Our plan was for the production model of our v1 protoype to be sold as a road-legal scooter (or moped), so the next hurdle was to try to get the prototype certified.

To meet moped certification in New Zealand, all the v1 needed was an auxiliary electrical system with indicators, front lights, brake lights and a horn. Oh, and a rear-view mirror. Or so we thought.

Several improvements were also planned based on the many hours of riding over the past year.  It was time for v2 (V-Electric #2).

Rather than start from scratch, v1 was taken apart and modified.  This included:

• A lowered seating position
• A more comfortable seat and leather battery box front
• Improved foot room
• A more classic overall design
• Larger handlebar movement range (for tighter turning)
• Mudguards
• Redesigned battery/electrics compartment (under hinged seat)
• Front and rear lights, indicators, brake lights and horn

Here is a photo of the v2 with most of the improvements in place. Under that you can see the original v1 for comparison. The designs may be different, but we’re still using the same handy beer crate supports 😉

Unfortunately the initial attempt to certify the scooter was not successful. Because the basic componentry is fundamentally from a bicycle, it is not rated for motor-vehicle use and, we were told, would never pass safety standards, even for a moped.

It would be too big of a job to modify the v2 to legal moped class.  In order to comply we need to build another prototype from the ground up based on approved motor vehicle parts.

Watch this space.