Electric-Bikes.com

Currie Technologies, making electric bikes and kits since 1997, now offers a range of scooters. Generally limited to a maximum speed of 15 mph, these scooters have been the "Chevy" of the industry since first introduced - nothing fancy, just inexpensive transportation. Their brushed motors are sealed with an external controller in the battery compartment. The pulse-width modulated (PWM) controllers protect your investment: low voltage battery protection, motor overheat protection, peak amperage protection, stall protection, and maximum speed protection. They're programmed to be rather tame, so don't expect rapid acceleration. Most of Currie scooters include an easy-on, easy-off seat assembly. For several years Currie has produced scooters bearing labels of other companies and sold them through big-box retailers. Here are some guidelines for shopping:

• Currie manufactures similar scooters under the Schwinn, GT, Mongoose and IZIP labels; scooter weights range from 50 to 90 lbs.
• Look for scooters with both front and rear brakes.
• The power of the motors range from 300 to 1000 watts, which is adequate for most people on most terrain.
• Motor power makes a difference in climbing hills and hauling big people (or multiple small people); bigger is better.
• Motor power makes no difference in top speed, but does support speed modifications (http://www.currietech.com/); bigger is better.
• More or bigger batteries means longer range; expect 5-8 miles with the basic battery pack (consisting of two 12V/10Ah batteries).

The leading U.S. manufacturer of electric bikes and scooters, Currie Technologies now offers electric scooters through independent dealers, on-line sellers, and big-box retailers. Since the late 90's, Currie has built and sold LEVs under their own labels (Currie, IZIP, EZIP) and for other OEMs (GT, Mongoose, and Schwinn). Generally, their EZIP line goes through big-box retailers. IZIPs sell through local dealers, and are generally a bit better quality than "equivalent" EZIP models. [Editor's note: we consider the IZIP line with lead-acid batteries as the minimum quality a prudent customer should consider.]

Currie bikes include a variable-speed motor drive, battery pack, battery charger, and six-month warranty. Over the past few years, the company has revamped their product offerings, changed designs and introduced Lithium batteries. For details on current products, visit the Currie website or the IZIP website.

Available From

Prices range from $200 to $500.

• Largo Scooters, 103650 Overseas Hwy. #50, Key Largo, Fl 33037, 305-453-7865, http://largoscooters.com
• Current Moves, 416 West San Carlos St., San Jose, CA, 95110, 408-931-6666, http://www.currentmoves.com
• find a local dealer at http://www.izipusa.com/

If you ever want to upgrade performance, http://powerpackmotors.com/Powerpack Motors offers high performance brushless motors that are compatible with the Currie (Schwinn, GT, Mongoose, IZIP) and Lashout electric scooters. The external controllers can run at 24, 36 or 48 volts (36V and 48V provide higher torque and speed).

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