This Vespa-Like Electric Scooter Offers Clean, Silent Commuting, With No Pedaling Necessary

With speeds up to 30 mph, and a driving range of 20-30 miles per charge, the street legal Juiced electric scooter could be a great green urban transport option.

Although bikes and e-bikes have been getting most of the attention as cleaner commuting options, not everyone wants to pedal. For those who don't want a bike, but would still like to have a small zero (tailpipe) emissions vehicle, and one that can be parked just about anywhere, has enough range to do daily commuting and errand-running, can keep up with urban traffic, is affordable, and can handle two passengers, an electric scooter might be the way to go.

Now you're probably used to seeing some e-scooters that are like a kids' kick scooter, except with an electric motor and battery, those aren't in the same league as the Vespa- and moped-style scooters, which are tried and true city vehicles (but which in their original gas-burning form are also very polluting), and which are a great fit for electric drivetrains.

Introducing Juiced Scooters

Electric scooter models from a Redlands, California startup, Juiced Scooters, looks to be a well-designed contender in the urban e-mobility market, and on top of its retro-styling and options for color choices and motor size, this modern mini commuter is also a good fit financially for those looking to replace or offset their car usage. In fact, the company estimates that up to $800 (~$900) per year could be saved by individuals switching from a car to its e-scooter (at an average cost of .70 cents per 31 miles, as compared to $9.50 for a similar gas-powered scooter), which doesn't even take into account the avoided tailpipe emissions of the electric scooter, so it could make both economic and ecological sense.

How Powerful Is the Battery?

Available with either a 2000W electric motor, the Juiced Scooter has a top speed of about 30 mph and a driving range of about 20 miles per charge, and has a second battery option, which can essentially double the range with the addition of another battery.

The 13.6 lb battery pack is removable for charging, and has an attached strap for carrying it with, and a full charge of the 60V 12Ah Panasonic lithium ion battery pack takes between 5 and 6 hours. The unu also has a regenerative braking system (kinetic energy recovery system, or KERS) to recoup some charge to the battery while driving.

How Much Does It Weigh?

The scooter weighs in at about 120 lb without the battery, which is about half the weight of a gas-powered scooter like a Vespa, and can carry a total load of up to 330 lb. The weight of the scooter shouldn't be an issue, as it's not necessary to carry it inside for charging or storage, and the removable battery pack makes it so that parking near a cord or outlet isn't required at home or away.

What Do I Need to Drive It?

It does not require a driver's license, registration, or insurance to drive on the street, but a drivers license or equivalent experience is highly recommended.

What Does It Cost?

The cost of the basic OG, which has the 2000W motor and a single battery pack, starts at $1,895, with second battery packs running about $590.