Turn It On!
The future’s electric and thanks to Buzz e-scooters it’s also going to be stylish. Stan profiles the debut of their limited edition ‘Genesis’.
Alifelong scooterist and founder of Saigon Scooter Centre, Pat Joynt is an unlikely but enthusiastic advocate for electric technology. “Living in a city I know something must be done about pollution but looking at the electric scooters on offer I couldn’t see anything to tempt me away from the classics I love so much. The solution was to build my own,” he said.
The obvious starting point was to convert existing scooter frames but as he soon discovered this was far from straightforward. “Around 10 years ago we produced a limited number of Ebrettas and VTronics using Lambetta and Vespa frames but their layout was compromised from the start. All electric vehicles are limited by battery size and finding enough space to give both usable range and power meant butchering the frames. As classic scooters began to rise in price it was clear that this wasn’t a sustainable solution.”
Although the converted frames proved to be something of a cul-de-sac, the experience armed Pat with knowledge about the development of electric vehicles. “People want something with range and speed that’s also affordable. The problem is that range usually requires a large battery which in turn is heavy and reduces speed, weight is everything. Moving away from using existing frames meant that I was able to explore modern, lightweight materials. Compared to other e-scooters Buzz is very light; Vespa’s Elettrica weighs almost 20kg more.”
Anyone who meets Pat immediately realises that he’s a perfectionist and Buzz is now in its third incarnation. Although its appearance has been refined, Pat’s initial concept of a tubular steel chassis clad in a GRP body-shell has stood the test of time. The compound used for the bodywork is vinyl-ester, a compound that’s resistant to the elements while also being able to absorb high shock loadings.
Although looks are important Pat set out to design a practical, usable machine. Something he believes has been achieved. “All our designs use brushless hub motors and initial production will concentrate on 1000W and 3000W motors. In the long term there’s also the possibility of a 5000W option which should achieve 75mph and 0-60 in around four seconds!” Power is provided by a three piece lithium-ion battery pack which can be charged in situ or the two rear batteries are removable for in-house charging. A full charge takes six hours while a ’fast charge’ of 12 minutes will bring the batteries to 80% capacity.
“All machines will be fitted with regenerative electric braking, which redirects the energy absorbed by the front and rear hydraulic brakes to the batteries. We’re also exploring options for solar and wireless charging. The range per charge is dependent on usage, driver and road conditions along with motor choice but the latest battery pack should give a usable range of between 99 and 124 miles. Top speed of the 3000W motor option is around 55mph and 40mph for the 1500W option, although a ‘50cc’ restricter is available that limits the speed to 25mph.”
Although Buzz is Pat’s brainchild, bringing it to market requires other skills and Pete Mitchell’s a key part of the team.
All our designs use brushless hub motors and initial production will concentrate on 1000W and 3000W motors. In the long term there’s also the possibility of a 5000W option which should achieve 75mph and 0-60 in around four seconds!
“My background is in the automotive industry, specifically in after sales service,” Pete began “Ongoing support in the form of spares and servicing is vital for success. Although production will take place here in Vietnam, wherever possible we’re sourcing batteries close to the consumer. They’re an important part of the vehicle and it’s much easier to deal with any warranty claims close to home.”
Final part of the Buzz team is another scooterist and local businessman Kenny Woods. “I think the Buzz is the best looking e-scooter in the marketplace,” he said “Thanks to its 12in wheels and monoshock rear suspension Buzz also has excellent handling characteristics. The option of bench and single seat options adds to its retro appeal. A full range of classically styled accessories will also be available.”
The next decade will see the major manufacturers vying for a share of the electric vehicle market. Buzz may be an underdog but its design has an authenticity no corporate design house can hope to replicate. Genesis could be the birth of something special, an enthusiast’s vision that’s capable of taking on the industry giants and however one feels about electric scooters that’s something to get excited about. Words: Stan