[Test Ride] Yamaha's Electric Work Scooter, "GEAR EV" & "NEWS GEAR EV" Now Available!

Replacing Yamaha's business scooter "GEAR," which was equipped with a 4-stroke 49cc single-cylinder engine, new electric models "GEAR EV" and "NEWS GEAR EV" have arrived. Riding the "GEAR EV" and "NEWS GEAR EV" in the city, we found their high convenience and smooth ride to be comfortable, and we also felt the joy of riding!

文：小川浩康　写真：コイズミユウコ

Two Types of Electric Business Scooters in the Moped Class Lineup

The rated output of the "GEAR EV" is 0.58kW. Since it is 0.6kW or less, it falls under the moped class. Two detachable batteries, "Honda Mobile Power Pack e:," are used as the power source.

The price for the "GEAR EV" including the vehicle body, two batteries, and two chargers is 690,800 yen. The price for the vehicle body alone is 363,000 yen, but in that case, a separate contract with the battery sharing service provided by "Gachaco" is required.

The "NEWS GEAR EV" is also available, which is based on the "GEAR EV" and adds a large front basket and other equipment to improve convenience for newspaper delivery.

The price for the "NEWS GEAR EV" including the vehicle body, two batteries, and two chargers is 701,800 yen. The price for the vehicle body alone is 374,000 yen, but as with the "GEAR EV," a separate contract with "Gachaco's" battery sharing service is required.

The first generation "GEAR BX50," released in 1994, offered ample cargo capacity and running performance, and its ease of automatic operation was highly praised in urban areas with frequent stops and starts. In 2007, it underwent a full model change, improving fuel efficiency and environmental performance. The newly designed frame lowered the rear deck, making it easier to load and unload luggage. In 2015, it adopted "O2 feedback control," improving fuel efficiency by about 17%. Since then, the "GEAR" has been supported as Yamaha's business scooter for many years, but it was regrettably discontinued due to exhaust gas regulations. And in 2026, as the successor to the "GEAR," the "GEAR EV" and "NEWS GEAR EV" have appeared, changing the power source from a 4-stroke 49cc engine to a motor.

The motor achieves both torque control and energy efficiency by efficiently controlling the drive current. It realizes smooth driving at low speeds and a climbing performance of 12° incline with a full load of 30kg on the rear deck. Additionally, it adopts a "reverse assist function," allowing the vehicle to reverse by pressing the "reverse switch" and "starter switch" when the vehicle is stopped (EV system activated), contributing to easier maneuverability in tight spaces.

The power source uses two detachable lithium-ion batteries, "Honda Mobile Power Pack e:." Charging involves connecting the battery, removed from the vehicle, to a charger connected to an external power source, taking approximately 6 hours from zero to full charge. If you do not purchase the charger and batteries, charging involves exchanging the battery for a fully charged one at a "Gachaco" station, requiring a separate contract with "Gachaco."

The "GEAR EV" and "NEWS GEAR EV" are eligible for the "Clean Energy Vehicle Introduction Promotion Subsidy (CEV Subsidy)," receiving a 60,000 yen subsidy from the government. Additionally, local government subsidies may also apply. For example, purchasing a "GEAR EV" in Tokyo allows you to receive the national subsidy (60,000 yen), the Tokyo Metropolitan Government subsidy (258,000 yen), and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government charger subsidy (50,000 yen), reducing the purchase cost to 322,800 yen, making it comparable in cost to internal combustion engine models.

The headlights are LED, ensuring sufficient brightness. The turn signals are bulb-type.

The taillight and turn signals are bulb-type, but visibility is good.

The LCD digital meter displays speed, clock, battery level, reverse, side stand indicator, etc.

The inner pocket has a load capacity of 0.5kg, and the convenience hook has a load capacity of 1.0kg. A 12V2A cigarette lighter socket is standard equipment.

The seat is thick and offers good shock absorption. The side part is slimmed down, contributing to improved ground reach.

Two "Honda Mobile Power Pack e:" batteries are stored under the seat. Each battery weighs 10.2kg, which is slightly heavy.

One battery measures 177.3mm wide, 298mm high, and 156.3mm deep. The battery voltage is 50.26V, and the battery capacity is 26.1Ah.

"Gachaco Station" where you can exchange for a fully charged battery. There are 43 locations in Tokyo, 2 in Saitama, and 7 in Osaka.

The front brake is a combined type that engages when the rear brake is applied.

The motor, with a rated output of 0.58kW, falls under the moped class, delivering a maximum output of 3.8PS/3000rpm and a maximum torque of 1.3kgf・m/2000rpm.

Both the "GEAR EV" and "NEWS GEAR EV" are equipped with a front brake lock mechanism. This contributes to improved convenience when parked.

Checking the Ground Reach of GEAR EV and NEWS GEAR EV

The rider is 172cm tall, and the seat height of the "GEAR EV" is 710mm. The floor area is not wide, but it doesn't feel cramped. There is some room in the seat's front-to-back length, allowing for adjustment of the seating position.

With a relaxed posture, both feet can be placed flat on the ground, and there is enough room for the knees to bend slightly, indicating good ground reach.

The seat height of the "NEWS GEAR EV" is also 710mm, but the floor has a foot brake, resulting in a posture where the right toes point upwards.

The seat and floor width of the "NEWS GEAR EV" are the same as the "GEAR EV," and the good ground reach remains unchanged.

The rider is 156cm tall. "My heels are slightly off the ground in the photo, but I can place them flat. I can find my preferred riding position."

"I can place both feet flat on the ground. While the vehicle weight isn't light, the low center of gravity provides high stability, so I don't feel any anxiety."

Light Acceleration and Smooth Ride Unique to Electric Power

While the weight was noticeable when pushing or pulling, the ample torque provides sufficient acceleration, and a sense of lightness is felt while riding. The low center of gravity also ensures stable cornering.

The vehicle weight with two batteries installed is 125kg for the "GEAR EV" and 130kg for the "NEWS GEAR EV." Additionally, when the EV system is off (main key is off), there is some resistance in the motor rotation, making the vehicle feel heavy when pushing, pulling, or maneuvering.

When the main key is turned ON and the "Start Switch" is pressed while holding the brake lever, the EV system activates, and "READY" lights up on the meter. From there, releasing the brake lever and opening the throttle allows you to start moving. Strong torque is generated immediately from the beginning of the throttle opening, providing powerful acceleration. It reaches 30km/h without stress, and unlike internal combustion engines, there are no vibrations, resulting in a smooth ride. Both front and rear brakes are drum type, but the braking power is more than sufficient. Although the "GEAR EV" is about 27kg heavier than the internal combustion "GEAR," its maximum torque has significantly improved from 0.42kgf・m/6500rpm to 1.3kgf・m/2000rpm, and it's generated at low RPMs. This allows for acceleration performance that doesn't feel the weight difference, which we experienced firsthand. Furthermore, the motor rotation response to throttle operation is direct, and the ride was surprisingly brisk.

Also, since the batteries are stored under the seat, the rider and the heavy batteries are concentrated in the center of the vehicle, enhancing stability during riding. This also contributes to a lower center of gravity, allowing for light leaning into turns and cornering. Although the "GEAR EV," developed as a business scooter, is not built with a priority on sports performance, it offers a light and enjoyable riding experience.

Maneuver with Ease Using the "Reverse Assist Function"!

The "Reverse Assist Function" allows the vehicle to back up while maintaining stability. It contributes to agile maneuverability and makes U-turns in tight spaces easier. This is a function that greatly improves the convenience of the "GEAR EV" and "NEWS GEAR EV."

While we mentioned the heaviness when maneuvering or pushing/pulling with the EV system off, the "Reverse Assist Function" improves maneuverability when riding with the EV system activated.

When stopped with the EV system activated, pressing the "Reverse Switch" on the left side of the handlebars will light up "R" on the meter and display the text "RVS." Then, while holding down the "Reverse Switch," press the "Start Switch," and the vehicle will reverse. Releasing the "Start Switch" disengages the reverse drive, and releasing the "Reverse Switch" as well turns off the "R" and "RVS" displays on the meter, returning the vehicle to forward-driving mode.

Using this "Reverse Assist Function" allows you to reverse without feeling the vehicle's weight, making it easier to make U-turns and maneuver in tight spaces. This is a benefit unique to electric motors that compensates for the increased weight compared to the previous "GEAR" model and greatly eases maneuverability.

Press the "Reverse Switch" on the upper part of the left handlebar switchgear while pressing the "Start Switch" on the right handlebar to reverse the vehicle.

When the "Reverse Assist Function" is activated, "R" lights up on the meter and "RVS" is displayed. This is a convenient function that improves maneuverability.

"NEWS GEAR EV" Features Equipment Differences That Also Affect Operation

The addition of a brake pedal causes the right toes to point upwards. While not cramped, it results in an unnatural riding posture.

The "NEWS GEAR EV" has added equipment to improve convenience for newspaper delivery. Among these is a foot-operated rear brake with a brake pedal installed on the right side of the floor. To prevent accidental activation of the rear brake, a ramp-shaped footrest is also installed. When riding, the right foot rests on the footrest, causing the right toes to point upwards, which honestly felt unnatural in the riding posture.

However, the footrest prevents accidental rear brake activation, and at the same time, it doesn't make operating the brake pedal difficult. The design prioritizes consolidating throttle and brake operation to the right hand and foot, allowing the left hand to be free for newspaper delivery, making it a convenient feature for the "NEWS GEAR EV." Furthermore, although the added equipment increases the vehicle weight to 130kg, the acceleration and smooth ride are not compromised, and the agile ride remains unchanged from the "GEAR EV."

Both the "GEAR EV" and "NEWS GEAR EV" are equipped with two batteries, achieving a cruising range of 100km per charge (based on 30km/h constant speed test values). However, considering the battery consumption rate in city driving, the actual cruising range will be shorter. Nevertheless, the powerful acceleration from low RPMs and the smooth, vibration-free, and agile ride fully utilize the characteristics of the motor, and the "Reverse Assist Function" greatly contributes to improved maneuverability. In terms of riding performance, we felt it has reached a level comparable to internal combustion engines.

What concerned us were the cruising range and charging time. However, by using "Gachaco Station," charging time is eliminated, and a quicker restart is possible than refueling with gasoline. If "Gachaco Station" locations expand nationwide and the cruising range per charge increases slightly, the "GEAR EV" could become the standard for next-generation business scooters, in my personal opinion.

A large front basket and knuckle visors are standard equipment. The knuckle visors block wind hitting the hands while riding.

The maximum load capacity of the rear deck is 30kg. The rear carrier of the "NEWS GEAR EV" is enlarged, improving its carrying capacity.

The rear brake of the "GEAR EV" is operated by the brake lever on the left side of the handlebars. The "NEWS GEAR EV" operates the rear brake with a brake pedal on the right side of the step.

The rear brake lock mechanism of the "GEAR EV" is located on the brake lever. The "NEWS GEAR EV" operates it with a lock knob on the front board.

Yamaha GEAR EV Main Specifications

・Overall Length x Height x Width: 1820 x 710 x 1025mm (1840 x 780 x 1050mm)
・Wheelbase: 1280mm
・Vehicle Weight: 125kg (130kg)
・Motor Type: AC Synchronous Electric Motor
・Maximum Output: 3.8PS/3000rpm
・Maximum Torque: 1.3kgf・m/2000rpm
・Rated Output: 0.58kW
・Brakes: F=Drum, R=Drum
・Tires: F=90/90-12, R=110/90-10
・Price: 690,800 yen (701,800 yen)
* ( ) indicates "NEWS GEAR EV," prices include two batteries and two chargers.