If you are looking for a full sized electric scooter which enjoys all the freedoms of a bicycle then it must meet several criteria. In order to quality as a power-assisted bicycle the scooter must be equipped with operational pedals. The motor must have a continuous power of no more than 500 Watts. Finally the bike must be limited to a top speed of 32 km/h. All of our MOTORINO scooters meet all of Transport Canada’s criteria and are qualified as power assisted bicycles.
Most of electric scooter models currently on the market are manufactured in China since gas motorcycles have been banned in big Chinese cities since 1998. The construction of electric scooters has evolved tremendously during the last six years. Their power rate is between 350 and 500 watts with driving distances of 30 to 50 km. Some models are equipped or have an option for extra battery which can extend their range by 30 – 50%. Almost all current scooters use a brushless hub motor. These hub motors, manufactured for the Asian domestic market, are more durable than high rpm geared drive systems, but they are not powerful enough to handle hills and their acceleration is slow.

As of March 2007 GREENWIT TECHNOLOGIES Inc introduced to the North American Market the first electric scooter with side mounted high speed motor with a DYNATECH™ torque converter. The DYNATECH™ torque converter, built in to MOTORINO HTh models provides higher torque than a standard hub motor with the same rating. However geared motors require more maintenance and changing the oil. There is also some friction involved in the gear box reducing their efficiency and reliability.

After 2 years of design work in the beginning of 2008 GREENWIT TECHNOLOGIES Inc released a new driving system for their MOTORINO™ electric scooters that revolutionized their performance. They introduced new motors and controllers that improve acceleration, climbing ability, efficiency and durability of the scooters. The new motors that come in 500 and 750 watts continuous power respectively for the Canadian and US market; they have a different coil pattern and more and wider magnets. This improves their efficiency and increases their torque. They have heavy duty bearings with negligible internal friction and are guaranteed for two years. The new motors work in conjunction with another GREENWIT TECHNOLOGIES Inc invention: the CCT (Continuous Current and Torque) controller. The function of the CCT is similar to that of a transmission in a regular drive train. Three electronic "gears" each increase the available torque by 25% while maintaining the same current consumption. This driving technology provides acceleration comperable to gas scooters and in many cases outperforms them. They also have better torque than geared motors with the same rating. With the CCT controller each gear presets a maximum speed for the e-bike. According to the grade of the hill, it converts the available power into torque instead of attempting to maintain the level-ground speed. The controller provides power at different frequencies for each gear. To increase torque it provides impulses to the rotor for longer periods at the same current instead of increasing the current over a short period of time, as in a single speed motor. At the same time the CCT driving system provides very powerful regenerative brake which almost eliminates the need for mechanical brakes. Their energy recovery is higher than standard type brushless motor, due mostly to the larger magnets.
In order to increase the torque of standard brushless motors some manufacturers are using controllers which pump a high current in the motor. Although increasing current will increase torque, it is a poor solution because higher current will drain the battery much more quickly and reduce motor efficiency. The CCT controller on the contrary is using continuous current for each gear and increases/decreases the torque when it is necessary without varying the current.
Most of the existing electric scooters on the market are equipped with brushless motors but there are still some models with brushed ones. The brushless motor has a huge advantage especially for full size electric scooters. A 250W brushless motor could provide torque equivalent to a 500 – 600W brushed motor while consuming half the power.

Another criteria affecting the durability, performance, safety and maintenance is the structure of the electric scooter. Since 2005 GREENWIT TECHNOLOGIES Inc has built their scooter type electric bikes on heavy duty motorcycle frames and used motorcycle brakes. The electric scooters have 3.5X10” tires, improving their traction and stability in wet conditions. Tubeless tires are another big advantage. By carrying a tubeless tire repair kit you don’t need to remove the wheel from the bike to fix a flat which is the biggest hassle of using electric bikes.

Features affecting overall performance and quality of the electric scooters

1. Range:
The criteria affecting your riding distance in descending order are: Battery capacity, current consumption, motor type (brushless or brushed), scooter weight, tire pressure.

2. Climbing capability and acceleration:
The criteria affecting the electric scooter torque, acceleration and respectively its climbing capability are: motor type*, motor power, controller, battery capacity, total weight.

3. Maintenance:
Motor - There is a high current going through the brushes in the brushed motors which causes arcs. Ashes are deposited inside the motor. That is why a brushed motor has to be disassembled once in a while and cleaned. A brushless motor does not require any maintenance and its life is limited by the life of the two bearings, supporting the drum with the magnets.
Brakes – The more powerful your regenerative brakes are, the longer your brake pads will last.
Tires – Tubeless tires can be fixed on spot and will save you the hassle of transporting the bike when you have flat.

4. Durability and safety:
Frame – Scooters built on heavy-duty motorcycle-grade frames provide a smoother ride, and are safer in a collision. You will recognize a motorcycle frame if it has 3.5X10” tires
Tires – 3.5X10” tubeless tires have better traction and are more stable on different road or weather conditions
Safety – Make sure the bike is equipped with turn signals, brake lights, tail light, high/low beam lights, reflectors, horn, alarm, rain cover case, lockable steering wheel
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*When the motor is properly designed a lower power rated motor can be more powerful than a higher rated one