iMoto 2 Verde Electric Scooter

I bought the Verde a local electric cars shop because I was looking for an affordable environmentally friendly commute option during the winter (when I prefer not to bike). At first it had problems because the motor controller would get wet on rainy days and short out. After a few trips back to the electric cars shop, the technicians managed to waterproof it and move the controller to an dryer area underneath the scooter.

Ever since then the only problem I've had is that one of the wires came loose, which was an easy fix for the technicians. I've now put about 2500 miles on the scooter commuting on it essentially every day during the winter and about half the time in the spring. The top speed is only about 20 mph because of the relatively weak (800 Watt) motor, and the speedometer is way off (when it says I'm going 35 mph I'm really going 20 mph), but other than that it's a pretty cool scooter.

One issue is that the battery has already worn out pretty badly. I now have to keep the speed down around 16 mph in order to make it the 13 miles from home to work after just 8 months and 2500 miles. The shop I bought the iMoto from is looking into finding better batteries for it, because that's a pretty poor lifespan. Normally the range should be 15-20 miles at top speed.

I also performed a calculation and determined that using the PG&E power grid mix, the Verde emits approximately the same amount of CO2 as would be associated with the food consumed to replace the calories from an equivalent bicycle ride, and about one-twelfth the CO2 emissions of a Prius. So it's an extremely environmentally friendly mode of transportation.

If price is not a big issue, I would suggest choosing a Skeuter Hornet or ZAP Zapino or R Martin EVD over the Verde, since they have superior ranges, speeds, and no problems in wet conditions, and no doubt better batteries.

If you can't afford more than $1200, then the iMoto is a reasonably good option. If you can afford $2000 go for the Skeuter. If you can afford $3000-4000, go for the Zapino or R Martin EVD. They're worth the added cost.

I too had to replace the batteries and my verde has only 35 mi. on it. However, this is not surprising after the battery manufacturer explained that most people who own scooters "overcharge" them by quite a few hours and apparently I fell into this catagory.. He then told me that with electric scooters you Do Not leave the chargers on overnite. The batteries only need charged for double the hours that it was ridden. ie.- Ride for 2 hours, Charge for 4 hours. Having said this, it is understandable why when the battery case was opened the 4 batteries inside looked like they were thrown on the BBQ for 4 days!  Now, after having changed them and charging them for the appropriate amount of time, I attempted to start this machine with only 35 mi!. on it. Nothing! After spending a day checking the visible wires, and literally faking my way through what I could see easily, I was able to ge thet lights and horn to work but still no motor. Any good suggestions on how to go about this without having to take it to a shop? Being a single mom with limited income, no truck, and no shop close if I had one, I would like to fix this problem myself. Im an amautuer "fixer upper" who really could use this RUNNING inexpensive form of transportation right now. Thanks guys!