Just before I started to clean my Vectrix for the winter, today, I noticed very slight squeaking from the right rear shock absorber as I slightly jump up and down on the seat.
Should be worried about it other than some squeaking sound?
Edit: I've fixed it by exercising them with my bottom jumping on the seat ;-)
I've been using Bis/Cycles lanes since the mid 90's. I believe Bristol was the first to amend their signage to include 'M/c's' but as I always used a scooter didn't feel this applied to me anyway. Why, well my tax disc states I'm riding a 'Bicycle' and on the ONLY time I have ever been stopped (in Glasgow, by a police car that drew level at the end of a bus lane, I pointed out my reasoning. The response was he would need to check the precise wording, but on balance, providing I wasn't holding up the bus/taxi's, he wasn't going to make an issue of it.
London's new policy is long overdue - even though it's only a 'trial'.
My bike has arrived today almost unannounced. Received call around 11am from Vectrix asking if I was in around 2pm for delivery.
I haven't ridden it yet as ill with lung infection, but very pleased.
May I take this opportunity to thank YOU all on this forum for advice both technical and practical, your feedback both positive and negative that helped shape my own decision.
A huge THANK YOU to Michael Hall at RG Dealership for giving me a fabulous deal that could not be matched anywhere else in UK, and for acting on my behalf lately to pressure Vectrix UK to hurry up with their testings and deliver the goods. I'd still be waiting without his effort.
Sadly (for any prospective buyer), Michael has decided not to carry on with Vectrix dealership and has moved on to a new enviromentally friendly project. I wish him all the best in his new adventure/enterprise.
In a few days I will be well enough to go out and ride my new bike. I will be posting my impressions, good, bad and undecided hoping it may help others in their decisions, riding experiences etc.
For now:
PS: It is actually a darker red than it looks in the picture
You probably already know, but, note that you are automatically covered with AA on road assistance free for 2 years.
This is a deal that Vectrix has with AA and it's not dependant on "whether" you used a dealer or purchased direct.
The reason why I mention it thinking that people don't already know, is the fact that apparently you are not asked to ring AA to give details of membership and you will not receive an AA card in the post.
So unless your dealer has mentioned it to you, you wouldn't have a clue about it.
This may well be true (free AA cover) however like their 'preferred' status as a Vectrix insurer, I was gobsmacked to be told the Vectrix was deemed to be a 'grey import' because it wasn't made in the UK !!!
I have never been told, been provided with publicity leaflets or seen a press release confirming UK buyers can call on the AA at no cost. As it happens, I'm covered by the RAC for any vehicle for my car policy, so a registration number is not important.
Since Vectrix UK appear to be registering all models they will certainly be aware of all the registration numbers and could advise the AA of them, but - under the data protection act - passing on these details would be illegal, so it would have to be the magic brand name of Vectrix that unlocks the service, but how would they know when the 2 years are up?
Michael told me originally, then I asked the guy who delivered it and he confirmed it. Then I rang Amanda at Vectrix UK, she also confirmed it. She said she/they (Vectrix) contact AA and do the paperwork.
In case one gets stranded and needs assistance, you call AA, quote your registration number, AA come, tow you home and that's it. No membership number, no card in the post, nothing.
Odd but true.
Michael told me originally, then I asked the guy who delivered it and he confirmed it. Then I rang Amanda at Vectrix UK, she also confirmed it. She said she/they (Vectrix) contact AA and do the paperwork.
In case one gets stranded and needs assistance, you call AA, quote your registration number, AA come, tow you home and that's it. No membership number, no card in the post, nothing.
Odd but true.
Same when I had a Vauxhall company car with a years free AA cover - you just phoned them up with the car reg and they came out. Guess they use the same system.
Its an ideal deal to pull, it cant be costing vectrix much as the vehicle will never be far from home - and lets face it they (the aa) not going to try and fix it by the side of the road, so its always going to be a collect and return home for Vectrix to look at job within 30 miles of you home.
I'm not bothered about AA's company car specials - as these rarely require the use of 'Relay' - which is the case if a Vectrix requires returning home (as I noted before, it is against the DPA for Vectrix to provide the AA with details and home addresses of owners without prior permission, and they most certainly haven't asked mine).
The trouble with all this 'verbal' confirmation - why is there nothing in writing? What happens at 1815 when Aman da goes home - who's going to call the AA and explain you've got cover? I applaud Vectrix for ensuring their customers are looked after - but the lack of verifiable documentation provided TO owners in the UK makes me feel this is an urban legend.... like the one all Kwik Fit branches would provide EV users with an emergency charge if they asked. (I did, they don't).
I'm surprised R.G. pulled out - I thought they were in for the long haul and I did get the impression he was doing good business - but stangely when I got my Invoice from him, it has a serial number of '1'....
What I will do next week is ring AA and ask if they know anything about it. Chances are, they don't have our address or details, just a list of registration numbers, hence can't send you stuff in the post. Then if everything is Kosher I will give them my details etc. and get a membership number/card off them in order to avoid misunderstandings in case of a real need for assistance.
I'm not bothered about AA's company car specials - as these rarely require the use of 'Relay' - which is the case if a Vectrix requires returning home (as I noted before, it is against the DPA for Vectrix to provide the AA with details and home addresses of owners without prior permission, and they most certainly haven't asked mine).
The trouble with all this 'verbal' confirmation - why is there nothing in writing? What happens at 1815 when Aman da goes home - who's going to call the AA and explain you've got cover? I applaud Vectrix for ensuring their customers are looked after - but the lack of verifiable documentation provided TO owners in the UK makes me feel this is an urban legend.... like the one all Kwik Fit branches would provide EV users with an emergency charge if they asked. (I did, they don't).
I'm surprised R.G. pulled out - I thought they were in for the long haul and I did get the impression he was doing good business - but stangely when I got my Invoice from him, it has a serial number of '1'....
WRT R.G. Reading there is at least another customer (me) that made a buy. A pity to see Mike moving away from Vectrix resale.
Just thought I'd give a quick update on my Vectrix ownership.
Since I took delivery in late September, I've ridden over 1,300 miles without a single problem. Whenever I need to my car for longer journeys or carrying loads, I miss riding it! I've had no problems whatsoever and I look forward to many years happy riding knowing it'll never need petrol or oil. I am told there is a Vectrix accessories brochure due any time soon?
Just crossed the 1000 mile barrier today, i cant really say that I have had any problems, just a 2 day batt temp sensor glitch and the experience of Vectrix UK's excellent customer care.
Just crossed the 1000 mile barrier today, i cant really say that I have had any problems, just a 2 day batt temp sensor glitch and the experience of Vectrix UK's excellent customer care.
I have to chime in with kudos as well. Since bringing the bike home July 31, I've put 1200 miles on the clock, ridden the bike almost every day since day one, and have had nothing but smooth sailing. I plug it in when I get home, let the wall timer handle the logistics while I sleep, then ride it when I get up.
I have to also say that Vectrix USA's customer service has been well beyond my expectations. Although the bike has been flawless, I have had serious issues with my state allowing the registration of the non-compliant 2007 serial number. The corporate office has been in constant contact with me with updates and are working very hard to resolve this issue, even though currently I am the only owner in this state.
I did my second charge yesterday, I used an on street London recharging points. Before charging the battery had one bar left/ 4 kms range. 4 hours later (maximum allowed time at recharging points) it was still charging. All bars on and a range of 68kms. I'm pretty confident the display was still showing CP.
Is there a "Charge complete" (or similar) sign once the batteries are full to the brim?
There's a CP (Constant Power) charging first. It takes about 10 minutes for each bar.
At 16/17 it switches to TR (Transitional) for 15 minutes.
Then it goes to CC (Constant Current) for about an hour.
Then it goes to EC (Equalize Charge) for an hour and it counts down from 60 minutes to 0. When this stage has ended, the bike is fully charged and it shuts itself down.
Yesterday I found myself in a bit of a situation. Still coming to grips with the range, I figured that with a full charge I could do 3 laps of 22 kms each. Wrong!
Each lap is the distance from or to work. Yesterday I was on my way to work on my third lap. I had an estimate of 32Kms on the numerical side and 5 bars on the battery tale.
To cut a long story short I found myself completely out of power 1.5 kms short of work and about 1 km from the nearest charging point. I tried pushing and I lasted about 400 metres. The bike is heavy and it was tricky to push in central London, ... not too mention humiliating. I parked it, went to work on foot, called the AA, walked back to where I left the bike and got towed to the charging point ... which was already being used by somebody else. Parked the bike on Elec bay next to the one on charge, went back to work. Finished at 8.30pm, went back to bike, put on charge and went to the pub for one and a half hours!
Collected my bike and went home exhausted.
I must thank the AA, as they had not yet received the paperwork from Vectrix and therefore no details of Me, but they still did the towing.
Today I received a letter from Vectrix saying something like "Thanks for purchasing our MaxiScooter find enclosed details of your AA cover:
1)Roadside
2)Homestart
This cover is for bike faults and does NOT include cover for running out of charge."
So apparently, I'm not to call the AA if I get stranded out of Electricity! Do I not call them if I get a punctured tyre either?
And what's it with the Homestart option, how exactly is the AA man going to help with an electronic fault? and what difference does it make to him whether I'm stranded because of a fault (he can't fix anyway) or because I've over estimated my range?
"...Vectrix also plans to announce a new line of accessories that make the vehicle accessible to a wider range of customers—particularly women—including a lower, narrower seat to accommodate riders with smaller frames..."
You still need the Homestart for them to turn out, then decide the Vectrix needs to be taken to the nearest approved dealer (otherwise, they won't visit your home address, insisting on the visit being 0.5 miles from your home address).
The fact cover does't strech to running out of power, I tend to agree with as they could end up being towing lots of bikes because of unfamiliarity. I would have thought your goal of 3 trips would be UNrealistic, especially knowing the location and time of year. I've seen my range drop by 7% due to the drop in ambient temperature when the bike is left exposed.
NEVER be tempted not to recharge by expecting to take it to the wire - too many journeys that are well known can have higher that normal consumption because of variable (and unknown) causes!
Hey, I've had my Vectrix since July and love it! I've had a few issues with the throttle cutting out, but it comes back (sometimes while coasting). Also, the motor started clicking when changing from forward to reverse, but Vectrix is working with a local dealer to fix it.
However, throughout these minor issues I've put on 1700 miles and plan to ride through the winter. (I live in the DC area)
Just guessing, but I expect hand guards would smack the windshield on sharp turns. The reason the shield draws in on the sides is to allow clearance for the handlebars.
Just yesterday I passed 10,000 km on my 2007 Vectrix. I've had it for about 1 1/2 yrs now and have consumed approx 700 kWh off the grid for a cost of € 87,- in electricity. Never any problems, the worst anomaly being a sudden drop of the range predictor (very old firmware) to zero which at the time really scared me.
Nowadays with temp's below zero Celsius the range is somewhat moot - not that I need all of it.
I enjoy every minute.
Just before I started to clean my Vectrix for the winter, today, I noticed very slight squeaking from the right rear shock absorber as I slightly jump up and down on the seat.
Should be worried about it other than some squeaking sound?
Edit: I've fixed it by exercising them with my bottom jumping on the seat ;-)
Another reason for riding instead of driving four wheels...
From the 5th January 2009, motorcycles will be allowed on most bus lanes in London! (This will be an 18 month trial)
http://www.tfl.gov.uk/assets/downloads/red-route-bus-lanes-motorcycles-allowed-to-travel-in.pdf
I can see my journey time shrinking..
I've been using Bis/Cycles lanes since the mid 90's. I believe Bristol was the first to amend their signage to include 'M/c's' but as I always used a scooter didn't feel this applied to me anyway. Why, well my tax disc states I'm riding a 'Bicycle' and on the ONLY time I have ever been stopped (in Glasgow, by a police car that drew level at the end of a bus lane, I pointed out my reasoning. The response was he would need to check the precise wording, but on balance, providing I wasn't holding up the bus/taxi's, he wasn't going to make an issue of it.
London's new policy is long overdue - even though it's only a 'trial'.
- Raymond
Finally!!!!
My bike has arrived today almost unannounced. Received call around 11am from Vectrix asking if I was in around 2pm for delivery.
I haven't ridden it yet as ill with lung infection, but very pleased.
May I take this opportunity to thank YOU all on this forum for advice both technical and practical, your feedback both positive and negative that helped shape my own decision.
A huge THANK YOU to Michael Hall at RG Dealership for giving me a fabulous deal that could not be matched anywhere else in UK, and for acting on my behalf lately to pressure Vectrix UK to hurry up with their testings and deliver the goods. I'd still be waiting without his effort.
Sadly (for any prospective buyer), Michael has decided not to carry on with Vectrix dealership and has moved on to a new enviromentally friendly project. I wish him all the best in his new adventure/enterprise.
In a few days I will be well enough to go out and ride my new bike. I will be posting my impressions, good, bad and undecided hoping it may help others in their decisions, riding experiences etc.
For now:
PS: It is actually a darker red than it looks in the picture
Congratulations! You'll love it ;-)
Woohoo!!! Congrats on the new ride! (Sorry to hear about your illness, but hope to hear of your ride impressions soon! :-)
RG Vectrix is gone?? Thats a shame. He was just doing up his website last time I looked to sell accessories etc - looked really good.
Website has been taken down as well. That was sudden!
Good luck to him, only spoke to him about 3 times but nice chap.
This goes to the guys in UK:
You probably already know, but, note that you are automatically covered with AA on road assistance free for 2 years.
This is a deal that Vectrix has with AA and it's not dependant on "whether" you used a dealer or purchased direct.
The reason why I mention it thinking that people don't already know, is the fact that apparently you are not asked to ring AA to give details of membership and you will not receive an AA card in the post.
So unless your dealer has mentioned it to you, you wouldn't have a clue about it.
This may well be true (free AA cover) however like their 'preferred' status as a Vectrix insurer, I was gobsmacked to be told the Vectrix was deemed to be a 'grey import' because it wasn't made in the UK !!!
I have never been told, been provided with publicity leaflets or seen a press release confirming UK buyers can call on the AA at no cost. As it happens, I'm covered by the RAC for any vehicle for my car policy, so a registration number is not important.
Since Vectrix UK appear to be registering all models they will certainly be aware of all the registration numbers and could advise the AA of them, but - under the data protection act - passing on these details would be illegal, so it would have to be the magic brand name of Vectrix that unlocks the service, but how would they know when the 2 years are up?
When were you told this existed?
- Raymond
Michael told me originally, then I asked the guy who delivered it and he confirmed it. Then I rang Amanda at Vectrix UK, she also confirmed it. She said she/they (Vectrix) contact AA and do the paperwork.
In case one gets stranded and needs assistance, you call AA, quote your registration number, AA come, tow you home and that's it. No membership number, no card in the post, nothing.
Odd but true.
Same when I had a Vauxhall company car with a years free AA cover - you just phoned them up with the car reg and they came out. Guess they use the same system.
Its an ideal deal to pull, it cant be costing vectrix much as the vehicle will never be far from home - and lets face it they (the aa) not going to try and fix it by the side of the road, so its always going to be a collect and return home for Vectrix to look at job within 30 miles of you home.
I'm not bothered about AA's company car specials - as these rarely require the use of 'Relay' - which is the case if a Vectrix requires returning home (as I noted before, it is against the DPA for Vectrix to provide the AA with details and home addresses of owners without prior permission, and they most certainly haven't asked mine).
The trouble with all this 'verbal' confirmation - why is there nothing in writing? What happens at 1815 when Aman da goes home - who's going to call the AA and explain you've got cover? I applaud Vectrix for ensuring their customers are looked after - but the lack of verifiable documentation provided TO owners in the UK makes me feel this is an urban legend.... like the one all Kwik Fit branches would provide EV users with an emergency charge if they asked. (I did, they don't).
I'm surprised R.G. pulled out - I thought they were in for the long haul and I did get the impression he was doing good business - but stangely when I got my Invoice from him, it has a serial number of '1'....
- Raymond
Buzby
What I will do next week is ring AA and ask if they know anything about it. Chances are, they don't have our address or details, just a list of registration numbers, hence can't send you stuff in the post. Then if everything is Kosher I will give them my details etc. and get a membership number/card off them in order to avoid misunderstandings in case of a real need for assistance.
WRT R.G. Reading there is at least another customer (me) that made a buy. A pity to see Mike moving away from Vectrix resale.
Norman
My invoice was number 8 and probably the last sale.
From what I gathered, Michael wasn't in it for money (All profits to Wateraid), He wants to (try and) build an energy efficient home.
He looked after me "after" RG was no-longer and that makes me think that any of those 8 people can always give him a ring for advice etc.
I take my hat off to him, and will try to keep in touch with him.
Hi all,
Just thought I'd give a quick update on my Vectrix ownership.
Since I took delivery in late September, I've ridden over 1,300 miles without a single problem. Whenever I need to my car for longer journeys or carrying loads, I miss riding it! I've had no problems whatsoever and I look forward to many years happy riding knowing it'll never need petrol or oil. I am told there is a Vectrix accessories brochure due any time soon?
Just crossed the 1000 mile barrier today, i cant really say that I have had any problems, just a 2 day batt temp sensor glitch and the experience of Vectrix UK's excellent customer care.
I have to chime in with kudos as well. Since bringing the bike home July 31, I've put 1200 miles on the clock, ridden the bike almost every day since day one, and have had nothing but smooth sailing. I plug it in when I get home, let the wall timer handle the logistics while I sleep, then ride it when I get up.
I have to also say that Vectrix USA's customer service has been well beyond my expectations. Although the bike has been flawless, I have had serious issues with my state allowing the registration of the non-compliant 2007 serial number. The corporate office has been in constant contact with me with updates and are working very hard to resolve this issue, even though currently I am the only owner in this state.
So, how long does it take for a full charge?
I did my second charge yesterday, I used an on street London recharging points. Before charging the battery had one bar left/ 4 kms range. 4 hours later (maximum allowed time at recharging points) it was still charging. All bars on and a range of 68kms. I'm pretty confident the display was still showing CP.
Is there a "Charge complete" (or similar) sign once the batteries are full to the brim?
There's a CP (Constant Power) charging first. It takes about 10 minutes for each bar.
At 16/17 it switches to TR (Transitional) for 15 minutes.
Then it goes to CC (Constant Current) for about an hour.
Then it goes to EC (Equalize Charge) for an hour and it counts down from 60 minutes to 0. When this stage has ended, the bike is fully charged and it shuts itself down.
Week two.
Yesterday I found myself in a bit of a situation. Still coming to grips with the range, I figured that with a full charge I could do 3 laps of 22 kms each. Wrong!
Each lap is the distance from or to work. Yesterday I was on my way to work on my third lap. I had an estimate of 32Kms on the numerical side and 5 bars on the battery tale.
To cut a long story short I found myself completely out of power 1.5 kms short of work and about 1 km from the nearest charging point. I tried pushing and I lasted about 400 metres. The bike is heavy and it was tricky to push in central London, ... not too mention humiliating. I parked it, went to work on foot, called the AA, walked back to where I left the bike and got towed to the charging point ... which was already being used by somebody else. Parked the bike on Elec bay next to the one on charge, went back to work. Finished at 8.30pm, went back to bike, put on charge and went to the pub for one and a half hours!
Collected my bike and went home exhausted.
I must thank the AA, as they had not yet received the paperwork from Vectrix and therefore no details of Me, but they still did the towing.
Today I received a letter from Vectrix saying something like "Thanks for purchasing our MaxiScooter find enclosed details of your AA cover:
1)Roadside
2)Homestart
This cover is for bike faults and does NOT include cover for running out of charge."
So apparently, I'm not to call the AA if I get stranded out of Electricity! Do I not call them if I get a punctured tyre either?
And what's it with the Homestart option, how exactly is the AA man going to help with an electronic fault? and what difference does it make to him whether I'm stranded because of a fault (he can't fix anyway) or because I've over estimated my range?
A bit ridiculous, really.
Apart from that, I'm enjoying the actual riding.
Good news for perspective owners and spouse with smaller build
http://www.vectrix.com/press/#news_142
"...Vectrix also plans to announce a new line of accessories that make the vehicle accessible to a wider range of customers—particularly women—including a lower, narrower seat to accommodate riders with smaller frames..."
07 Vectrix, Vego 600 mod.48V 800W, Arcade Alu E-Cycle 24VSachs Hub
Once again we will not see li-ion batteries...too bad!
I was waiting for that, but for now i think i will wait until vx-1e...
You still need the Homestart for them to turn out, then decide the Vectrix needs to be taken to the nearest approved dealer (otherwise, they won't visit your home address, insisting on the visit being 0.5 miles from your home address).
The fact cover does't strech to running out of power, I tend to agree with as they could end up being towing lots of bikes because of unfamiliarity. I would have thought your goal of 3 trips would be UNrealistic, especially knowing the location and time of year. I've seen my range drop by 7% due to the drop in ambient temperature when the bike is left exposed.
NEVER be tempted not to recharge by expecting to take it to the wire - too many journeys that are well known can have higher that normal consumption because of variable (and unknown) causes!
Leaving you up the creek without a paddle,
- Raymond
Hey, I've had my Vectrix since July and love it! I've had a few issues with the throttle cutting out, but it comes back (sometimes while coasting). Also, the motor started clicking when changing from forward to reverse, but Vectrix is working with a local dealer to fix it.
However, throughout these minor issues I've put on 1700 miles and plan to ride through the winter. (I live in the DC area)
I will get one of those lower, narrower seats when they are available.
And btw., this thread is too long. We should close this one and open a new.
I agree.
Has anyone fitted hand deflectors (hand guards) on their Vectrix handlebar?
Any recommendations? I'd be looking for something in hard plastic or alluminium in a style to suit the bike.
One other thing, is there a way to change the LED light colour on dashboard?
Just guessing, but I expect hand guards would smack the windshield on sharp turns. The reason the shield draws in on the sides is to allow clearance for the handlebars.
Just yesterday I passed 10,000 km on my 2007 Vectrix. I've had it for about 1 1/2 yrs now and have consumed approx 700 kWh off the grid for a cost of € 87,- in electricity. Never any problems, the worst anomaly being a sudden drop of the range predictor (very old firmware) to zero which at the time really scared me.
Nowadays with temp's below zero Celsius the range is somewhat moot - not that I need all of it.
I enjoy every minute.
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