The Autotrader expert verdict:
4
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Zero has completed its product portfolio with the new LS1 electric scooter. Designed to sit in the A1 licence class, it’s targeted at city commuters looking for a nimble, silent runaround. Available with two or three batteries, riders can prioritise range or storage depending on how the bike will be used. Coming in at £4,500, it’s competitively priced given the specification on offer.
Reasons to buy:tickProven electric techtickAffordable and efficienttickSmart design
Design
“Storage under the seat is just big enough to fit a full-sized helmet”
Much like the equivalent Honda CUVe:, the Zero LS1 has full-width LED lights sweeping across the front and rear. It comes in an eye-catching white pearl colour or a dark silver, which adds a grown-up feel to the design. Storage under the seat is just big enough to fit a full-sized helmet, or you can opt for this storage space to house a third battery to extend range. The other two batteries are kept in the floor and can either be charged in situ via a charging port under the seat or removed and charged wherever you can get your hands on a standard three-pin socket. A bag hook beneath the handlebars is flanked by a storage cubby on the left for your keys or random bits and bobs you don’t want in your pockets. The 5.0-inch central TFT display will be familiar for riders who have experienced any of Zero’s other bikes, displaying information about state of charge, riding modes and other functions.
Expert rating: 5/5
Riding position
“Once rolled off its kickstand, the suspension squats down nicely so even short riders can easily reach for the floor”
As you would expect, the step-through design and flat floor make it easy to get comfortable. The seat cushion is plush and, once rolled off its kickstand, the suspension squats down nicely so even short riders can easily reach for the floor when they come to a stop. The kerb weight of 134kg is nicely disguised, the centre of gravity kept low by the position of the batteries for maintaining that all-important sense of mobility and helping the LS1 feel lighter than it is.
Expert rating: 4/5
Practicality
“The standard configuration of two batteries offers a range of around 70 miles”
Keyless start and remote locking makes the operation and security of the LS1 effortless. The standard configuration of two batteries offers a range of around 70 miles, increasing to 108 miles with the optional third battery. This is installed under the seat, so it’s a toss-up between range and storage capacity when considering this option. Using standard 800W charging, the scooter can be topped up from 20 to 80 per cent in just under three hours or charged for 4.5 hours overnight to take it from zero to 90 per cent. Upgrading to a faster 1500W charger unlocks 20 to 80 per cent in 99 minutes or 0 to 90 per cent in 2.6 hours. Without the third battery fitted, there’s enough room to store a helmet beneath the seat or a top box can be added. A bag hook at the front allows riders to position a bag between their legs as well. At the back of the pocket for your keys, there’s a USB charging port. For pillions, fold out pegs offer some support. Riders benefit from audible indicators, which have a satisfying tick and help to remind you to cancel the signal. In close proximity to pedestrians, it’s also an extra warning, since the LS1 is near silent.
Expert rating: 5/5
Performance & braking
“Three riding modes – Eco, Standard and Sport – allow you to tailor the power delivery to your liking”
Equipped with an 11.4 horsepower centre-mounted motor, the LS1 is no slouch. Three riding modes – Eco, Standard and Sport – allow you to tailor the power delivery to your liking. Eco is ideal for beginners who are getting used to the scooter but most riders will find Standard is ideal for every day. Top speed is 6s2mph while regen levels can be customised and, in the setup we tried, it coasted nicely without any throttle input, giving you time to plan and come to a gentle stop. Both the front and rear wheels are fitted with disc brakes and ABS. The brakes aren’t overly sensitive unless you squeeze hard, so it’s easy to progressively apply the brakes to smoothly bring the scooter to a halt. For travelling out of town, the LS1 has a cruise control function. It also comes with a reverse mode for easy parking.
Expert rating: 3/5
Ride & handling
“The low centre of gravity makes it feel very agile and forgiving around bends and tight turns”
Sitting on a 14-inch front wheel and 13-inch rear wheel, the LS1 confidently cushions the ride over lumps and bumps in the road. Over larger speed bumps and imperfections, you hear the scooter’s suspension working but this doesn’t translate to any discomfort. The low centre of gravity makes it feel very agile and forgiving around bends and tight turns. This also helps it feel planted and inspires confidence in its stability, especially when manoeuvring at low speeds.
Expert rating: 4/5
Running costs
“The LS1 is keenly priced and less than a third of the price of Zero’s entry level electric motorcycles”
Electricity to run an LS1 will be more like adding an extra appliance to the kitchen countertop than watching the numbers click round at a petrol station. Optimising charging times and levels to suit how the vehicle is used will help to keep the pennies to a minimum, too. Unfortunately, electric motorcycles are no longer exempt from VED/’road tax’ but only pay £27 a year at current levels. The LS1 is ULEZ compliant and exempt from the congestion charge, so buzzing around the capital is virtually free. Starting from £4,500, the LS1 is keenly priced and less than a third of the price of Zero’s entry level electric motorcycles.
Expert rating: 5/5
Reliability
“City riding will likely attract bodywork damage before any of the mechanics need attention”
Zero has been building electric bikes for two decades now, and knows its stuff. Of course, the reliability of any new product is always unknown to begin with but the company has built a good reputation for battery and motor longevity. The LS1 features a belt-driven powertrain and needs minimal maintenance compared to petrol-powered equivalents. City riding will likely attract bodywork damage before any of the mechanics need attention.
Expert rating: 4/5
Warranty & servicing
“Like with all electric scooters, maintenance will be very easy since there are few moving parts to look over”
Zero now has 25 dealers across the UK to support with sales and servicing. As standard, the LS1 comes with a two year warranty period which meets the industry average for this category. However, competitor Honda offers extendable warranties up to six years after an initial two-year period with qualifying services with authorised dealers or service centres. Like with all electric scooters, maintenance will be very easy since there are few moving parts to look over.
Expert rating: 4/5
Equipment
“In the event that someone tries to roll the scooter when the fob is not present it locks the rear wheel”
The LS1 comes with a 5.0-inch TFT colour display showing speed, range, riding modes, regen, battery status and the time. When the lights are on, it switches into a dark mode so it’s not glaring at you in low light. The keyless start system is controlled by a twistable knob below the handlebars, which also opens the seat and controls a mechanical steering lock. If the key fob is out of range, the scooter is automatically immobilised and 10 seconds after being turned off it automatically locks. In the event that someone tries to roll the scooter when the fob is not present it locks the rear wheel for around five seconds at a time and roughly every 10ft to deter thieves. A small storage pocket for the key keeps it nestled in place when the scooter is in motion and you can also keep a phone in there while it’s connected to the USB port.
Expert rating: 4/5
Why buy?
“For beginners, it’s super approachable in its functionality and handling dynamics”
Built by a brand that lives and breathes electric mobility on two-wheels, the LS1 is backed by a wealth of knowledge in this space. After focusing on its bigger road-going bikes, Zero has added the LS1 and its X-Line range of off-road bikes to its range to cater to slightly different markets at a much cheaper entry point to the brand. With the option of increasing its swappable battery capacity or prioritising storage space in its standard specification, the LS1 is configurable for each rider’s needs. For beginners, it’s super approachable in its functionality and handling dynamics with the added benefit of having an attractive design offered in two colourways. Although it’s still more expensive than a petrol equivalent, the design, technology, silent operation and minimal running costs all make the LS1 a very tempting choice.
Expert rating: 4/5