TEST RIDE: Electric Zoomer Delivered! With Pedals but Can be Driven without using 99% of the Time, No License Required in China

Motorcycle & Industry

The ZOOMER e: (Zoomer e:), an electric motorcycle announced by Honda in China on January 10, has been delivered in China. Webike China staff immediately obtained a vehicle and would like to report on its direct delivery.

Written: Harry Chen (Webike China)

No license is required, 16 years and older can ride, and helmets are required.

Honda launched three new models of electric bicycles in China in January that does not require a driver's license. The design restores Honda's classic models, and the power comes from a motor instead of an engine. To comply with new national standards for electric bicycles in 2023, the specs include a maximum speed of 25km/h, a weight of less than 55kg, a 48V battery, and an output of less than 400W.

Webike China staff also purchased a Zoomer e: for commuting and use it in areas where engine bikes are banned in China. No license is required, but one must be at least 16 years old to ride one. Helmets must also be worn when riding.

If you look closely, you can see that Zoomer e: has pedals like a bicycle, making it an electric bicycle rather than an electric bike. However, it is not used 99% of the time because the pedals can only be pedaled when the batteries run out. Chinese owners call these pedals little chicken legs.

The motor is a 350W in-wheel motor, and the speed limit is 25 km/h. In China, some owners use software to remove the speed limiter, which is said to increase the speed to about 35 km/h.

ZOOMER e: [HONDA] Similar to the engine version of Zoomer, the frame is bare, the handlebars are high, and the front and rear fenders are similar. The internal headlight is a personal disappointment.

Zoomer [HONDA] A 50cc engine scooter released in 2001. It became popular for its naked style and unique features such as extra-large tires and dual headlights.

The pedals are custom-made to look like bike steps. The original pedals were fitted with the same flat little chicken leg type as the bike.

The biggest difference from the engine version of the Zoomer is that there is no free space under the seat because of the need to install a battery. This is how the battery is housed.

The battery weighs approximately 5 kg and can be easily inserted and removed. The specification is 48V/24Ah and the cruising range is supposed to be 90km, but in the case of the author, the range is about 55km because he often runs at full throttle.

The motor is installed inside the rear wheel, not on the body side. When the battery runs out, it can be pedaled like a bicycle.

The author is 174 cm tall. Compared to a regular scooter, the Zoomer e: is very compact.

The body is like a motorcycle! The app has room for improvement.

The Zoomer e: is priced at 6099 yuan (about $119,000) in China. In addition to its unique styling, which is not a bargain, the frame and swing arm make the Zoomer e: ride more like a motorcycle. On the other hand, the smartphone app has fewer features than other manufacturers. In addition, the app was concerned about the uncertainty of the navigation route.

In the Chinese market, the ability to connect to a smartphone is more important than the vehicle body and the user experience of the app. Compared to other electric bicycle brands, Honda will still have room for improvement.

The meter display is simple. It displays speed, battery capacity, mileage, GPS positioning, and Bluetooth connectivity. Green indicates parking, blue indicates D mode and red indicates S mode.

S/D on the right-hand switch is the power mode. The maximum speed in the two modes is the same, although S mode provides better start-up acceleration.

The Zoomer e: is equipped with cruise control, which is activated by a switch on the left. It can be deactivated by operating the brake or accelerator pedal.

Two adorable round headlights are the reason why many fans choose the Zuma e:. The LED headlights are bright enough for night driving in cities.

The taillights are also LED and bright enough to light and brake.

The appearance of the LED blinkers is consistent with the overall style of the vehicle, and we like this part very much.

The front brake is a single-piston caliper, which is insufficient by bike standards, but sufficient for the 45 kg (measured) Zuma e:. The inner tube diameter of the front fork is 25 mm.

The rear brake is also a single-piston caliper. Both front and rear suspensions feel stiff for the author's 64kg weight. The rear shocks will be customized in the near future.

Both front and rear tires are 90/90-10. Honda is believed to have used the fat tires of the gasoline version of the Zoomer as a reference.

Zuma e: Main Specifications for China

Overall Length x Overall Width x Overall Height: 1710 x 765 x 1030 mm
Wheelbase:1220mm
Vehicle weight: 54kg
Motor: Permanent magnet
Rated output: 0.35 kW
Rated Torque:9Nm
Battery Type: Lithium-ion
Battery voltage/capacity:48V/24Ah
Driving range per charge:90 km
Brakes:F=disc, R=disc
Tire: F=90/90-10, R=90/90-10
Price: 6099 yuan (approx. 895 USD)