Motofino electric?

Question

Anyone out here got an electric Motofino scooter/moped? I am looking to see what they have problems with (if anything) I should know about, before I purchase it. I am familiar with their gas bikes, which are not too bad, but they are not Japanese either.

I only have to commute 3 miles, and it is not bumpy or hilly.

I already have 3 other bikes, I just want to support the electric vehicle route for my commute.

Answer 1

I have a Giant Lite electic bike and I think it is pretty dependable relative to other vehicles.

Answer 2

I have a similar one called the iMoto Verde.

It's difficult to comment on the Motofino because their website doesn't say how powerful the motor is, except "Maximum Power:  Ã¢Â‰Â¤36km/h", which is a top speed of 22 mph.  If that's a realistic estimate, it's the same as my Verde scooter, which has an 800 Watt motor.

For such a weak motor the MF5E-13 is a bit overpriced at $1648.  My Verde only cost $1200, though it's had problems in wet conditions (had to get it repaired several times, whereas most electric scooters have no problem in the rain).

For around $2000 you can get a Skeuter with a 1500 Watt motor that goes 30 mph though.

http://www.skeuter.com/products.htm

And this is a widely-sold scooter.  However, if you're only going 3 miles, the upgrade from 22-30 mph isn't a big deal.  A scooter with an 800 Watt motor doesn't do well going uphill though, so if you live in a hilly area you may want to consider a more powerful motor.  Another good resource is EV Finder:

http://www.evfinder.com/twowheel.htm

If you're going to use the scooter in the rain, I would suggest contacting Motofino to make sure that's not a problem from the MF5E-13.  I know it's not for the Skeuters.  If you're going to be going up many hills, I would suggest considering a scooter with a 1500W motor.

Otherwise, the Motofino is probably fine.  Electric scooters are pretty simple and low-maintenance.  If you can find a nearby shop to buy the scooter from rather than getting it online I would recommend that, just in case you have a problem that requires repairing.

I'd consider the Skeuters though.  For an extra $350 you get a much more powerful motor, and the company has been making electric scooters for quite a while and has many dealers, though mostly in California.  If my iMoto breaks one more time, I'm going to upgrade to a Skeuter myself.