A personal electric vehicle (PEV), personal mobility device, portable electric vehicle, or electric ridable, is any battery-powered form of transportation. They include motorised e-scooters and trikkes, electric skateboards, self-balancing scooters or hoverboards, electric unicycles, and onewheel self-balancing boards.
Why have a PEV?
Convenience
PEVs are very convenient for getting around, either locally or in combination with public transport. Many models work both on-road and off-road, can be easily stored, are portable, and include safety features. Modern models have speeds comparable to urban transport and ranges close to some electric cars, so transport times and range anxiety are lesser considerations nowadays. Just jump on and go.
Enjoyment
PEVs are a blast to ride. While some are primarily intended for transportation, many are also a lot of fun. Riding is an experience unique to each PEV, with some comparable to downhill skiing, snowboarding, or surfing, just without the cold, delays and ski lifts. Whether individually on a trail or as part of a group ride, there’s little that compares to carving at 30 km/h on a sunny day.
Better for the environment
For transportation PEVs are the smartest choice for the environment, especially when recharged using renewable energy supplies. They are extremely power efficient: depending on the rider, terrain and type of PEV at Atomic EV we’ve found they use between 10 and 25 Watt-hours per kilometre. Compare that to the most efficient US public transport, the New York subway, which requires 100 Watt-hours/km for each passenger, or an electric car starting at 150 Watt-hours/km. Even walking is estimated to require the energy equivalent of 55 Watt-hours/km and a bicycle 30 Watt-hours/km. Modern diesel buses run at around 3700 Watt-hours/km.
Some PEV have regenerative braking, such as EUC and onewheels using the motor in reverse to brake, recharging the battery which further improves their efficiency. Being full electric, they are near silent and there are no environmental emissions either.
Economical
Besides being cheap to run, at between 0.2 and 0.5 cents in electricity per kilometre, there are no parking fees, tolls nor waiting. PEVs also have few mechanical parts making maintenance and servicing easier. Safety gear such as helmets and wrist protection are one-off costs. Depending on the type of PEV they might cover 5,000-30,000 km in their lifetime.
What is a PEV used for?
Recreation and last mile transport
PEV are fun and economical for riding around, exploring a new area, catching up or cruising with friends, or getting to a nearby cafe or shop. They are often described as being ideal for “last mile” transport, although in reality they are practical for trips much further than just a few miles.
Sport
Many PEV are suitable for off-road and trail riding, or along the beach (remember though that salt water isn’t great even for waterproof models so best kept on compact sand away from waves). Overseas there are numerous PEV racing events and and stunt competitions, for amateurs and professional riders, something we intend to grow in New Zealand.
Commuting
Modern PEV have advanced substantially in their comfortable cruising speeds and ranges. Commuting is a very real option for distances up to 20-30 km each way. Trials conducted by Atomic EV in Auckland for 10km commute into the central city takes between 15 and 35 minutes, depending on the type of PEV and rider ability. For the same trip a bicycle took 25-30 minutes, a car between 15 and 35 minutes, depending on traffic, and a bus (including typical door-to-door walking) took 35 to 50 minutes, when they arrived on schedule.
For year round commuting in wet environments Atomic EV recommends using a PEV that has water ingress protection rating at least 5 (IP55 or IPX5).
Professional
PEV are ideal for moving in urban environments, including indoors or around congested traffic. Since many are hands-free they allow other devices to also be controlled, such as cameras or drones. Internationally, PEV are used by film crews, law enforcement, security, and emergency first responders.
