FAQ

THE MAXI SCOOTER

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Is it a motorcycle or a scooter?

The design of the bike is known as a “maxi-scooter” in the motorcycling world. Our bike has the step through design of a scooter but the power of a motorcycle. It is considered a motorcycle in the United States because it is two wheeled and has more 5 hp. For comparison, the our maxi-scooter has performance comparable to a 250cc gas engine scooter.  Check your state laws to be sure.

Do I need a special license?

Check your state laws and rules, but most states will require both written and riding tests to obtain a motorcycle endorsement to your driver’s license.

Do I need to register my Current Motor Maxi-Scooter?

This is considered a motorcycle and you must follow your state’s vehicle registration requirements. When you purchase online from Current Motor, we will send you a Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO), which you will need to present during the registration process.

Where can I get insurance?

Insurance is available from most major carriers. Our maxi-scooter meets all Department of Transportation safety regulations (FMVSS) and comes with a VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) stamped on the frame, next to the charge port and also attached to the battery box.

Can I ride on the freeway or Interstate?

Yes.

What is the warranty?

12 months/10,000 mile “wheel to wheel” parts only warranty. The batteries have a three year/30,000 mile pro-rated warranty.  Everything except normal consumables (for example, tires and brakes) is covered and the warranty is transferable. Shipment costs of the parts are covered under the warranty.  No extended warranty is offered at this time.

How long does it take to charge the battery pack?

If they are empty, about 5 hours. Note that the batteries have no memory – meaning you can charge at any time, there is no need to wait until they are fully drained. In fact, they will last longer if you charge them after each use.

Are the batteries safe and how long will they last?

We use Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries.  They are very safe and can be recycled when they expire.  A battery’s life is  50,000 or more miles.

How big is the battery pack?

Our standard maxi-scooter has 24 individual 60 amp-hour cells in its battery pack.  This gives a system voltage of approx. 77 V and an approx. capacity of 4.6 kWh.  We also sell a high performance option that adds 6 more cells to make 30 cells in total.  This battery pack has a voltage of 96 V and a capacity of 5.76 kWh

What if my Current Motor Maxi-Scooter gets wet?

The Current Motor Maxi-Scooter is designed for use on the road so there are no adverse motor or battery performance effects from rain or road spray. The electric components are isolated from the frame. Our maxi-scooter can be ridden through water up to 5” deep – its ground clearance.  If you ride in deeper water, the battery pack may develop an internal short circuit and shut down to prevent damage.  This is not dangerous and can be rectified by letting the components dry.

Can I ride my Current Motor Maxi-Scooter on dirt roads?

Yes, if the road has a normal traffic use. However, the Current Motor Maxi-Scooter is normally intended for paved roads and is not designed for off road use.

What is the range on a single charge?

Generally 40 to 50 miles, depending on battery configuration and driving conditions. See below.

Why are there different values for the range?

Range is dependent on the battery pack size, road grade, wind speed, driver and passenger weight and how fast you go. If you ride at a constant 55mph the range will be lower than if you ride at a constant 30mph. However, our range is estimated based on “real world” driving conditions – varying speeds and road grades with a riding style that keeps pace with other traffic.
We sell two sizes of battery pack: 4.6KWh and 5.75kWh. If you are looking at other EV’s the pack capacity is the best way to compare relative ranges.  A bike with a 4.6kWh pack will have better range, in the same conditions, than a bike with a 3.1kWh pack.

Can I carry a passenger?

Yes. The Current Motor Maxi-Scooter is equipped with a rear seat, hand and foot rails.  Carrying a passenger will reduce the range and acceleration of the scooter.

How often do I need to get service?  Where can I get service?

The Current Motor Maxi-Scooter has low service requirements, mostly tires and brakes.  Service of these components can be handled by a local scooter dealership. Should you develop problems with the electric powertrain, please contact Current Motor directly at (877) 222-5115.

Can I get a test drive?

Yes, by appointment, at our Ann Arbor facility, located at 6241 Jackson Road. Please call (877)222-5115. In the near future, we will have additional locations around the country for test drives and service.

WHY ELECTRIC?

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How environmentally friendly is an electric vehicle (EV)?

An EV is a zero emissions vehicle at the point of use.  Gas powered vehicles are not – they continue to produce emissions at the point of use, and the emission level deteriorates over the life of the vehicle.  At the point of use, an EV produces no additional CO2 “greenhouse gas” or the types of emissions that produce smog. An EV does not directly use fossil fuels, therefore as our electricity supply becomes cleaner (through more use of alternative energy sources) an EV takes immediate advantage of this cleaner fuel. Finally, it does not contribute to the much dirtier gas distribution chain.

Isn’t pollution just transferred to the point of electric generation?

Burning fossil fuels, such as coal, oil and natural gas, produces most of our electricity.  In this way, pollution is transferred to the electric generator.  However, the pollution produced through centralized electric generation is easier to control through reducing technologies. The same efficiencies are nearly impossible in the gas distribution chain as it is so fragmented.
The use of clean energy and viable alternative energy sources increase each year. Therefore, the use of an EV today actually decreases its environmental impact over time as those sources become more widely available.  A gas vehicle’s impact increases over time due to reliance on a dirty supply and distribution chain and deteriorating emissions.

Can I charge with alternative means of electric power?

Yes. If you have capabilities for wind or solar power you can use the energy produced to charge your Current Motor Maxi-Scooter.  However, mounting a solar panel or wind turbine to the bike for direct electric generation is not feasible.

HOW TO PURCHASE? WHAT ARE THE COSTS?

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Do you offer financing?

Not at this time.  But you can likely get financing through a lender who typically deals with motorcycles or visit www.netloanonline.com.

Are there tax rebates available?

Yes.  Please check both at both your state and the federal level for incentives.

How much does it cost to charge the bike?

For most people, it costs about a penny a mile to operate your Current Motor Maxi-Scooter. This is calculated by a simple formula: [cost per kWh] x [kWh size of battery pack] = [approximate cost per charge].  Your cost per kWh is available on your latest household electric bill.

How long does the battery pack last?

50,000 or more miles, if properly maintained.  Your Current Motor Maxi-Scooter has built- in systems to ensure that the correct maintenance is automatically achieved.

How much does it cost to replace the battery pack?

While battery costs are expected to decline substantially over the next 5 years, currently, an entire battery pack costs over $2,000 to replace.  However, you should not have to replace the entire pack during the life of the scooter.  A more likely scenario is some cells deteriorate over time and you replace single cells at a cost of about $100 each.  The Current Motor Battery Management System will detect cell or battery-pack failure.