Hey everyone Jimi here! I'm 32, from North Devon and recently I've been looking at getting an SS TC in future as a little run around for myself!
I've always wanted a motorbike, in that typical Harley Davidson, Easy Rider image I think most young lads have at some point in their lives haha, but after giving it some more serious thought I came to the conclusion that as most places I need to get too are within a 30 mile radius and being in the countryside I want to do my bit to be a bit more green, then a electric bike would be a good option to look into.
Now I'll be honest I have never ridden a bike before and, and at present time only have a provisional CAR driving licence, I was planning to do my test (to drive automatic only for personal reasons) but due to COVID it wasn't possible, however hopefully later this year I will be able to, and which point I will also look at doing my CBT, theory test and taking some bike lessons too.
I would also like to say that, I am not a huge fan of driving, in a car at least, but for that reason I do think I would a safe driver as I have no interest in doing high speeds in any sort of vehicle, (hence choosing a bike with a max speed of 28mph!) and my only real worry is other drivers on the road!
However after having a look online I am slightly confused by all the different terms and "A?" licences for bikes, so according to what is here (see attached) on the back of my provisional (assuming this would carry over onto a full licence) can someone please answering the following questions for me in the simplest terms possible
1. When I get my full automatic CAR licence, in conjunction with CBT, will that allow me to ride a SS TC on the road? And if so is that with or without L plates and can a passenger also be taken?
2. From what I read on here the SS TC comes under AM but if I later decided to upgrade to a TC Max, would I have to get an A1 licence or does the standard A on my licence cover that, again assuming that carries over from a provisional to a full licence?
3. I have looked at insurance providers, but so far I've only been able to find two companies to give me quotes (MCE & Lexham insurance), so does anyone have any other insurance company recommendations for a first time rider?
4. This is probably a bit of a "how long is a piece of string question" but if I were to go for the dual battery option, and full warranty, what would be the rough total price for an SS TC? And what is the OZEF Grant price, I'm assuming it's something similar to the UK Gov scheme to encourage more electric vehicle drivers by helping pay for it?
5. Does the SS TC have a fast charger capability or can such a thing be fitted to reduce charging time, or am I better off sticking with the standard charge time to preserve battery life?
6. I noticed that on the specs it says no USB port, but is that something which can be fitted aftermarket? Whilst I do have a background in computers when it comes to things like that on bikes, again it's a whole new world to me!
7. Lastly, I know the website gives a rough estimate of this, and it varies depending on provider, but I thought it would be a good idea to get an actual user perspective, assuming I went for the dual battery option, on average how much would it cost to fully charge them?
Thanks very much in advance for any replies and also for your patience if I need things explained to me a bit simpler later on haha as I said I'm new to all when it comes to bikes electric or otherwise but I certainly look forward to joining the ranks in future!
You are certainly doing the planning. 28 MPH is flat out and the hills of North Devon will not like the TC. There are 2 Super Soco 125 options a scooter and a cafe/commuter TC MAX. The scooter is good slower than the TC max but still lacks power on the later part of the Battery. The TC MAX has 3 modes the 2020 version gets me to 38-40 on a flat wind behind, uphill into wind 33-36 so it keeps up with town traffic. Staying in Mode 1 give you the TC feel and ability to do the hills plus give you about 50 miles. I'd like to say the 60Miles stated but to be honest I don't stay in mode 1 where I live, a lot of 40MPH roads.
The TC, TC MAX and even the Scooter is much simpler than a petrol bike to ride no gears, no foot breaks, clutch or major issues. Electric has Cold and wet issues at times but take care, ensure not kept damp.
So a days CBT leaning dominant riding and breaking distance it is not the same as a car. When to use and the correct use of breaks, speed and control. A mature person such as yourself should find it easy to take your test within a month of riding without further lessons but if not confident take a few the instructor will tell you when you ready.
You then can be unhindered one caution I took a girl on the back and had to emergency stop; she hurt, need to consider when carrying extra weight it moves with you. she was a big girl Ha! Ha!.
Hope this helps don't forget all soco dealers allow test rides to your qualifications and get a real feel using you-tube latest, not too old.