Vectrix Electric Maxiscooter 2008

PNB on a Vectrix at Marble Arch in the centre of London, early in 2008.
The Vectrix was a great concept that worked very well in practice, but was severely hampered by its NimH (Nickel Metal Hydride) battery pack. NimH was all the rage in 1996, but by the time Vectrix got into production a decade later it was already clear that lithium-ion was the way forward. Nevertheless, the practical range of 20-30 miles was sufficient for commuting and the top speed was a respectable 110km/h (68mph).
The regen braking worked really well too, worked by physically turning the throttle away from you. When stationary, this also operated the reverse mode, which was very handy for parking.
Vectrix was originally a US-based company, but the scooters were made in Wroclaw (aka Breslau), Poland. Vectrix first got into financial difficulties in 2008 but in 2009 Gold Peak batteries of Hong Kong bought the assets and the company was re-launched, complete with two new models and lithium options. Gold Peak decided to shut down the US arm of Vectrix and the US company filed for bankruptcy in 2014.
UPDATE: However, Vectrix is not dead! According to Wikipedia:
"During the liquidation process the MPTECH group acquired the majority of the Vectrix US assets from the bankruptcy trustee and relocated them to Wroclaw, Poland. Six months later, the entire assets of the Polish fabrication plant were acquired by MPTECH group and part of the heavy production equipment sold to GOVECS in order to expand their production capabilities. In June 2015, the MPTECH group restarted the production of the VX-1 and VX-2 models, equipping them with completely new battery and electronics, internally design and produced.[30] Since the restart of operations, the new Vectrix company has re-established part of the former distribution network, restored supplier network, restored the spare parts availability, and begun market expansion plans.[31]"
There is indeed an operational Vectrix website in which the current machine looks the same as the stylish originals, but with, range, charging time and performance dramatically increased. The maximum battery pack is now up to 14.4 kWh, the same as the current Zero range, and the charge rate is up to 6kW. At 11kW continuous, 35kW peak, power is the same as the A1-licence version of BMW's C evolution. Top speed is a claimed 120km/hr (75mph). More here:
http://vectrix-scooters.com/model/vx-1/
The Vectrix motor is unusual in that it is mounted on the side of the swinging arm and drives the hub through a planetary gearset.
BMW's roofed and seat-belted prototype C1-E of 2009-2010 also used a Vectrix drivetrain. See here: http://bikeweb.com/node/3442
This photo appeared in a test of the Vectrix that I wrote for Motorcycle Monthly which appeared in the April 2008 issue.
PNB
Photo: Bernard Zieja

Vectrix Electric Maxiscooter 2008