WHEEL-E PODCAST: CA E-BIKE VOUCHER DIES, ZERO MOTORCYCLES SCOOTER, VMAX REVIEW, MORE

EV Channels Review

This episode of the Wheel-E podcast covers a range of electric vehicle news, with a significant focus on electric scooters and motorcycles. The hosts express disappointment over California's decision to scrap its e-bike voucher program, redirecting funds to car incentives, citing mismanagement and a lack of support for lower-income individuals seeking alternative transportation. They also discuss the new Tenways Wayfairer e-bike, with one host finding it a departure from the brand's lighter, simpler designs, while the other is intrigued by its increased power and American-style features, despite the higher price point. The review of the VMAX VX2 Hub e-scooter highlights its impressive speed (33 mph), stability, and surprisingly powerful torque for its size, positioning it as a well-balanced option at a moderate price. A significant portion is dedicated to the new Zero Motorcycles LS1 electric scooter, a seated, Vespa-style model with a claimed range of up to 70 miles (extendable to 106 miles with an extra battery). However, the hosts note its European-only availability and express concerns about Zero Motorcycles' recent leadership changes and potential shift towards rebadged Chinese models. The discussion also touches on the LiveWire S4 Honcho electric motorcycle, expected to be more accessible in terms of size and licensing requirements, and the NIU micro-car. The episode concludes with a look at a portable police device used to test e-bike and e-scooter speeds.