Is it an electric moped? Is it an e-bicycle? Is it a prop from Dr Who? The new Yamaha Booster is a bit confusing initially; it has pedals, yet it does 30mph with its electric motor. It has a novel aluminium honeycomb frame and fat tyres – but no rear suspension.
It underlines the changes coming with new ‘urban mobility’ solutions so the Booster is a bit tricky to pigeonhole. Legally, it’s an S-Pedelec machine, so needs to be registered, insured and MOT’d, and a motorbike helmet is required when riding. It straddles both mopeds and e-bikes, and Yamaha hopes it will grab a new generation of customers looking to get about town quickly and easily without petrol.
Top speed is 30mph with pedal assist, and power comes from a 75Nm integrated Pedelec motor with a 630Wh 36v battery pack. The new Booster costs £3 150 and is available now.