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The Aventura-X EV29 has much of the feel-good charm that comes along with nostalgic Vespa rides, yet without any of the exhaust noise, smell of gasoline, or oily rag on your workbench. I spent a few enjoyable weeks riding this fun little runabout and felt almost like I was cheating, getting the fun vibes without paying the normal entry price of muss and fuss that goes with classic ICE scooters.

First of all, I probably shouldn’t call it a Vespa, even though it looks and feels like one. Aventura-X probably walks a fine line as it is, conjuring up old-timey Vespa vibes while maintaining just enough differentiation to avoid legal issues. It’s a common game these days, giving us old-school feels without blatantly ripping off a decades-old brand.

But those kinds of issues aside, this scooter still brings with it a classic-inspired ride that feels oh-so-good.

Check it out in my video review below, then keep reading for all of my thoughts on this fun ride!

Aventura-X EV29 video review

Quick, what are the specs?

You probably want to know the numbers right off the bat, so let’s hop to it.

The version I tested is the Aventura-X EV29. It has a 2,900 watt motor fed by a 72V 20Ah battery. There are actually two battery slots under the seat, so you could add an extra battery to double the range from 35 miles up to 70 miles (56 km to 112 km). If you don’t have an extra battery, like mine, then you’ve got some extra storage under the seat!

The current sale price of US $3,295 doesn’t include the extra battery, which is an additional US $799. You do get the keyless start from a wireless keyfob included for free though as part of a promotional add-on, so at least you’ve got that going for you!

Obviously this scooter is built for looks, though that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have some decent utility baked into it as well.

There is a small storage area in front of the battery compartment, but it’s more of a phone/wallet/keys/sunglasses-sized storage compartment. There’s also a larger storage compartment in the right rear fender that I was able to squeeze three of my riding cameras into as well as my microphone setup.

I know that’s not a normal unit of measure unless you’re a YouTuber, but I’d guess that the wheel well storage is around 1.5 liters or so. It’s also roughly in the shape of a water bottle. So for the Americans in the room, picture a 2L soda bottle and subtract a bit.

Then you’ve got the wicker basket on back, though that’s an add-on accessory. It’s also not exactly a high-security solution, but it does give you some extra storage and definitely looks classy. In fact, it’d be right at home riding to a picnic in your local park.

Now I think most people will agree that the scooter looks great, which is nice since it isn’t terribly fast. At 30 mph (51 km/h), people will get a good long look at you as you cruise by. Aventura-X also has 50 mph (80 km/h) models, but the one I’m riding is built for looks, not for speed.

Considering I was testing this in Florida, where 50 mph roads are just how you exit your neighborhood, that lower speed was a bit of an issue. I mostly stuck to smaller streets where I could and stayed in the right lane when I had to take faster streets.

I can absolutely see the wisdom in having more speed for keeping your options open in terms of road choice. Obviously a 30 mph top speed is going to impact where you can ride, and so I see this model being better for cruising along the beach roads than commuting on the highway, if that wasn’t clear.

But I guess that’s the beauty of multiple options. You can get the 50 mph scooter that Aventura-X offers if you want to ride on faster roads, or can save some dough on the slower scooter if you’re sticking to neighborhood streets.

And as a quick note on safety: You’ll notice in the video at the top of this article that I’m wearing my motorcycle jacket and usually my riding gloves on the scooter (though admittedly I did forget my gloves a couple of times). I’m also in full pants and boots. While I’m not going to be anyone’s mother here, I try to never get on a motorcycle without all of my protective riding gear, and that’s how I recommend riding. When it comes to scooters, the more laissez-faire nature of the ride makes it easy to accidentally (or purposely) push the thought of riding gear to the back of your mind. “I’m just going for a little cruise,” is a common enough thought, and I’ll admit that I’ve often heard the siren’s call of a romantic scoot alongside the lapping waves in nothing but a t-shirt and shorts. But ultimately, this is still technically a motorcycle and you can still technically cheese grater the skin off various parts of your body in a crash. So just consider that when choosing your ride outfit.

While I’m wearing my Dianese mesh motorcycle jacket in this video since I was travelling, I’ve been more frequently wearing my Beyond Riders motorcycle gear for my pleasure/commuter riding since it has all the protective qualities I’m looking for but looks like typical street clothes. I just got a new flannel shirt from them that has hidden armor and a pair of khaki pants that get the same treatment.

So I’m not saying you have to suit up, but I am saying I’d recommend it. Ok, safety rant over.

I’m glad to see both a side stand and a center stand included on the scooter, since they’re useful in different situations. The side stand is great for quick stops like hopping off and running into a store, while the center stand gives more stable parking, especially when parking on a hill or looser terrain like grass. It’s rare to see motorcycles or scooters that offer both. My daily rider – a Gogoro – has both, and I use them both often.

With cute little 10″ wheels and a faux leather seat, the scooter definitely looks the part of a vintage getup. Even the handlebars almost look like they could be from several decades past, skipping the big gaudy plastic molded parts of today’s scooters and putting as much metal as possible on those bars instead. I have a ’69 Honda Sports Cub and the bars/switches/mirrors, etc. all actually look quite similar to those on the Aventura-X. The rubber end grips take away from the retro vibe a bit, but not too much.

However, the body panels don’t get the same classic treatment. While they look the part, they’re actually plastic. That is fine from a few steps back since you’d never know from a glance. But if you grab hold of the front shield and shake it, it feels like a plastic panel.

That’s not really an issue per se, but it means you might want to be careful with your parking so you don’t crack a panel that would have merely dinged if it had been steel or aluminum.

As for the ride, I’ve long been a scooter fan. I’m a daily scooter rider myself. Since my wife and I went car-less a while back, an electric seated scooter is our main form of conveyance. And so the wide foot area of the Aventura-X feels at home to me, as does the convenient bag hook for carrying various odds and ends along for the ride.

In fact, as much as I like my motorcycles, I generally opt for my scooters when I’m actually commuting or running errands since the extra foot space makes it easier to carry things with me or do the occasional shopping trip.

The feel will be familiar to any scooter rider, even if the wheels are a tad bit smaller than on some of my other rides. The long bench seat is comfortable, the large front shield keeps you largely weather protected from splashes and road debris, and you get all the joy of being part of the environment (instead of watching it go by through a window) yet without the complex feelings that many people have towards true motorcycles. Basically, it’s all of the fun without the baggage.

Ultimately, I’m not exactly sure what I expected of the Aventura-X, but it definitely left me smiling and satisfied. It’s a fun, retro ride that seems to bring joy to just about everyone who sees you go by.

At the same time, though, you’re paying a premium for those feel-good rides. At its current price of $3,295, this is obviously not the most affordable way to cruise around at 30 mph. And speaking of which, that 30 mph speed is definitely limiting, leaving you barely faster than an electric bicycle yet on a vehicle that looks very out of place in the bike lane.

In fact, you almost certainly shouldn’t be using it in the bike lane, unless your local laws allow it. When I spent a year in Boston back in 2018, I actually could legally ride my 30 mph electric moped (a Genze 2.0, RIP) in the bike lane. Yet even with the law on my side, cyclists who saw me were pissssssed about it. That meant I rarely actually used the bike lanes unless it was to briefly skip a line of traffic, and even then I was always extra cognizant of any actual cyclists around me. I’m not sure many places would allow an Aventura-X in the bike lanes these days, or if Boston even still allows mopeds in, and so you’ll need to plan your own local trips accordingly.

There’s definitely a place for a ride like this, and I’m glad vintage-inspired electric scooters exist. I would certainly consider springing for the extra 20 mph though, as it opens up many more possibilities for where you can ride. But if you’re in a sleepy neighborhood or laid-back beach town, zipping down to that sea breeze coast at 30 mph on a scooter that looks like a blast from the past might be the perfect ride indeed.

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For a limited time, save $500 on a Centris folding eBike from Buzz Bicycles

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For a limited time, save 0 on a Centris folding eBike from Buzz Bicycles

In honor of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, eBike specialist Buzz Bicycles is offering an exclusive discount for Electrek readers on its Centris Class 2 Folding Bike.

Table of contents

Buzz Bicycles is back with an exclusive new deal

Buzz Bicycles has been a mainstay on Electrek for a few years now, as we have covered several of its electric bikes, which suit riders of all skill levels and help them “Buzz through life.” Buzz is an omnichannel eBike brand that prioritizes direct-to-consumerism and has found success in its mission to deliver ultimate transportation solutions at an excellent value for its growing base of eBike enthusiasts.

The company strives to deliver riders a “Wow moment,” which is usually brought on as they feel the pedal assist function kick in. This feature delivers all you need to conquer hills and longer rides while enjoying new adventures with friends.

The Buzz team has utilized decades of industry experience into its portfolio of eBikes, all conceived and designed in Dayton, Ohio. The company, which operates under the United Wheels umbrella alongside brands like Huffy Bicycles, Niner Bikes, and Batch Bicycles, has adopted an ethos that the freedom of riding should be fun and accessible for everyone, no matter what adventure lies ahead.

By leveraging the global presence of its parent company, Buzz Bicycles can make good on its promise to deliver affordable eBikes that are comfortable, powerful, and safe, much like the Centris Folding eBike, which is as versatile and compact as it is fun. The exclusive deal Buzz Bicycles is offering on the Centris makes it even more fun. You can take advantage of it below.

But first, you’ll want to learn about the capabilities of this foldable eBike to truly understand its value, as well as what accessories are available to level up your purchase.

Buzz Bicycles

The Buzz Centris is an easy to ride foldable eBike for all

The Buzz Centris is a Class 2 Folding eBike built for comfort and convenience no matter where you take it. At full size, the Centris’ step-through frame offers a low step-over height of just 16 inches, perfect for riders of all sizes, enabling easy transitions from ground to saddle for its riders.

When you’re not riding, the Centris from Buzz Bicycles folds neatly to 34 inches in length and 22 inches in height, making it easy to store at home or to carry in a vehicle on the way to your next ride. Furthermore, the assembled bike only weighs 68 pounds, making it easy to transport.

You can easily navigate tougher terrain on the Centris thanks to the eBike’s 20″ x 4″ knobby tires and front suspension. The bike is powered by a 48V, 500-watt-hour (Wh) battery pack that can propel it to a top speed of 20 mph for an all-electric range of up to 40 miles on a single charge.

Additionally, this folding model from Buzz Bicycles comes equipped with both a front and rear rack, offering versatile cargo-carrying options so you can customize your ride with a variety of Buzz accessories.

Like all Buzz eBikes, the Centris is tested and deemed compliant with the UL2849 standard. This standard covers the entire electric bicycle system, including the motor, battery, controller, and charger, offering the highest safety standards for added peace of mind.

The Centris Class 2 folding bike from Buzz is available in two colors: Gloss White or Matte Black. This $1,199 eBike is currently reduced to $899 – and you can score an additional $200 off with this exclusive promo, but only for a limited time.

With the purchase of any Buzz eBike, including the Centris, you are guaranteed the following:

  • 10-year limited warranty (lightweight aluminum frame protected for full 10 years)
  • 2-year limited warranty (electrical components covered by 2-year warranty for peace of mind)
  • 6-month limited warranty (additional bike components protected by a 6-month warranty)
Buzz Bicycles

Are you interested in the Centris from Buzz Bicycles? You’ve come to the right place. Starting today, while supplies last, you can take advantage of an additional $200 off the sale price by using promo code “ELECTREK200. That’s a $500 discount in total!

Don’t wait, because this deal only runs through 11:59 PM on December 8, 2024.

We highly recommend perusing Buzz’s entire lineup of products. They are designed for commuters and casual riders, with technology and features that help you quickly feel comfortable riding. If you are new to the world of E-transportation, Buzz Bicycles is the brand for you. 

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It begins: Mercedes eActros 600 electric semi truck enters production

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It begins: Mercedes eActros 600 electric semi truck enters production

With up to 500 km (310 miles) of all-electric range, the new Mercedes eActros 600 electric semi truck was designed for long-haul trucking – and now, it’s officially in production at the company’s Wörth plant in Bavaria.

The electrification of Daimler Truck’s Mercedes line is progressing nicely, with the eActros 300 and 400 models handling drayage and short-haul duties, and the eEconic seeing duty in waste disposal and airport refueling. The addition of the new 600 model expands on that work with a truly capable long-haul solution that will help Mercedes’ customers clean up their operations.

“The start of series production of our eActros 600 is a further proof of our ambition to transform the industry,” offers Karin Rådström, CEO of Daimler Truck. “With a range of 500 kilometers on a single battery charge, our eActros 600 is addressing the long-haul segment in Europe which is responsible for two-thirds of CO2 emissions from heavy road freight. Our battery-electric long-haul truck will therefore make a real difference.”

In addition to the 600’s additional range, the newest eActros marks another milestone by becoming the first electric Mercedes semi to be manufactured on a single line (the eActros 300/400 and eEconic leave their standard production lines to have their electric drive components installed at Mercedes’ Future Truck Center in Wörth).

“With the start of series production of the eActros 600, we are expanding our Wörth product portfolio with an important vehicle for the future,” says Andreas Bachhofer, Head of the Wörth site and Production at Mercedes-Benz Trucks. “Construction of this first battery-electric truck made in Wörth will be fully integrated into the existing assembly hall, flexibly alongside the manufacturing of combustion-engine trucks. This means that we are ideally positioned for the production of larger quantities. Our production team is well prepared for the successive ramp-up over the coming months.”

The new electric semi truck features a 600+ kWh battery (hence, eActros 600) that sends power to a new, highly efficient electric drive axle developed in-house by Mercedes-Benz, good enough to “be able to travel significantly more than 1,000 kilometers per day. This is made possible by intermediate charging during the legally prescribed driver breaks – even without megawatt-charging.”

The company claims the massive, 600 kWh battery in the eActros can be charged from 20 to 80 percent in about 30 minutes at a megawatt charging station, which will soon (?) be available across Europe. First deliveries of the new 600 series Mercedes electric semi trucks are expected to begin Q1 of 2025, with production ramping up to full speed soon after.

Electrek’s Take

Holcim, a global leader in building materials and solutions, has recently made a significant commitment to sustainability by placing a purchase order for 1,000 Mercedes electric semi trucks.
Mercedes eActros 600 long-haul electric semi; via Daimler Trucks.

Electric semi trucks are racking up millions of miles as more and more pilot programs being to pay off, leading to more orders for battery electric trucks and more reductions in both diesel demand and harmful carbon emissions. We can’t wait to see more.

SOURCE | IMAGES: Daimler Trucks.

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Ben Maclean adds second CAT D6XE electric drive dozer to his fleet

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Ben Maclean adds second CAT D6XE electric drive dozer to his fleet

Ben Maclean is the 24-year-old owner of a land reclamation business called Down to Earth Developments that specializes in transforming unusable or degraded land into more productive plots that can be put to residential or agricultural use – and Ben is using these hybrid machines to make reclamation an even more sustainable enterprise.

Maclean is bucking the trend of young people avoiding construction and agriculture and making a name for himself throughout the UK. Soon after becoming the youngest customer to order one of Caterpillar’s first D6XE electric dozers earlier this year. Ben was so impressed with the big electric drive CAT that he ordered another one.

It’s just arrived – and Ben seems pretty excited about it.

“It’s not just the electric drive using less fuel, but the all-round technology package you get with CAT machines that saves costs in quite a few ways,” explains Maclean. “We also have two CAT 323 hydraulic excavators and their grade assist and payload technology help us get the job done that little bit quicker.”

The electric drive CAT machines operate much the same way that range-extended EVs (or “EREVs“) do. Onboard batteries send power to electric motors while an ICE generator works to keep them topped off. The arrangement delivers superior power, torque, and control compared to diesel drive, with a 35% improvement in fuel efficiency and, according to CAT, 20% fewer harmful carbon emissions compared to the conventional 3 speed D6T Tier 4 Final.

Sustainability is quite literally what they do,” says Ryan Trafford, manager at CAT’s UK distributor, Finning. “Customers like Ben are the first generation to have grown up understanding the importance of making responsible decisions, with sustainability being at the heart of that.”

Here’s hoping more young people bring their sustainable priorities to the various trades as they come up.

CAT D6XE electric drive dozer

SOURCE | IMAGES: Down to Earth Developments.

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