Zero LS1 Electric Scooter Launches as Affordable Entry Model

Zero, the California-based manufacturer traditionally known for its electric motorcycles, has introduced its first electric scooter, the LS1. This move marks a strategic shift for the company, targeting the rapidly expanding electric scooter market, especially prominent in Asia. The LS1 positions itself as an accessible entry point for consumers interested in electric mobility, offering advanced features at a competitive price point.

The LS1 is distinguished by its modern and streamlined design, featuring smooth surfaces and a distinctive silhouette. The front section is angled sharply downwards, equipped with a compact LED spotlight and a wide LED daytime running light strip. The rear of the scooter maintains a cohesive look with closed panels and a substantial seat designed for rider comfort. The dashboard incorporates a five-inch TFT display that can be paired with a smartphone to provide a range of information, though some data may appear in small font. The scooter weighs 132 kg and has a seat height of 780 mm, catering to a broad spectrum of riders.

From a technical perspective, the LS1 delivers practical performance for urban and suburban commuting. It rides on a 14-inch front wheel and a 13-inch rear wheel, with a 1330 mm wheelbase and 90 mm trail, enabling stable handling and agility. The suspension consists of a 109 mm travel at the front and 104 mm at the rear, ensuring a comfortable journey even on uneven surfaces. The LS1 is equipped with disc brakes, featuring a twin-piston caliper in the front and a single-piston caliper at the rear. Notably, the scooter comes standard with ABS (anti-lock braking system) and traction control, features that are not always included in this class of vehicle.

The electric motor, mounted centrally, produces 8.4 kW of power and delivers up to 240 Nm of torque at the rear wheel via a belt drive. The LS1 can reach a top speed of 100 km/h, making it suitable for both city traffic and short highway trips. The scooter is powered by two removable batteries, each integrated into the floor of the vehicle, supplying a combined capacity of 3.72 kWh. Charging flexibility is a key advantage: the batteries can be recharged in place or removed for indoor charging at a household socket. Using the standard charger, a 0-90% charge is achieved in about 4.5 hours, with an optional fast charger reducing this time to approximately 2.6 hours.

Storage has also been addressed thoughtfully. Under the seat, the LS1 offers a spacious compartment, large enough to accommodate a helmet or, optionally, a third battery to extend the scooter's range. With two batteries, the manufacturer estimates a range of 115 km in mixed city and highway conditions at up to 89 km/h. The addition of a third battery increases the claimed range to 166 km, and up to 173 km in pure city driving scenarios.

Security features are prominent in the LS1's design. The scooter includes a mechanical steering lock, automatic locking when the key fob is out of range, and a unique anti-theft system where any unauthorized movement triggers the motor to intermittently lock the rear wheel, helping to deter theft attempts.

Eligibility for operation is broad, as the LS1 can be ridden with a class A1 or B196 license, allowing many car drivers to operate the scooter without taking a motorcycle test. Zero offers the LS1 in two color options: White Pearl and Dark Silver. The scooter is priced at 5,185 euros, positioning it competitively against other high-performance electric scooters in the market. Reservations can be placed directly through the manufacturer's website with a 100-euro deposit. Delivery dates are expected to be announced soon.

With its combination of advanced safety features, practical range, and user-friendly charging, the Zero LS1 represents a significant entry into the electric scooter segment, catering to commuters seeking sustainable and convenient urban transportation solutions.