With fuel prices soaring and no relief in sight, electric vehicles certainly make a lot of sense.

Turn on the ignition, hold on the back brake and dab on the front. Despite the complete absence of noise or vibration, the flashing ‘GO’ indicator on the LCD instrument display says you’re ready to roll. Welcome to the Vectrix electric scooter – and welcome to the future.

When you’re zipping around town on a Vectrix, you can’t help but get the feeling you’re at the cutting edge of a transport revolution. It might take some years to gain momentum, but with fuel prices soaring and no long-term relief in prospect, electric vehicles make a lot of sense.

CLEVER THINKING

Vectrix was founded in America in 1996, and came to Australia about 18 months ago. As Vectrix Sales Manager and co-owner Frank Papa says, it’s not quite right to think of it as a regular scooter as its brief is entirely different.

“I think of it as something like a power tool – like a cordless drill. I put it on charge, grab it when I need it, then put it back on charge again after it’s done its job,” he says.

It’s a good analogy. After a week of commuting day in, day out across Melbourne, it was clear the Vectrix was a superb commuting tool. It won’t be for everyone, but it’s incredibly satisfying to get around at a fraction of the usual cost, and lower your impact on the environment too.

The Vectrix is powered by a brushless DC radial air-gap motor. Vectrix Australia’s National Technical Manager, Paul Dawson, says it’s akin to motors that power devices such as escalators, with similar longevity. Auto electricians take note – you could well be the motor mechanics of the future!

Beneath lies a Nickel Metal Hydride battery with an estimated life of around 10 years or 80,000km, with a replacement cost of around $2000. However, there are very few moving parts in comparison with a regular scoot, so maintenance costs should be far less.