EVC re-launches website, accepting deposits on bikes
It appears as if the efforts of a new electric step-through scooter/motorbike company we first brought to your attention last Fall are finally about to bear some two-wheeled fruit. We have received word from EVC, Llc that they are now taking deposits (fully refundable) from those people who have previously made inquiries about their machines. The offer will be opened to the public if there is any remaining availability of the initial production run of 250 units after the initial contactees have had the opportunity to pursue the deal. According to the company, "Each bike will carry a limited edition badge that will identify it as one of the original product group." We all know the significance of owning the earliest production vehicles.
The Volta series is comprised of "three model lines of six product models" under the nomenclature. The Metro, The RoadKing and the X21 and can now be viewed at their newly-revamped website (note: the embedded video may not work well with Firefox so you may need to use Explorer). Specs are available for all the models there as well.
And speaking of specs, we were recently expressing some skepticism of the performance claims made by the head of EVC, Llc. In an interview with a CBS affiliate it was stated that the companies top-of-the-range Volta, presumably the X21 HP, could hit 175 mph. We've now heard back from the company's president, William Kent, who says of the statement, "Now I certainly meant to say 175 kilometers per hour, which is roughly 120 mph (108 mph to be exact) in the interview and have said as much to everyone who has asked." We suspect it may be that the "top speed" was calculated with pen and paper rather than on a long straight-a-way while wearing a helmet. It is hoped that, for the edification of our faithful readers, arrangements might be made for a few passes around a track somewhere to put the question to rest.
[Source: EVC, Llc]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
vwboyaf1 6:17PM (5/20/2008)
While this looks really cool and promising. The website is very shady. Why not just put the 0-60 mph times instead of 0-50? Why do they call them "step through motorcycles" instead of just being totally honest and calling them scooters. I wish I could trust this company, but they haven't done a very good job. It seems that they are just trying to capitalize on the "green" trend.
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Nick 4:32PM (5/20/2008)
It would be nice if their website told me how far these bikes can go. I don't really care if I can go 108 mph if the battery is dead within two miles (at any reasonable speed).
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Cervus 4:40PM (5/20/2008)
Absolutely nothing there on what type of batteries, or what range. Pass.
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Tim 5:08PM (5/20/2008)
Why a gay looking step-through maxi-scooter? Why can't someone make an Harley Softtail style Electric motorcycle?
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TvLover 5:54PM (5/20/2008)
@Nick: The range is 70 miles
@Cervus: Lithium Ion battery. Charges in 3.5 hours and gives you a 70 mile range.
Both of you should actually LOOK at the website prior to making comments like these....it would certainly make you look a little smarter...
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Domenick Yoney 5:55PM (5/20/2008)
@1&2: With regards to range, according to EVC "Range, we have setup each bike to be able to cruse at an optimal speed to achieve as near to the goal of 75 miles per charge as possible. In generation two, we are working to exceed 100 miles by incorporating secondary power options which will be able to be retro-fit to any first generation bikes."
Sorry, I should have included that in the post.
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Kevin Nugent 10:29PM (5/20/2008)
Alright there are some decent specs there
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Nicholas 9:37AM (5/21/2008)
Guys there is a video on the website, showing the store and the reporter driving the bike and all so that should be convincing enough for most people. But you're right, the website could look better.
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Glenn 10:42PM (5/21/2008)
#3 Tim
So, just what is "gay looking"?
Don't be an a**hole
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jcwinnie 2:36PM (5/21/2008)
@Nick -- The problem is the number of variables with responding to a question about range.
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Seth 5:05PM (5/22/2008)
@ vwboyaf1
they are called step through motorcycles because technically according to the DOT, if it was gas, it would be a motorcycle. Most state DOT's in one form or another say that anything with a 50cc engine or higher is a motorcycle and you need a special endorsement on your license to drive one (and a helmet or insurance, etc.). As electric vehicles don't have CC's they are in legal limbo depending on your state and the language of the statute. However these scooters are comparable to 250-400cc bikes/scooters and that's a motorcycle when you go to get your license plate, whether its automatic, step through, or otherwise.
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Marc Gilbert 3:47PM (9/17/2008)
Nice photos!!! I believe this company has finally figured out the world needs something we can use for everyday usage and hopefully have some fun while saving some money!! Of all the manufacturers currently in the market, and yet to be, it's obvious that EVC is right on track!
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Steve Grande 10:06AM (11/03/2008)
Has anybody had problems with this company in reagrds to returning the $500 reservation deposit?
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Steve Grande 5:33PM (11/26/2008)
Beware of this company! I have been waiting well over a month to get my deposit back. I think this company is running a scam. I hope I am wrong!
Jonathan Jones 10:54AM (12/22/2008)
Folks! Ignore the BS Steve Grande has said, this company is no scam. I had placed a deposit back in August, cancelled it, because money matters are tight and got it back. It's folks like Steve who cry over every little issue, and are just basically difficult no matter what!
The folks of EVC have been very receptive to my emails and my phone calls, and they have made some significant changes to their products from what I know, thus their delay in its introduction into the marketplace for 2008, but 2009 is the year.
For me, I WILL buy one when they are available, and again they are NOT a scam, but a VERY legitimate company!!
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