A. Only you can answer that, here are some considerations:

• Do you like to live a green lifestyle? MOTORINO Electric scooters are green machines! The provincial electric is called BC Hydro because most of our electricity is generated by water, and scooters have zero emissions, a sealed engine and never an oil leak, plus they are quality built to last.
  
• How far do you usually need to travel? Most urban dwellers live less than 5km from the local shops and entertainment. You can also increase the range by adding a second battery pack or switching to lithium batteries. Some motorino commuters plug their scooter in at work, to charge it for the ride home.
  
• How much cargo space do you need? Most Motorinos have storage under the seat, and optional clamshell trunk in back, (variety of sizes available) and a clip to hold a bag below the steering. Add a backpack, saddlebags or some bungee cords for the back seat and you can carry a lot!
  
• How is the traffic on your commute? MOTORINO scooters cannot be taken on some highways that do not allow bikes or slower vehicles, but you can zip right past the urban traffic jams, riding in the bike lane.
  
• What is the condition of your drivers licence? Don't have one? Don't need one to ride a Motorino, legally they are power assisted bicycles.
  
• What do you pay for parking? MOTORINO scooters park for free, just like a bicycle.
  
• What do you pay for gas and car insurance? How does 'nothing' sound? A MOTORINO scooter can pay for itself in a year with the money you will save using it instead of a car.

Q. Where do MOTORINO Scooters come from?

A. MOTORINO is a Canadian company, trademark of Greenwit Technologies, based in Vancouver BC. They are designed and tested locally, and built in China to exact specfications, and shipped back to Vancouver by container to be distributed to the dealerships. A new scooter arrives at my store bolted and wired into in a steel and carboard crate, bound and caged like a wild beast. druid the scoot tech is my husband, an electrical engineer, totally overqualified for his job, uncaging the scooters, final assembly and thorough inspection to make sure everything is just right before it goes onto the showroom floor, where it gets a hand polish from me to remove any dust or grime from its journey around the world. We leave some of the protective plastic covers on the scooter, such as the "shower cap" cover for the seat cushion, and the decals covering the dials, for the new owner to unwrap.

Q. Why does a MOTORINO XP-Series cost nearly twice as much as some other scooters?

A. Quality. China has no quality control standards for electric scooters, they are made as cheaply as possible and you can feel it when you ride one. China has strict quality control on motorcyle parts, because of legal liability issues. All the important structural components of a MOTORINO are made of DOT approved motorcyle parts, and other components which would satisfy Canadian motor vehicle standards. You can feel the difference when you ride one, its a solid machine, built to last. MOTORINO offers better quality and performance features such as front and rear hydraulic disc brakes, anti-lock braking system, DOT-Spec tires, and the overbuilt CCT driving system. Another factor in pricing is the after-sales support. MOTORINO bikes are backed by the best warranty and largest spare-parts inventory in Canada.

Q. Which XP-Series scooter is best for me?

A. The one that gives you the biggest grin when you ride it. Since all XP-Series scooters share the same fundamental power-train and design, your decision will likely be based on your personal style and practical matters such as seat height, cargo storage compartment capacity and security, and whether or not the battery pack is user-removable/swappable. For detailed specs on each XP-Series scooter, visit our scooter product page. Of course, to really know which one is the best fit for you, come down to the shop and take a test ride.

Q. How fast can a MOTORINO XP-Series Scooter go?

A. All of our XP-series bikes are considered power-assisted bicycles and as such are limited by regulations to 32kph (20mph) top speed.

Q. Does a MOTORINO XP-Series Scooter require insurance?

A. No. XP-Series scooters require neither a driver's license nor insurance under Canadian and American federal law. Some provinces and states may have restrictions on powered bicycles so it is best to check with local authorities if unsure, but in BC they are legal as stated.

Q. Why does it have pedals?

A. If it did not have pedals, it would not legally be a bicycle, with bicycle benefits of no insurance, no drivers licence and using the bike lanes. The law says it has to have pedals and they have to be attached to the drive chain. Law does not say anything about where the pedals have to be located. Since it is unlikely you will ever actually use them, they are shifted back a bit, out of the way but if you remove the pedals then your scooter becomes an unclassified mystery vehicle and the cops can pull you over and fine you for that, and impound it. The pedals are looking good now eh?

Q. Can I buy a MOTORINO scooter for my kid?

A. Sure, kids love them... so long as your kid is at least 16 years old. That's the law. Buy one for your mom too.

Q. Can I take a passenger on my MOTORINO?

A. All MOTORINOs have a double seat, plus hand holds and foot pegs for a passenger. A back rest to cover the hinges of the clamshell trunk is available, for extra comfort and security. MOTORINO does not make a child safety seat, use your own good judgment about whether your chold is old enough to hold on. All riders must wear a helmet. Keep in mind, increased weight means more draw on the battery, you won't be able to travel as far on a charge with two adults riding and maximum load is 300lbs.

Are MOTORINO scooters safe?

A. I would say, it is safer than a bicycle or a motorcycle.

• MOTORINO scooters are quality built, solid machines, dependable.
• All models have front and rear brakes, anti-lock brakes on some models.
• Motorcycle quality tubeless tires, and the wide tires, low speed and low center of gravity make it stable and sure footed.
• No emissons or exhaust fumes make it a healthier choice.
• Foot pegs and hand grips for the back passenger to stay on comfortably.
• All MOTORINOs have two kick stands, a side stand for brief stops and a double kickstand that lifts the back wheel off the ground and holds it stable, upright so pets and small children cannot easily knock it over.
• Headlights, turn signals, brake lights make it safer to ride in the dark or in traffic, some models have the headlight attached to the steering so the light always shines in the direction you are going.
• A little horn lets pedestrians know you are coming up behind them, the scooter is that silent.
• An optional add-on is LED lights beneath, to light up the pavement beneath you. A very cool effect, riding on a halo of light but it also lets other motorists see exactly where you are at night.
  

   

  Q. 500 Watts doesn't sound like much, is it enough?

  A. Ingenious and thrifty, MOTORINOs have plenty of power.
  
  Three gears, one low and slow for climbing hills, the middle gear to conserve battery power and a high gear for top speed on the level. The MOTORINO CCT driving system produces 66Nm (49 Foot-pounds) of torque at zero rpm (a standing start). Although the top speed is restricted according to regulations, an XP-Series MOTORINO can accelerate faster to that speed than a 50cc gasoline-powered scooter.
  

   

  Q. How does riding an electric MOTORINO XP-Series compare to a similar gasoline-powered?

  A. Electric scooters have several major advantages over gasoline machines:

  • So quiet, its surreal. The only sound is the rubber on the road, unless you use the horn.
  • Full torque available at 0 rpm
  • No poisonous exhaust fumes or fuel vapours (Our showroom is indoors, you could park one in your living room)
  • No hot exhaust pipes. No exhaust pipes at all, no exhaust!
  • Very low maintenance, especially compared to a gas engine.
  • Never needs an oil change, cannot get an oil leak because it does not use oil.
  • No gas-powered scooter can be operated legally in BC without insurance and a driver`s license.

   

  Q. What is the maximum range of a fully charged MOTORINO?

  A. The standard-equipment 20Ah lead-acid battery pack, when new, can carry a 200lb rider 35-40km under normal riding conditions. In ideal conditions, a rider maintaining steady speed on flat ground can cover up to 50km. Please consider that range is highly dependent on many factors (such as payload weight, tire inflation, topography, riding style, etc) and that most EV vendors will exaggerate their range specs. Please don't mistake our honesty for an inferior drive system; ours is one of the best in the industry.
  

  Q. Can the range of a MOTORINO XP-Series Scooter be increased?

  A. Sure it can! A lithium battery pack pack is available as an option or upgrade and the most ideal way to increase range. Our LiFePO4 battery pack will give 65km under normal conditions and up to 75km on level ground, plus make the bike more fun to ride because it`s only about half the weight of the lead-acid pack. Some models, such as the Xph, Xpr, and XPn, can accept a smaller secondary lead-acid battery pack that boosts range by about 20km, but at the cost of adding a fair bit of weight. With custom fabrication, the MOTORINO Xpr and Xpn are capable of carrying 2 full sets of batteries within their frame. Some modification is required, but this configuration would offer a range of 80km with lead and up to 130km with lithium under normal conditions (and the double-pack lithium-equipped bike would be not much heavier than a standard lead-acid bike).
  

   

  Q. How long do MOTORINO XP-Series Scooter batteries last?

  A. That depends on you, and how well you maintain it. Average battery life is 2-4 years but they have been known to last longer if well cared for. The batteries like to be kept charged up, plug it in after every ride, and get a timer that shuts off power after 6 hours. Avoid draining the battery completely, that will shorten its lifespan. There is a breaker switch beneath the seat, to turn power off if storing your MOTORINO for a while, but its best to put it on the charger for a few hours, every few weeks during storage to keep the battery healthy.
  

   

  Q. What about engine maintenance?

  A. None. The motor of a MOTORINO is in the hub of the back wheel. It is sealed at the factory, you cannot open it and won't need to. The brushless electric motor won't break down, potentially it won't wear out.
  

   

  Q. What about other maintenance?

  A. A few parts can wear out: batteries, brakes, tires and light bulbs may need replacement, very infrequently. Brake fluid can be replaced annually. These machines are built to last. My personal XPn, the Black Beast is 4 years old with 2000km on it. It was my first. I bought it second hand, replaced the batteries, one cracked chain cover (purely cosmetic) and had LED lights installed beneath. When I park it in our showroom beside the new ones, people cannot see a difference, it does not show its age.
  

   

  Q. How much does it cost to charge the battery on a MOTORINO XP-Series?

  A. The standard-equipment MOTORINO battery pack holds just under one kilowatt-hour of electricity. Factoring-in the small charging losses, it works out to about 10 cents at BC Hydro`s 1st-tier rates. Per kilometer, that is about 0.25 Cents ($0.0025)!
  

   

  Q. Can a MOTORINO XP-Series handle steep hills?

  A. Thanks to our CCT driving system, XP-Series scooters can push a 170lb rider (without cargo) up grades as steep as 22% (12 degrees). On such a steep hill, the bike will climb slowly, but will not stall until the batteries are depleted. Their negligible "voltage sag" and lower weight means that bikes powered by lithium batteries will usually be much peppier on hills.
  

   

  Q. Are MOTORINO XP-Series scooters waterproof?

  A. Well its not a submarine, or a jetski but it is designed in Vancouver, with West Coast weather in mind. MOTORINO prototypes undergo testing in rain simulation cells to ensure water resistance. Enjoy the rain, splash through the puddles. You'll be fine in even the most torrential downpour. A rain cover for the scooter is included, and a matching rain poncho for you. The battery charger, however, must be kept dry at all times. The plugin for the charger is just under the front of the seat. Place the charger on the foot area, use a waterproof extension cord and the rain cover makes a tent for the charger, so long as the wind doesnt blow too hard. Bear in mind, rain is not the same as fog. Fog creeps under covers and air pressure pushes it into every crevice, condensation turns it back to raindrops so the charger could get damp if frequently left outside in heavy fog conditions.
  

   

  Q. Can I take my MOTORINO scooter off road?

  A. Not recommended to ride on dirt, grass, sand or gravel... though people do anyway. These are intended to be urban vehicles. It is not a dirt bike, the scooter has small wheels and low clearance. The bikes do well in rain, the rough tires grab wet pavement. Any two wheeled vehicle can get into trouble with gravel or ice, but the scooter's weight and low center of gravity with the battery weight under the floor makes it stable and surefooted. Don't try taking it up the Grouse Grind! Gentle bike paths like the seawall are fine. My friend routinely rides his XPd through the park at Kits beach, across the grass. The slightly larger front wheel and rugged suspension of the XPd makes it handle rough terrain a bit better, and being electric it is allowed on the paths of some parks where gas vehicles are forbidden.
  

   

  Q. Where can I test drive a MOTORINO?

  A. Come see us! Serpent Power is at 9501 120 street (Scott road) in North Delta. Across the street are two large mall parking lots and just around the corner, behind Scott road is an industrial park area with very little traffic, for you to cruise around and get the feel of the machine.
  

   

  Q. Can a MOTORINO XP-series scooter be modified for higher speed and/or torque?

  A. Yes you can but it is a very bad idea. Not recommended. Unauthorized mods would void the warranty and create legal issues. Since they are already designed to be as fast and powerful as regulations allow, a 'boosted' scooter will also be an illegal one. Such bikes can be impounded by law enforcement and the riders charged with operating an unregistered and uninsured motor vehicle.
  

   

  Q. Is a MOTORINO easy to steal?

  A. All MOTORINO scooters have multiple anti-theft devices. Different models have different types but some are:
  Ingition alarm: Squeals a loud complaint if anyone tries to pick the lock.
  Front wheel lock: Lock the front wheel in the turned position, it can only go in circles.
  Ignition lock cover: Some models have a tiny door covering the ignition keyhole. A hex wrench attached the top of the key opens it again.
  Security alarm system: Some models have a keychain remote alarm system.
  Multiple locks: The seat locks down over the cargo area beneath, the clamshell locks and so does the battery compartment.
  Removable batteries: One model has a battery pack that can be removed for security or charging indoors. br>