Published May 11, 2012
By Philippe Crowe
Last week the VECTRIX clean energy scooter, the VX-1 Li/Li+, won the European "e-Scooter of the Year" award for the second consecutive year at the third annual "Clean Week 2020" event.
The event was held at the Zolder racetrack, Belgium, May 2 to May 6. VECTRIX's second European "e-Scooter of the Year" award for the VX-1 Li/Li+ comes after the VX-1 Li/Li+ was named to Scientific American's 2011 "Annual Gadget Guide."
VECTRIX specializes in two- and three-wheeled electric vehicles, motorcycles, and scooters.
The "CleanWeek 2020" competition was judged by a panel of 12 automotive and motorcycle journalists from Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, France, Spain, Scandinavia, U.K., Italy, Switzerland, and Austria. Criteria included ecoscore (consumption, emissions, and noise), driving range, recycling, refilling/reloading, price, performance/consumption, aesthetics/styling, drivability, availability in the market, and quality of the press kit. The "Clean Week 2020" award categories included e-Scooters (under 25 kph/15 mph, under 45 kph/30 mph, and over 45 kph/30 mph), e-Bicycle, e-Quadricycle, and e-Bike (on-road, off-road, and MX).
The VECTRIX electric VX-1 Li/Li+ has competed in and won the "over 45 km/h (30 mph)" class both years it has entered the CleanWeek event (2011 and 2012).
The clean energy VECTRIX VX-1 now offers two lithium (LiFePO4) battery options – the VX-1 Li – a 30-amp hour battery, and the VX-1 Li+ -- a 42-amp hour battery. The VX-1 Li and Li+ have an estimated electrical recharge cost of one cent per mile.
The VX-1 is designed to provide superior handling due to a low center of gravity, stiff frame, and even weight distribution. With a curb weight of 425 pounds (193 kg) for the VX-1 Li and 460 pounds (209 kg) for the VX-1 Li+, both bikes are capable of speeds up to 68 mph (110 kph). The VX-1 Li has a range of up to 40 to 60 miles (64 to 96 km) and the VX-1 Li+ has a range of up to 55-85 miles (88 to 136 km).
The VX-1 Li accelerates from 0-50 mph (0-80 kph) in 6.0 seconds and the VX-1 Li+ accelerates from 0-50 mph (0-80 kph) in 6.25 seconds. Both new VX-1 Li and Li+ models come standard with the patented VECTRIX Multi-Function Throttle which provides regenerative braking for maximization of range and a slow-speed reverse for ease-of-use while parking. They also include the patented rugged VECTRIX rear-wheel mounted planetary gear drive.
Both new VX-1 models come with a 1.5-kilowatt on-board battery charger that plugs into a standard 110V/220V outlet and features a recharge time of around 3 to 4 hours for the VX-1 Li and 4 to 6 hours for the VX-1 Li+.
