Electric Scooters Get Boost From New California Law

11 October 1999
Electric Scooters Get Boost From New California Law
    SACRAMENTO, Calif., Oct. 11 -- Scoot over cars, motorcycles
and bicycles, make way for electric scooters.  California has given this new
form of transportation a boost as Governor Gray Davis approved a law allowing
them greater access to public roadways and bicycle lanes.
    Manufacturers of energy efficient, electric scooters, like the ZAPPY by
ZAPWORLD.COM (OTC Bulletin Board: ZAPP) should benefit from the new
legislation. SB 441, sponsored by Senator Wesley Chesbro (D) of Arcata, helps
define a transportation niche for the ZAPPY and other electric scooters under
the California Motor Vehicle codes and, according to proponents, help reduce
congestion, reduce air pollution, and provide jobs in California.  The law
allows electric scooters to be ridden on public streets by anyone age 16 and
over, on roads with posted speed limits of 25 mph, requires riders to wear
bike helmets, obey all rules of the road, and allow them access to bicycle
paths and bicycle lanes.
    The ZAPPY is an electrically driven scooter that you ride while standing.
You propel the scooter with a kick of your foot while engaging the electric
drive system with a throttle on the handlebar.  The ZAPPY can carry riders up
to bicycle speed and travels an average of eight miles per charge.  Range can
vary with user weight and riding conditions.  The ZAPPY comes with a portable,
automatic battery charger that can recharge the scooter with any household
outlet.
    ZAP says what makes the ZAPPY so practical is its patented folding design,
allowing it to be easily stored or carried almost anywhere.  Owners can keep
one in the trunk of their car, take it on the bus or train, or use it for
short commuting.  Upon arrival, it can be folded up and carried inside for
storage in a closet or underneath a desk.  ZAP recently began to offer
portable solar panels to help extend range and make them truly "ZAP," or
"Zero Air Pollution," as the California company likes to say.  With solar
power, the scooter is even Y2K safe.
    A recognized leader in the U.S. electric bike market, ZAP recently
celebrated its fifth anniversary.  The company manufactures several models of
electric bikes, scooters, motorcycles and other electric vehicles.  ZAP is
publicly owned with stock trading under the symbol ZAPP.  For complete
purchasing, franchising and shareholder information, visit http://www.zapworld.com or
call 800-251-4555.