CSC Monterey: Finally an affordable vintage electric scooter

[@MP-zf7kg]

Sadly I think you need a 45 mph top speed to be "safe" on 25 mph roads around here. Nice-looking bike. Really would work well on college campuses, for school kids needing a way to get around, and yeah, for some commuters.

[@retireditguy9493]

Without the maintenance of a gasoline powered Honda Cub, this looks like a great scooter for an urban area where the speed limit is never above 30, the commute is short, and the terrain is relatively flat. Unfortunately that greatly limits its sales potential and definitely eliminates me as a customer. If they made a model that is closer to the capability of a gasoline powered Honda Cub, even it was the same price as the Cub, I think it would sell well.

[@snowstrobe]

They should at least offer two versions...

[@sevenus82]

This is made in China and rebranded. There is a model with bigger battery and extended range but for some reason, it's not offered in the US.

[@isaiahvillarreal4512]

Pretty cool, but I have a vintage Honda Cub. And drivers just don’t have any respect or patience for slow scooters in LA.

[@16jan1986]

What maintainence i once service a cub type motor ridden daily for 5 years no oilchange or valve adjustment ....the oil was like heavy crude but it ran fine

[@Aka.Aka.]

Pls change the oil 😢😢😢​@@16jan1986

[@OCCA]

Almost 1600 miles on mine. Love it. I do wish it could go a little faster, but it is a great around town scooter.

[@SirNarax]

Really wish it was capable of a little more. The road out of my village is a 60mph speed limit and you are required to have a vehicle capable of that speed to use that road.

[@OCCA]

@@SirNarax I hear you on that. Here on my island (Galveston, TX) it goes fast enough. I wouldn't take it over the causeway onto the mainland, but it is great for getting around town. I wish it was as fast as my Honda C70 which looked just like it (had that in 1983)

[@GauravShah80]

How does it do on slopes? We live in a hilly region and I really want to get one but not sure if will be able to go up the hiills? I dont mind if it slows down as long as it is moving :)

[@OCCA]

It does not do as well on upslopes. I think you might want a bigger powerplant for that. @@GauravShah80

[@rontropics26]

I really like the look. The range and speed just isn't enough for me yet. I really want to replace my gas scooter but it was half the price, can go almost double the speed and I get about 80 miles on a tank of gas.

[@maximthemagnificent]

I see where you are coming from, for sure. I own a 50cc Honda scooter and recently replaced it (and my bicycle) from the exercise direction and got one of the moped style ebikes (the Hyperscorpion). Probably will wind up keeping my Honda at my GF's rather than getting rid of it.

[@Nphen]

Ride that gas scooter as long as you can easily maintain it. I bought a decent used 21 speed bike for $150, spent $200 on Ebay for a 750W continuous/1060W peak wheel hub e-motor kit, then $400 at AliExpress for a 48v 1Kw-hour battery/rack combo . Between motor and pedaling, I can go 32 mph. It has friction brakes, no turn signals, a tiny mirror, so I mostly stay off the road. It's amazing on the local trails. I've done 25 mile rides and not even used half the battery. I want this CSC monterrey but I already have a 1.5Kw cont/1800W peak hub motor kit. Hoping I can find a better bike frame (w/disc brakes) and get up to 40 mph. Build your own and save!

[@vincentsantamaria484]

Yep, My Ice Bear Vision 150 was $919 delivered to my house in a box. It tops out at 57 MPH with me sitting upright. Need that much speed here in the city in Floriduh.

[@johnp1277]

Most 50cc scooters can do 38 to 40 mph....tops... if you got one that does close to 60 mph, I bet its more like a 250cc ( 4 stroke ) scooter , or a 125cc 2 stroke .

[@SirNarax]

@@johnp1277 125cc 4 stroke can do 60. That is around about their top speed so it will take a little to get there but that is what they can do. 150cc can do a little more like 67ish. Source: my bike.

[@michaelchapman9175]

I want this to come to the UK! Be perfect for my London commute.

[@thra5herxb12s]

There are better ones than this in the UK and still proper affordable prices. Check out Bumblebee bikes at Eastbourne. He delivers as well. I got a Moonster from them just over 50mph and 50 miles per charge.👍

[@michaelchapman9175]

@@thra5herxb12s yea, I know them, test rode the classic a few years ago - just wasn't ready for the switch back then, even though now I'm kicking myself for it. I'm sold on the retro styling more than anything!

[@NWforager]

1 dollar per watt is my new "great deal" measure for ebikes . This CSC Monterey Meets it with Style ! 💪🏾⚡

[@Fabbricadibicicletteelettriche]

thanks

[@DFX2KX]

$1 per watt seems reasonable for something that comes ready to go or nearly so, yeah.

[@singlespeed2760]

after looking at CSC's website their WIZ electric scooter for $2495 plus $400 in fees has a 42mph top speed, tail bag, front disc brake, regenerative braking. might be a better deal if you do not need the cub look.

[@jeffreyizzo8811]

@@badimpulses17 the Wiz has a 42 mph top end.

[@jev2867]

Love the retro, homage to the Cub look. Sweet spot would be top speed of 40 mph and range of at least 40 miles, price increase of $400. Hmm I'm on to something 😄

[@kengruz669]

They already raised the price by $400. They kept the same lousy underperforming specs.

[@justcollectingdust]

Micah...you do the best job of reviewing bike videos. Seriously.

[@SunSmartPower]

I have one but am waiting on better weather for riding have Motorcycle Endorsement on License. Road around here have speed limits of 35 MPH should be ok. Stay Tuned!

[@douglasdulli5196]

It’s adorable! And an incredible bargain! I’d buy it today if it only had more power. Regardless of limits on city streets, 32 mph doesn’t cut it. 45 mph would do just fine, though. Also, a little more range - but that’s not the deal-breaker. I’m going to be watching this company, though, because I LOVE the look of it!

[@Dave-zl2ky]

Love the 1960 retro.

[@FrayAdjacentTX]

I think something like that with a top speed around 50-60MPH and about 100 miles range that costs about the same as the Honda gas powered one would be very slick.

[@Xatzimi]

Man, this does look like a lot of fun, and I love the Super Cub design. But I really have no way to make the low speed work for me. Hopefully Honda gets their EV Cub to market already

[@beebob1279]

I'm watching these videos on scooters and never see you guys demonstrating steep hills. I've got some tough hills where I live and need to know if these things will actually get up them.

[@-Sullens-]

I don’t know who would ever want this but who ever does it’s perfect for you

[@superfly2449]

There’s lots of new competition out there now for electrics. It’s kind of a revolutionary era. This one looks like lots of fun, and the perfect short-range commuter bike.

[@johnw65]

Love the classic '60's look... $2,195 plus $410 documents and dealer prep = $2,605 for a sweet looking ride that'll pay for itself quickly just in gas $ saved!

[@kengruz669]

It's now $2395. Plus $410 "Dealer fees and prep." Plus $350-500 shipping. It's no bargain with these weak specs.

[@johnw65]

@@kengruz669 Thanks for the update! It was cheaper 8 months ago...

[@iloiloguy]

I like the yellow color. It improves the chances of being seen out there. 👍🏽

[@samuelhere41]

Looks like piss

[@iloiloguy]

Looks like fresh lemons and honeysuckle. 😊

[@samuelhere41]

@@iloiloguy yeah that to

[@0IIIIII]

To be honest, a slower speed is nice sometimes. It can be discreet enough to ride in the bike lane, or city park :P

[@dogphlap6749]

I hope this stays in production for a decade or more. As time passes and batteries continue to improve a long range performance version at a higher price would suit many of us that need a little more range and the ability to keep up with town traffic i.e 40 mph. Even just another 5 years might see big improvements.

[@Mark.G475]

I believe your right about the 5 years! Huge advances in solar panels and battery power will be taking place.

[@snowstrobe]

That footage across the paving at the start was very trippy... It's cute, but the storage isn't great. They need to have addable panniers.

[@johnp1277]

Considering there are literally hundreds of thousands of city roads with one or two lanes in each direction, that have a posted speed limit of 35 mph in United States, I would recommend that they re-calibrate these scooters to max out at 38 to 40 mph on flat ground ( the extra 3 to 5 mph to help compensate for pulling hills, and still maintaining 35mph ) . For the rider of the scooter's safety, it's better to not be in traffic and being passed all the time, by cars that want to at least do the speed limit of the road they are on.

[@shaunhall1838]

For the price this is an incredible buy. In a year of commuting you could save a ton.

[@johnwiedmann4601]

I would like to see how it does on hills. I doubt this could climb a semi-steep Pittsburgh hill.

[@MP-zf7kg]

A guess is it'd do okay, just cut your range considerably. It really is too bad there aren't battery-pack standards where the "battery vending machine" could be ubiquitous.

[@TheStuartstardust]

@@MP-zf7kg There was one scooter company trying this - gogoro was it? ..else we can ask grin tech which are big on 'potted' batteries to make an open standard 🤓 ..but agree we should have, after all we do agree that different ice motorcycles use the same standard fuel ⛽🙃🙂

[@chancemiller9340]

I immediately pegged the location as Florida and was thinking that if there were even slight inclines, the mileage would drop substantially. It needs about 20% more battery and 20% more speed to be okay as a kick around bike. But it is an attractive offer for the right situation, like on and near college campuses or near downtown living in cities.

[@scotteger6271]

CSC lists that it can climb a hill up to a 10° grade

[@mikekeller491]

If they make one that goes 40 mph I'm in!

[@JamesTaylor-pr4zf]

Same here. Most of the secondary surface streets I'd be riding on are 35mph.

[@albertgutierrez7036]

You actually don’t want that in a all electric scooter the more rpms you put in the less Miles you’ll get per charge

[@username19237]

CSC makes the city slicker and the wiz which both go 40+!

[@skip123davis]

looks like a fun little bike! fills the niche of a honda ct90, and the price isn't bad either.

[@kengruz669]

Price went up $400 to $2395. Shipping NO Longer Included, it ranges from $350-500. Plus $410 Dealer Fees? And it still tops out around 31mph. The Honda Cub, an '83 72cc I rode for years, topped out around 42mph. C'mon CSC. Upgrade this already

[@reinori8322]

Thanks for the review Micah - I love that bike. (and you nailed the perfect color.) It has to be faster, there are simply places you cannot get to reasonably in my town without a 55-60 top speed.

[@danfosgett5154]

change the rear seat for a milk crate and its a could have some potential. The bricks pavers look trippy like its floating. Not bad for the price.

[@7178568794]

I had a Honda C70 30 years ago. It had a top speed of 60 mph. Got over 100 miles per gallon and was almost identical to the one that you are trying now. But in my opinion, to remake a similar bike with lower speed and range seems pointless. Great review though!

[@JTA1961]

But when you factor in that lawyers & insurance companies run the world...

[@kengruz669]

I owned and drove a c70 for years. No way, unless you seriously modified it with a much larger engine, did it go 50-60mph. They topped out at around 42mph.

[@7178568794]

@@kengruz669 I did put a larger front gear on. I don’t remember how many teeth bigger. I didn’t make any other changes. I kept my tires at max pressure and at the time I only weighed 120 lbs.

[@HopeOfJoe]

Totally fun and great looking ‼️ Thank you 👍

[@greghaff229]

Great video like always. Did you ever post the final videos about your electric conversion bike? Oh, where is the CSC Monterey made?

[@ajrichie]

I would love it if they came out with a CSC Monterey Sport model with CSC City Slicker/Wiz power. I think that would be perfect! Although that would take it farther out of moped territory here in California, so maybe it's perfect as is.

[@Electrek]

Ooooh, don't tease me!

[@wozzawarren]

OMG I love this thing! Nice review

[@MagicRoosterBluesBand]

Perfect for the city. Good price!

[@blueburaq]

Oh you mean James May's Vietnam motorbike. I was JUST watching the special yesterday

[@ajemohaltom3560]

Removable battery means pack an extra one or two batteries if range is an issue. Especially at this price.

[@artg6361]

Great video and fantastic e-moped. Speaking of which where was 2:50 filmed!? Gorgeous view!

[@philtucker1224]

I think you were too dismissive about the value of having a removable battery. It’s mainly designed for local town or city use and a lot of those commuters will appreciate being able to take the battery up into their apartment to charge it. Nice bike.

[@arthurzettel6618]

A Honda that originally had a 55cc engine converted and modified to an all electric bike. COOL.!

[@scotteger6271]

Laws are weird and I know they vary state-to-state…but in most places if you ride something under 50cc’s you don’t need a motorcycle license/endorsement…would that be the same for this? Also, since it doesn’t have pedals like a moped and goes faster than 28mph I’m guessing it needs registered and a license plate? It’s a neat retro looking little vehicle but there are a lot of ebikes now that can go 28mph and the rider needs no license or registration…that might make this a harder vehicle to justify purchasing.

[@jeffreyizzo8811]

The usual moped law is 50cc and less than 30 mph top speed. This goes 32 so doesn't qualify. And how do you equate an electric motor to cylinder displacement?

[@theodorehaskins3756]

They should’ve added regenerative braking & an additional battery for longer range & they should’ve also offered as an option a set of paddles to generate electricity back into the battery!

[@ATLfletch]

Looks pretty great BUT, Why drum brakes??? Especially on the front. How well does it stop? Will they fade? Also... On this the lack of battery & distance don't bother me so much ; I'd just have to charge it every day. However, where I live (Atlanta) a street scooter needs to get up to at least 40-45mph to be safe in our city traffic most parts of town. Mostly people don't respect or seem to be cognizant of bikes & scooters here. The 32mph max is a problem. Looking forward to a more thorough review in the near future. Thx Micah.

[@lt97140]

Micah, will you be doing a review of the CSC Wiz soon? That feels like it hits the sweet spot between the City Slicker and the Monterey.

[@Electrek]

Yes I have been putting the miles on one already.

[@TheStuartstardust]

@@Electrek Micah - you also noted you had a original Super Cub - the one planned for electric powertrain i guess.. When is that gonna be released 🤔😁

[@joeblack4436]

Wow... CSC looks like a motorbike company to watch. This and their RX1E are neat and well considered packages. On the face of it the engineering seems decent too. The style - Undeniable. For the price. You can only call that good value.

[@1960ARC]

This is a really nice bike, good price and review. It's a bit like an old moped. Not sure if it would be ok in the UK as new mopeds are restricted to a suecidel 27 MPH, to ensure they are seen as an annoyance by car drivers, that have to be overtaken.

[@philtucker1224]

I’ve never heard of that regulation? Are you sure?

[@1960ARC]

@@philtucker1224 100% sure. All new 50cc that are legal, are restricted to 27 mph. People call scooters Peds, but they are not peds once over 50cc. When I was a teen, mopeds actually had to have peddles which is why they are still called mopeds. I have a european SFX 50, was restricted to 45Kph. I have a vespa primavera 125, does 65mph and a Honda SH125i, just touches 70mph. Has to be said, most kids derestrict their 50s.

[@radix23]

it's funny, because your urban speeds are way different from mine. In Texas, 55mph isn't highway speeds, 75 mph is higway speeds. the access roads are often 50mph, and many urban roads are 45mph. We really need a bike that's in the $5000 range that can do this kind of stuff.

[@gianni300rpm]

here in europe there is the exact scooter its called Zongshen ZS 1500 D-6 and costs 1990 euros , so CSC is selling re badged Chinese brand

[@CatsAkimb0]

The documentation and dealer fees are ridiculous. I don't care so much for speed but range is very important. I don't plan on riding more than 25 miles are anything like that, but having a vehicle that can actually compete with motor vehicles is important.

[@voltswag8673]

Lovely looking little bike. 2.4 kw is plenty of power for this. Great little machine for town.

[@macinsocks6960]

Can I register this any where in the USA?

[@iian1962]

Not upside down forks. They’re shrouded right way up just like the super cub.

[@TimsElectric]

nice review Micah, loved the colour and retro look...seems reasonably priced :) cheers from Victoria BC :)

[@johncash2616]

You said that you live in telavi Aviv. These videos of you riding around neighborhoods all look just like Florida! The streets the homes the trees everything!

[@johnwilson7809]

Or, you can get the Ariel Rider X-Class ebike which also does similar speed and doesn't require BMV anything. And, you can ride it on bike trails/paths since in most states it's classified as a bicycle.

[@beachcomber2008]

It should do 50 mph. It has the wheels and suspension.

[@thecam0073]

Thanks, Micah!

[@16jan1986]

Restrict it to 45 kmh and sell it in europe as a large moped but the range is a dealbreaker for me i need 35 40 mile realistic range

[@debbibobetty5620]

Thank you! I just found my ride

[@rickparkinmoto]

That looks fabulous for the price. I think the European market would be huge for them.

[@michaeljohnson-li5nn]

The styling reminds me of the Honda C100 Cub of late 50’s/early 60’s. Personally speaking I think the top speed should be closer to 40 MPH as this would let you keep up with modern city traffic.

[@blazeorangeandcamo]

Just wait for the ruling elite to ban ICE vehicles, then you'll be sitting pretty. Until they also ban EV's in favor of horses and buggies. Move over Amish! Hope nobody is in a hurry to get somewhere.

[@david-lt9wj]

I'd like the Monty Ray better with disc stoppers.and removable hand lever covers...(For cold days)

[@patrickchubey3127]

I'm ok with the price and the speed, but I'd need more range than that. There are plenty of back roads here in the country, I don't need to use the highway, but I also don't need to run out of juice 10 miles from home either. But hey, 2 out of 3 ain't bad and I love the styling. If battery technology improves in the near future like they say it will, then maybe the Monterey will become a serious contender. It looks just like the Honda EV Cub prototype that Honda is so far dragging its feet on. At this point, the Monterey is winning.

[@timmcintyre5236]

Thanks for "Just a Dawn Away" by Robin Henson

[@LawrenceRhodes]

This vehicle is a moped in motor driven cycle clothing. While the advantage is a one time registration of $22 in California the original had a top speed of 60. I had an S90 in the 60's and it could go 65mph. The drum brakes never let me down. That said if it did have longer range and speed the affordability factor would go down hill. At 24 hundred dollars it is a city creature.

[@kengruz669]

The original did NOT have a top speed of 60. The 12volt 72cc Cub, which I owned and drove for years topped out around 42mph. Your S90, with the larger engine maybe.

[@micanope]

That's Mizner in Boca Raton. I happen to have been riding an electric bike for many years. So I would assume you got a Florida tag.

[@stephenverchinski409]

Need one in Green like the 53' Hornet.

[@NemoEUC]

This is a bad move from CSC. Just buy a class 3 e bike that goes 28mph and avoid paying for insurance, registration, and trips to the DMV. Even if there is a market for this, the CSC city slicker has the speed and the range and makes more sense for a few hundred more. This is clearly for someone who wants that vintage electric moped look without doing a conversion. Good luck pissing everyone off on the road.

[@BillBadMule123]

I Paid $1499 for my Radrover Step Thru 1 It is an E Bike and will do 24 MPH Stock but can be upgraded to increase its power and speed considerably

[@douglasdulli5196]

Thanks!

[@SuperBenjamin1965]

Good price .. I have the strommer ST1 I just upgraded to a Recon 20 kilowatt ebike

[@am-js1ge]

Do You Need Driver License For This?

[@longrider42]

Now all it needs is a system to fast charge it, like a Teasla, and it would be golden. I ride an E-bike. and I get between 20 and 40 miles to the charge. Depending on how much I use the motor.

[@jeffreyizzo8811]

I'm sure that would keep it at this price point...

[@claytonkirby878]

How much

[@temporalsoliton]

Nice but most people need it to cruise a little while at 45 mph to be safe and versatile enough. Expecting everyone in a car to give you room while commuting is not a safe strategy but a prayer.

[@JTA1961]

Damn straight

[@ziirn1]

What a neat little vehicle. This was one of your best reviews ever. I really liked the photography and wherever you are in Florida, it’s beautiful. Would you mind saying what city or town that is? Anyway, they are going to sell 1 million of these.

[@mountaincat23]

Good old Boca Raton

[@NewLifestyleMentor]

But here’s the thing: it’s not meant to be a “Speed Demon”, it’s just meant to be fun! And it does just THAT!

[@tjonessc]

You have had it a year? Is it still working properly or is it junk? CSC is a rebrand of Zongshen Cineco out of China so quality is a rightful concern

[@2DVDs]

Nice design. Price is ok. Just storage space could be more spacious.

[@zachariahlee3393]

As dorks don't have enough dorkness in their existence. Saving the world one Amp at a time .

[@superliegebeest544]

If they could create a version that would perform like a 125cc one and under 2k it would sell big-time

[@reeread]

Great review thank you

[@100BlaQRaok.el_1]

I bought an old Cub back in 82 that thing did around 60 miles per hour. I think it is in me that I am attracted to unique vintage things. Some vintage women don't look bad either~

[@LeonardFrancis-yx7wx]

Do I need a d livense

[@vincewhite5087]

In Canada this would have to be licensed & insured, since it doesn’t have pedelec

[@JohnCampbellmarleybikes]

This was my concern with urban parking in the USA

[@TheIanlebov]

Those aren't inverted forks. They're just covered conventional forks. Looks sweet and costs cheap. Nice review!

[@JTA1961]

I Like how they've got an inch & a half more under the axle.

[@stevenkamel4223]

How good is the Xp can it tech 28mph on throttle only

[@anthonymalovrh2912]

My firdt motorcycle was a Honda 50. Max spped was about 30 mph.

[@STho205]

Me was a 1970 CL70 which was 4 years old and pretty abused before I got it. Top speed was 50, but it backfired above 45. It looked, sat and rode like a traditional standard motorcycle, but only had 4hp.

[@yttean98]

The end-user price seems very reasonable for its performance. You should compare the running cost of this bike against the std e-bike of similar performance.

[@JRBoedeker]

So how do we up the speed to 40 mph? There's got to be something we can do. If I can get 40 mph out of it through a mod, then I'll buy one. I only live 10 minutes from work.

[@singlespeed2760]

i wonder how long it will take before someone hotrods this to get more speed and range! i would replace the rear seat pad with a tail bag large enough to hold a full face helmet and add saddle bags so i could use it for grocery shopping.

[@davidrosmarin4389]

$1295 for a spare battery!!!!

[@UrAvgRasian]

It’s okay, I’ll stick with my Kaabo Skywalker 10s. It does the same but faster and it was under $1000

[@ScottOstr]

You bring up an excellent point. I would love to tool around on a high speed scooter. I wish I lived in Cali where it appears to be common place.

[@UrAvgRasian]

@@ScottOstr let me guess you live somewhere in Europe where they are super strict on e-vehicles. Honestly, I find it dumb. They want people to drive less okay people ride bicycles but that's still too slow. Then they moved to electric scooters, the law gets butt hurt that they go faster than 25km. What about the people in the county side, like dang that sucks if you can't go fast and grocery store like 5km away.

[@ScottOstr]

@@UrAvgRasian No. Fredericksburg, VA in the United States. I've never seen a high speed scooter on the road... At least not yet. I need to ask the local police about it.

[@delbomb3131]

@@ScottOstr you live in VA, they'll find a reason to give you a ticket just asking about it

[@ScottOstr]

@@delbomb3131 No doubt. Virginia needs to update their laws.

[@ronaldhansen2378]

A nice looking Scooter but Does it come in any color than yellow. In Illinois what kind of driver's license do you have to get L or anM license. I would like to see that Scooter go faster than 35 mph . Maybe around 80MPH that would be great for myself and everyone else don't you think that would be a awesome e bike too sell don't you think.

[@anttmann6123]

So will they get sued by Honda?

[@marktroup2978]

Honda certainly would have a case. This thing is a HUUUUGE Cub ripoff.

[@anttmann6123]

@@marktroup2978 when i first saw the thumbnail I was super excited that i was an electric Honda. Guess we'll have to wait for that one.

[@luxuriousforce]

It’s cool, but not a fan of the battery placement. So many people prefer no leg guard. Not really an option to remove it in this design

[@thechrissmartin]

In india, around this price point, we have Ather 450X, Which does around 75-100KM range, 85-100Kmph and sick looks.

[@LenB4830]

does it require state licensing and a MC driver's license?

[@johnp1277]

yes it does...notice the license plate holder ?

[@Chijousaikyo]

Is thwre a possibility that you give a review on the Ceneco ERX-1?