Yamaha's EC-02 electric scooter rocks the iPod

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.]

[Aegis @ Dec 19th 2005 12:12AM]

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.

[steve berg @ Dec 19th 2005 12:12AM]

excellent source of tech, news, and various intersting info.! where will this be available for test drive/sale?

[Geoff @ Dec 19th 2005 12:12AM]

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.

[AP @ Dec 19th 2005 12:12AM]

Top speed is a moderate jog. This is a toy, not transportation.

[JK @ Dec 19th 2005 12:12AM]

why don't they make one that can use a Rio carbon? what a hot player that is!

[mike @ Dec 19th 2005 12:12AM]

JK.. took the words right out of my mouth.. but.. I was going to say it sarcastically..

[Aegis @ Dec 19th 2005 12:12AM]

>>>>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

[VEGETA @ Dec 19th 2005 12:12AM]

Can I order it from Italy on the Jap website? TNX

[ed @ Dec 19th 2005 12:12AM]

Is it possible to order it for France ?
Thanks
Edouard