Vectrix ZEV Awarded 2008 Best of Adventure Gear

Vectrix, the world's first high performance, two-wheel zero emission vehicle (ZEV), was awarded 2008 Best of Adventure Gear by the editors of National Geographic ADVENTURE magazine.

The award was given at National Geographic headquarters yesterday in Washington, D.C. This is the fifth-annual year-end Best of Adventure gear awards.

The all-electric Vectrix offers performance and style along with a clean, efficient, electric engine. It was designed to provide reliable and affordable transportation for commuting and recreational needs, helping relieve traffic congestion, pollution, parking hassles and inflexible public transportation.

Vectrix reaches a top speed of 62 mph and offers acceleration from 0-50 mph in 6.8 seconds. Its nickel metal hydride battery has an average range of 40-60 miles and an onboard charger plugs into any standard 110-volt electrical outlet to recharge the battery in just 2-3 hours. It weighs 500 pounds, has a 60-inch wheelbase and 30-inch seat height to seat two comfortably.

Compared to traditional gasoline scooters that can produce up to 10 times the pollution of an average automobile, Vectrix is totally emissions free. It is virtually silent and highly efficient -- a patented regenerative braking system redirects energy back into the Vectrix battery pack, which helps to extend its range by up to 12 percent. It's more cost effective than gas or hybrid vehicles, too, since electricity is now one-tenth the cost of gasoline.

Sophisticated design efficiencies include a high-efficiency gearbox and drive train, aluminum construction for weight reduction and aerodynamic styling to reduce drag. A low center of gravity, stiff frame and even weight distribution provide superior handling.

Vectrix reaches a top speed of 62 mph and offers acceleration from 0-50 mph in 6.8 seconds. Its nickel metal hydride battery has an average range of 40-60 miles and an onboard charger plugs into any standard 110-volt electrical outlet to recharge the battery in just 2-3 hours.

Vectrix is both convenient and cost effective. The driver can stop and go with one hand by simply twisting the throttle back for acceleration and twisting it forward to slow down smoothly and safely.

National Geographic Adventure's approach to its Best of Adventure gear awards differs from other magazines in that it has established an advisory board of 44 of the country's leading outdoor retailers to assist Adventure editors with the honors. The board's contribution was twofold: to weigh in on products that in its expert opinion are innovative and to report on what products consumers are particularly excited about in the marketplace.

[source: Vectrix]