Touring Venice on an electric Motorboard

Venice is full of tourists on 100-lb Segways, but last week I biked down there to try out a different sort of electric transportation: The Motorboard.

Linda of Roth Motor Co. met me with the electric Motorboard 2000XR, which I rode (left), trying not to take anyone down. I caught on after a few minutes, aside from the braking part -- I always use foot brakes on my bike, and remembering to squeeze the hand brake part's just hard for me. Luckily, I went slow enough that I could just jump off.

The main benefit of the Motorboard 2000XR over my bike: The Motorboard doesn't need to be locked up. It runs on a light lithium-ion battery and weighs just 16.3 lbs, making it really portable. Post-ride, Linda folded it up and neatly tucked it under a table while she ordered coffee at a sidewalk restaurant. I sat down vaguely worried about bike theft.

If you have a short commute, or need to run small errands around town, the Motorboard could be a nice, car-free option. It can get up to 15 mph, going 5 to 7 miles on a two-hour charge (extended-range models can go 20 miles on a single charge). Cost, $799.

The people trying out the Motorboard at AltCarExpo seemed to have fun (left). But the laws are a bit confusing, since every city seems to have its own guidelines for motorized two-wheelers. Are electric scooters allowed to go 15 mph on a sidewalk in Santa Monica? What about a bike lane? I'm not sure, although Linda says she's never gotten into trouble for riding her Motorboard all over the place.

Still, I'm sticking to my bike for now, since it actually gets me a little exercise. I'm wondering though, are there any big electric scooter and Motorboard advocates out there? Do you use them mainly as a mode of transportation, or ride them just for sport and fun?

Photos by Siel

Comments

[John]

Do you use them mainly as a mode of transportation, or ride them just for sport and fun?

Both actually. I live in Maryland and work in Washington D.C. On roughly half of my working days I strap my Motorboard (2000XR) on the back of my bike, ride to the train station, lock up the bike and carry my board aboard. The train terminates at D.C's Union Station and I ride my board a couple of miles to work. It's a great way to kick off the day and, despite a bus that pretty much beelines to where I work, the board is quicker due to the lack of passenger stops.

As to the law's attitude towards riding my board on a sidewalk, I don't think they know what to make of it and I certainly don't know what the rules are. I generally take it easy and try not to alarm others on the sidewalk. I guess it's likely one of "D.C.'s finest" will provide me with an opinion on what the rules might be if I get noticed on one of my late night dashes to catch the last train out of town.

[Nancy]

Hey, this might be a good option getting to work without having to change clothing, take a shower, etc. (like you do when you ride a bike). Does it tolerate a laptop bag or the weight of some other gear very well?

[Allen]

I'm in Vancouver, Canada. I ride my GoMotorboard (Roth Motorboard) for fun along the bike trails that we have which run alongside the skytrain that stretches across the city. I use it for exercise as well. I run for a few blocks then hop on when I'm getting tired. It's a great vehicle for bringing around town. Sometimes I will bring it to the skytrain on the weekend and ride with it to the seawall and cruise along the ocean sea walls. It's one of my most favorite vehicles by far. I seem to have the 20 mile version which allows me to travel for at least 2 or 3 hours. Everyone is amazed at how quiet it is and responses are always positive wherever I ride. Sidewalks, the seawall, trails, etc. I enjoy riding the Motorboard as much as driving the CLK500 Benz.