Yamaha EC-03, electric scooter at the Intermot Show

The Japanese manufacturer Yamaha presented a new type of scooter, powered by electric propulsion, at the Intermot Show in Cologne, Germany. It is certainly not the first time that we have dealt with electric two-wheelers: just a few days ago, Smart and MINI showed their electric scooter concepts (the first manufacturer with eScooter, the second with Scooter E), at the event in the French capital , the Paris Motor Show 2010.

The new scooter of the three tuning forks, Yamaha EC-03, has a very simple line, so reduced to the bone in the development that it reminds us of Piaggio Ciao (have you got it clearly in mind? The means of transport of our grandparents or our parents: At least I'm too young to have used it.) The real advantage of this new small-sized Yamaha EC-03 is the electric motor installed in the rear wheel hub, which allows you to travel with zero emissions, zero noise and zero smell.

The electric motor of the new Yamaha EC-03 can be set for two different driving modes: Standard, for daily travel without too many need for acceleration, and Power, for when that something extra is needed. Don't be demanding with him: the average speed in Standard mode is 30 km/h. In fact, there is a control unit that constantly controls, monitors and regulates the power delivered by the engine.

The autonomy of the Yamaha EC-03 electric unit is equal to 43 kilometers, which could be sufficient for daily travel. In any case, an acoustic signal warns when the battery charge is at risk of running out. Another interesting feature is the weight of the new EC-03, equal to only 56 kilograms: this figure, combined with its size (1.565 millimetres), makes it very agile in city traffic, its perfect habitat. It will be marketed throughout Europe in 2011: it is not science fiction.