In my last post, I described my decision to purchase an electric moped. I had already done test drives on a number of gas mopeds, and received my Class L license in Illinois (see Blog post 4 “Classifications”). Following the amazing experience I had on my test drive of the Flux EM1 in Madison, WI, I realized I was sold on the idea of an electric moped. As I drove home from Madison, I reflected on the research I had done to date and realized I was pretty pumped up on what I had just experienced. When I arrived home, I spent a bit more time researching and reading up on electric mopeds in general, and the Flux Moped EM1 specifically. The Flux website tells a pretty great story about the difference between a fishing trip with the guys (where a SUV makes sense) and the basic “around town” driving most of us spend 95% of our time doing. As they say on the site “it makes no sense to drive a 4,000-pound vehicle to get a quart of milk” (or in my case, to/from the Metra station).
Flux’s business model is not focused on storefront sales locations. Essentially you place the order for your Flux EM1 on the website, and it is custom built and delivered to you in a crate. After talking with Matt a bit more, my order was placed. You have the option to select a convenient monthly payment plan through Square if you choose. There is a bit of wait time between order and expected delivery (60-70 days) but it goes by surprisingly quick. In a future post, I’ll discuss the manufacturing specifications in more detail. Once my Flux EM1 was delivered, it pretty much boiled down to the removal of packing material and attaching side mirrors. I acquired license plates and insurance, and I was ready to go! My first ride from my house near East End Park to downtown Elmhurst was exhilarating. As I motored into downtown Elmhurst, I remembered the fast, smooth acceleration and quiet operation that I experienced on my test drive. Only this time, I was in “my hood”, cruising around downtown Elmhurst. I was pretty damn proud to have completed my research and journey to solve my short distance transportation needs, but also that I did so in an economical, and ecologically friendly manner. And frankly, the thing is just plain fun to ride. Where my commute to the Metra station or grocery store had been viewed with drudgery before, I actually found that I was looking forward to the commute. How many can say that!
In my next posts, I’ll cover some practicalities and details of daily rides on the Flux EM1 around town.
- Scott Christensen
