Yamaha's EC-02 electric scooter rocks the iPod
posted Apr 11th 2005 10:57AM
Not sure if they're ever planning on actually selling this or not (probably not), but Yamaha has been showing off a
version of their EC-02 electric scooter that comes with a port for connecting up your iPod to the scooter's integrated
stereo speaker system. This special edition of the EC-02 also comes with remote control buttons built-into the
handlebars and an extra battery for keeping your iPod charged up during those long commutes. It's a little gimmicky,
but they're trying to underscore the fact that the scooter runs so quietly that that you can actually hear the music
while you're riding around, which means you'll have to replace that horribly loud (and horribly satisfying) motorcycle
noise you used to be able to make while revving your engine with a recording of the real thing.
[Thanks, K.O.]
Yamaha will sell this, in fact, it will go on sale next month on May 21st. Pre-orders will start on April 27th.
Price? ~$1,944. Could be the most expensive accessory for the iPod. But still a great deal.
excellent source of tech, news, and various intersting info.! where will this be available for test drive/sale?
Anyone know if Yamaha plans to bring this or even the regular version of the EC-02 to the U.S.? Seems like a great little bike.
Top speed is a moderate jog. This is a toy, not transportation.
why don't they make one that can use a Rio carbon? what a hot player that is!
JK.. took the words right out of my mouth.. but.. I was going to say it sarcastically..
>>>>excellent source of tech, news, and various intersting info.! where will this be available for test drive/sale?
Seems it will be shown at the Apple store in Nagoya on the 14th. And can be seen in Tokyo (Odaiba and Shijuku) starting tommorrow. Can be purchased by any Yamaha dealer in Japan. Can also be bought online from the Engadget link on the story.
>>>>Anyone know if Yamaha plans to bring this or even the regular version of the EC-02 to the U.S.? Seems like a great little bike.
There are quite a few importers of bikes to the US. Usually not that difficult compared to cars, biggest problems being emissions standards. But and electric bike should be easy. Officially, Japanese bike makers usually don't bother to export small bikes to the US.
>>>>Top speed is a moderate jog. This is a toy, not transportation.
Speeds should be comparable to 50cc scooters, which is the market segment the bike is in. Not a Yamaha R1, but is good for urban enviroments and likely faster than a Honda Club. It charges fully in 5-6 hours, and it can also charge your iPod at the same time.
http://www.yamaha-motor.jp/pentagon/style/index.html
Also comes in black,
http://www.yamaha-motor.jp/pentagon/whats/spec.html
Can I order it from Italy on the Jap website? TNX
Is it possible to order it for France ?
Thanks
Edouard