all those entities,” said Mayor Phil Bandy, City of Eagle.

The top speed for the Vectrix motorcycle is just over 60 miles per hour. David Thomas with High Desert says the motorcycles are a good match for the department – and the environment.

“If you use it 70 percent of what you use your regular vehicle it will reduce the co2 emissions by over 5 tons per year,” said David Thomas, High Desert Harley Davidson President.

The new bikes can run for nearly 40 miles after a full charge.

source: http://www.ktvb.com/news/nearyou/wada/ktvbn-dec0408-green_bikes.2d82feff.html

Updated December 12, 2008

Elektrische Momente

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In Heft 11 des TOURENFAHRER lobten wir zehn Plätze für ein Probefahrt-Wochenende mit dem Vectrix Maxi-Scooter in Berlin aus. Schließlich machte sich eine Gruppe TF-Leser auf den Weg, um die Hauptstadt mit einem Elektroroller zu erkunden. Hier ihre Berichte.

Click HERE to view rest of article.

Updated December 10, 2008

אדום מבחוץ חשמל מבפנים - הבשורה

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

בלי רעש וצלצולים, ועם עלות של שקל בודד ל-15 קילומטרים

- הבשורה החשמלית כבר נוסעת בכבישי ישראל סוף שבוע

על הווקטריקס - קטנוע מנהלים שמקבל כבוד אפילו מוותיקי

השליחים

Click HERE to read the full article or HERE to download the pdf.

Updated December 10, 2008

ברוכים הבאים למהפכה

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

יצאנו למבחן ארוך עם הווקטריקס, הקטנוע החשמלי הגדול ונפרדנו

רשמית מתחנות הדלק, רק איפה שמנו את החוט מאריך?

Click HERE for the full article

Updated December 10, 2008

Electric scooter is VXcellent

Tue, 09 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

ARE electric scooters the future for commuters? After riding the Vectrix VX-1, it would certainly seem so.

The bikes are hugely popular in China and India and sales have reached around 13 million. But Europe needs persuading.

We want a scooter that is politically correct, environmentally friendly but which also has the performance of a conventional vehicle.

So after 11 years of development and a 33 million budget, Vectrix have come up with the VX-1. It looks surprisingly normal - there's no fancy futuristic styling.

A lightweight aluminium frame helps keep the weight down (to a still sizeable 231kg) and it's powered by a 21kw electric motor.

I had expected the Vectrix to limp along silently, with all the pace of an asthmatic grandma.

But it whirs to life with an instant and smooth response and its acceleration feels more like a 250cc scooter than a dozing 125cc.

It manages 0-50 in 6.8 seconds - not blistering but not bad for a "leccy-lump" - and its top speed is 62mph.

But it's in the town where the VX-1 really excels. The steering lock is perfect for U-turns and beating the jams.

But dopey car drivers won't hear you coming. So until silent scooters are the norm, you'll need your wits about you.

The silence is pleasantly odd though and there's no raspy exhaust. Just a floating sensation that wouldn't be out of place in a sci-fi movie.

And the centre of gravity has been kept so low, the VX-1 is very easy to manoeuvre and a giggle to ride.

And there's another twist to the tale. The twist-and-go throttle is also a twist-and-slow - and reverse.

Roll the throttle forwards from standstill and you'll gently reverse. The same principle also scrubs speed when you're up and running, illuminating the rear brake light.

It's a handy alternative to hauling on the anchors, especially in the wet.

The Vectrix may cost 6,100 but running costs are low - a thousand miles can cost just a fiver. And with no oil, spark plugs or air filters to change, the twice yearly servicing should be simple and cheap.

Plus you can save up to half on your insurance compared to a petrol scooter. And although you must display a road tax disc, it's free from the Post Office for electric vehicles.

Despite being impressive, the VX-1 does have obvious restrictions - the weight and size of the battery and its range - between 35 and 55miles.

But remember the first mobile phones? Shaped like bricks and just as heavy?

The charging lead is kept in the seat. It plugs into any normal electricity outlet and will be 80 per cent charged after two and a half hours and fully charged within three to five.

There are 12 on-street juice points across London for parking and charging an electric vehicle, plus 48 more in Westminster's car parks. A gauge on the dashboard tells you how low the battery is and how far you'll get before another charge is needed.

The life of the battery depends entirely on your use, but it's estimated to last 1,700 cycles, which translates to between five and ten years.

My new mobile has internet access, sat nav and a camera. Time moves on, technology advances. The Vectrix VX-1 is just the beginning.

Check out vectrix.com or call the Electric Transport Shop on 01223 247 410.

Updated December 9, 2008

Campus police add new electric motorcycle to the force

Fri, 05 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Eastern is making history on two wheels. Campus police have added a new electric motorcycle to the force; this makes Eastern the first campus in Kentucky to have an electric motorcycle as part of their police department.

The Vectrix motorcycle came to campus in August for a test drive, and police Captain Michael Kasitz said it brought a lot of interest to the police department.

"During the test drives, people would come up and inquire about the motorcycle," Kasitz said. "This caused an immediate interaction between the community and the police force."

Not everyone on the police force is eligible to drive the new motorcycle. Kasitz said nine officers have their motorcycle license.

He said the police department is working on developing a motorcycle training course to help officers stay safe.

The motorcycle is part of Eastern's push for the campus to become green to help the environment.

"With gas averaging $3 a gallon, the motorcycle will save Eastern about $10,000 in gas annually if it is driven the same amount as a cruiser," Kasitz said.

Patrick Ulrich, a political science major from Richmond, said he thinks it's great the campus is going green. "I hope that doing so can lower the costs on the university," he said.

Eastern will also save money with the new motorcycle by not adding more miles to the cruisers, Kasitz said. This will result in lower cruiser maintenance costs.

The Vectrix motorcycle is also helping the police department operate more efficiently. Kasitz said the motorcycle allows officers to get to areas that were previously only accessible by the bicycle patrol. Since the motorcycle can reach 62 mph, Kasitz said these areas could be reached quicker now.

"The new motorcycle sounds like a great addition to campus," said Alex Monroe, a criminal justice major from Bowling Green. "Anything the campus can do to make the campus safer and save money is a good idea to me."

Despite the motorcycle's benefits to the university, Eastern's financial state might hinder future plans for more electric motorcycles.

"Our original plan was not to stop at one," Kasitz said. "But with the current budget, we might have to postpone getting more motorcycles for a few more years."

Updated December 5, 2008

Eagle puts electric scooters to the test

Fri, 05 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Police will use one of the vehicles on loan to the city. The mayor will use the other to tout its financial and environmental benefits.

The Eagle Police Department has added a new electric-powered motor scooter to the arsenal of weapons it uses to fight crime. It joins other cities in the U.S. and around the globe in a quest to save money and be more environmentally friendly.

The department took possession Wednesday of one of two Vectrix scooters. They are on loan from High Desert Harley-Davidson in Meridian as a way of locally testing and promoting the scooters.

Eagle Mayor Phil Bandy will use the second scooter at public events to promote its environmental and cost-saving benefits, as well as new technologies, cleaner air and scooter safety. Bandy recently completed the Idaho STAR Motorcycle Safety Program, an Idaho Department of Education program accredited by the National Association of State Motorcycle Safety Administrators.

Stacey Axmaker, director of the state's STAR safety program, said he was unaware of any other Idaho city using electric scooters, but he said larger communities with mass transit and air quality issues are likely candidates.

He's right - New York City embraced the use of electric city-owned vehicles in July when it announced it was testing four Vectrix scooters. The city sees them as a possible way to cut the city's gasoline costs, which totaled $103.7 million in fiscal 2008, a 36 percent spike over the previous year, according to a New York Post story on Vectrix's Web site.

Vectrix electric scooters also are being used by the Penn State University and Amherst College police departments, as well as the airport in Glasgow, Scotland.

Eagle Police Chief Brian Hippe said the department's scooter is equipped with flashing lights, a siren and city of Eagle decals and will be used as the department uses its bicycle patrols in the Downtown business district and in parks. For instance, instead of using a police car, an officer on a scooter could patrol an area where vandalism or thefts are a problem.

"That sounds like an ideal use of these scooters," Axmaker said. "When you compare the long-term cost of operating a car or motorcycle, you're going to be money ahead."

The scooter isn't just environmentally friendly, Hippe said.

Most criminals, he said, are on the lookout for police cruisers. An officer on a scooter has a better chance of getting closer to criminal activity before being spotted, he said.

"It (the scooter) is very quiet. That increases our chances of detecting suspicious activity," he said.

Dave Thomas of Eagle, owner of High Desert Harley-Davidson, said the scooter can go from zero to 50 mph in 6.8 seconds "because there is no combustion engine. The power is there immediately."

It has a maximum speed of 62 mph.

But they aren't cheap.

Thomas, who is the exclusive dealer in Idaho for the Vectrix scooter, said the 2007 models the city will be using sell for $8,995. Vectrix spokeswoman Kelly Prentice said the 2009 model will cost $10,495.

Because it puts out zero emissions, Thomas said using the scooter 70 percent of the time in place of a regular police cruiser over a 12-month period would reduce carbon dioxide emissions by five tons a year.

He said the cost of operating the scooter amounts to less than a penny a mile.

The scooter has a range of 55 miles on a single two-and-a-half hour charge. It also has a regenerative braking system that recharges the battery by throttling back, which extends the amount of time it can remain on the streets by up to 12 percent and preserves the life of the brake pads.

Thomas said maintenance is limited to tires, brakes and occasionally hooking the scooter up to a laptop to download the latest software updates to the on-board computer.

Eric Fieldstad, owner of A-1 Skooters, 8401 W. Fairview Ave., said he expects motorcycles and scooters will increasingly be going electric.

"I applaud the city for looking at alternative fuels," Fieldstad said. "It's long past due."

Click HERE to View Article

Updated December 5, 2008

VIDEO: Local engineer behind electric scooter

Fri, 05 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Mansfield - Click HERE for VIDEO

During the height of the gas crunch this year, when prices were hovering at almost $5 a gallon, West Mansfield engineer David Dugas was riding to New Bedford and back for 60 cents a day, in style.

Instead of stopping at gas stations, Dugas breezes by them on a shiny, cranberry red Vectix scooter, all the while logging data from the scooter’s electronic innards onto a laptop that sits in the storage compartment.

The two-year-old scooter is only the second off the production line of the Vectrix manufacturing plant in Poland, but production and sales are escalating along with gas prices. Dugas works at the New Bedford plant that repairs and tunes up the new Vectrix scooters, and says the facility will eventually begin to build them from scratch.

“It’s probably going to take off in cities,” he said, because of the congestion and frustration of trying to get around, but added for local commuters who have a workplace within 25 miles or so, a Vectrix would be the perfect vehicle, provided, of course, they have access to an electrical outlet once they get to work.

A charge from a completely depleted battery takes about four hours, not counting a cool down period. That’s about 30 cents in Mansfield’s municipal electricity prices.

Customers range from the average commuter to the police departments of New York City and New Bedford; marathon fans may have seen the scooters at this year’s Boston Marathon, fitted with handlebars on the rear so cameramen could sit backwards and film the runners. Dugas and his son rode along with the race.

The Vectrix, at about $9,000, is several hundred dollars cheaper than it was when its first model was introduced two years ago, and Dugas said a less expensive model is on the way.

Dugas began working for the company in 1998, when the idea for the electric scooter was only a gleam.

“I did all the electrical work,” he said. “All they gave me was a big grey bucket of wires.”

Now he fine-tunes and rethinks, with the help of his scooter and its attached laptop — a traveling laboratory of sorts.

“I get home, and look at the data, and figure out what’s going on,” he said.

He and his wife, Wendy, both work for the company, she at the Middletown R.I. corporate headquarters.

The ride, even for a nervous novice passenger, is smooth and quiet, conversation audible despite the helmet.

“The New Bedford police like them, because they have a lot of waterfront parks, and they can ride them through without disturbing people,” he said, pointing out the vehicle of choice for most motorcycle police is a noisy, smoky Harley Davidson.

Now that icy weather has set in, with Mansfield even colder than the city in Poland where Dugas spent time recently, overseeing Vectrix production details, the scooter is enjoying a winter break in the driveway. But for anything over about 40 degrees, the Vectrix is a working commuter vehicle. Dugas has a windproof lap blanket that covers his legs, and a rain suit for storms. Rain apparently doesn’t bother the scooter, or its rider.

“You can go 25 miles flat out at 62 mph,” he explained, “or up to 70 at lower speeds.”

Weight also affects how much ground the rider can cover on a charge. Dugas manages the 31-mile commute to New Bedford at about 40 miles per hour, mostly on back roads.

The Vectrix is comparable to the 400 cc “maxi scooters” made by Honda or Yamaha. A backwards twist of the right throttle decelerates the speed, making the brake unnecessary in most situations. The deceleration sends power back into the battery, and like the hybrid automobiles, it only makes sound when moving. The brightly lit space-age dashboard indicates the strength of the charge and the distance traveled. It even backs up.

But perhaps the most attractive feature is “green” — the dramatic reduction in the carbon footprint that can be realized by adding an electric vehicle to the household fleet. An interactive graph allows the visitor to the Vectrix web site (www.vectrix.com) to calculate what that number might be.

Using an optimistic estimate of $2.50 a gallon for gas, the Vectrix adds 45.6 tons of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere over five years, compared to 357 tons for a sedan, and 560 for an SUV. With a total carbon footprint of 35.5, it easily outstrips a gas scooter, at 79.5. The gas-guzzler SUV’s end up with a footprint of 436. The total cost per mile comes out at 11 cents, compared to 72 cents for the SUV.

The cool factor cannot be ignored either — the bike is flashy, shiny, and quiet, an attention-getter and a conversation piece — it accelerates quickly, and is really, really fun to ride.

“They’re practically maintenance free,” said Dugas. “No oil changes, no chains to lube.”

Want one? The closest dealer of the 80 now in the U.S. is in Somerville — Riverside Motorsports.

Meredith Holford can be reached at m-holford@comcast.net

Updated December 5, 2008

Parliament driving fight against pollution

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The procurement of a Vectrix electric vehicle is part of Lothian and Borders polices force's drive to reduce transport emissions and traffic congestion in Scotland's capital.

To read the full article click HERE

Updated December 2, 2008

Vectrix Announces New Look for 2009 Vx-1 Personal Electric Vehicle

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

New seat, vibrant colors and accessories designed to attract a wider range of riders are unveiled at Cycle World International Motorcycle Show

Middletown, R.I. — December 1, 2008 —Vectrix Corporation (www.vectrix.com), the world leader in highway legal, all-electric, two-wheel Personal Electric Vehicles, today announced its 2009 Vx-1, a redesigned version of the Vectrix Personal Electric Vehicle with new graphics in four vibrant colors and a new line of accessories that make the Vx-1 accessible to a wider range of customers—particularly women.

Vectrix will unveil the 2009 Vx-1 at the Cycle World International Motorcycle Show at Long Beach Convention Center, Long Beach, Calif., Dec. 5-7.

The 2009 Vx-1 will be available in dealerships by January 2009. The MSRP is $10,495.

"Vectrix appeals to men and women of all ages, and our new model and accessories make the Vx-1 available to more people who are looking for good clean fun," said Mike Boyle, Vectrix CEO.

The Vx-1 will be available with new graphics in white, burgundy red, metallic silver, sapphire blue, and acid green. The new 2009 accessories features an optional seat that is significantly lower than the Vx-1 standard seat and shaped to give riders with a smaller frame the ability to place both feet on the ground at each stop.

Other new options include a sport windshield about 7 inches lower than standard for riders who like the feel of wind in their face, and a winter windshield nearly 9 inches wider than standard that offers additional protection from wind and insects. Lastly, a new center stand offers more convenient parking and raises the rear tire off the ground for easy tire maintenance.

Vectrix 2009 Model/2- Powerful and Eco-friendly

In 2008, Vectrix saw 321 percent growth in its distribution network, expanding from 38 to 160 dealers mostly in the second half of the year. Sales grew 156 percent for the year. Engineered to provide an eco-friendly, powerful alternative for commuting and recreational needs, the Vx-1:

• Reaches top speed of 62 mph and offers acceleration from 0-50 mph in 6.8 seconds.
• Has an average range of 30-55 miles on a single charge.
• Offers minimal maintenance, simple operation and low noise.
• Features sophisticated design efficiencies including a high-efficiency gearbox and drive train, aluminum construction for weight reduction and long life and aerodynamic styling to reduce drag.
• Weighs 515 pounds, has a 60-inch wheelbase and 30-inch seat height, seats two comfortably and is highway legal.
• Is extremely economical, running at just one cent per mile and the equivalent of 357 miles per gallon, compared with 14 mpg for a leading SUV and 46 mpg for a leading hybrid car. Leading gas-powered motorcycles and scooters range from 52 to 87 mpg.

Two New Models Planned
Vectrix plans to introduce two additional models in Spring/Summer 2009, the Vx-1e and Vx-2. The Vx-1e uses the same platform and drive train as the Vx-1, but features a lower price point, a more urban commuter driver profile with slightly less acceleration and top speed. The Vx-2 will be a smaller and more compact electric equivalent of a 50cc internal combustion engine (ICE) bike and use both U.S. and European designs. The Company expects to add additional power profiles to this product up to the electric equivalent of a 150cc ICE motorbike.

About Vectrix Corporation
Vectrix Corporation was formed in 1996 to develop and commercialize zero emission vehicle platform technologies focused on two-wheel applications. The single focus of Vectrix has been to provide clean, efficient, reliable and affordable urban transportation. Vectrix two-wheel zero emission vehicles currently are being marketed to consumers and government fleets. Vectrix Corporation has headquarters in Middletown, R.I., engineering and test facilities in New Bedford, Mass., sales offices in the UK and production facilities in Wroclaw, Poland.

Check out the NEW 2009 VX-1 HERE

Updated December 1, 2008

TEST RIDE A 100% ELECTRIC VECTRIX! DECEMBER 1st – 5th

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Click here to download the PDF

Updated November 26, 2008

VIDEO: Leeds Council plugs into battery powered scooter of future

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Published Date: 21 November 2008

By Rory Hillas

SILENT, but not deadly to the environment. That was the message Leeds City Council was giving out about the new electric scooter it was promoting outside the Civic Hall yesterday. The Vestrix Maxi-Scooter – price £6,900 – is completely battery-powered with no harmful emissions, extremely quiet and can be recharged by simply plugging it into a regular socket, like any household appliance.
The battery life allows you to travel up to 50 miles at a time and can cost as little as 20p to recharge.
It isn't sluggish, either. The bike can do 0-50mph in seven seconds and has a top speed of 62mph.
They are already used by Hampshire Police Force. Coun Andrew Carter, executive member for transport and travel said: "Electric vehicles are an important tool in reducing our CO2 emissions, and this scooter is a prime example of smarter travel choices that are becoming more freely available.
"We have to raise awareness."Its something we have to take seriously. In the long run it is very important."

Becky Prosser, road safety manager for the Road Safety Promotion Unit said: "Part of the problem is convincing the public. In the past there have been problems. "Either the machines weren't reliable, didn't look the part or didn't have the range. This seems to solve these issues. "I might get one – its another viable option." In London, the machines are exempt from the congestion charge and parking fees.
When asked what the two-wheelers could do for Leeds, Coun Carter said: "It is an alternative way to get around. We have to give it our full support."

To view the video click HERE

Updated November 26, 2008

Electric Performer

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A Fun Way To Commute For Just Pennies A Mile

Click HERE to read the entire PDF.

Updated November 21, 2008

Vectrix Unveils 2009 Vx-1 Personal Electric Vehicle at Cycle World International Motorcycle Show

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

New seat, vibrant colors and accessories designed to attract a wider range of riders.

Long Beach, Cal. — December 5-7, 2008 —Vectrix Corporation (www.vectrix.com), the world leader in highway legal, two-wheel Personal Electric Vehicles, is set to unveil its 2009 Vx-1 to the world at the Cycle World International Motorcycle Show at Long Beach Convention Center Dec. 5-7.

    In addition to displaying the Vx-1 with new graphics in four vibrant colors, Vectrix also plans to announce a new line of accessories that make the vehicle accessible to a wider range of customers—particularly women—including a lower, narrower seat to accommodate riders with smaller frames.
Vectrix will be located at the Scooter Pavilion.

In 2008, Vectrix saw 321 percent growth in its distribution network, expanding from 38 to 160 dealers mostly in the second half of the year. Sales grew 156 percent for the year. The company’s tremendous growth reflects rising consumer demand for and excitement about electric vehicles, the company said.
    “The success of the Vectrix dealer network shows consumers are ready for new commuting alternatives,” said Mike Boyle, Vectrix CEO. “Vectrix appeals to men and women of all ages, and our new accessories make the Vx-1 available to everyone looking for good clean fun.”

One of the most important new accessories in the 2009 catalogue is an optional seat that is significantly lower than the Vx-1 standard seat and shaped to give riders with a smaller frame the ability to place both feet on the ground at each stop. Other new options include a sport windshield about 7 inches lower than standard for riders who like the feel of wind in their face, and a winter windshield nearly 9 inches wider than standard that offers additional protection from wind and insects. Lastly, a new center stand offers more convenient parking and raises the rear tire off the ground for easy tire maintenance.
The Vx-1 2009 models are expected to be available for purchase at U.S. dealerships by January 1, 2009.

Engineered to provide an eco-friendly, powerful alternative for commuting and recreational needs, the Vx-1:
• Reaches top speed of 62 mph and offers acceleration from 0-50 mph in 6.8 seconds.
• Has an average range of 30-55 miles on a single charge.
• Offers minimal maintenance, simple operation and low noise.
• Features sophisticated design efficiencies including a high-efficiency gearbox and drive train, aluminum construction for weight reduction and long life and aerodynamic styling to reduce drag.
• Weighs 515 pounds, has a 60-inch wheelbase and 30-inch seat height, seats two comfortably and is highway legal.

Vectrix plans to introduce two additional models in Spring/Summer 2009, the Vx-1e and Vx-2. The Vx-1e uses the same platform and drive train as the Vx-1, but features a lower price point, a more urban commuter driver profile with slightly less acceleration and top speed. The Vx-2 will be a smaller and more compact electric equivalent of a 50cc internal combustion engine (ICE) bike and use both U.S. and European designs. The Company expects to add additional power profiles to this product up to the electric equivalent of a 150cc ICE motorbike.
In response to rising gas prices, the two-wheel industry is up about 50 percent this year and is the fastest growing segment of the transportation industry. The all-electric Vectrix is extremely economical, running at just one cent per mile and the equivalent of 357 miles per gallon, compared with 14 mpg for a leading SUV and 46 mpg for a leading hybrid car. Leading gas-powered motorcycles and scooters range from 52 to 87 mpg.

Updated November 21, 2008

EKU Police Add Electric Motorcycle to Emergency Fleet

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

EKU Police now has a “green” tool to help keep the campus safe –the first electric patrol motorcycle, to Chief Mark Merriman’s knowledge, for any police department in Kentucky.

The Vectrix motorcycle, if driven the same amount of time as a cruiser, would save the University almost $10,000 (its approximate cost) annually if gas averaged $3. EKU’s police cruisers use an average of 2,521gallons of fuel annually and require $2,300 in maintenance, not counting unforeseeable repairs, Merriman noted.

“It is an ideal fit for our college police force,” Merriman said, “because it will allow us to continue our community-oriented approach to policing that facilitates more interaction with the student body, faculty and staff. It allows us to patrol areas not accessible to traditional police vehicles, much like our bicycle patrol.”

During test drives of the Vectrix around campus in August, “members of our community were quick to approach the officer to discuss the new patrol vehicle, which resulted in immediate interaction.”

The motorcycle, manufactured by Vectrix California, can go from 0 to 50 mph in 6.8 seconds and carry two passengers.

Click HERE to read the full article.

Updated November 17, 2008

Summer scooter sales, lifestyle changes equal lower demand for gas, lower prices

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

When gas prices skyrocketed this summer, Tucsonans, along with others around the country found ways to cut their usage of gasoline. Even with gas prices falling again, so is demand indicating some of the lifestyle changes developed in the summer appear to have stuck. Among the changes were the people who traded in their cars for scooters.

Several local dealers report their sales are up.

Shelby Stirrat, owner of Scoot Over-Fun in Motion, 4534 E. Broadway, says sales are up 70 percent. "And last year was an up year, too," she said.

Stirrat, who has been in business five years, touts her store as the Tucson region’s "first scooter-only shop."

Stirrat said university students, professors and staff have always been customers because of the tight parking situation at the University of Arizona. But this year, she has seen a new kind of customer — commuters with children who have gotten rid of their cars and traded them in for scooters.

While many assume scooter buyers are primarily young people, Stirrat said most buyers actually are 45 years of age or older.

Mike Schultz, owner of Arizona Victory Tucson, 1102 N. Anita Ave., said "scooters are going through the roof — and motorcycles too."

Schultz also has been in business about five years.

He said national dealer news organizations say scooter sales are up 65 percent in the past year.

"People who travel 12,000 miles a year can save $4,000 to $6,000 on gas alone," Schultz said. "And here in Arizona, we have the weather to enjoy a more economical means of transportation."

But people who don’t have much money and could probably benefit most from riding a scooter aren’t the buyers he is seeing. Instead, they’re people who are in good financial shape and can afford to finance the purchase of a scooter.

"They’re parking their cars because they can’t sell them to anybody," he said.

Piaggio, the Italian manufacturer of high-quality Piaggio and Vespa scooter models, reported it sold 18,894 vehicles in the United States over the first eight months of the year, which it says is 2.6 percent of the country’s two-wheeler market. In the midst of $4-per-gallon gasoline, the company said its July sales had reached a 173 percent increase over July 2007.

The manufacturer has two dealerships in the Tucson market, Renaissance Motorcycles Vespa Tucson, 4411 E. Speedway, and Harley-Davidson of Tucson, 7355 N. I-10 Eastbound Frontage Road, Marana.

Vespa Tucson owner Steve Spreter says sales were off "off the charts" in the summer months but since gas prices have started to fall again, so have sales of the Vespas.

"The cost of gasoline has a lot to do with it," said Spreter, who has been selling Vespas for four years.

In addition to scooters, Spreter has another anti-gas guzzling tool in his arsenal — the totally electric Vectrix maxiscooter, made by Vectrix Corporation in Newport, R.I. His dealership just started selling the scooter. It’s priced at just just under $10,000 and can go 35 to 55 miles before it needs to be plugged in again.

Harley-Davidson of Tucson just started selling Vespas after seeing how brisk sales have been nationally, according to Eric Beaudot, assistant sales manager. Beaudot said the dealership’s Harley-Davidson Sportsters are also becoming harder to keep in stock.

"We used to have 20 available at any one time," he said. "Now we only have three to five, and we’re trying to get them to send us more."

Not only are commuters and older people picking up the scooter habit, but owners of old, stored motorcycles are dragging out their bikes and fixing them up, said Gaylen Brotherson, president of the National Motorcycle Dealers Association. Scooters are extremely affordable — some cost just $500 to $1,000, he said.

Further, Brotherson said, even the least fuel-efficient scooters get 50 or 60 miles per gallon, while some average over 100 miles per gallon.

Brotherson said he talks to 10 or 15 dealers a day and they all say scooter sales are up — anywhere from 20 percent to over 100 percent.

Read the original article HERE

Updated November 17, 2008

ELECTRIFYING EXPERIENCE FOR TRIPLE BRITISH SUPERBIKE CHAMPION

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Triple British Superbike champion and ex GP rider Niall Mackenzie today paid one of his regular visits to Knockhill Racing Circuit. He was introduced to Knockhill’s latest initiative – Zero Emission Vehicles in the form of the Vectrix Electric Scooter.

“I suppose initially I was a bit surprised to find an electric vehicle at a race track, but knowing Knockhill CEO Derek Butcher’s ability for innovative and forward thinking, and the strength of the team behind him, I suppose I should have been expecting something like this”. Niall added that he enjoyed riding the maxi scooter. “The acceleration, road holding and braking are all absolutely superb. Add in zero road tax and less than a penny a mile running costs and my initial response is entirely favourable. I hope to be carrying out a full road test and report in the New Year.”

For more information on Vectrix in Scotland, go to www.vectrixscotland.com. To arrange a test ride call 01383 745600 or email info@vectrixscotland.com.

Updated November 13, 2008

Vectrix elektriche motorscooter - Stroomversnelling

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

De paardentram bestaat niet meer, de stoomlocomotief staat in het muesum. Komt de verbrandingsmotor daarnaast te stann? Want elektrisch vervoer komt in een stroomversnelling!

Cover

Part 1

Part 2

Updated November 3, 2008

Ride To Vote

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

On Election Day (Tuesday, November 4th 2008), make your vote count in the polling
booth and on the road - by riding your motorcycle or scooter to vote!

Click HERE to read more.

Updated October 30, 2008

Scottish Police adopt electric scooter power.

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Lothian & Borders Police replace petrol patrol car with Vectrix electric maxi-scooter.

Click HERE to view full story.

Updated October 30, 2008

Electric Bikes Silently Taking Over the City

Wed, 29 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Earth Times examines how sales of the Vectrix are rapidly spreading across Europe. Dignan McCulloch, Fleet Manager, Lothian & Borders Police in Scotland, comments on the Vectrix as a direct replacement for a petrol car within the force.

Click HERE to view full story.

Updated October 29, 2008

Formula Endorsement

Wed, 29 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Formula 1 personalities Eddie Jordan, Damon Hill, Adrian Sutil and Giancarlo Fisichella all ride a Vectrix.

Click HERE to view full story.

Updated October 29, 2008

Consumer Incentives Toward the Vectrix

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

States of California, Georgia and West Virginia are offering significant consumer incentives toward the purchase of the Vectrix.

$1500 Rebate in California

On February 22, 2008, CARB issued a press release announcing that they are offering up to $5,000 in rebates to Californians who purchase alternative fuel and electric vehicles.

Under the Fueling Alternatives rebate program administered by the California Center for Sustainable Energy, $1.62 million in funding will be dispensed. The program is part of $25 million of overall funding that came out of Assembly Bill 1811 -- authored by Speaker Fabian Nunez (D-Los Angeles) and passed in 2007 -- which promotes alternative fuel infrastructure and vehicles. The rebates are available for qualifying vehicles that are purchased or leased between May 24, 2007 and March 31, 2009, unless funding runs out first.

Rebates up to $3,000 are available for Honda and BAF Technologies compressed natural gas vehicles, $1,500 for the Vectrix zero emission maxi-scooter, and between $950 and $1,300 for certain models of the GEM neighborhood electric vehicle. Up to $5,000 is available for full-function zero emission vehicles once they are added to the list of eligible vehicles.

To receive a rebate, vehicles must be ARB-certified (with the exception of zero emission maxi-scooters), comply with all federal motor vehicle safety standards, and meet a minimum manufacturer warranty. ARB staff are anticipating most of the rebates to be taken up by consumers who have bought eligible vehicles since last May, and have been waiting for the state funding to be allocated before submitting their rebate applications.

Income tax credit in Georgia

Georgia offers an income tax credit of up to 20% of the cost to purchase or lease a ZEV, or $5,000, whichever is less. Go to our Vectrix dealer in Georgia.

Facts and Forms

LEV/ZEV and Electric Vehicle Charger Tax Credit Fact Sheet
Electric Vehicle Charger (EVC) Certification Form For State Tax Credit
LEV / ZEV Certification Form For State Tax Credit

Income tax credit in West Virginia

The State of West Virginia will help you defer the cost of a motor vehicle that operates on alternative fuel by providing you a tax credit against your income taxes. Download this PDF for more details.

Updated October 28, 2008

Vectrix - A Bright Idea

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Vectrix Dealer - Reaction Electric launches at Business Expo 2008.

Click HERE to view full story.

Updated October 23, 2008

I Bought a Vectrix

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Vectrix owner James Hubbard talks about his Vectrix after a year of ownership. All in all - after over a year, its still love!

Click HERE to view full story.

Updated October 22, 2008

Vectrix makes the list of top electric scooters

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Maybe you want to save the planet. Maybe you want to save a little more from your pocketbook each month. Now, the electric variants of those once quirky, funny looking scooters have become one of the most popular buys of 2008, providing a largely hassle-free and cheap form of urban or commuting transport for many looking to minimize their carbon footprint and gas costs. We've chosen eight popular electric scooter models to see what kind of fit they would be for you. So what are you waiting for? Jump on!

To view full article click HERE.

Updated October 20, 2008

Beat Rising Costs with Vectrix Electric Scooter

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Southport Visiter reviews the Vectrix.

Click HERE to view full story.

Updated October 17, 2008

Let the Juice Loose

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Sun's - Janie Omorogbe looks at four alternative fuels.

Click HERE to view full story.

Updated October 17, 2008

Vectrix on 'Green Minute' programme, from Portuguese National Television.

Wed, 15 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Take a look at the Vectrix on the 'Green Minute' from Portuguese Television

See the Video HERE.

Updated October 15, 2008

Vectrix - One Year On

Sun, 12 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

With radical new technologies providing us with ever faster, better, cheaper and sexier alternatives, many fall flat on their face a short time after use. A year after the launch of the Vectrix, Peter Henshaw interviews the UK’s biggest breakdown organisation – The AA, one of the largest police forces in the UK - Strathclyde, as well as some daily commuters to see how their investment in Vectrix technology is providing them with cost effective green transportation. Click Here.

Updated October 12, 2008

New Scooter just Electric in beating crime - and traffic!

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Gareth Edwards from the Edinburgh Evening News interviews Dignan McCulloch, Fleet Manager at Lothian & Borders Police about their purchase of a Vectrix electric maxi scooter for active police duty at the Scottish Parliament Buildings.

Click HERE to view full story.

Updated October 10, 2008

Force India F1 Team Steers Electric Vectrix

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Dr Vijay Mallaya, Chairman & Managing Director of Force India looks forward to trying a Vectrix scooter.

Click HERE to view full story.

Updated October 1, 2008

Force India's Drivers use Vectrix bikes whenever possible.

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

F1 Team Force India have two Vectrix bikes which their drivers, Giancarlo Fisichella and Adrian Sutil use as often as possible on the F1 Circuit.

Click HERE to view full story.

Updated October 1, 2008

F1 Driver Giancarlo Fisichella receives Vectrix "Electric Ambassador" Certificate.

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Rome. September 2008. European Sustainable Mobility Week.

In celebration of the European Sustainable Mobility Week - Sept 15 - 25, Vectrix continues its commitment and activities in support of the deployment of Zero Emissions vehicles and Environmental Protection in all major capital cities.

In the magnificent setting of Villa Borghese, Vectrix awarded, Formula One driver Giancarlo Fisichella, with the certificate "Ambassador of the Electric" for his illustrated initiatives towards environmental protection and as a stimulus to continue to convey the actions aimed at a more sustainable mobility.

During the event, friends, journalists and supporters of electric vehicles gathered on the beautiful terrace of the Casina Valadier, which was the setting for a presentation of a Vectrix maxi-scooter to M.Fisichellafor hispersonal use. M. Fisichella who is already familiar with the Vectrix through his F1 Team Force India who own two Vectrix bikes, said. "I am grateful to Vectrix for this recognition, especially for the opportunity to use one of these extraordinary vehicles to commute during my stay in Rome. Getting around safely without polluting and silent, is an extraordinary feeling that gives me the opportunity to contribute, to some extent, and reduce harmful emissions into the atmosphere, for which we are all responsible.

Giovanni Deleo, MD of Marketing and Communications for Vectrix Europe" said. "We award this recognition to those public and private personalities who stand out as making a special contribution to environmental protection issues with particular regard to the support of urban mobility We are proud to have among our most eminent Ambassadors this great Italian driver and we recognize and appreciate his professionalism and encouragement supporting this cause.

Alex Bamberg, Managing Director, Vectrix UK Ltd, said. “M. Fisichella is among several other Formula One personnel who recognise the advantages and technology of the Vectrix, Eddie Jordan, Damon Hill and Adrian Sutil all ride a Vectrix maxi-scooter, The Vectrix incorporates state of the art technology as well as world class components which result in a supremely designed and engineered vehicle. It is endorsements from experts such as M. Fisichella who understand this technology that can help to drive the acceptance of zero emission transportation into the 21st century and make a positive impact on reducing the World’s carbon emissions.”

Key Features of the Vectrix Scooter: The Vectrix Vision

• Zero carbon emissions
• Fully charged range up to 68 miles
• Top speed of 62 mph (100 km/h)
• Acceleration 0-50 in 6.8 seconds
• As responsive as a 400cc scooter but with a
125cc classification, making the bike
accessible to anyone with a provisional licence
who has completed CBT training.
• Multi-function throttle controls a slow-speed
reverse for greater manoeuvrability and easy
parking
• The onboard charger recharges the scooter in
just over two hours from a standard 110/220V
(3 pin) power socket.
• Low noise for reduced sound pollution
• Estimated battery life of 10 years (based on
5,000 miles per year)
• DAaRT™ system – Twist back the throttle for
instant acceleration, and twist it forward to slow
down smoothly and safely, in addition to the
front and back Brembo disc brakes.

The Vectrix Vision

The Vectrix maxi-scooter is a pioneering
solution to the chronic problems of vehicle
emissions, urban congestion and high fuel
costs. Vectrix is the first company to design,
develop, assemble and sell high performance,
zero emission, two-wheel electric vehicles.
Incorporating several leading-edge patented
technologies, the Vectrix has the lowest
environmental impact of any comparable
vehicle, car or motorcycle, according to the
European Union’s Cleaner Drive rating.

Founded in 1996, the Company is
headquartered in Middletown, Rhode Island
and has a modern production facility in
Wroclaw, Poland, where its vehicles are
assembled, and an engineering and test facility
in New Bedford, Massachusetts.

The maxi-scooter is just the start. Its unique
engineering platform and research team will
allow Vectrix to develop a broad product range
to respond to growing consumer and corporate
demand for carbon neutral vehicles and the
urgent need to de-carbonise road transport
worldwide.

For more information contact:
Susan Finn, Vectrix (UK) Ltd - Tel: 44 (0)1962 777600 E-mail: marketing@vectrix.co.uk
Sabine Raabe, Biscuit PR – Tel: 44 (0)7768-230229 E-mail: sabine@biscuit-pr.co.uk

Updated September 29, 2008

Stuff Live demonstrates Vectrix-i Bike

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

It’s difficult to be a gadget fanatic and save the planet at the same time. Fortunately for tech-lovers of a greener tinge this year’s Stuff Live Show has the very latest ways to polish your halo.

Click HERE to view the full pdf.

Updated September 29, 2008

The MAXI-Scooter Electric VECTRIX protagonist quiet and clean of the SUPERBIKE Paddock of Vallelunga

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

During the Roman stage of the Superbike Championship which took place at Vallelunga Sunday 21 September, motorcycling enthusiasts were given the opportunity to try and admire the extraordinary performance of the Maxi-Scooter Electric VECTRIX.
VECTRIX, always close to the sport of motorcycling and in particular, wanted to make available to the organizers of the event its 2 vehicles to be used for movements in the paddock of drivers and operators.

VECTRIX with its Zero Emissions Vehicles, participates actively in the reduction of environmental pollution. Just think that in a fleet of only 100 electric scooter replacing as many petrol vehicles of the same segment, there is a reduction of estimated emissions of more than 85,000 kilograms of C02 into the atmosphere and 50,000 litres of gasoline consumption in less.

The MAXI-Scooter Electric VECTRIX is a clean solution for urban mobility. Able to reach 100 km/h, with acceleration from 0 to 50 km/h in 3.6 seconds, of between 56 and 88 km depending on the system drive, a charging time of just 2 hours and 30 minutes (80%) and great handling, due to the aluminium frame and low centre of gravity, the MAXI-Scooter VECTRIX completely redefines the performance of two-wheeled vehicles.

Updated September 25, 2008

Alquiler de motos eléctricas Madrid

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Hertz ofrecerá motos eléctricas Vectrix en Madrid

"Cero emisiones, cero ruidos y cero estrés". Éste es el objetivo de Hertz, que ha presentado esta mañana en Madrid su nueva iniciativa: alquilar motos eléctricas. Marta García Calderón Hertz ha desarrollado un nuevo plan para promover la protección medioambiental: la compañía alquilará motos eléctricas Vectrix en las estaciones madrileñas de Chamartín y Atocha a partir de la semana que viene. Esta acción pretende ayudar a disminuir la contaminación medioambiental y acústica y mejorar la agilidad de los usuarios. Las motos se entregarán con la carga al 100 por ciento, y estarán disponibles cinco unidades en cada estación a partir de la semana que viene. Los únicos requisitos para poder alquilar son tener carné (A1 o B con más de tres años) y más de 25 años. El precio es de 15 euros para 3 horas, 20 euros 6 horas, 25 para 9 horas y 30 euros el día entero, IVA incluido. Como han comentado los representantes de Hertz, esta iniciativa no sólo está dirigida a particulares, sino también a empresas con alto grado de movilidad, como por ejemplo, las de mensajería.

Updated September 16, 2008

Roma 16 Settembre 2008, Settimana Europea della Mobilità Sostenibile, il Pilota di F1 Giancarlo Fisichella , riceve da Vectrix l'attestato di "Ambasciatore dell' Elettrico".

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In occasione delle celebrazioni della Settimana Europea della Mobilità Sostenibile, che si stanno svolgendo nella settimana dal 15 al 25 di Settembre i tutte le principali Capitali Europee , Vectrix continua la sua attività ed impegno a sostegno della diffusione dei veicoli a Zero Emissioni e della salvaguardia ambientale.

Nella magnifica cornice della di Villa Borghese, la Vectrix ha consegnato al Campione di Formula Uno, Giancarlo Fisichella l’attestato di “ Ambasciatore dell’Elettrico” " a conferma dell'attenzione dimostrata verso le tematiche ambientali e come stimolo a continuare a farsi portavoce di azioni mirate ad una mobilità più sostenibile.

Ospiti della prestigiosa terrazza di Casina Valadier, l’evento ha visto la partecipazione di amici, giornalisti e simpatizzanti dell’elettrico che hanno avuto modo di conoscere le straordinarie prestazioni del Maxi Scooter Vectrix, il cui uso di un esemplare è stato messo a disposizione del pilota.

"Assegniamo questo riconoscimento" ha dichiarato Giovanni Deleo, Managing Director Marketing e Comunicazione Vectrix Europe" a quelle personalità pubbliche e private che si distinguono per la loro particolare attenzione alle tematiche di salvaguardia ambientale con particolare riguardo al sostegno del settore della mobilità. Tra coloro i quali si sono avvicinati con crescente attenzione al mondo Vectrix e ne hanno sostenuto le finalità , ci piace ricordare tra l’altro, il Senatore Americano John Kerry, il giornalista Jay Leno, l’attore Leonardo Di Caprio, il Console Generale degli Stati Uniti di Milano, il Presidente della Regione Lombardia e molti altre personalità pubbliche e private ”

"Siamo orgogliosi di annoverare tra i nostri più' illustri AMBASCIATORI questo grande pilota Italiano" ha continuato l' ing. Giuseppe De Giovanni General Manager Vectrix Europe "al quale va tutto il nostro riconoscimento e apprezzamento per la sua professionalità e l'incoraggiamento a sostenere questa causa. Lo sviluppo dell’utilizzo dei veicoli elettrici e' una delle principali missioni della nostra Azienda basti pensare che su una flotta circolante di soli 100 scooter elettrici sostituiti ad altrettanti veicoli a benzina di pari segmento, vi e' una diminuzione di emissioni stimata di oltre 85.000 chilogrammi di C02 nell'atmosfera e 50.000 litri di consumo di benzina in meno.

“Sono grato a Vectrix di ricevere questo riconoscimento” ha commentato FISICO, “ma soprattutto per la possibilità che mi viene data di utilizzare uno di questi straordinari veicoli, per gli spostamenti durante i miei soggiorni a Roma. Muovermi in Città in sicurezza, senza inquinare ed in silenzio, e una straordinaria sensazione che da anche a me l’opportunità di contribuire, in qualche misura, alla riduzione delle emissioni nocive nell’atmosfera, di cui tutti siamo responsabili.

Il MAXI-Scooter Elettrico Vectrix è la soluzione pulita alla mobilità urbana. In grado di raggiungere i 100 km/h, con un’accelerazione da 0 a 50 km/h in 3,6 secondi, un’autonomia tra i 56 e gli 88 km in funzione del regime di guida, un tempo di ricarica di sole 2 ore e 30 minuti (80%) ed una grande maneggevolezza, dovuta al telaio in alluminio e al baricentro basso, il MAXI-Scooter Vectrix ridefinisce completamente le prestazioni dei veicoli a due ruote elettrici.

www.vectrix.com press@vectrixeurope.com

T.: 0039 06 45481567

info 800257257

Updated September 16, 2008

Yellow fellow - AA Patrol

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The days of the AA patrolman saluting as you passed are long gone, or are they?
Adam Bolton discovers the knights of the road are alive and well and working in
our capital...

Though the mean streets of London may have got slightly quieter since the introduction
of the infamous congestion charge in 2003, it certainly doesn’t feel like it if you’ve
shelled out eight quid for the pleasure of sitting in a traffic jam on Park Lane that’s going
nowhere quickly. So it follows that breaking down in the capital can only be an even
more stressful event that no motorist would wish upon their worst enemy, though
statistics show that nowadays the average motorist will break down around once every
three years.

It seems odd then that in the mid-1990s, AA patrolmen on solo motorcycles quietly
disappeared from the capital’s roads due to operational reasons. Though the Honda Pan
Europeans were heavy and unwieldy, you would have thought they would still have had
an advantage in town traffic, but it seems not, and they went. Surprisingly, only now has
the AA looked again at the viability of using two-wheelers as patrol vehicles, and a trial
in the capital has been in progress to assess their impact on response times.

“.

“We already had a contract to fix the Vectrix scooters, so we decided to try them out,
along with the other bikes. We were given two bikes, and some top boxes, and with
support from the managers, left to get on with it,” explains Pepe. “At first we were
recharging in public car parks, but now a deal with Avis lets us use various central
locations, so we can charge up all over the place.”

Truth is, Pepe needs two electric scooters, one to ride while another is on charge, and at
about £6000 per scooter, it’s quite a financial investment for the AA. On the other hand,
there’s no congestion charge, no road tax and a miniscule recharge cost, and absolutely
zero emissions, which can only be good things. I’ll have to ride it some miles before I’m
convinced it’s not just some revamped Sinclair C5 or crazy boffin inventor’s gimmick.
Pull to go, push to stop,” shouts Pepe after me as I point the feet-forward scooter round the
block on a practice run. Pepe Mongiovi is an experienced AA patrolman, and like me is riding a fully kitted out AA patrol Vectrix electric scooter, one of the bikes chosen by the AA to use in the trial. Only he’s used to it, and I’m not, and I’m finding the complete lack of petrol combustion noise as I twist the
throttle a little disturbing to say the least.

After a few trips round the block I’m feeling more confident, and the nostalgic Express Dairy milk float
whine of this radical scooter is putting a smile on my face. I’ve never had to unplug any of
my bikes from a wall socket before riding off. “Only 40p for a full charge,” notes Pepe, “so they’re pretty cheap to run.” The Vectrix electric scooters, along with Honda Silver Wings and a couple of Deauville 650s, are the AA liveried two- wheelers of choice for this trial. Pepe has done 10 years on
vans, but a keen biker himself, along with his colleague Stuart Topp, he was asked by his managers if he’d like to spearhead the trial in town, and he jumped at the chance.

Updated September 15, 2008

Hertz elige Madrid como operación pionera de alquiler de motos eléctricas

Fri, 12 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Madrid, 12 sep (EFECOM).- Hertz-España ha elegido Madrid como punto de partida de una iniciativa pionera en Europa de alquiler de motocicletas eléctricas. Esta novedad ha sido presentada hoy y el plan de la compañía con este nuevo producto es fijar los puntos de alquiler en las estaciones de Atocha y de Chamartín, para facilitar las gestiones en el abigarrado tráfico madrileño de un viajero que se desplaza en tren a hacer distintas gestiones en un corto periodo de tiempo.

Beningno Santiño, director de Pruebas de Hertz-España, dijo que esta oferta, concebida bajo el criterio de "movilidad eléctrica, surge a raíz de la buena respuesta que ha tenido el programa de alquiler de coches de bajas emisiones y será el antecedente de la extensión al negocio de los coches eléctricos en el futuro.

La iniciativa arranca con diez motocicletas eléctricas de la firma estadounidense Vectrix, que se
ofrecerán con una tarifa de 13 euros en periodos de tres horas y que serán siempre entregadas al
cliente con la totalidad de carga. Gonzalo Alonso, director general de Going Green, la distribuidora en exclusiva para estas motocicletas en España, destacó la facilidad de carga de estos motocicletas mediante un enchufe con toma de tierra a la red de 220 voltios.

Alonso dijo a Efe que los tiempos de carga de las baterías eléctricas de estas motocicletas son de
dos horas para el 80% y de tres horas para el 100%. Estas baterías permiten 1.700 cargas que, por los 80 kilómetros de promedio de autonomía que permite cada carga, supone una vida útil de cada motocicleta de 140.000 kilómetros, aunque a plena carga esta autonomía puede extenderse a unos cien kilómetros entre cada alimentación. El importador señaló que en un recorrido permanente por Madrid cada carga completa concede una autonomía en tiempo equivalente a cinco horas.

La potencia homologada de estas motocicletas respecto a las de combustibles tradicionales se
establece entre 400 y 500 centímetros cúbicos y pueden alcanzar una velocidad de 110 kms/h. El concejal de seguridad del Ayuntamiento de Madrid, Pedro Calvo, que presidió el acto de presentación, alabó esta iniciativa por lo que puede contribuir a la limpieza ambiental de la capital y recordó que es una buena herramienta para restar contaminación a la generada diariamente por el millón de movimientos que se contabilizan en Madrid.

No obstante, Calvo puntualizó que extender este tipo de motocicletas a la totalidad de servicios
municipales choca todavía con unas autonomías limitadas, pues los recorridos diarios de la policía local en motocicletas superan las homologaciones actuales de estos vehículos. Del alquiler de estas motocicletas eléctricas podrán beneficiarse los ciudadanos mayores de 25 años poseedores de carné de conducir tipo A o tipo B. Los responsables de Hertz-España indicaron que dejar fuera de estos servicios a un tramo de

Updated September 12, 2008

Hertz pone en marcha un servicio de alquiler de motos eléctricas en Madrid

Fri, 12 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

De los coches y furgonetas a las motos de alquiler. Hertz-España ha elegido Madrid como punto de partida de una iniciativa pionera en Europa de alquiler de motos eléctricas. Esta novedad fue
presentada este viernes y el plan es fijar los puntos de alquiler en las estaciones de Atocha y de
Chamartín.

L D (EFE) Beningno Santiño, director de Pruebas de Hertz-España, dijo que esta oferta, concebida bajo el criterio de "movilidad eléctrica, surge a raíz de la buena respuesta que ha tenido el programa de alquiler de coches de bajas emisiones y será el antecedente de la extensión al negocio de los coches eléctricos en el futuro. La iniciativa arranca con diez motocicletas eléctricas de la firma estadounidense Vectrix, que se ofrecerán con una tarifa de 13 euros en periodos de tres horas y que serán siempre entregadas al cliente con la totalidad de carga.

Gonzalo Alonso, director general de Going Green, la distribuidora en exclusiva para estas motocicletas en España, destacó la facilidad de carga de estos motocicletas mediante un enchufe con toma de tierra a la red de 220 voltios. Alonso dijo a Efe que los tiempos de carga de las baterías eléctricas de estas motocicletas son de dos horas para el 80% y de tres horas para el 100%. Estas baterías permiten 1.700 cargas que, por los 80 kilómetros de promedio de autonomía que permite cada carga, supone una vida útil de cada motocicleta de 140.000 kilómetros, aunque a plena carga esta autonomía puede extenderse a unos cien kilómetros entre cada alimentación.

El importador señaló que en un recorrido permanente por Madrid cada carga completa concede una autonomía en tiempo equivalente a cinco horas. La potencia homologada de estas motocicletas respecto a las de combustibles tradicionales se establece entre 400 y 500 centímetros cúbicos y pueden alcanzar una velocidad de 110 kms/h.

El concejal de seguridad del Ayuntamiento de Madrid, Pedro Calvo, que presidió el acto depresentación, alabó esta iniciativa por lo que puede contribuir a la limpieza ambiental de la capital y recordó que es una buena herramienta para restar contaminación a la generada diariamente por el millón de movimientos que se contabilizan en Madrid. No obstante, Calvo puntualizó que extender este tipo de motocicletas a la totalidad de servicios municipales choca todavía con unas autonomías limitadas, pues los recorridos diarios de la policía local en motocicletas superan las homologaciones actuales de estos vehículos.

Del alquiler de estas motocicletas eléctricas podrán beneficiarse los ciudadanos mayores de 25 años poseedores de carné de conducir tipo A o tipo B. Los responsables de Hertz- España indicaron que dejar fuera de estos servicios a un tramo de edad entre 18 y 24 años obedece a estudios de mercado, que señalan las preferencias de este tramo por otro tipo de moto, además de razones económicas, como los precios de los seguros, y estadísticas, por la alta accidentalidad de este usuario juvenil.

Gonzalo Alonso explicó también que este producto ya ha sido comprado por 25 ayuntamientos españoles para servicios, sobre todo, de policía local, y añadió que unas 80 motos eléctricas ya circulan por España y que para el año que viene contabilizan 200 pedidos.

Going Green vende cada una de estas motocicletas a 5.990 euros, a los que se añade una tarifa mensual de 80 euros por los servicios anexos de reparación de averías, seguros... y que esta compañía establece como de obligada adquisición.

Updated September 12, 2008

Madrid cuenta ya con una flota de diez motos eléctricas para su alquiler que contribuyen a una movilidad sostenible

Fri, 12 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

La empresa de alquiler de automóviles Hertz ha fletado en la ciudad de Madrid diez motos scooter eléctricas para contribuir a la movilidad sostenible, convirtiéndose así en la única multinacional que alquila este tipo de vehículos en España.

Con una velocidad máxima de 100 kilómetros a la hora y una cilindrada de 125 centímetros cúbicos, esta moto se convierte en una alternativa al transporte convencional que contribuye a la no emisión de gases ni ruidos y que, a la par que ecológico, se convierte en un medio de transporte rápido y
sencillo.

En cuanto a la autonomía del vehículo, las unidades adquiridas por Hertz aguantan un recorrido de 100 kilómetros y, una vez que se descarga la batería de níquel, tan sólo hay que recargarla en cualquier enchufe normal durante dos horas para llegar al 80 por ciento de la carga. Uno de los principales beneficios de este servicio es el ahorro, tanto de tiempo como de dinero, ya que el gasto de recarga eléctrica es mínimo, 40 céntimos de euro. Teniendo en cuenta que estas motos disponen de una
autonomía de 100 kilómetros y que a fecha de hoy los cuatro litros de gasolina que se consumen para recorrer esa distancia suponen cinco euros, el ahorro económico se hace notable.

Según los responsables de la compañía, el gasto eléctrico es menor que lo que consume un aire acondicionado, por lo que en un mes, la factura de la luz sólo se incrementaría en nueve euros. La carga de las mismas se puede efectuar en las oficinas de Hertz de las estaciones de Atocha y
Chamartín, únicos puntos donde está disponible el alquiler de los vehículos. Para acceder a este servicio es necesario poseer el carné de conducir tipo B con tres años de experiencia y ser mayor de 25 años. A la hora de hablar de precios y período de alquiler, la empresa oferta varias tarifas. Así, para un alquiler de tres horas, la tarifa sería de 14 euros; seis horas, 20 euros; nueve horas, 25 euros; y un día completo serían 30 euros. El tiempo máximo de alquiler son 24 horas, pudiendo prorrogarse en el momento de la devolución del vehículo.

SEMANA DE LA MOVILIDAD

Con motivo de la Semana Europea de la Movilidad en Madrid, entre el 16 y el 22 de este mes las oficinas de la compañía situadas en las estaciones de Atocha y Chamartín ofrecerán el alquiler, totalmente gratuito, de scooters eléctricos para fomentar así el uso racional de los medios de transporte. La Comunidad de Madrid también subvencionará, durante este mes de
septiembre la adquisición de estos vehículos no contaminantes con un total
de 750 euros sobre el precio total del mismo, que actualmente ronda los 6.000 euros.

El director de Nuevas Iniciativas de Hertz, Benigno Santiño, confió en que "este sea sólo el primer paso y que se traslade la modalidad de vehículo de alquiler eléctrico a coches y furgonetas de reparto". En cuanto al público objetivo al que va dirigido el producto, Santiño afirmó que se trata de "personas que tienen un marcado perfil de conservación del medioambiente". Por su parte, el concejal de Seguridad y Movilidad del Ayuntamiento de Madrid, que también participó en la presentación, Pedro Calvo, añadió,
además, que se tratan de personas "cosmopolitas, con una cultura urbana responsable y madura".

Calvo se refirió a que "con este producto se ofrece una alternativa a la movilidad en la corona metropolitana con el centro de la ciudad", unos desplazamientos que "generan más de un millón de vehículos en movimiento al día". El edil madrileño aseguró que "la moto goza de grandes beneficios en la ciudad de Madrid, ya que están exentas de pagar los parquímetros, pueden utilizar los carriles bus y se ha hecho un gran esfuerzo por acondicionar el pavimento y eliminar los guardarraíles que sean de la competencia del Consistorio, todo ello para concienciar de que la moto es una alternativa al coche porque además, contribuye a descongestionar el tráfico urbano".

El responsable del Instituto para la Diversificación y Ahorro de la Energía (IDAE), Luis Pla, subrayó que "en el capítulo del transporte, un pilar básico es la renovación de la flota de vehículos que utilizan combustibles alternativos". En este sentido, destacó que "dentro de esta iniciativa se incluyen ayudas para la compra de vehículos eléctricos, híbridos o que se muevan a través del uso de hidrógeno". CERO RUIDOS Este tipo de alquiler es sumamente respetuoso con el medioambiente, puesto que al funcionar sin combustibles no emite CO2 a la atmósfera y su funcionamiento es tan silencioso que la contaminación acústica queda reducida a cero.

Para Calvo, la aplicación de las nuevas tecnologías en este producto pone de
manifiesto "el espíritu emprendedor de la compañía", ya que, además de la fluidez en la movilidad, los vehículos eléctricos contribuyen a evitar "las más de 80.000 muertes al año que cifra la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) por contaminación de partículas suspendidas en el aire". Por lo tanto, esta nueva forma de desplazamiento urbanos, además de ser una alternativa económica, se convierte en una buena opción para la conservación de la atmósfera y la reducción de la contaminación acústica en
la ciudad.

Updated September 12, 2008

ה"חוט המאריך" – לא הבדיחה של הגשש

Fri, 12 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

כבר כמה חודשים שנמצא בישראל קטנוע מנהלים חדש ומיוחד – חשמלי. המתקדם בעולם: מאה קמ"ש, ועשרות קילומטרים – בלי זיהום, כמעט בחינם. אבל מה שטוב לארצות הברית ואירופה – לא טוב לישראל. ה"חוט המאריך" – לא הבדיחה של הגשש, הסיפור האמיתי

http://www.keshet-tv.com/VideoPage.aspx?MediaID=44823&SourceID=23

Updated September 12, 2008

Penn State Police Go Green!

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A local police department is setting the standard for "going green" with new patrol vehicles.The Penn State University Park Police Department is the first university police department in the country -- and the first department of any kind in the state -- to use the Vectrix electric police motorcycle.The motorcycles don't require any gas and operate on a rechargeable battery that gets plugged into the wall.Four officers on staff who already have their motorcycle licenses have been assigned to use the two vehicles. The vendor also has a three-day training program for tactical police use, which the officers are taking next moths.At a cost of less than $9,000 each, PSU Police Chief Steve Shelow said the department didn't go over budget and didn't have to cut from the budget to buy the two new motorcycles.Shelow said the department should be able to occasionally park two police cars while the motorcycles are on patrol, further saving money and cutting back on pollution.

Click here for the original article

Updated September 11, 2008

New Australian PDF Brochure

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

View Full PDF

Click on the lick to view the new Austrailian PDF Brochure.

Updated September 10, 2008

All-Electric Vectrix Dealer Network Grows Fast Across the Country

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Consumer demand for electric alternatives drives nearly 10-fold increase in dealers of world’s first highway-legal, all-electric two wheel vehicles

Middletown, R.I.—July XX, 2008—Vectrix (www.vectrix.com) Corporation today announced that it has added 45 new dealers in the past 100 days, reaching 50 total dealers and becoming the largest dealer distribution network for electric vehicles in the U.S. consumer market today.
“The success of the Vectrix network shows consumers are ready for new commuting alternatives,” said Mike Boyle, Vectrix CEO. “In many ways this has been the perfect storm—the transformation of the two-wheel industry, the rise in gas prices, the economic pressures, and the increased awareness in the environment.”

In response to rising gas prices, the two-wheel industry is up 65% percent (Motorcycle Industry Council) his year and is the fastest growing segment of the transportation industry. The all-electric Vectrix is extremely economical, operating at just pennies per mile and the equivalent of 357 miles per gallon, compared with 14 mpg for a leading SUV and 46 mpg for a leading hybrid car. Leading gas-powered motorcycles and scooters ranged from 52 to 87 mpg.

An increased focus on environmental issues also has consumers looking to lower their carbon footprint. Tests conducted by the Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio, Tex., on behalf of Vectrix Corporation reveal that two-wheel electric vehicles are three times cleaner than gas-powered motorcycles and scooters and 10 times cleaner than gas-powered cars:

Based on 15,000 miles a year, an average car emits 3.17 tons of CO2 a year, a motorcycle emits an average of 0.9 tons, and a Vectrix just 0.33 tons.
By replacing one car 70 percent of the time with a Vectrix, a household can reduce CO2 emission by five tons a year.
Engineered to provide an eco-friendly, powerful alternative for commuting and recreational needs, Vectrix:
Reaches top speed of 62 mph and offers acceleration from 0-50 mph in 6.8 seconds.
Has an average range of 30-55 miles on a single charge.
Offers minimal maintenance, simple operation and low noise.
Weighs 515 pounds, has a 60-inch wheelbase and 30-inch seat height, seats two comfortably and is highway legal.

Compared to traditional gasoline scooters that can produce up to 10 times the pollution of an average automobile, Vectrix is totally emissions free. It is virtually silent and highly efficient—a patented regenerative braking system redirects energy back into the Vectrix battery pack, which helps to extend its range by up to 12 percent.

Vectrix is more cost effective than gas or hybrid vehicles, since electricity is now one-tenth the cost of gasoline. The Vectrix Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) battery pack has an estimated life of up to 10 years based on 5,000 miles per year. An onboard charger plugs in to any standard 110/220V electrical outlet to charge the battery pack in just 2-3 hours.

Sophisticated design efficiencies of the smart, sleek Vectrix include a high-efficiency gearbox and drive train, aluminum construction for weight reduction and aerodynamic styling to reduce drag. A low center of gravity, stiff frame and even weight distribution provide superior handling.

For consumers with urban commutes, Vectrix is both convenient and cost effective. The driver can stop and go with one hand by simply twisting the throttle back for acceleration and twisting it forward to slow down smoothly and safely. Fast acceleration and handling make it easy and safe to zip in and out of traffic.

About Vectrix Corporation
Vectrix Corporation was formed in 1996 to develop and commercialize zero emission vehicle platform technologies focused on two-wheel applications. The single focus of Vectrix has been to provide clean, efficient, reliable and affordable urban transportation. Vectrix two-wheel zero emission vehicles currently are being marketed to consumers and government fleets. Vectrix Corporation has headquarters in Middletown, R.I., engineering and test facilities in New Bedford, Mass., sales offices in London, UK and Rome, Italy, and production facilities in Wroclaw, Poland.

Updated September 10, 2008

All-Electric Vectrix Leads Race for the Cure

Tue, 09 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

New England-based Vectrix Corporation partners with DMSE Sports to help runners breath easier at races across the country

Vectrix now available at Riverside Motorsports—its first dealer in the Boston area

Boston, Mass.—Sept. 7, 2008—Vectrix (www.vectrix.com), the world’s first highway legal, all-electric two-wheel vehicle, will lead the way for runners in the Sixteenth Annual Susan G. Komen Massachusetts Race for the Cure (www.komenmassrace.org). The 5K run and fitness walk raises fund for breast cancer care and research, while supporting and remembering victims of the disease.

With no gas, no oil—and no emissions--Vectrix is setting the pace for the fundraising 5K at UMass Boston as part of a partnership with DMSE Sports, Inc. (www.dmsesports.com). The partnership will bring the zero-emission vehicle to the front of dozens of races throughout New England and the country. DMSE had already relied on Vectrix during the 2008 Boston Marathon and the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials for the Women’s Marathon.

DMSE, founded by veteran marathon runner and motivational speaker David McGillivray, plans and manages large participatory sporting events such as the Race for the Cure and the Boston Marathon. The organization will be using its Vectrix vehicle to lead several other races throughout New England this fall.

“As a clean, zero emission vehicle, Vectrix is a great match for DMSE sporting events and we’re excited to partner with them on events throughout the year,” said McGillivray. “Vectrix will eliminate any adverse effects that gasoline powered vehicles could have on runners.”
Vectrix Corporation, which is headquartered in Middletown, R.I., with engineering and test facilities in New Bedford, Mass., has expanded its Boston presence by adding Riverside Motorsports in Somerville, Mass., as its first Boston-area dealer.

Engineered to provide an eco-friendly, powerful alternative for commuting and recreational needs, Vectrix:
• Reaches top speed of 62 mph and offers acceleration from 0-50 mph in 6.8 seconds.
• Has an average range of 30-55 miles on a single charge.
• Runs at the equivalent of 357 miles per gallon, about a penny a mile, compared with 14 mpg for a leading SUV and 46 mpg for a leading hybrid car. Leading Gas-powered scooters and motorcycles range from 52-87 mpg.
• Offers minimal maintenance, simple operation and low noise.
• Weighs 515 pounds, has a 60-inch wheelbase and 30-inch seat height, seats two comfortably and is highway legal.

Compared to traditional gasoline scooters that can produce up to 10 times the pollution of an average automobile, Vectrix is totally emissions free. It is virtually silent and highly efficient—a patented regenerative braking system redirects energy back into the Vectrix battery pack, which helps to extend its range by up to 12 percent.

Vectrix is more cost effective than gas or hybrid vehicles, since electricity is now one-tenth the cost of gasoline. The Vectrix Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) battery pack has an estimated life of up to 50,000 miles. An onboard charger plugs in to any standard 110/220V electrical outlet to charge the battery pack in just 2-3 hours.

Sophisticated design efficiencies of the smart, sleek Vectrix include a high-efficiency gearbox and drive train, aluminum construction for weight reduction and aerodynamic styling to reduce drag. A low center of gravity, stiff frame and even weight distribution provide superior handling.
In the Boston area, Vectrix is available at Riverside Motorsports, 2 Union Square in Somerville, Mass., 617-628-6400.

About Vectrix Corporation
Vectrix Corporation was formed in 1996 to develop and commercialize zero emission vehicle platform technologies focused on two-wheel applications. The single focus of Vectrix has been to provide clean, efficient, reliable and affordable urban transportation. Vectrix two-wheel zero emission vehicles currently are being marketed to consumers and government fleets. Vectrix Corporation has headquarters in Middletown, R.I., engineering and test facilities in New Bedford, Mass., sales offices in London, UK and Rome, Italy, and production facilities in Wroclaw, Poland.

-END-

Updated September 9, 2008

La Concejalía de Medio Ambiente de Cantabria realiza la mayor entrega de motos eléctricas de Europa a sus Ayuntamientos

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

SANTANDER, 28 Julio 2008. - El consejero de Medio Ambiente, Francisco Martín, entregó 57 motos eléctricas Vectrix a 17 ayuntamientos cántabros, esto representa la mayor entrega de vehículos que no contaminan en toda Europa. El evento, que hace parte del “Plan BioBike” se celebró en Santander con la presencia de alcaldes y concejales de los consistorios, entre ellos se encontraba el concejal de Policías de Santander, Eduardo Arasti, además de las alcaldesas de Reinosa, Reyes Martín; Comillas, María Teresa Noceda y de Cabezón de la Sal, Isabel Fernández que participaran en esta innovadora acción contra la polución después de apenas seis meses desde que comenzó el programa se hizo realidad gracias a la colaboración municipal. Del total, treinta y tres motos se destinarán al uso de la Policía local, mientras que el resto pasarán a formar parte de la flota municipal, para su utilización por personal del Ayuntamiento.
De acuerdo con Europa Press “Las motos eléctricas contribuirán a hacer las ciudades "más sostenibles" y se ha decidido comenzar a implantarlas en las policías locales porque "generan credibilidad", de cara a la extensión de estos vehículos entre la población. La próxima semana se repartirán más de diez unidades entre los medios de comunicación y también se entregarán próximamente en empresas de reparto --incluido Correos--, comida a domicilio y recambios, con el objetivo de dar "visibilidad" a este nuevo medio de transporte. Además, Martín anunció que el objetivo es que los ciudadanos tengan acceso a este tipo de vehículos, para lo que el Ejecutivo publicará en 2009 órdenes de subvenciones. En total, el Gobierno ha invertido un millón de euros en más de un centenar de motos que se entregarán a los colectivos citados. El Gobierno paga un renting de seis meses y luego se abre la opción de compra a los consistorios, en base a un precio negociado de recompra que es menor de la mitad del precio de venta habitual.”
El Concejal de Medio Ambiente Francisco Martín resaltó que “todo son ventajas y espero que la gente se acostumbre a ver estas motos y coja confianza en ellas”.
Los Ayuntamientos que recibieron estas motos de Vectrix son Santander, con siete unidades y los ayuntamientos de Arnuero, Cabezón de la Sal, Camargo, Laredo, Limpias, Marina de Cudeyo, Medio Cudeyo, Miengo, Noja, Reinosa, Reocín, San Vicente de la Barquera, Santoña, Torrelavega y Valdeolea se distribuyeron los restantes vehículos.
Otra de las acciones complementares que los ayuntamientos están preparando es la colocación de postes de recarga eléctrica, que se localizarán en los aparcamientos de motos ya que es una realidad no solamente para los Ayuntamientos como también para el ciudadano.
Las scooters Vectrix tienen una autonomía promedio de 80 kilómetros, dependiendo de la forma de conducir se puede incluso llegar a tener una autonomía superior y se recargan enchufando la batería a la red convencional, lo que supone un coste inferior a cincuenta céntimos de euro. Otros puntos ventajosos que tienen es que no producen emisiones atmosféricas y son muy silenciosas. Su freno eléctrico devuelve la energía a la batería, con lo que la autonomía se incrementa sensiblemente.

Updated September 4, 2008

A favore della mobilità sostenibile TBTV e Vectrix lanciano un nuovo contest creativo

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Video “elettrici” che raccontino stili di vita ecocompatibili: questo è quanto chiede “Io ce l’ho elettrico” il nuovo contest rivolto al popolo della rete realizzato da TBTV e promosso da Vectrix, il primo MAXI-Scooter Elettrico a zero emissioni
Sensibilizzare il popolo della rete nei confronti della mobilità sostenibile, è questo l’obiettivo del concorso “Io ce l’ho elettrico” lanciato in questi giorni da TBTV e Vectrix. Il primo MAXI-Scooter Elettrico ad alte prestazioni e a basso impatto ambientale ha scelto di mettere alla prova la community della nota piattaforma per la realizzazione di brevi video contraddistinti da un approccio energico alla vita e soprattutto da un marcato spirito ecocompatibile.
Alla community viene chiesto di esemplificare attraverso il mezzo video e con l’originalità di cui si è finora dimostrata capace, i comportamenti più corretti nei confronti dell’ambiente accompagnandoli dallo slogan “Io ce l’ho elettrico”: il contagioso grido di chi ogni giorno porta avanti la sua personale battaglia ecologica. All’autore del miglior video partecipante andrà un casco jet Vemar, mentre i primi 400 video caricati sulla piattaforma www.tbtv.it saranno premiati con altrettanti gadget targati Vectrix (T-shirt, cappellini, polsini, pins).
Il contest rientra nelle azioni previste dalla campagna di comunicazione con cui Vectrix intende rivolgersi in particolare agli utenti della rete, campagna che comprende anche la sponsorizzazione da parte del primo veicolo elettrico a due ruote ad alte prestazioni di una prima slot di puntate di Telescooter - che per l’occasione diventa Telectrix - il nuovo VlogShow in onda da qualche giorno su YKS, canale di cui TBTV è editore.

Vectrix - Il MAXI-Scooter Elettrico a zero emissioni, lancia la sfida alla mobilità Urbana ed al caro benzina. In grado di raggiungere i 100km/h , con una accelerazione da 0 a 50 km/h in soli 3,6 secondi, un'autonomia variabile tra i 56 e gli 88 Km in funzione del regime di guida, un tempo di ricarica di sole 2 ore e 30 minuti ed una grande maneggevolezza, il MAXI-Scooter Elettrico Vectrix ridefinisce completamente le prestazioni dei veicoli elettrici a due ruote.

Per informazioni:
TBTV - Ufficio Stampa
Daniela Fantozzi
tel. 06.97848159 - cell. 392.9847304
danielafantozzi@theblogtv.it

VECTRIX – Ufficio Stampa
Giovanni Deleo
Tel. 06 45481576 – cell. 334 65844142
press@vectrixeurope.com
www.vectrixeurope.com

Updated September 4, 2008

El “PLAN BIOBIKE”

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

La Consejería de Medio Ambiente presenta a los ciudadanos de Cantabria el “Plan BioBike”:
“La sostenibilidad como motor”, incluido en el Programa “Cero CO2”, es una iniciativa de movilidad sostenible cuyo objetivo es reducir las emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero derivadas del crecimiento del transporte por carretera, especialmente en los núcleos urbanos. La Consejería de Medio Ambiente destinará un millón de euros al desarrollo de este proyecto. Esta actuación, pionera en la promoción en la comunidad autónoma de Cantabria de un modelo de movilidad sostenible basado en el uso de vehículos eléctricos, pretende, de esta manera, fomentar un cambio cultural entre los ciudadanos, comenzando por los sectores institucional y profesional, con el objetivo de facilitar la reducción de las emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero de Cantabria. El Instituto para la Diversificación y el Ahorro de la Energía (IDAE), dependiente del Ministerio de Industria, Turismo y Comercio, el Grupo Sodercan y Genercan, la sociedad de gestión energética de Cantabria dependiente de la Consejería de Industria y Desarrollo Tecnológico, colaboran con Medio Ambiente en el desarrollo del “Plan BioBike: la sostenibilidad como motor”

Updated September 3, 2008

Comparatif Honda Forza 250 / Vectrix : Electrique ou thermique, faites vos comptes

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Clou de notre semaine de l’énergie, nous avons opposé le Vectrix, premier maxi-scooter électrique, à un rival de choix, le luxueux Honda Forza 250 à moteur essence. Nous avons comparé leurs potentiels respectifs et leurs coûts d’utilisation pour répondre à cette question clé : électrique ou thermique, quel est le plus économique ?

http://www.scooter-station.com/Comparatif-Honda-Forza-250-Vectrix.html

Updated September 3, 2008

Journée Nationale de la Moto et du Scooter : une 1ère édition sous le signe de l'Environnement !

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

L'Environnement sera l'un des thèmes phares de la 1ère édition de la Journée Nationale de la Moto et du Scooter qui se tiendra le 9 septembre 2008 sur le Circuit Carole, situé entre l'aéroport Charles de Gaulle et le parc expo Paris-Nord.

http://www.journee-motoscooter.fr/english.pdf

Updated September 3, 2008

New Italian PDF Brochure!

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

View full PDF

Click on the link to view the new Italian PDF Brochure.

Updated September 3, 2008