Why Support?
From Motorboards
There are only two motorboards that one can think about using with public transportation: Roth's 2000XR and Go-Ped's I-Ped introduced in 2009. Even Roth's 16+ pounds is just bearable. The I-Ped's 32+ pounds is too much. Also I-Ped's design is not as good as Roth's: not enough room to stand, poorly balanced, awkward motor, hot heat dissipation fins, and important in a public setting - lack of a "cool" look.
But the worse part is its price. a2bscooters.com says "Introductory Sale on I-Ped 8 for $1399 While Supplies Last! After Will be Priced at $1699. I-Ped 16 will likewise go up to $1999!" $2000 for a scooter!?!?! I have bought used cars for less. I think an electric scooter should be priced like a motorized bicycle, say in the $300 to $500 range.
Community support for the Go Motoboard
Roth's biggest problem was poor support and an unfinished drive mechanism. As far as support goes, with DC motors having a MTBF of about 3 years without servicing and LiIon batteries a life of 3-5 years - I would rather support the scooter myself, just like I would fix my own bicycle. But in order to fix the scooter by oneself, there needs to be a public source of technical information. This community wiki was created to fulfill that need.
As for the unfinished drive mechanism...
Building the Dream scooter
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Imagine the scooter of your dreams. One you can't buy in stores. Like the dream scooter above, being made into a reality by Jos Goble.
It doesn't take a CNC factory and a degree in Physics to create a such a scooter. Roth has done 90% of the job, and they did a great job at it. A little creativity and a few modifications could make a used 1500X or 2000XR the most awesome commuting scooter on the planet.
That's what this community wiki is all about.
