EVT 4000e Review

Overall Rating

Build-quality, speed, responsiveness, negligible running costs, tiny environmental footprint.

I honestly can't think of any.

I'm a UK rider with over 20 years experience of motorcycles. I started at 16 with mopeds, and regularly ride 500cc-plus motorcycles. But I've got to say that, more than any other motorbike, my EVT 4000e has, quite simply, blown me away.
I live in a city (Leicester, England), and every day make several journeys of 2-3 miles (to the University campus, the shops and my girlfriend's house). Leaving aside the environmental and cost issues, driving a car is pointless: traffic is usually grid-locked, and there's nowhere to park when you do eventually arrive. So last year I bought a Honda petrol moped.
My Honda (a very ratty ebay bike), was stolen in April 2005, and I replaced it with the EVT 4000e (a 50cc-equivalent electric moped), purchased from Scootelectric (www.scootelectric.co.uk). I was sceptical (electric? I don't think so ...), and talked at length to the people at Scootelectric before making my decision. Best money (£1750) I've ever spent.
The first thing that impressed me, was the build quality, which is as good as any traditional good-quality petrol moped. After a couple of run-through charges, I am now getting regularly 30 miles-plus from a single charge. This is reduced slightly (but not by much), by occasionally switching from ECONOMY to POWER mode. (POWER mode is amazing. I've had 45 mph coming down the hill from my local supermarket).
The one thing that concerned me, was whether other road users and pedestrians would hear me coming. This hasn't been an issue at all, and I can't tell you how many looks and comments I get in my neighbourhood.
The bike is the best ride I've had: smooth, responsive and an ability to hold to the road like glue. (I think this is due to the weight of the batteries, and the low centre of gravity). With no maintenance (just brakes and tyre pressure), zero emissions, no road tax, 1500 miles to the gallon, and minimal running costs, the EVT 4000e is one of those rare finds: a value-for-money product, that does exactly what it's meant to do. All I had to do was to get my electrician to put in an outside plug for me. And, as a fantastic bonus, it's helped me to slash my environmental footprint (if that's the right green phrase).
Of course, it's not 100% green because the electricity used for charging has to come from somewhere. But if one takes the negative viewpoint on this, then what's the point of doing anything? I firmly believe in small changes and small footprints. And I LOVE passing people in their stationary, 8-miles-to-the-gallon 4x4 SUV's.
I'm not sure whether the range would be suitable for a teenager on his or her first wheels (if they are like I used to be, and spend 16 hours a day in the saddle), but for the urban commuter like myself, it's perfect. I very much agree with Hank: highly, highly recommended!!!