Test rode one of the today:

[Peppadog]

It was brilliant. Much better than I expected - https://www.silenceuk.com/s01 Anyone here tried a 125 type electric scooter?

 

[Baldeagle7470]

Looks very interesting,thanks for sharing.

 

[Jev88]

I can't find the link bit saw a very futuristic one today with similar specs. 80 mile range two up would be perfect for us apart from price.

 

[Peppadog]

Yes. The price! The other contender, after a search, was the Honda SH125i. Its £1500 cheaper too. But I think we have chosen this electric one. If you want more miles / speed, the ultimate bike is a Zero model. The best of theirs are over £17000 though.

I have owned my Triumph Bonny for the last 21 years. I don’t want that as transport while away in the ‘van though.

 

[Figaro]

The bike weighs 111kg without the battery. I wonder what that weighs as you seem to need a trolly to move it ?

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[Vanman]

A range of 80 miles and 6-8 hours recharge, that's a bit limiting isn't it?

 

[Lenny HB]

Can you charge them from car charing points?
If not I can't see much use for them in a van unless you use EHU.

 

[Peppadog]

The bike weighs 111kg without the battery. I wonder what that weighs as you seem to need a trolly to move it ?

About 35kg’s. So you don’t carry it far. But there is no need to take it out unless parking away from a mains socket. Its location, low down, and with a rear hub motor, makes for very good weight distribution.

 

[Peppadog]

A range of 80 miles and 6-8 hours recharge, that's a bit limiting isn't it?

Yes, I’ve been thinking a lot about that. Reality for us though is that’s an unlikely distance to go in a day, plus the charge time shown is from flat. So a, let’s say, forty mile day out is half the charging time. Which will be overnight anyway.

The future needs to bring 140 miles and a 30 minute charge. Thats not possible yet it seems. I expect that to be normal though by 2030 when new petrol/diesel vehicles are no longer available. By then I won’t care!

 

[Peppadog]

Can you charge them from car charing points?
If not I can't see much use for them in a van unless you use EHU.

Yes. We nearly always use EHU. So adding a bike charge when needed is free.

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[A S R]

That’s blooming heavy with the battery in!

 

[Vanman]

Yes, I’ve been thinking a lot about that. Reality for us though is that’s an unlikely distance to go in a day, plus the charge time shown is from flat. So a, let’s say, forty mile day out is half the charging time. Which will be overnight anyway.

The future needs to bring 140 miles and a 30 minute charge. Thats not possible yet it seems. I expect that to be normal though by 2030 when new petrol/diesel vehicles are no longer available. By then I won’t care!

I'm not an expert on the subject but I think there is already a lot better out there. I seem to remember looking at a 'big four' bike that was, maybe a Honda? I think you would need to keep a significant mileage in hand, in case of diversions, hold ups etc. it's not quite the same as running out of petrol. The batteries presumably hold less charge as they get older too. I think I might become a bit paranoid about leaving the lights on!

 

[Peppadog]

BMW do an electric scooter. The C Evolution. But its over £14k. It runs for up to 100 miles and can do 75mph .Its way too expensive for me. I haven't found a better one yet.

This ' Silence' (Spanish) bike has been built and sold as a commercial model for Police / post etc use since 2012 apparently. I read that their testing shows that the batteries are retaining 97% capacity after 10,000 charges.

By comparison, I bought an electric outboard motor for my boats inflatable tender in 2010 /11. It uses an LI-on/Manganese battery. It seems to hold as much charge now as when new. But that is unmeasured.

Actually, thats why I am looking at electric scooters in preference to petrol. Petrol outboards are noisy, messy, need servicing etc etc. My Torqeedo (its German) outboard is light, clean and almost silent. I would never go back to a petrol outboard.

Its all about battery tech really. Fuel cell / electric is great, but only Tesla cars seem to currently have the range to make them an easy choice. But a price that slows that down. I am seeing more around now though.

Whatever we buy, it will be outdated soon!!

 

[funflair]

I assume all these scooters use Lithium-ion battery technology so if they are stored and charged in a motorhome garage it seems to make a mockery of the industry standard of Lithium-iron for habitation batteries.

 

[Peppadog]

My garage is too small to store a bike - French bed style layout - so it would go on a trailer. As my MH is still using lead acid batteries, I have not looked at habitation regs for Li-ion.

We have lithium batteries for so much stuff now. My outboard one being my biggest. I store it/them inside the boat!

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[kickstart]

Am testing the Harley Live wire next week hopefully.

 

[bigtwin]

Am testing the Harley Live wire next week hopefully.

I’d put money on it now that you’ll be mightily impressed. Possibly not enough to pay the asking price but impressed with the machine nonetheless.

Ian

 

[Coastal Cruiser.]

Am testing the Harley Live wire next week hopefully.

Will have fun getting that in your MH garage

 

[Peppadog]

Update:
After another cross check of other electric scooters, and yet another look at the Honda SH125i, I ordered the S01 model. It arrived on Friday by the same two guys in a van who brought the demo. It came so quickly due to another demo booked in the area.
I took it out for 29 miles yesterday. It performs like a bigger bike up to its regulated max speed of 62mph. I live between Bristol and Bath. The first run out was to two supermarkets in Bath. Solo. Max speed used on the shortish dual carriageway section, then with the traffic. Second run out was to B&Q in Bristol. Two up. Around the ‘b’ roads going, dual carriageway coming back.
Both our full face lids went under the seat. So did the shopping once I removed the lids. Its a great space. It could be a bit lower though. At only 5’8”, I can’t put my whole foot down when stopping.
It seems to accelerate very quickly to the desired speed, and has plenty of punch for my needs. Its low CofG probably helps the handling. The 15” front wheel makes potholes feel no more uncomfortable than my 800 Bonnie.
So far, very pleased with it. The dash says there is 60% left in the battery. Next time out I want to see if the performance drops off when it gets down below 25%.
if you’re interested, I’ll keep you posted?
Ps. My helmet is a Shark evo flip front. It only just fits under the seat. My wife’s full face fits easily. No issue with both together, apart from the same slight pressure closing the seat with my lid in.

 

[Peppadog]

Update 2.

So whats the real range expectations of this bike in varied real world use? 60 miles, but 50 usable miles allowing for at least 10% remaing in the battery. Less than that is a bit risky really unless you are riding close enough to home to wheel it back. I have ridden 51.5 miles of urban and town stuff over the first week, so its first charge. 11% remained in its battery. Thats just riding and using it, not trying to eek out the miles.

It starts up (press the mode button) in what I have found its most useful mode - ‘City’. Its ideal for everywhere except unrestricted main road or dual carriageways. You need ‘Sport’ for those to get to its restricted 62mph max speed. There is a third, ‘Eco’ mode, which I used very briefly yesterday. But now I have, might use more in town as I discovered it has regenerative braking, on the front brake only, in ‘Eco’ as well as ‘Sport’. But not in ‘City’ mode! That might have improved the mileage a bit. Except the front brake is a bit ‘grabby’ in those two modes, but feels normal in ‘City’ mode. I think I’ll get used to it over time. As you do.

So its not going to replace a big bike for day rides out. But its not for that. Its for taking away with us and going to town or visiting locations while our old Hymer is on its pitch at the caravan / camp site. It rides really well, accelerates very quickly, especially in ‘Sport’ mode, has good balance etc. And feels solid and sturdy.

A recharge costs about 60p! Thats nice, but will never get the extra initial cost back. Its the future. Well, triple the range and a bit faster on dual carriageways is. As long as the price stays the same or goes down.

Its inspired me to get my Bonnie back on the road. I had forgotten just how good it feels to be on two wheels again. As long as it aint raining!

Oh. Btw. The performance stayed the same right down 11%. Thats a big thing for me. There are competitor bikes that slow down below 30% charge!

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[Wikky]

Sounds interesting but I think I'd stay with a petrol motor as I know how long the motor would last. I'm not so sure about longevity of the battery though. Anyway if it suits your use then that's great.

 

[Peppadog]

Thats about right.
There won’t be any new petrol ones in just 9 years time though!
After 12 years of sales and testing. This companies tests show 97% battery capacity after 1000 charges.
I have a bit of history here. I bought a new fangled Torqeedo electric out board motor for my little boat tender in 2011. It was twice the cost of a 2.5hp Honda or whatever. My sailing buddies all thought it amusing, but they are all buying them now! It still holds a good charge and works well. If it fails, I would get another immediately. Its the lack of mess, fuel and maintenance that will win us over. Just turn it on via the phone app, or key.l, press a button and ride off.

 

[Peppadog]

Am testing the Harley Live wire next week hopefully.

And...
Are you still in shock kickstart?

 

[The Wino]

When we were in Cuba 5 or 6 years ago there were loads of chinese electric motorbikes then at I suspect way cheaper prices. Are these the same thing with several middle mens add one or something better?

 

[Gaston aires]

Maybe next time. Still a bit weighty and expensive. I was never one to buy the latest model. Just wait for prices to drop.

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[Peppadog]

When we were in Cuba 5 or 6 years ago there were loads of chinese electric motorbikes then at I suspect way cheaper prices. Are these the same thing with several middle mens add one or something better?

As far as I know, apart from this Spanish one I have bought, yes, these scooters are nearly all made in China. The Vespa Electrica might be an exception? VW group company, Seat also have one now as well, but its the same Spanish one as mine made for them by Silence In Barcelona.

By and large, the world is twenty years late stopping Chinese dominance in manufacturing. The vehicle industry is sadly no exception.

I expect some of the cost up is importer or dealer margins. Some of it safety compliance rules (not many in Cuba when I was there) and maybe import duty.

Its worth noting that all these bikes are cheaper in the UK than in Europe. Our government/we fund a 20% green energy discount. I guess others don’t?

 

[Peppadog]

Maybe next time. Still a bit weighty and expensive. I was never one to buy the latest model. Just wait for prices to drop.

It doesn’t feel weighty at all at 150kg. It definitely is expensive. They might not get cheaper, but they will gain more power and range in years to come.

 

[bigtwin]

And...
Are you still in shock kickstart?

Agreed! Well, kickstart?

Ian

 

[RustyRuss]

Peppadog,
What do you need on your driving license to ride/drive one of these? I’m a confirmed 4 wheels man so only ever ridden a trail bike and never on the road. (Even hired a quad when we went to Santorini & Corfu.) Could I put it on my Aviva multi car policy or would I need specialist bike insurance? How much ish would the insurance be? What protective gear would you recommend (skid lid obvs!) Is it feasible to to do a 46 mile round trip commute on a daily basis? How long, in reality, does it take to charge from empty to full? I’m sure loads of others will want to know this kind of stuff but will be too afraid to ask!

Cheers!

Russ

 

[bigtwin]

Peppadog,
What do you need on your driving license to ride/drive one of these? I’m a confirmed 4 wheels man so only ever ridden a trail bike and never on the road. (Even hired a quad when we went to Santorini & Corfu.) Could I put it on my Aviva multi car policy or would I need specialist bike insurance? How much ish would the insurance be? What protective gear would you recommend (skid lid obvs!) Is it feasible to to do a 46 mile round trip commute on a daily basis? How long, in reality, does it take to charge from empty to full? I’m sure loads of others will want to know this kind of stuff but will be too afraid to ask!

Cheers!

Russ

If you can obtain the power specifications for the bike, the licence categories are detailed on the .gov.uk website here.

In summary:

Ian

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