French Promote Electric Scooters

Two French scooter manufacturers are teaming with EDF, the French national electricity board, to promote the use of new battery-powered models. Both the Peugeot ScootElec and STIQs Barigo offer performance comparable to an internal-combustion-powered scooter with a speed of 28 mph and a range of 25 to 37 miles. A recent survey indicates the range corresponds to the distance driven daily by 94% of internal-combustion-engine models. A 95% charge takes two hours; a complete recharge requires four to five hours. An added advantage is quiet operation.