Questions and Answers
1. What is the range of fully charged MOTORINO™ scooter?
The Range is affected by the weight of rider, the type of terrain and the manner of driving. The scooters can hold two battery packs.
a) with basic battery pack the range is 50 km based on flat surface and a loading weight of 170Lb;
b) with dual battery pack the range is increased to 90 km;
c) the regenerative braking system of MOTORINO™ can extend their range up to 15% depending on the manner of riding and the terrain.
2. How fast the MOTORINO™ scooter goes?
The MOTORINO scooters are classified as bicycles in many countries, including Canada and as such the speed is governed to 32 km/hr.
3. How the riding of MOTORINO™ electric scooter differs from the riding of a gas scooter?
The riding of an electric scooter is incomparably more comfortable than riding of a gas scooter because:
a) it is absolutely quiet;
b) the electric scooter has no clutch but it is direct driven by a motor built in the rear axel which provides a quick acceleration – 0 to 30km/hr in 4 seconds;
c) the low position of the battery pack shifts the electric scooter center of gravity low to the ground which makes it stable and easier to balance than a regular bicycle.
4. What inclines can the MOTORINO™ scooter handle?
The MOTORINO™ electric scooters equipped with 500W high torque brushless motor and 3 speed transmission can handle hills of 24 degrees with a load of 170Lb.
5. What are the pedals for? Do I need to start the scooter by pedaling?
You don’t need to start the scooter by pedaling. The MOTORINO™ motor is powerful enough to start it just by twisting the throttle even on a hilly terrain. The pedals however are qualifying the scooter as a bicycle and make it usable under the same regulations as a bicycle. The pedals are also useful if the scooter is used by two people on a hilly terrain to assist the motor.
6. What maintenance is required?
The MOTORINO™ electric scooter is designed to require very low maintenance. Considering the fact that this scooter has no combustion engine, no belts, no clutch, no ignition plugs, no carburetor, and uses no gasoline and no lubricants, it requires light maintenance too. Modular designed components are practically maintenance free. The unique design of the direct drive system and the use of brushless motors make the MOTORINO™ scooter much easier to maintain than other electric scooters. However, you should check regularly for loose nuts, adjust the brakes, lubricate the chain and charge the batteries.
7. What about parts, is it a problem getting parts for the MOTORINO™ scooter?
Parts are not a problem. Expendable parts like tires, tubes, bulbs, etc. can be found in just about any regular bike store. Besides, you can find in our website a detailed Parts List for every MOTORINO™ scooter and you can order them by calling our store/shop.
8. How do I charge the battery?
The battery can be charged on board by plugging the charger cable in the charging terminal or off board (on the XPs and XPh) by removing the battery from the scooter and charging separately. The battery doesn’t have a memory and can be charged at any stage. For longer battery life it is recommended to be plugged in after every ride. You don’t need to time the battery charge. When the battery is fully charged the charger switches to a trickle charge mode and prevents overcharging.
9. How long will the batteries last? What is the battery life cycle? What is the battery replacement price?
The battery is a deep cycle lead acid and is good for 300-400 cycles. However if you top it up before fully discharged you can increase the number of cycles and extend the battery life to 2-3 years and more. The replacement cost of the basic battery pack is approx. $400.00 and the second battery is $275.00.
10. How can I know my consumption, battery condition and energy level?
The MOTORINO® scooters dashboard has an indicator showing, at any time, the consumption current and the current you are generating while breaking. Another indicator shows the percentage of the energy left in the battery.
11. What is the power consumption for charging the batteries?
Charging two batteries from flat consumes 1.2 to 1.4 KWH which amounts to $0.09 to $0.12 for a cost of $0.07 per KWH.
12. If I have two batteries, do I need to carry them all the time?
It is not necessary. If you go for a short range ride, you can remove the second battery and use under the seat space as storage. However, before plugging in the second battery make sure both battery packs are fully charged. Using two batteries eliminates the power sagging if you ride the scooter on hills close to 15 degrees pitch.
13. If one of the batteries has a problem do I need to replace them all?
Not necessarily. Simply ask us to check the batteries condition and only replace the one which is not good.
14. Can I use the scooter in rain? Can I clean it with water without any concern?
Absolutely. The electric system is covered and the motor is completely sealed. In fact the MOTORINO™ scooters are tested in a rain simulation cells for water resistance.
15. What are the advantages of having an electric scooter?
a) Freedom – it is classified as a bicycle and as such can benefit from all the freedom you have riding a regular bike;
b) Economical – don’t pay for parking, insurance, driver’s licence, gas, maintenance. It costs pennies to charge. If used as a substitute for a car it is possible to pay for it in 4 months;
c) Safer than a bike – the scooters look and have all safety features as a gas motorcycle. From our customer’s experience car drivers pay scooter riders more respect than if they ride a regular bicycle;
d) Quiet – no engine and transmission noise. It is literally noiseless;
e) Environmental – it is more environmental than using a bus. Utilizes the idle night energy when you charge it. Batteries are recycled and there is no emission;
f) A lot of fun – you will believe when you try it.
16. Who would benefit from an electric scooter?
a) People who need to avoid the heavy traffic. Since our MOTORINO™ scooters are classified by Transport Canada as Power Assisted Bicycles you can ride them beside the traffic in bike lanes, in a lane of traffic, on bicycle trails or anywhere regular bicycles are used;
b) People working in the city tired of finding and paying for parking. All MOTORINO™ scooters can be legally parked on the sidewalk, or in a parking spot with their antitheft security features;
c) Daily commuters traveling up to 50-90 km on flat or 30-70 on hills. The high torque motor provides enough power to handle 24 degree hills;
d) Commuters who hate to get wet in a rainy weather. The MOTORINO™ scooters rain cape which is included with the scooter and the visor helmet protect the rider completely in rain;
e) The environment.