KYMCO’s Like 125 EV electric scooter

KYMCO has just announced a new version of its much loved Like 125. But this time, it’s electric. The Like has built up a solid reputation for its outright value for money, decent levels of performance and quality finish. And now the Taiwanese manufacturer has decided now’s the time to introduce a battery-powered version into the market.

The Like 125 EV is essentially an electric version of the tried and tested scooter, so instead of a 125cc petrol engine, it gets a 3.2kW motor which kicks out a meagre 4.3 horsepower and a whopping 124Nm (91ft-lb) of torque at the rear wheel. That means there should be plenty of punch to get the jump on other traffic off the line.

It gets a pair of KYMCO’s recently introduced and much lauded Ionex swappable batteries tucked under the seat. Rated at just 50V (13Ah) each, they’re not the biggest or most powerful batteries on the market, but that’s a considered choice to help keep weight down. They weigh 5kg each. There’s also a separate built-in battery with enough juice for a quick trip to the shops. Under the seat is a surprisingly ample 27-litre storage compartment, which KYMCO reckons is large enough to take a full face helmet. The other option is that you fill it with three more IONEX batteries (which you can swap in when the two ‘working’ batteries run flat). That means the Like

EV is capable of carrying five batteries in total, which will help riders cover a claimed 120 miles without needing to charge up (even if there is a bit of swapping to be done). Clever stuff.

While there’s been no official news on availability or price, rumours suggest that the Like

EV is expected to cost as little as

£1000 when it makes it to the UK. If so, it’ll be one of the cheapest electric options on the market.