CSC E-RT3 launched as 75 mph seated electric scooter for under $7k
CSC Motorcycles, the southern California motorcycle and scooter (and e-bike) dealer known for its modestly-priced two-wheelers, has just unveiled yet another interesting electric scooter. The CSC E-RT3 comes with highway-capable specs yet at a fraction of the competition’s cost.
The new launch follows on the heels of the recent CSC ES5 unveiling. That electric scooter is designed for city commuting and offers a top speed of up to 52 mph (83 km/h).
The CSC E-RT3, which comes just a couple weeks after it’s smaller cousin, bumps that speed up by nearly 50%. With a peak of 75 mph (120 km/h), it should be plenty fast to get riders onto any highway in the country.
The bike features a mid-mounted motor with a belt drive output. It offers 8 kW (10.7 hp) of continuous power yet has a peak power rating of 17 kW (22.8 hp). The peak power is the true power pulled during acceleration, hill climbing, and other high load scenarios.
That power is supplied by a built-in 72V and 96Ah automotive grade lithium battery with 6.9 kWh of capacity. At a modest speed of 32 mph (50 km/h), the bike is rated for a maximum range of 124 miles (200 km). At the actual speeds you’ll be riding it, though, expect reduced range in the mid to high double digits.
An included 3.3 kW fast charger can fill the battery from 30-80% in just 70 minutes, or give a full charge in less than three hours.
The 456 lb (206 kg) CSC E-RT3 rolls on a 15″ wheel in front and 14″ wheel in the rear. Front and rear hydraulic disc brakes use Bosch’s dual channel ABS and a combined braking system for safety. Other features include a TFT display instrument panel, tire pressure monitoring, large windscreen, keyless start, electronic release seat cushion over storage area, USB charger, integrated speaker for music, reverse gear, cruise control, backlit switches, aluminum alloy rear rack, and elevated pillion seat for your riding partner in life.
The MSRP of US $7,299 is reduced to just $6,999 during the current pre-order period, though there are extra dealer fees to the tune of $410 that include inspection, paperwork for registering, etc.
Riders wishing to grab one of the first bikes can put down a fully-refundable $300 deposit ahead of estimated shipping in October or November of this year.
The CSC E-RT3 is a large scooter that pushes the brand into maxiscooter territory. The bike’s closest competitor in terms of performance is likely to be the BMW CE04. While that scooter has a serious design edge, the performance is surprisingly comparable.
The BMW CE04 is priced at closer to US $13,000, yet offers the same 75 mph (120 km/h) top speed and many of the same features such as tire pressure monitoring, combined braking system, keyless start, USB charging, etc. Sure, it has a USB-C charger instead of USB-A and a fancier 10″ screen, but it also weighs a whopping 509 lb (231 kg).
It does have a 20% larger battery, though it still claims a similar range, perhaps due to having nearly twice the power (and thus drains its larger battery more quickly). So while BMW’s electric scooter will look nicer and be quicker off the line, the rest of the performance is nearly identical. Fit and finish likely won’t be comparable, but saving $6,000 might be worth the tradeoff for many riders.
Electrek’s Take
Technically speaking, CSC rates the E-RT3 with a top speed of 74 mph. But I think that’s because they’re taking the 120 km/h rating, which equates to 74.56 mph, and rounding down. Ugh, that’s just like CSC… underpromising and overdelivering.
But hey, 74 mph is still fine by me. It may not be enough to overtake on the highway, but it’s sufficient to feel like you still belong there. And in practice, most people are probably going to use this as a commuter bike for a mostly urban/suburban riding combined with shorts jaunts on the highway between suburbia and, well, urbia? It’s just that compared to something like the CSC ES5 with its 52 mph top speed, the 74 mph to speed of the E-RT3 actually allows you to take faster roads and not feel like you’re being squeezed into the right shoulder.
It can’t compete with BMW’s pizzazz or design chops, but at a nearly 50% lower price tag than the BMW CE04, it doesn’t need to. Companies like BMW can still tout a much larger dealership presence for support and servicing, but CSC counters with a massive warehouse of spare parts in LA that they can get out to you in 48 hours, meaning that the occasional servicing still comes with fairly local support. Electric motorcycles also need less servicing to begin with, but the company is there when you need them. I had a CSC City Slicker back in 2019 that eventually needed a new rear pulley due to a wearing bearing. They sent me the part and the lead mechanic walked me through the process of swapping it out over the phone. Sure, I could have taken it to a motorcycle shop, too, but doing it myself in my apartment building’s parking garage also helped me better understand the bike and how it worked. Plus, I looked like a badass in front of the girls in my building.
So while the CSC E-RT3 isn’t as flashy as competitors like BMW, they offer good products and support, meaning this is going to be a very interesting new option in the market.
For those that want to go even faster though (or want something a little more impressive looking when rolling up at the bar), I’m currently testing out an 80 mph (130 km/h) CSC RX1E electric motorcycle for a full review coming soon. Here’s a teaser image below.
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Costco members looking for a break on car prices can tap into a new Volvo deal this fall. Members can tap into limited-time manufacturer incentives through the Costco Auto Program, a year-round auto-buying service that secures prearranged low pricing. The latest: a Certified by Volvo Limited-Time Special launched this week.
Certified by Volvo vehicles are pre-owned Volvos that must pass a rigorous test with 170+ points, have less than 80,000 miles, and receive a detailed CARFAX Vehicle History Report. They come with roadside assistance, and EVs and plug-in hybrids also include an 8-year/100,000-mile battery warranty.
Until October 31, 2025, eligible Costco members can score an exclusive bonus when buying select Certified by Volvo vehicles from model years 2022 through 2025.5. Gold Star and Business Members get $1,000 off, and Executive Members get $1,250 off. The offer applies to hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and BEVs. What makes this deal sweet is that the Costco perk stacks with any other manufacturer incentives you qualify for.
Among the vehicles on the eligible list: The Volvo EX30, the EX90, the XC90*, the most requested premium midsize SUV among Costco members last year, and the Volvo C40 EV, which also topped requests in the premium electric compact SUV category.
To cash in on the offer, Costco members must register online for a certificate, then bring it to a Volvo dealership where they present it at the time of purchase. Full details are on the Certified by Volvo Limited-Time Special page.
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The 30% federal solar tax credit is ending this year. If you’ve ever considered going solar, now’s the time to act. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. It has hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use, and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them.
Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here.
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The GV90 is set to arrive as the most luxurious Genesis vehicle to date. With its debut approaching, Genesis is showcasing the ultra-luxe SUV at its new flagship brand space.
Genesis opens new brand space based on the GV90
Although it’s not yet in production form, Genesis is still showcasing its stunning new full-size electric SUV. The Neolun concept, unveiled last March at the New York Auto Show, will soon arrive as the brand’s new flagship model.
When Genesis launches the GV90, expected in mid-2026, it will become the brand’s largest and most luxurious electric vehicle yet.
According to Genesis, the GV90 is “an ultra-luxe, state-of-the-art SUV” that will take the luxury brand to the next level. We’ve seen camouflaged prototypes out testing a few times, revealing advanced new features and luxury design elements, such as coach doors, adaptive air suspension, and more.
The GV90, or Neolun concept (for now, at least), is the centerpiece of the company’s new “Night in Motion” space, which Genesis opened on Thursday.
Based on the Neolun concept, the new exhibition is “the starting point of the Genesis brand’s spatial philosophy.” It’s designed to showcase the brand’s latest design and the beauty of Korean aesthetics.
Genesis is expected to launch the GV90 in mid-2026, but we could see an official debut before the end of the year.
We will learn prices, range, and other specs soon, but the GV90 is expected to debut on Hyundai’s new eM platform. Hyundai claimed the new platform will “provide 50% improvement in driving range” compared to current EVs. It will also offer advanced Level 3 autonomous driving features.
One thing is sure: The Genesis GV90 won’t be cheap. As its largest and most luxurious SUV, the GV90 is expected to start at around $100,000. Higher trim levels could reach upwards of $120,000 or more.
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Ampion Renewable Energy has introduced a new way to expand community solar access – one that breaks barriers by crossing state lines.
The company just launched Synthetic Community Solar, a tool that lets developers extend the financial benefits of solar projects to subscribers in other states. That’s a big shift from the usual model, where subscribers need to live in the same utility territory as the solar farm. This new approach also helps low-income households save more on energy bills while giving developers a faster route to federal tax incentives.
Here’s how it works: When a solar farm is built in one state, Ampion works with utilities to transfer the financial benefits through solar credits to income-qualified households in another state. For example, a 2.5 MW project in Maine already provides Illinois subscribers with up to 20% savings on their electricity bills.
For developers, the timing is critical. The Inflation Reduction Act gives bonus tax credits, known as Category 4 Investment Tax Credits (ITCs), to projects that deliver at least half of the financial benefits to low-income households. Synthetic Community Solar makes it easier to meet those requirements, which in turn improves project economics and long-term site viability.
This model is especially useful when a project is in an area where recruiting low-income subscribers is expensive or challenging. Instead of letting credits go unused, developers can cross state lines, making the project more financially sustainable while supporting households that need savings the most.
Ampion’s CEO and founder, Nate Owen, said the goal is to solve a geographic barrier that has historically limited community solar growth. By bridging programs across different states, the initiative supports the company’s aim to make renewable energy accessible “everywhere, for everyone.”
With the IRA’s major incentives set to expire, solutions like Synthetic Community Solar could help keep projects viable while spreading the financial benefits of clean energy further.
Read more: Nexamp found a faster way to build solar – it did the utility’s job, too
The 30% federal solar tax credit is ending this year. If you’ve ever considered going solar, now’s the time to act. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. It has hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use, and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them.
Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
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