for those of you that think, 'four wheels good, two wheels better,' like i do I found this bit of news scanning the web this morning. I know there have been all electric plug-in versions before but i think this is the first hybrid scooter out there. thanks to treehugger's website for the news: http://www.treehugger.com/files/2005/03/pr...ype_honda_1.php Prototype: Honda Hybrid Scooter March 04, 2005 Honda's been on fire with their prototypes lately. Except it's been a bright green, ultra low emissions fire. Their scooters should be particularly interesting to those excited about fuel-efficient personal transport. Their recent all-electric city scooter was really cute, and this hybrid is even better. But of course, that's what you'd expect from the country that brought us Akira... Honda's latest effort is the Numo hybrid scooter. With an internal combustion engine, and electric motor, it gets 60% more fuel efficiency than the comparably sized Dio scooter and adds only 10 kg of extra bulk. As in most hybrids, the engine is used when cruising, while the electric motor assist gives low emission starts, and regenerative breaking. There are no plans for commercialization of this model yet, but things are looking better and better for that dream of ours to command a green-scooter army. We can only hope. :: Honda Numo Scooter [by DM]
Hey, whaddya know? It doesn't look nearly as dorky as the Insight! Yea, Honda! I think this is a great idea as long as it doesn't add too much cost to the scooter. I'd like to see a high-performance serial hybrid motorcycle. Perhaps combining a turbine engine with a supercapacitor array and twin hub motors. A two-wheel electric drive motorcycle would truly redefine the "crotch rocket" category of sport bikes. 8)
Hey, that doesn't look too bad. I like the idea of a hybrid vehicle for long trips and a hybrid scooter for quick, short trips. I'd buy one.
