Last evening, the Piaggio Group released a statement that it had won two lawsuits filed against Peugeot Motorcycles (owned by the Mahindra Group). The verdict was passed by the Tribunal Judiciaire of Paris and the Court of Milan after they found that the Peugeot Metropolis was guilty of infringing a European patent on technology found on the Piaggio MP3 three-wheel scooter.
The technology in question allows the three-wheeled MP3 (and Metropolis) to mimic the leaning action of a conventional scooter or motorcycle. The ruling has brought an end to Peugeot Metropolis sales in France and Italy, and the manufacturer has also been asked to pay a substantial €1.5m fine. Additionally, the manufacturer will be fined an additional €6,000 for every Metropolis sold after 30 days. The court also ruled that all sales must stop after 90 days. If not, Peugeot will draw an additional €10,000 fine every day.
Piaggio MP3
This isn’t the first time that Piaggio has filed lawsuits against another manufacturer. There have been multiple instances with Chinese manufacturers and the Vespa design being involved in the recent past. This also isn’t the first time the MP3 has been a part – Visordown reminds us of the time the manufacturer forced the removal of the Yiben YB 250 ZKT at EICMA 2011 because it resembled the MP3.
The Peugeot Metropolis is one of the company’s more successful models in the European market, and this ruling will undoubtedly be a significant blow to the company. There’s no info about whether Peugeot will appeal the verdict, but we’ll update this space if it comes to light.
Kymco have just launched their ‘I Like it’ campaign offering the Like 125 scooter for just $3,290 ride-away in Pearl White with colour matched top-box, compared to the usual price of $3,090 plus on-road costs.
Kymco Like 125 currently on special until November
The Kymco Like family are known for bulletproof engineering, practicality and an exceptional price point, making for an ideal commuter.
The Like 150 S was recently added to the family roster with the same core principles, but it’s the Like 125 currently available with this special offer.
The $3,290 ride away pricing is valid until November 30, 2021, with a normal retail price of $3,090 plus on-road costs. The Like 125 is only available in Pearl White for the promotional price, but also comes in Black and Bright Red at normal pricing.
An Indian Electric two-wheel manufacturer named Ola Electric has just released their first scooter to India – and to say it makes light of the competition is an understatement.
2021 S1 Scooter
According to a report from RideApart, the S1 was revealed to the eager masses of India on August 15 and designed to provide the client with a budget-friendly machine that would get the job done while providing a bit of extra juice to arrive early to the occasion.
Boy, did Ola deliver.
With a stunning 181km of range, speeds up to 116 km/h, a mere 18 minutes to charge up to 75 km of ride time, and other features such as reverse mode, cruise control, and a brilliantly low center of gravity, the S1 sets new standards for the scooter industry.
Add to this the bargain price of the S1 – currently going for at least ₹85,099 INR, or $1146.57 USD / $1446.97 CAD – and the beastie beats the competition at an easy jog.
To put things into perspective, even the wildly popular Vespa S125 can’t be had in India for less than ₹216,166.80 INR, or $2913.81 USD / $3677.91 CAD brand new – more than twice the price of the S1.
Let’s take a look at what you’re getting for your rupees.
The Ola S1 is powered by an 8500 W Mid-drive IPM Motor, connected to a 3.97 KWh battery and capable of 8.5kW of peak power, with a whopping 58 Nm of peak torque.
According to the website, a complete charge takes roughly 6 hours, with the potential to reach 181km on a single charge.
Ola Electric is also releasing a variant of the S1 – the S1 Pro.
This upgraded version will cost ₹110,149 – that’s $1484.66 USD, or $1873.40 CAD, the same amount of money as a mid-tier mountain bike.
Looking forward to what Ola Electric has next in the cards – rumors are that Company founder and CEO Bhavish Aggarwal plans on soon releasing a wider range of scooters, as well as an electric car.
As always, make sure to check back here for updates – we will keep our ear to the ground for you.
One such anticipated reveal is the Xtreme 250 Electric Scooter – an extension of the wildly popular Xtreme 150i lineup, which premiered in March of this year.
2021 WMoto Xtreme 150i Electric Scooter
According to ZigWheels, The 150i’s most sellable feature was purported to be the bargain price – a mere RM 9,588 or $2262.66 USD.
With the 150i on the podium for such a scant amount, it’ll be interesting to see where WMoto prices the Xtreme 250.
Let’s take a look at the specs of the Xtreme 150i, since the 250i will likely have a similar amount of specs available to the consumer.
First off, the Xtreme 150i has been prepped for the road with a 149.3cc engine capable of a maximum power of 12.1Hp at 8,500 rpm and a maximum torque of 11.8Nm at 5,000 rpm.
Pair that with a dual-channel ABS, a fully digital LCD Meter, an adjustable monoshock absorber, and Bob’s your uncle – you’ve got yourself a fully spec’ed out machine that can handle the bumpier side of town while still providing a cushy ride to the client.
Back to the Xtreme 250 sibling.
The 250 is currently undergoing endurance testing and it still needs the Vehicle Type Approval (VTA) from the Road Transport Department of Malaysia, though hopefully, the country’s transportation won’t give too much trouble to a company looking to provide their customers a B2-level vehicle without the riders having to actually get that specific license.
A 3D Concept of the 2022 Moto Xtreme 250i Electric Scooter
It’ll be a bit of a stretch, but if anybody can do it, it’s WMoto.
Best of luck to the Malaysian manufacturer, and make sure to check out similar scooters here from MBW’s archives.
EMoS – the light electric vehicle specialist based in Brisbane, Australia and Horwin Global are teaming up to make the Horwin EK3 electric scooter available to the Australian market. The recent collaboration between EMoS and Horwin has resulted in full volume compliance approval with the Australian Road Vehicle Certification System authority, with retailers interested in selling the scooter being sought.
Horwin EK3 electric scooter
The EK3 is capable of carrying up to 170 kg or two people. It runs a 14-inch wheel up front and 13-inch rear. An efficient CBS braking system is standard. A single 40Ah battery supplies a range of up to 100 km.
Unlike many other electric motor scooters the EK3 does not use a hub motor as a powertrain, but a centre motor. Developed by HORWIN the Center Motor creates an output of 6.2 kW which propels the EK3 to a top speed of 95 km/h, making it ideal for urban commuting.
Horwin EK3 electric scooters
The EK3 accelerates from rest to 60 km/h in six-seconds. The constant power of the engine motor ensures smooth running under all road conditions.
The EK3 scooter can be equipped with two lithium-ion batteries that are easily removable. The battery supplied consists of 18650 lithium-ion battery cells.
The Horwin EK3 electric scooter runs a lithium ion 2.88 kWh battery
An SOC monitoring system and the modern battery management system helps prevent malfunctions and provides protection against over-charging, discharging, over-voltage, short circuit and monitors the temperature of the batteries. One battery cell has a capacity of 10.44 Wh, the whole battery has 2.88 kWh and offers a battery life of over 1000 cycles.
Horwin EK3 electric scooter
The standard charging current is 10A, while charging time of one battery is 3.5 hours, an intelligent charger is used for this.
Other features include, USB smart phone charging, remote and keyless start, modern cockpit display, space for two batteries and much more.
Horwin EK3 electric scooter dash
The EK3 is classified as a LC (motorcycle) category in Australia and requires a motorcycle license, it is LAMS approved.
Although, the Australian retail price for the EK3 has not yet been finalised, pricing is anticipated to be competitive.
Horwin EK3 electric scooter centre motor
Horwin Global, is planning to expand their presence in Australia further in the future with additions of other models, such as the EK1, CR6 / CR6 Pro in the not so distant future.
EMoS has been appointed as the Australian distributor and wholesaler by Horwin Global and is currently looking for interested parties that would like to stock and retail the EK3 from Horwin in Australia.
Yamaha Motor Company Ltd. has been pushing for a carbon-neutral future, with plans to go completely gas-free by 2050.
While this might seem quite the goal, the Japanese manufacturer has been backing up its commitment by giving us a round of statistics that show the percentage of phase-out for the company.
As surprising as it may seem, Yamaha has rejected the notion that electric superbikes will soon be the common norm.
A close-up of the new Yamaha R7
According to a report from MCN, the Japanese manufacturer has guesstimated that 2.6% of riders will be converting to full electric machines in the next nine years (2030), with a scant 20% conforming to emission-free standards by 2035.
2035, coincidentally, is the UK Government’s current year set to go emission-free.
A view of the projection Yamaha plans on phasing through by 2050
As much as the numbers may not add up with what’s in store for the Central Hemisphere’s clean energy consultations, Yamaha DOES still plan on phasing out so that 90% of their motorcycles will be using an alternative power source by the year 2050.
The majority of the motorcycles will purportedly be electric, with some of the last vestiges of the fossil-fueled tanks carrying synthetic and carbon-neutral fuels over the traditional gasoline.
A side image of the new Yamaha E01 electric scooter
Above all else, Yamaha will be leaning toward a more accessible future, with ‘an extra wheel up’ in the competition…literally.
Yoshihiro Hidaka, Yamaha Motor’s President, has released the following regarding future technologies for Yamaha:
Yoshihiro Hidaka, President of Yamaha Motor Company
“We will aim to create new and unprecedented forms of mobility by combining our mobility technologies based on small powertrains – a Company strength – with the robotics born of our production technologies.
“For example, our [three-wheeled] TRITOWN standing electric micromobility model with twin front wheels was developed, wondering what we could achieve if we targeted the last-mile mobility segment.”
“With our other pursuits, we are not restricting ourselves to existing forms of motorcycles and are moving forward with the development of a model taking our LMW platform and technologies, which we have been refining for many years, even further.”
Yamaha’s MW Vision Concept Trike
The high-performance, hybrid-powered, MW-Vision concept trike was purportedly revealed at the 2019 Tokyo Show in anticipation of Yamaha’s further steps towards increasing mobility and accessibility.
“Our mobility,” the report goes on, “proposes an aim to improve on the shortcomings of motorcycles while leveraging their advantages of small size, minimal road and parking space requirements, a small environmental footprint, and their ability to navigate urban areas quickly… our next-generation mobility vehicles are equipped with a simple cabin, are self-standing thanks to automatic control technology, and can lean through turns like a motorcycle.“
The Yamaha 2020 XSR700
I have much to say on the matter of the ‘cool’ factor, as well as the ‘speed’ factor…but one thing is for certain: Yamaha is going to do a very good job of filling in the niche that demands an accessible, easy-to-ride, potentially battery-swapping vehicle for a sustainable future.
Stay tuned for updates on MotorBikeWriter, and if you’re interested in three-wheeled beasties, check out this beauty we found the other day from a Lithuanian company called AKO.
The CE 04 has a striking contemporary design and is available in Light White or Magellan Grey metallic.
The CE 04 scooter marks the beginning of a new chapter in what BMW Motorrad calls their “electromobility strategy.” The thoroughly contemporary design includes an all-electric drive and, BMW claims, innovative connectivity solutions aimed squarely at urban mobility and commuters. The bodywork is finished in Light White as standard, contrasting with black working parts, and finished with a modern “floating” bench seat. Solid wheels and a sidestand, integrated with the bodywork, finish off the styling. The CE 04 is also available in an optional Magellan Grey metallic, supplemented with a black/orange seat and an orange wind deflector.
The CE 04 has a claimed range of 80 miles (the reduced output version is 62 miles), and can fully recharge from flat in 1 hour and 40 minutes with the optional quick charger.
The CE 04 uses an innovative liquid-cooled, permanent-magnet electric motor, mounted in the frame between the battery and the rear wheel. BMW says they have conducted extensive riding tests to develop specific types of battery recuperation relative to the choice of riding mode. The motor is rated at 20 horsepower with a claimed maximum output of 42 horsepower, which should make it zippy. BMW has highlighted the importance they placed in providing opportunities for riders to choose between maximum efficiency and maximum riding fun, as the mood or need requires. Three riding modes include Rain, with reduced power, Eco, where range is prioritized over performance, Road for more zip, and an optional Dynamic mode, for maximizing performance. Top speed is limited to a healthy 74.5 mph, and 0-30 mph is achieved in 2.6 seconds.
Top speed is limited to a healthy 74.5 mph, and 0-30 mph is achieved in a claimed 2.6 seconds.
The CE 04 has a battery cell capacity of 60.6 Ah (8.9 kWh), providing a claimed range of 80 miles (the reduced output version manages 62 miles). The last published study conducted by the DOT on commuting was in 2003 and found that, on average, U.S. commuters travel 15 miles to work. The CE 04 is well within those limits but will require owners to regularly recharge. The lithium-ion battery is charged using one of the BMW integrated charging devices and a regular household socket or a public charging station. When the battery is completely flat a complete charge takes about 4 hours and 20 minutes. The optional quick charger reduces charging time to 1 hour and 40 minutes from completely flat and will take a battery at 20% up to 80% in 45 minutes.
The frame is constructed from tubular steel, with a telescopic fork and twin disc brakes for the front wheel, and a single-sided swingarm/monoshock, and a single-disc brake at the rear. ABS comes as standard, and BMW’s ABS Pro (combines with tilt sensor) is an option. Tires are 120/70-R15 at the front and 160/60-R15 at the rear. A 10.25-inch TFT color screen with integrated map navigation and extensive connectivity should allow owners to safely stow their device in the ventilated mobile phone charging compartment with USB-C charging port. All-round LED lighting units are standard. Adaptive Headlight Pro provides cornering illumination as an available option, as is Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), available by means of an ASC (Automatic Stability Control) unit. ASC limits engine torque in relation to rear wheel slip and DTC enables safe acceleration in various conditions and is also sensitive to lean angle.
Oliver Zipse, CEO of BMW AG, said, “The BMW CE 04 is our new electric star for the city. It combines an e-drive with emotion and motorcycling fun. The latest technology, and the best battery cells, which also provide power in the BMW iX. Just like the CE 04, all future new BMW Motorrad models for urban mobility will be pure electric.”
Price and availability have not yet been announced. For more information visit: bmwmotorcycles.com
Taiwan manufacturer Kymco has introduced an S model of its likeable Like 150 scooter to Australia for the very likeable price of $4490.
That’s $500 less than the R version because it deletes the top box and carrier. It comes with a three-year warranty.
The Like 150 S is yet another strangely named scooter, but certainly not the strangest.
How about the Zip, Fly, Burgman, Buddy, Babydoll, Mio, Movie, People, Ruckus, Bet & Win, Majesty, Agility, Zuma and Exciting!
Is it any wonder motorcyclists poke fun at scooter riders when their machines have such silly names?
Mind you, motorcyclists can’t scoff when they are riding bikes with names like Harley’s Fat Boy or Fat Bob, or Suzuki’s Gladius, or Aprilia Shiver.
The Kymco Like 150 S is based on the Like 150 R, but has a more streamlined dash, slimmer headlight, new pillion grabrail, new front vent, new muffler cover and black piping, forks, front vent, headlight bezel and mirrors.
It is powered by the same 9.9kW (13.3hp) four-valve fuel-injected engine which is now smoother and quieter thanks to recent refinements such as helical gears in the CVT twist-and-go transmission.
The Like 150 S also gets chassis updates from the Like line-up, including a bi-beam frame and repositioned fuel tank to lower the centre of gravity.
It features telescopic forks, twin preload-adjustable shock absorbers, light-weight 12-inch wheels and dual channel Bosch anti-lock braking.
Based on the popular Like 150 R, an Aussie favourite thanks to its compelling integration of retro syling bit with modern convenience and performance, the Like 150 S not only continues the classic and practical theme but also adds extra sport and agility into the scooter equation.
2021 Kymco Like 150 S
This new point of reference for the Like 150 S is reflected in a more streamlined dash, slimmer headlight, new pillion grabrail, new front vent and new muffler cover. In addition, black (piping, forks, front vent, headlight bezel, mirrors) has become the more dominant trim compared to chrome and silver.
2021 Kymco Like 150 S
The Like 150 S is now available in an eye-catching orange livery for $4490 plus on-road costs, which includes Kymco’s three-year factory warranty. The Like 150 R retails for $4990 plus on-road costs.
The vibrant new look of the Like 150 S is underpinned by a 9.9 kW (13.3 hp) four-valve fuel-injected engine – still the most powerful in class – which is now smoother and quieter than ever thanks to recent refinements like using helical gears in the CVT twist-and-go transmission.
The Like 150 S also takes advantage of chassis updates across the Like line-up, including the adoption of a bi-beam frame and repositioning of the fuel tank to lower the centre of gravity. The Like 150 S is also 5kg lighter than the Like 150 R, too, thanks to the absence of a carrier and top box.
Traditional telescopic forks and twin preload-adjustable shock absorbers look after suspension duties, while high-rigidity and light-weight 12-inch wheels contribute to the Like’s agile handling.
12-inch rims
The Like 150 S is fitted with dual channel Bosch anti-lock braking, and it has ample under seat storage and a glove box compartment.
Super Soco’s CPx is now arriving in Australia. The CPx is the brands first full-size, high output electric scooter and you can check it out now at your local dealership, assuming you’re not in lockdown!
Super Soco CPx
The CPx has already proven itself as a successful model in the UK and has been designed from the ground up to meet the needs of the urban professional and the CPx is now Britain’s top selling scooter.
The CPx lands in Australia from $7690 Ride Away.
Super Soco CPx
A 16” front and 14” rear wheel set-up promises stable and smooth handling paired with supple suspension.
The single disc front and rear are linked by a combined braking system which means that only one finger is required to activate both brakes.
Braking comes via a pair of disc brakes which are linked via CBS for added safety.
A screen and luggage rack are included as standard.
Super Soco CPx
Four-kW of emission free power provides performance comparable to 125 cc scooter and the CPX comes standard with a single removable Lithium Ion ATL pouch cell battery that provides a range of over 60 kilometres. A full recharge is possible in just 3-4 hours via the standard charging system. A second battery can be fitted that will double that range and is a $2300 option. Top speed is quoted as 90 km/h.
Super Soco CPx
The CPx comes installed with an advanced battery management system to keep your batteries in peak condition for longer. USB charging is available to keep you connected on the go and the CPx also benefits from a reverse function to help you manoeuvre easily into even the tightest of spots. Keyless ignition, an in-built alarm and a wheel locking function are all standard features.
Super Soco CPx
The CPx will be available in three colours including Sonic Silver, Titanium Grey and Phantom Black, from $7,690 Ride-Away.
