Yamaha NEO'S
Electric scooters make sense. They have comparative speed and weight to small bikes powered by internal combustion engines, but are easier to ride, cheaper to run, and competitively priced. Range is still limited, in this case a quoted 23 miles on a single charge, but how far do you want to go on your 50cc equivalent scooter? And simply adding a second battery under the seat extends the range further.
What is it?
Yamaha NEO'S is an all-new 50cc equivalent AM licence electric scooter, with under-seat storage, two riding modes, keyless ignition, connectivity, and large 13-inch wheels wrapped in decent Maxxis rubber. Top speed is a quoted 27mph, range a claimed 23 miles, and a recharge time of eight hours from a normal household plug (or four hours for a 20% to 80% charge). There is Bluetooth connectivity and good build quality for an attractive £3005, or just over £40 a month on PCP.
The NEO'S air-cooled electric motor is housed inside the rear wheel and according to Yamaha delivers a massive 136Nm or 100ft-lb of torque at just 50rpm, yes, 50. Normal power is 2.3kw/3.1hp @ 424rpm, with a maximum output of 2.5kw/3.4hp @ 400rpm. As you can see, torque is instant.
Top speed is restricted to 27mph, because that is the law. An 'ECO' mode limits the top speed further to 24mph. Yes, that is low, but in some countries, riders as young as 14 years old will be allowed to ride the NEO'S, while 20mph limits are becoming all too familiar in Europe's inner cities.
That said, Yamaha claims the new all-electric will out-drag its petrol propelled predecessor, the four-stroke 50cc NEO'S 4, covering 100 metres in 10.9 seconds from a standing start compared to 12.16 seconds for the older scoot.
This story is from the July 2022 edition of Motorcycle Sport & Leisure.
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This story is from the July 2022 edition of Motorcycle Sport & Leisure.
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