New Electric Scooter from Yamaha: EC-03 [Video]

Japanese manufacturer Yamaha recently unveiled the new EC-03 electric scooter, the first product from a range of zero emission bikes it plans to launch in the near future. Yamaha also revealed goals of becoming the market leader in electric motorcycle segment by 2020. The EC-03 will go on sale in Tokyo on September 1 and across Japan a month later.

The new electric scooter has been designed as a “smart minimal commuter.” The EC-03 is powered by a 50V lithium-ion battery manufactured by Sanyo and runs on the Yamaha Integrated Power Unit (YIPU).

The YIPU comprises a brushless DC motor, control unit, planetary gear transmission and drum brake all integrated into the 12-inch rear wheel. According to the manufacturer, the YIPU develops 1.9hp and has a maximum torque output of 7.1 lb-ft. Yamaha also claims a range of 26.7 miles at a speed of 18.6 mph on a windless flat road at a temperature of 77 degrees F while carrying a 121 pound rider.

The scooter has a range of 43 kilometres when traveling at around 30km/h with fully charged lithium-ion batteries.

The EC-03 is said to weigh 123.4 lb., about 30% lighter than the average 50cc gas-powered scooter, and charging the batteries takes around six hours.

Prior to its market release, advance orders for EC-03 are already being accepted at designated dealerships beginning from July 15 in the Tokyo metropolitan area and nationwide in Japan from September 15, 2010.

By 2011, Yamaha intends to introduce electric models to Europe and Taiwan as well. Yamaha has also targeted the Chinese public where the current market for electric bicycles is estimated at 20 million units.