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[Rewski]

Well I got to test ride both the 2010 Zero S and DS in the huge parking lot of Invesco Field at Mile High. My overall impression...wow! My only comparison is to my 2007 Vectrix (which is running great). Acceleration and overall punch are noticeably faster on the Zero bikes. Also the suspension is much more plush and would likely handle the occasional pothole or two much better than the Vectrix. The Zero bike are obviously way lighter too, only weighing about 288 lbs. Obviously the riding position is quite different than the Vectrix too. It is much more aggressive position leaning forward. Still comfortable but not nearly as comfortable as a scooter. The only differences between the S and the DS is the ride height is an inch higher on the DS and the tires are for street and dirt on the DS (and only street for the S). The bikes come with two seat options as well. I am taller at 6'4" so the regular seat was perfect for me, but nearly all of the people test riding were using the bikes with the low seat. This seams to be the same problem with the Vectrix and the later low seat option for shorter people. Obviously the big difference in sitting on the bikes with only your toes touching is the weight difference.

Overall, I was very impressed and am seriously thinking about getting one. But getting rid of my Vectrix...I don't think so. The Vectrix is too comfortable for leisure rides or the occasional ride with my wife on the back. Also there is obviously much more wind protection behind the Vectrix front end...riding the Zero in the winter would be out of the question unless you were very bundled up. That being said, I think I would go for the DS rather than the S because they are the same price and both are completely street legal, but the DS gives you the option for the occasional dirt or gravel road that comes in your path! Also, the real reason why the Zero is so enticing in Colorado, is that the final cost after the government and state rebate brings the cost down to only $4180!!! I think Oklahoma is even a bit better for the rebates but the CO EV rebate is amazing!

[picasso]

Did you get your Vectrix new? When the company folded those low ebay prices tempted me hard. Wish I would have got one, Still seems a great part even just for the parts.

If I was in CO Id put down on a DS for sure. Heck even the Tesla Roadster is a deal in CO. Out here in CA we dont even know if we will get cash. Seems the account wasnt funded, and the fact its damn hard to get an S or DS.

[skadamo]

Thanks a lot for the comparisons between the Vectrix and Zero's!

[Rewski]

I actually bought my Vectrix barely used a while before the company collapsed. It only had 240 miles on it and was bought from Vectrix direct from the factory. The poor guy that had to sell it had bought it for $10k the shortly after lost his job due to the economy, so I was able to buy it from him for $6k shipped to me in CO. It has honestly been a great bike for my commute year round (when it's not snowing!). Also as you mentioned about the parts on the bike are top notch.

That being said, I thought the build quality of the Zero was also top notch. The deal in CO is almost too good to pass up...just have to justify the upfront cost to the wife until the tax return comes in 2011!

[justzeros]

Thank you for the insight.

[Rewski]

Well I bit the bullet and ordered a new 2010 Zero DS. "Firm" shipping date per the head of sales was first week of August! Looking forward to my new addition to the EV family. I may need to upgrade my solar array