Test: Electric scooter E-max 90S

text: Petr Kavčič, photo: Aleš Pavletič, Grega Gulin

Admittedly, some skepticism, a hint of prejudice and fear of the unknown was within us, but this is from test to test of the earth. Although the electric motorcycle we will ride through the Dolomites seems a bit distant, still shrouded in fog, they electric scooters as relevant and real.

This E-max is no exception. At first glance, it works like a regular scooter, no different from a scooter with an internal combustion engine. Sits comfortably driving performance however, they are fully comparable to the performance of conventional 50cc scooters. The disc brakes are powerful enough to stop it safely despite the heavy weight. It weighs 155 kilograms, most of the weight, of course, comes from the battery.

Thus, E-max is quite an exemplary city scooter, which differs little from other petrol scooters in terms of the type of drive. But when you circle it, it becomes clear that something is missing - exhaust... He simply does not have it, because he does not need it. Under the seat is a huge battery that weighs 60 kilograms and supplies the electric motor in the rear wheel with all the energy it needs to move it up to the legal speed of 45 km / h.

Since it is the base model, ie the entry-level model in the range of scooters up to 45 km / h, it is equipped with a "base" battery or a lead-acid battery. They also offer scooters with a speed limit of 25 km / h, which means there are no mandatory helmets and no registration required. The price is not overpriced, you can take the one shown in the photos for 2.650 euros. The better and slightly more expensive model has a silicon battery that lasts a little longer.

Of course, the first question is how long the battery on this scooter actually lasts. Calmly, without worrying about leaving you on the road, go 45 and even 50 kilometers a long drive on mostly flat roads, and then the program switches to the save function, which will take you to your destination at 25 km / h. It's kind of a guarantee, so you don't have to push it home on foot as it warns you in time. recharging.

Of course, this means that its use is limited to a predominantly urban environment, where 220 volt sockets are always at hand. To boost, you can charge it in a bad hour, but it still needs at least three hours to reach full power. According to official figures, the battery can be charged in two to four hours. Of course, it is most economically and environmentally interesting if you drive it every day along a well-known route, for example, from home to work and back. There is almost no maintenance, and electricity is ridiculously cheap compared to gasoline.

The E-max really has no noticeable flaws as long as you're within 40-50 miles of the day and can plug it in every night. It is simply designed and therefore works well. You just have to decide if you prefer to drive a charger under the seat or a smaller "jet" helmet, as it doesn't have much room due to the battery.

Face to face - Matjaz Tomajic

While I was very skeptical about the usability of this scooter at first, I have to admit that after a day or two of getting used to it and getting to know it, life can become enjoyable with it. If you are among those who give themselves unlimited autonomy, and even if only within their own city, you cannot give up, I would advise you to choose a model with a more powerful battery, and even better a scooter with a gasoline engine. If you know exactly where your path will take you today, the worry about autonomy will be replaced by the pleasant feeling of almost free driving. Other than that, it's perfectly pleasant, dynamic enough, and will satisfy your basic transportation needs. Yeah, the charger could be built into the scooter - just the cable would take up much less space under the seat.

• Basic data

  Sales: Net plan

  Base model price: 2650 €

• Technical information

  engine: electric motor, 48 V / 40 Ah lead-acid battery, 2-4 hours at full power.

  Power: rated power 2,5 kW, maximum power 4.000 W.

  Frame: steel pipe

  brakes: front / rear disc, hydraulic brakes, single piston caliper

  Suspension: classic telescopic front, single shock absorber at the rear

  Tires: 130/60-13, 130/60-13

  Wheelbase: 1385 mm

  Weight: 155 kg

• Test errors:

We praise and reproach

usability in the city, within the framework of a known and predictable relationship

in size and design fully competes with conventional scooters

saving

good acceleration and torque

ecologicaly clean

affordable price, practically does not require maintenance

battery charge indicator

quiet operation, no noise pollution

limited range

weight

energy consumption increases significantly when the accelerator button is pressed or when driving uphill

not much space under the seat