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In my quest for a commute scooter, I learned quite a bit about what needs to go into such a scooter. I started out with a Razor 300 "toy" from Pep Boys. This proved to be workable, but not really comfortable or capable of the distances I needed to cover. That lead me to research electric scooters and I came across the Lashout. So what does a "commute" scooter need?

First, a commute scooter must be well built. Quality components will assure a long, reliable service life. The Lashout has an anodized tubular aluminum chassis, and a brushed aluminum deck with covered with slip resistant grip material. The handlebars are sturdy and comfortable to hang on to..

Second, the ride must be smooth. The "toy" scooters usually offer non suspension, or suspension with minimal travel. The Lashout offers over 6 inches of ground clearance, twin rear dual adjustable shocks (for handling different rider weights) covering both sides of the rear suspension arm, and decent travel on the front fork.

Next, the motor must have the power to get you where you want to go. At 600 watts, the Lashout is one of the most powerful in its class. There is a 400 watt version available, but I recommend the 600 watt - as long as you can stay off the accelerator! The 600 watt motor can use the battery quite quickly if you push the scooter to the limits. The drive chain, chain shield and motor mount are rigid and efficient. The ground clearance is the best in the Lashout's class.

You also want to be able to stop when you need to. The Lashout features front (caliper) and rear (band style) brakes that really do a credible job of bringing you to a smooth stop. The 12" pneumatic tires provide great traction, too.

Finally, the scooter must be comfortable for your commute. There is a seat option, although I prefer standing and did not mount the seat kit. If I really need to sit for a moment, the fantail works fine for a brief respite. The riding position, even on my modified scooter is quite comfortable for me at 5' 11". Anyone over 6' might have problems with the handlebar reach if they chose to do the battery modification I did, as it raises the deck about an inch and a quarter.

And, the Lashout is pretty nice looking - 12" mag wheels (no spokes to break or clean), sleek deck and a nice, neat drivetrain.

I have discovered that commuting on the Lashout has distinct benefits beyond saving oil and reducing carbon emissions. I find I arrive at my destination more relaxed as I am not battling traffic. I get to chat with pedestrians and other human powered commuters at intersections. Being in the fresh air is much more pleasant than being in a car. All in all, I've gotten to where I miss riding my Lashout when the weather is too wet to run it. If your commute is 10 miles or less, I strongly recommend looking into a Lashout!

Call me and I'll be glad to chat about my Lashout with you.

Disclaimer: I have no connection of any kind with either the Lashout company or RANS or any of their affiliates or dealers.

Tech Specifications for Stock Lashout 600

Max Speed: up to 16 MPH*

Range: up to 12 miles per charge*

Motor: 400 Watt or 600 Watt

Charge Time: 4-6 hrs.

Wheel Size: 12" Aluminum Mags

Carrying capacity: 240 lbs.

Brakes: Rear over-size band type and Front 'V' Brake with aluminum adjustable brake levers and dual brake inhibitors.

Battery: 24 Volt 10 Amp Hour

Weight: 67 lbs.

Open size: 46"H x 52"L x 20"W (H Bar)

Closed size: 26"H x 52"L x 12"W (Deck)

Color: Flat Black

* MPH and Range are dependent on weight of rider and the terrain being ridden on.

Included features:

· Kick Stand

· Bell

· Halogen head light and tail-light

· Portable 1.5 Amp Charger

· Tool kit

My modifications:

Swapped out the twin 10 amp/hr batteries for twin 14 amp/hr batteries. To make them fit I removed the deck and made a frame from 1" square box aluminum cut to fit the shape of the scooter frame. New longer deck mount bolts were used to secure the deck through the box frame to the scooter frame. The only change to the scooter itself was to bend over a small retaining tang in the battery compartment. While in there, I also upgraded wiring insulation against water and added a sort of "mud flap" behind the front wheel to keep spray off me when going through wet patches. The modification increased the cruising range to about 10-12 miles with ease, but that's totally dependent on how you drive!. I have added an upgraded lighting system and a Garmin GPS unit to it as well!

Why not just ride a bike?

I've been asked that numerous times. I have one, and have done long distance commuting on a bike in LA, having ridden 35 miles each way 5 days a week from the Valley to City of Commerce for about two years. Bikes work - but we know that. My experiments in energy and transportation are really aimed at finding things that will work for more people. Not everyone is willing or able to pedal to work. The scooter is something that most anyone could ride, so my hope is that by experimenting and reporting on my successes and failures, others will try it, too!

That being said, I recently switched transportation modes to a RANS Stratus recumbent bike. Struggling with a knee problem and reduced running, I needed more exercise, and I had proved my point with the Lashout. As of August 18 2007, I have ridden my Stratus over 1300 VERY comfortable miles. Check out RANS Stratus here.

You don't have to get rid of your car,

just use it less.

Cars and light trucks, which include sport utility vehicles, pickups and most minivans, emit more than 300 million tons of carbon into the atmosphere each year in the United States. The transportation sector alone is responsible for about one-third of our nation's total production of carbon dioxide, a major contributor to global warming.

Responsibility for the situation lies with every individual on the planet and every person has a duty to reduce their personal environmental impact. You don't have to wait for congress to pass the Kyoto Accord, take responsibility for your own emissions now.

Most motorists don't realize that a quick one-mile trip to the shop emits up to 70 percent as much pollution as a ten-mile excursion with several stops.

Taking any kind of alternate transportation just one day during the work week can reduce our dirty air by 20%.

Electric and natural gas powered cars can now use the Carpool lanes.

Most alternative fueled vehicles have substantial rebates and lower fuel and maintenance costs.

More and more employers are recognizing the benefits of telecommuting. Working in the relaxed comfort of your home sure beats fighting the traffic.

Why go Electric?

In recent years, electric motor and battery technology has advanced tremendously. Today's LEVs (Light Electric Vehicles) have clear advantages over fossil fuel powered vehicles in the areas of performance, ease of use and operating costs.

Reduced Pollution

If you drive a car the typical 12,000 miles a year, your vehicle annually leaves four-and-one-half metric tons of carbon in its wake. Because electric vehicles run on batteries and do not burn fossil fuels as their main system of propulsion, they provide the opportunity to reduce your personal environmental impact and improve local air quality.

Plenty of Torque

With their sophisticated electronic controls, today's motors are more efficient and produce an abundance of torque even with very little throttle. A 1-horsepower electric motor has about the same torque as a 3 horsepower gasoline engine and the torque is immediate, on demand.

Quiet Power

Electric motors are quiet and give you an entirely different feeling when riding. Many gas-powered personal vehicles are louder than lawn-mowers and riding them is banned in many neighborhoods. Quiet electric vehicles seem to glide down the road with ease and are welcomed in most communities.

Clean Machine

There's no grease or oil to get to get your hands or clothes dirty. No foul exhaust or gasoline fumes and it never leaks oil. You can safely store an electric vehicle in your home or apartment.

Economic Ride

Electric motors cost almost nothing to run. Instead of burning up expensive fossil fuels every trip, electric vehicles are recharged by plugging them into the wall sockets. Given the rising gas prices worldwide,due to peaking oil production, going electric makes good financial sense.

2000 Miles on a Lashout!

I crossed the 2000 mile threshold on my way home on June 20, 2006. I must admit I have really not found any drawbacks to my Lashout commuting. I actually arrive more relaxed than when I drive. I am less frenzied, less harried and more able to take in the things going on around me - owls and herons swooping over the dam basin in the evening, the sound of the frogs near the LA river - things we never get to hear or see when we rumble along in a vehicle weighing thousands of pounds making all kinds of noise. Call if you have questions, but I really recommend this mode of travel if your commute is less than 10 miles- better for the environment, good for the soul.