The Vectrix definitely does have the feeling of a 400cc scooter - my OH has a Suzuki Burgman 400 which we could compare the ride to. The difference is that it feels lighter and turns faster - and I'd say it's faster off the block too. I was really surprised by the acceleration - not what I expected at all. It hides it's bulk well - and the long wheelbase makes for a comfortable, stable ride and yet it turns like a moped.
Big scooters are great for commuting - much more comfotable than a tiny, noisy and cramped smaller scooter, but still small enough to squeeze through traffic. The Burgman is a great commuting machine - surprisingly nimble once you're used to it and easy to weave through traffic, so there's no reason that the lighter and nimbler Vectrix wouldn't make a good commuter provided you didn't have too many miles to do, or could charge at both ends. For instance, it would do my OH's daily commute of 36 miles round trip every bit as well as his Burgman does it, if not better.
As far as I can see, the things holding it back are:
The price - the Burgman cost £1500 for a low mileage 52 plater a couple of years ago. I can't see anyone getting a Vectrix for that sort of money!
The range - you need a standard outlet to plug it into, and there aren't many places you can ride a maxi scooter into and ask to plug it in! So it'll only ever be a town hopper or a short distance commuter.
Repairs and Battery replacement - The Burgman is hard enough to get spares for - imagine how hard the Vectrix will be! I dread to think how much those batteries will cost when it comes to replacement time .....
On a plus side, my OH was totally hooked and thought it was outstanding - and he is difficult to please! THe finish was excellent and the whole thing was very well thought out as a maxi scooter - displays easy to read, controls easy to use with gloves, steering geometry spot on, nice amount of ground clearance and generally a very nicely put together package.
If it had been the same price as the Burgman, I think he would've bought it.
hn
