Alt Car Expo 2007: lithium-ion Motorboard 2000XR scooter
You couldn't miss the bright young people working the Roth Motor Company's Motorboard 2000XR booth at the Santa Monica Alt Car Expo yesterday. These kids were young, fit and ready to tell you all about the joys of motorboarding.
Featuring a nano lithium-ion battery from A123, the 16-pound 2000XR is able to scoot you around for somewhere between five and seven miles between charges (which the take two hours). The slogan that Roth Motor Company is using for the Motorboard is "Why Walk?" Well, my answer is that it makes sense. But, considering that the $800 Motorboard can go 15mph, there certainly is going to be a certain group of people who can make good use of a transportation device like this one. Also, you can have a lot of fun on one, judging by the people taking them for a spin in the little Motorboard pen at the Expo. Yes, I'm talking about the workers. Visitors, too, but the look on one man's face as he almost jackknifed himself into a faceplant tells me this vehicle will not appeal to everyone.
Read the press release here.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
A-M 7:39PM (3/08/2009)
Roth Motors NEVER responds to phone calls! When I tried calling to replace a damaged part (under waaranty) they NEVER EVER responded, or returned my calls! They have AWFUL public relations!!! AWFUL!!
Reply
Eric Boyd 6:37PM (10/21/2007)
I own one - got it about a year ago, as a gift.
http://digitalcrusader.ca/archives/2006/10/capitalist_crea.html
I can confirm that it's a very fun device to ride, and fairly practical as a way to travel a few miles faster than walking.
But, those fancy orange wheels have a major design flaw - the plastic is so soft that the tires quickly develop flat spots if you use the brakes at all. And once you have a flat spot, the ride becomes extremely bumpy - unusable for any significant distance until you replace the tire ($20 + shipping).
On the up side, when your tires are good, the ride is smooth and nearly silent - kids really love it, I get quite a bit of attention when I ride it.
Also, for those interested in how sustainable the device is, I used my Kill-a-Watt to measure the charge energy: 0.17 kWh. And you do get about 5 miles from a full charge (which takes just over a half-hour non-stop, more time if you have to wait at lights, etc.). So it is quite efficient.
Eric
Reply
96rt10 6:14PM (11/06/2007)
It really is a very useful device. I had one of the older models and there is a VERY important distinction to this device that makes it stand above the rest: It folds up so neatly that you can put it in a baseball-bat-bag.
Reply
John 11:12PM (12/02/2007)
What's the use of easy portability when you cnnot use it under wet condition. This is nothing but an overprized toy. Beside it does not climb hills well. When the battery collapse(eventually), be ready to fork out more then $250 for a replacement. Wheels cost more then $25 each and wears out quickly. It will flip you over when enouter port holes and very bumpy ride on uneven surfaces. Piano hinged will get loose easily too. This design has many flaws and manufacturer is too greedy selling it for $800. I won't pay more then $300 for this under performing toy. Not recommended at all.
Reply
John 11:13PM (12/02/2007)
What's the use of easy portability when you cannot use it under wet condition. This is nothing but an overprized toy. Beside it does not climb hills well. When the battery collapse(eventually), be ready to fork out more then $250 for a replacement. Wheels cost more then $25 each and wears out quickly. It will flip you over when encounter port holes and very bumpy ride on uneven surfaces. Piano hinged will get loose easily too. This design has many flaws and manufacturer is too greedy selling it for $800. I won't pay more then $300 for this under performing toy. Not recommended at all.
Reply