The Vectrix VX-2 was a smaller, lighter and less expensive electric scooter introduced by Vectrix in 2011. Built in China by Nanjing Vmoto, it was offered in 45 and 75 km/h versions, with lead-acid or lithium batteries giving a range of 50 to 90 km.
Vectrix VX-2 at a glance
| Maker | Vectrix Corporation |
|---|---|
| Built by | Nanjing Vmoto Manufacturing Co., Ltd., China |
| Production | from 2011 |
| Motor | brushless DC motor with integrated planetary gear, Sevcon controller |
| Power | 4 kW |
| Top speed | 45 or 75 km/h, depending on version |
| Battery | lead-acid, 2.88 or 3.60 kWh; lithium, 2.0 or 3.0 kWh |
| Range | 50–90 km depending on battery |
| System voltage | about 50 V |
| Charger | 960 W, 110 or 230 V |
| Weight | 195 kg with lead-acid batteries |
| Tyres | 130/60-13 |
The VX-2 has its own article in German Wikipedia; the English and German articles on Vectrix supply the company history.
History of the Vectrix VX-2
Vectrix first announced the VX-2 in the autumn of 2008 as a lower-priced addition to its range, with production planned for June 2009. Pre-production examples were shown at the New York International Motorcycle Show in January 2009 and at the Birmingham show, but they never entered production at that time because the company ceased trading. The model returned in 2011 as part of the relaunched product line under GP Batteries, together with the lithium-battery VX-1 Li and Li+.
The VX-2 was designed as a smaller, lighter and less expensive version of the original VX-1 for riders who did not need motorway speeds or the weight of the larger scooter. Its top speed was less than half that of the VX-1, but so was its price, and it offered a similar range. It was not a completely new design: technically it was based on the E-Maxx 110s, although it differed in both bodywork and motor electrics. It was manufactured in China by Nanjing Vmoto Manufacturing.
The scooter used a brushless permanent-magnet DC motor with an integrated planetary gear in the rear wheel, controlled by a Sevcon unit. The motor and controller communicated over a CAN bus, and the system allowed regenerative braking, returning brake energy to the battery. Turning the throttle grip in the opposite direction provided both regeneration and a low-speed reverse for manoeuvring. The single-sided swingarm had an adjustable shock absorber, and there were hydraulic disc brakes at both ends, though in normal riding the regenerative braking was so well modulated that they were rarely needed.
Two battery families were offered. The lead-acid versions used four 12 V blocks, either 60 Ah for 2.88 kWh and a 50 km range, or 75 Ah for 3.60 kWh and 60 km; they weighed 96 and 98 kg respectively and were fixed in the battery well. The lithium versions came as removable portable boxes of 2.0 kWh for 50 km or 3.0 kWh for 90 km. Charging from a 110 or 230 V socket took about two hours for the 2.88 kWh pack, limited by the 960 W charger. In Germany the 45 km/h version could be ridden on an M or B licence, while the unthrottled 75 km/h version required an A or A1 licence and counted as a light motorcycle.
Design and features
- Lower price: a smaller, lighter alternative to the VX-1 with a similar range but less than half the top speed.
- Two power versions: 45 km/h for small-licence riders or 75 km/h as a light motorcycle.
- Battery choice: fixed lead-acid blocks or removable lithium boxes with up to 90 km of range.
- Regenerative braking: the throttle also worked in reverse for regeneration and low-speed manoeuvring.
- Practical details: lockable storage under the seat, an optional top case and an H4 headlight with LED position light.
Vectrix VX-2 versions
- 45 km/h version: classified as a small motorcycle, rideable on an M or B licence in Germany.
- 75 km/h version: unthrottled, requiring an A or A1 licence.
- Lead-acid 60 Ah: 2.88 kWh, 96 kg, 50 km of range.
- Lead-acid 75 Ah: 3.60 kWh, 98 kg, 60 km of range.
- Lithium 2.0 kWh: removable pack, 50 km of range.
- Lithium 3.0 kWh: removable pack, 90 km of range.
The VX-2 was the smaller stablemate of the VX-1, and it was joined in the range by the three-wheeled VX-3; the Vectrix Superbike stayed a concept. More electric scooters are in the Vectrix collection.
Video: Vectrix VX-2 Walkaround
Video on YouTube.
Sources
- Vectrix VX-2, German Wikipedia: technical data, battery options, versions, licensing
- Vectrix, English Wikipedia: place in the range, 2008 announcement, relaunch
- Vectrix, German Wikipedia: company background and model history
