The current COVID-19 pandemic has compelled people to reinvent their lifestyles as it has compelled companies to pivot their businesses. There is now more focus on essential goods and services as well as the care and protection of the environment. To signify their commitment to minimizing pollution, major carmakers are introducing hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in their model line-up while motorcycle companies are following suit.
Everyone is enjoined to minimize their carbon footprint for the sake of our children and the succeeding generations. If you are compelled to join the “clean and green” bandwagon by getting into electric vehicles but your budget is currently “lean” because of the weak economy, there is an alternative that is both fun and economical. It’s called the Ecooter E1+ and it is an intelligent and cute electric scooter.
Elegant EV Engineering
The Ecooter E1+ is propelled by a 2.5 kilowatt aluminum magnet electric motor that is mounted in an enclosed swing arm assembly. A strong and durable Gates carbon drive belt connects the motor to the drive hub that mounts the 12-inch three split-spoke aluminum alloy wheel shod in a 100/60-12 Kenda tubeless tire. Unlike hub-mounted electric motors, the sealed drivetrain of the E1+ allows it to be ridden in flood waters as high as 260 mm, thus dispelling the notion that electric scooters cannot be ridden in the wet.
The electric motor gets its power from a removable 64-volt 30 ampere-hour (64V20Ah) lithium-ion battery that takes 4 hours to completely charge using the included 220V charger. There is a port to charge the battery in the scooter, and in case there isn’t an accessible electric outlet where the scooter is parked, the battery can be removed and charged indoors. Ecooter claims that a fully-charged 64V20Ah battery can power the E1+ to a range of 120 kilometers.
Stylish and Safe Scooter Design
The drivetrain / rear swing arm assembly and single rear aluminum coil-over shock absorber are attached to an alloy steel frame that is covered by stylishly designed plastic body panels. At the front, a single arm inverted front fork supports the aluminum single-sided steering stem that mounts front wheel and tire. A combination brake system (CBS) connects the front and rear hydraulic disc brakes.
Our test E1+ electric scooter is finished in eye-catching two-tone Ducati red (that’s what they really call it) and silver. The comfortable and thickly cushioned black saddle is mounted low, measuring only 730 mm from the ground, while the handlebar is 10 mm higher and all controls fall easily to hand. A storage bin in the front leg shield includes a USB socket to charge mobile phones. Night time riding visibility is enhanced with front LED headlights with a wide light swath area and integrated tail light with enhanced illumination.
High Tech Features
A smart key unlocks the handlebar and turns the electronics on while a power button in the center of the dash activates drive. The E1+ can be ridden like a twist-and-go scooter but with the added benefit of almost instantaneous torque courtesy of the electric motor that produces a peak of 105 Newton-meters. There’s a Reverse button on the handlebar that will allow the rider to slowly back out of an inclined parking space easily. The smart instrument panel features adjustable color schemes that automatically dims or brightens depending on the light conditions while riding.
Ecooter equipped the E1+ with a mobile app that allows the rider to remotely monitor the battery level when they are away from the scooter. The app can also remotely lock the scooter as well as provide real time GPS information, if you want to check its location. This feature is a good theft deterrent and a nifty way to track down the scooter when another rider other than the owner is using it. Furthermore, the E1+ is equipped with a battery management system (BMS) that protects it from overheating, overcharging and over-discharging the battery.
Riding Impressions
We were privileged enough to ride an E1+ scooter around a short test course to get a feel of its performance. Its silent and smooth electric motor takes a little bit of getting used to, especially when you’re accustomed to a gasoline-powered single-cylinder bike. Acceleration from rest is quite brisk and the scooter displays neutral handling since most of the weight (electric motor, battery and rider) is located near its center of gravity. Because of the regular weekend traffic, we were not able to test if the E1+ can reach its claimed top speed of 75 km/h.
With a suggested retail price of P115,000, we think that the Ecooter E1+ is a great way to get into electric vehicles. It’s a capable and nimble city commuter that’s environment-friendly since it uses no fuel and emits no carbon footprint. It’ll also be an ideal vehicle to learn to manage range anxiety since you can always store the charger under the seat and charge the battery using a common 220V electric outlet like you’re charging your mobile phone. We’d like to get one for our series of long-term test evaluations to see if they live up to the manufacturer’s claims.
Dealers and Partners Wanted
Ecooter is made by Da Yang Motors in Luoyang, Henan, China and distributed in the Philippines by Sobeler Corporation. The Ecooter E1+ and its controller and battery is covered by a 1-year warranty. Other Ecooter models include the P95,000 E2L, the P190,000 E2R, and a soon-to-be-launched new delivery model. According to Joy Maranan, Director of Sales and Marketing, the guidelines for the registration of electric scooters is still being deliberated at the Land Transportation Office (LTO), but once finalized and implemented, Ecooter is firmly committed in assisting their customers with the registration.
During Ecooter’s launch last year, they announced a unique plan to establish a battery-swap program where riders can go to participating partner establishments to swap their drained battery for a ready fully-charged one. Owners can also buy a spare 64V20Ah battery and fast charger for P35,000. We don’t know if they will continue to pursue this innovative idea under this pandemic economy, but we’re sure that they are looking for dealers to market Ecooter products.
If you’re interested in the Ecooter E1+, please visit their showroom at the ground floor of the CSP Building, 173 Epifanio delos Santos Avenue (EDSA), Mandaluyong City, or call 0917 543 5678 / 0998 860 8133, or log on their Ecooter Philippines Facebook page. If you’re interested to become an Ecooter dealer, please call (+632) 8294 1803 / 8294 1839.
Specification
Price: P115,000
Classification: Electric scooter
Propulsion: 2500 W electric motor
Power: 3.5 hp
Torque: 105 Nm
Battery: Removable 64V 30Ah lithium ion
Charging time: 4 hours
Curb weight: 90 kg (including battery)
Length: 1750 mm
Width: 645 mm
Height: 1075 mm
Wheelbase: 1260 mm
Seat height: 730 mm
Handlebar height: 740 mm
Wheels: 12-inch aluminum alloy (2.5-inch front, 2.75-inch rear)
Tires: Kenda 100-60/12
Max load: 160kg
Contact Details
Sobeler Corporation
8 Don Manuel, Kaingin Road, Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines
Telephone Numbers (+632) 8294-1803 / 8294-1839
Fax Number (+632) 8364-8434
Ecooter Philippines
Ground floor, CSP Building, 173 EDSA. Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila, Philippines
Telephone Numbers (+63) 917-543-5678 /998-860-8133