Yamaha has introduced an electric scooter to European markets as an extension of the company’s NEO line. Yamaha claim the electric NEO is a “50cc equivalent” scooter and is the first mass produced electric scooter built by the company to be sold in Europe. The “50cc equivalent” moniker simply means that this is an urban only scooter with limited viability beyond city traffic speeds. The scooter should have some advantages over its gas powered small displacement brethren as all the torque will be available immediately.
The Yamaha NEO electric scooter is powered by a direct drive wheel hub featuring an air-cooled brushless motor. Yamaha says that the gearless design of the motor both reduces power loss over traditional powertrains and eliminates virtually all engine noise making the NEO almost silent. It is claimed the electric NEO produces 55dB at seven metres compared to a gas equivalent producing 71dB.
The motor is powered by an 18lbs lithium-ion battery that resides, as expected, under the seat. The fully charged battery should provide a range of approximately 23 miles. While the scooter is sold with one battery, it is equipped to carry two batteries should an additional battery be purchased to extend the range. Interestingly the range goes to 42 miles not 46 miles with two batteries. Does this mean that carrying an additional 8kgs reduces range by 4 miles? That is an interesting equation we will leave the physics enthusiast to figure out.
The scooters computer controls monitor the motor and battery and will switch from the first battery to the second only when the first battery is discharged and can be done at a stop or while on the go depending on circumstances. There is both a Standard mode and an ECO mode which lowers top speed by 3 mph although the increase in range by doing so appears minimal.
The batteries can be charged while in the scooter or removed and charged indoors on a standard outlet. A full charge requires 8 hours for each battery.