Electric entry in Scooter Safari

This story first appeared in the May issue of EVtalk – CLICK HERE to download the magazine FREE

Darren Keen of DK Motors in Dunedin is riding an electric Niu scooter more than 250km from Christchurch to Hokitika on May 19.

The Scooter Safari event is a coast-to-coast endurance ride to raise funds for the New Zealand Cancer Society. It aims to raise $211,000 which, over six rides, would help raise a million dollars for cancer research, education and support.

Keen, who runs the sole South Island Niu scooter dealership, says the scooter can carry three batteries which should get it most of the way. One of his team will follow to put in a charged battery if needed, or he can get a top up from a tow truck.

The scooters are limited to a 50km/h top speed, and Keen reckons he can do the trip in five or six hours. Breaks and fuel stops are planned every 50km.

“Arthur’s Pass could be challenging,” Keen says. But he’s already tested the scooter up the world’s steepest street, Dunedin’s Baldwin Street. “We just got up it,” he says.

Keen says he and his team often ride the electric Niu around Dunedin, but usually only up to about 10km.

“Nothing like this sort of range (250km).”

He’s well prepared for what could be gruelling journey, especially if it’s cold.

“The scooter has a USB port so I can always plug in a heated jacket,” he laughs.

Keen says he took up the Scooter Safari challenge to see how the electric scooter goes over a long distance, and because it’s for a good cause.

“The big thing is if people can support us.”

Keen says fundraising is going well.

Visit scootersafari2018.everydayhero.com/nz/darren-1 to donate to Keen’s cause.