The electric two-wheeler

The Oxygen Electric CargoScooter is bags of fun, cheap to run and does not pollute, making it a perfect run-around for urban environments

The Oxygen electric cargo scooter has a fun and retro appearance, with bags of Italian style. Although heavy, the weight is distributed on the lower part of the bike, making it easier to push, and pull up in the event that it toppled over.
    
When you turn the key, it is silent and vibration-free, as you would expect from an electric scooter. For safety, a button needs to be held down for a couple of seconds for all the mechanics to be activated. When you turn the throttle, torque is instant – but you are able to easily control the speed. The scooter rides confidently and remains sturdy even at low speeds and on corners.

GETTING ON TWO WHEELS
As it was my first time on two wheels, I test drove the Oxygen electric CargoScooter (Extended Range) as part of the Get On campaign – a scheme which allows people who have never ridden a motorcycle before to get a free, one hour taster session. This scheme is open to both the public and companies, meaning that fleet operators who want to add motorcycles to their fleets can use this scheme to initially introduce staff to two wheels for free.
    
The Oxygen scooter was a good partner for a first ride. It was incredibly easy to operate; it is automatic so you just turn the throttle and go. There are mininal buttons to keep things simple, it handles well and is responsive – and most importantly, I felt safe throughout.

PERFECT FOR FLEETS
The CargoScooter, manufactured by Italian company Oxygen, has been designed with the fleet market in mind. It has a large cargo box at the back with 70kg capacity and 20 kg capacity in the front basket.
    
It is also permitted to go in restricted traffic zones with no congestion charge to pay. And because it’s electric, it is deemed safe enough to even go in certain indoor areas, such as warehouses and collection depots which will save companies time and increase productivity.
    
Testament to its success as a fleet vehicle is the fact that the Swiss Post, one of the most efficient postal organisations in the world, have adopted 1,000 Oxygen scooters, making it the largest electric scooter fleet in the world.

EASY ON THE PURSE
The scooter is simple to recharge – the plug and cable is tucked away under the seat and it can plug into any domestic socket. A full charge takes five hours, and the range on a single charge is 56 miles, which is fine for urban environments. The top speed is 28mph which again is acceptable for city driving.
    
There are substantial savings to be had from the Cargo Scooter. Oxygen say you can save up to 90 per cent on energy costs versus petrol scooters. For example, on the Long Range CargoScooter, a full charge gives up to 75 miles, costing less than 1p a mile.  
    
Being electric, the Scooter emits zero CO2 when in use. It also has regenerative braking which uses some of the wasted energy from braking to recharge the battery.

AT A GLANCE
Oxygen Electric CargoScooter (Extended Range)
Price range: from £3,998
Max speed: 28mph
Range: 56 miles
CO2/km: 0g (tailpipe)
Recharging time: 5 hours
Acceleration (0-28mph): 6 seconds
Load capacity: 95kg

For more information:
www.oxygenworld.it

Promark PR & Marketing Ltd are the UK distributor of Oxygen Electric Cargo Scooters.
Tel: 01293 823890