Forte GP-1500-CH. Hybrid three-wheeled cargo electric scooter. Questions?..

Today we’ll talk about Zhuzhyk, or the three-wheeled cargo electric scooter Forte GP-1500-CH. Let’s go!

Zhuzhyk

Probably, the first question that will arise in your mind is – what is a Zhuzhik?! Zhuzhik is the name of a vehicle that has recently appeared in our country. Structurally, it is a cargo three-wheeled electric scooter similar to the old model “Murakha” (Ant), but which has a slightly larger body and, unlike the old version, is powered by a 1500 W electric motor. I had no idea what to call it, but it occurred to me that it was something similar to Zhuzhik, and so this name stuck to it. Let’s start with the reasons for the purchase, and then we will mention the characteristics.

Reasons

A few months ago, we started cleaning chimneys with a guy. But the difference in approach to work and the limitations of his transport led me to the idea that we should look for some alternative, more convenient option. I started my search with tricycles. But it so happened that the most interesting models are not sold here now. The same models that are available cost, for the most part, half the price of a three-wheeled electric scooter (not this one, but no less interesting). And I decided to increase the budget a little to get something really good.

The basic model of the FORTE GP-1000-C type has a 1000 W engine and a body measuring 100×60 cm. This happiness costs about $950. A little more expensive, for $1380, is the FORTE GP-1200-C model. It already has a 1200 W engine, the useful volume of the body is 150×100 cm. The third, older model FORTE GP-1500-C costs almost $1900 and has a 1500 W engine, respectively. the body dimensions are already about 180×130 cm. What is different about the Forte GP-1500-CH model? It costs another $240 more and already has a generator with a capacity of 4000 W. We will return to it later, but for now let’s return to the reasons.

I needed a vehicle that, with maximum physical dimensions, would allow me to drive without a license, because I still haven’t received one (and I don’t plan to, especially considering that the cost of getting a license is equal to the price of the GP-1000-C model). And here it is worth turning to the story, which happened on the second day of owning this vehicle.

Meeting with the police

In my memory, this was the first such meeting in my entire life. We drove past the checkpoint in our new vehicle. I slowed down (which here, by the way, is no more than 45 km/h) when I drove past the checkpoint, but no one stopped me. It’s a relatively dangerous place there, as the police are always at the exit from the traffic circle. Accordingly, you have to show a right turn. Many drivers don’t do this and get fined. Everything was fine with me – the lights were on (it was evening so that I could be seen on the road), I showed a right turn. My wife and I were wearing helmets. That is, there was no obvious reason to stop us. But a few kilometres from the place where we drove past the checkpoint, the same police officers caught up with us. The reason (according to them) was that I didn’t have a license plate. Also, the police said that to drive this vehicle I had to have an A1 license category. Of course, I was checked on the basis of being a military man, moreover, they asked me under which article I was excluded from military registration. However, after clarifying all the questions, I did not receive any fine and there was no protocol or warning. This happened for two reasons. First, there was a feeling that they simply became curious about what kind of transport it was. And secondly, they had no right to write me any fine. Why? Because let’s turn to the law.

“According to 2.1 of the Traffic Regulations, the presence of a driver’s license and registration document is provided only for motor vehicles. Also, according to paragraph 30.1 of the Traffic Regulations, only motor vehicles are required to be registered with an authorized body.

The presence of a driver’s license and registration document is provided exclusively for “mechanical” vehicles. For non-mechanical vehicles, a driver’s license and registration certificate are not provided. Therefore, the key point for the mandatory presence of these documents is the classification of the vehicle as a “mechanical” vehicle.

The legislation distinguishes between the concepts of “mechanical vehicle” and “vehicle”. In particular, paragraph 1.10 of the Traffic Regulations defines that a mechanical vehicle is a vehicle propelled by an engine. This term applies to vehicles with an electric motor with a capacity of more than 3 kW.
Otherwise, the vehicle will not be considered mechanical. However, it will still remain a vehicle.

If the scooter has a power of up to 3 kW, then it does not belong to the “mechanical” category. Accordingly, the law does not provide for the driver of such a non-mechanical vehicle to have
a driver’s license and registration document.”

Even if you are issued a fine (due to the lack of a license plate or category A1 rights, although the term “three-wheeler” appears in category B1), you can appeal it in court. Moreover, then, with the court’s conclusion, you will be able to continue riding your electric scooter without any problems.

Characteristics

When I compared the FORTE GP-1200-C with the FORTE GP-1500-C, I forgot to mention one important thing. In addition to the differences already mentioned, the 1.5 kW model also has four springs (instead of two), so theoretically this vehicle will be able to carry more load without consequences. Although the load capacity of both models is listed at 600 kg, there is an objective reason to believe that the older model will pull more, closer to 800-900 kg. Why? In this video some guys tested a competitor of the more powerful model, but with two springs, and it pulled more than 700 kilograms without any problems.

The characteristics on the Internet do not quite correspond to reality, so let’s go through the main ones:

Manufacturer: Forte
Cabin: No
Engine type: electric
Main transmission type: via a gear-type reduction gearbox with two half-axles
Transmission type: automatic
Number of gears: 3
Clutch type: automatic
Front suspension: telescopic fork with hydraulic shock absorbers
Anti-lock braking system (ABS): No
Front brakes: disc drum
Rear brakes: drum
Number of seats: 2 if thin, then 3 can sit in the front and another 2-3 in the back (folding seat)
Motorcycle type: cargo
Engine power, W: 1500
Recommended maximum speed, km/h: 40
Battery, V/Ah: 72/58
Battery type: lead-acid, maintenance-free
Mileage on one charge, km: 65
Battery charging time, h: 6-8
Body tipping: yes Folding
sides: rear, left, right
Front tire size: 5.00-12
Rear tire size: 5.00-12
Max load capacity, kg: 600
Body dimensions, mm (L W H): 1800x1300x550 is the size of the body platform. The actual size inside is 172×122 cm. This is important and critical because, for example, the OSB board will not fit if only the rear side is folded down. You need to remove the side
Max speed, km/h: 40
Country of brand registration: Ukraine
Warranty, months: 12
Country of manufacture China

I would argue about the speed, because sometimes (by feel) it flies all 45, while the speedometer shows about 50-60 km/h (as you already understood, the speedometer is a joke. Even though it’s electronic. There is an opinion that the settings need to be calibrated like on an electric bike).

The body size, as specified above, is slightly smaller than stated. This can be critical at certain points, but all sides of the body are not only foldable, but also easily removable without additional tools.

The characteristics do not mention the generator anywhere, so I will clarify. The engine model used is MT170F/P. This is a four-stroke engine with a displacement of 208cc. The power declared on the engine is 4 kW and 3600 rpm. The name XINYANG appears on the engine. There is also an inscription on top that it has a power of 4.5 kW and can have a voltage of 48/60/72V. When the electric scooter is powered on, the generator is started by pressing a special button. So you can start it right on the go. The tank has a capacity of (approximately) 4-5 litres. The generator can either simply charge the battery, or we can ride and charge the battery at the same time, but according to certain sellers, in this case the charge will come more slowly. Considering that lead-acid batteries are installed here, we should not expect that we will be able to charge it from the generator in an hour or two. At the same time, it is difficult to say what actual voltage the generator produces (I haven’t measured it yet) and whether lithium batteries can be used with it. It is also unknown how the current going to the batteries is regulated, so these issues require additional study.

If we assume that a similar engine on a generator at a load of 2 kW consumes about 1.2-1.6 litres of gasoline per hour, we can assume that its full tank will last for about 135-170 kilometres (at a speed of 45 km/h). Considering that the battery charge will last (according to the manufacturer/seller) another 65 kilometres, the total mileage can be about 200-235 kilometres. Then refueling/charging is required.

Although many places claim front disc brakes, they are actually drum brakes. Braking is done with a foot brake (all brakes are applied simultaneously). There is a handbrake that allows you to lock all three wheels.

When going uphill or when moving with a load, there is an opportunity to turn on the downshift. The scooter does not really like long hills. That is, it goes downhill, but the speed, accordingly, decreases. In our case, there were no problems with going uphill.

The electric scooter uses combined lighting – the headlight is designed for low beam, and the side lights (there are as many as 6 of them) are used as high beam. In our scooter from the store, the lighting was connected incorrectly, so in both cases the light worked all at the same time. Although visually it has a “sidelight” light – in reality it does not (well, or, you will have to connect/modify it for yourself). Of the pluses – lensed LED optics are used here. Of the minuses – it is, as they say, “basic”. That is, if you want more indicators (there are additional indicators on the panels on the sides that, again, do not light up) – do it yourself.

The body is lifting. In this model, it does not have a tail lift, so you have to lift it manually. Four gas lifts are used. In my opinion, this is to make it easier to lift, but we are faced with the opposite problem – to lower it, I, weighing 50 kg, have to literally hang on it so that it starts to lower.

One of the interesting solutions that distinguishes this model from others is the presence of the four springs already mentioned above. This gives a little more stability and load capacity than other models. And both among the Forte brand brothers and among other models. Let’s talk, just like that, about other models.

Competitors

From what I have seen on the Ukrainian market, there is only one competitor, the SokMoto Cargo Max . Like the Forte GP-1500-CH, it comes with a generator that allows you to use it for driving and recharging the battery. The strengths of the Cargo Max model include the presence of a tail lift (the seller claims a capacity of 1.5 tons), a more powerful 2.5 kW engine, and a disc front brake. At the same time, the cost of this model is $2,600. This is about $400 more expensive than the Zhuzhik, and…it’s probably worth it if you have extra money. In my case, I didn’t have any, plus I took the Forte GP-1500-CH in installments. Another reason was the fact that the SokMoto seller is located in Vinnytsia, which made it almost impossible to deliver the vehicle to us.

Here is a video of him working with the generator and in general:

 

 

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I ran the generator on mine just to check. It should be noted that the generator can also be used with an inverter to get 220 volts and power a variety of devices. I have already ordered a rather interesting model from Datouboss, with a power of 2500 W (base, peak 5000 W). The model indicates that it supports (which is a bit strange) operation with a voltage of 48/60/72 volts, that is, with the same voltage as indicated on the generator. The general idea was to power the vacuum cleaner from the Zhuzhyk generator and have the opportunity to fully work.

There are also many other models, such as Crosser Cargo 18, Maxxter CARRIER MAX, Xdao 72V45Ah 1500W, Dozer Model 3E – and I have listed only the models that have the same power as Zhuzhyk. Most of them, if not all, have a lower price. But some have smaller wheels, others have a smaller battery, some do not inspire confidence with their appearance. And even with him, you could buy them all without any problems, but there are nuances. For example, on a well-known marketplace, you can buy most of the ones I mentioned above, but “delivery” is only available in large cities. That is why the model from Forte became my favourite. Of course, the double springs on both sides did their job. If you look closely from the side, you can see that not all models have the same capital frame as the Forte – the triple profile used in the transition between the front wheel and the cargo compartment will still show itself from the good side, because not least it is the reinforced frame elements that make it possible to transport larger loads. The model from Sokmoto also has a triple frame in this place, so in fact the Forte has only one competitor. It may be better, but there is a “but”.

Features of purchasing a cargo three-wheeled electric scooter

Let’s be objective. The average citizen during the war does not have an extra $2000-2500 to buy transport. So, first of all, we are interested in stores that can sell it to us in installments. At least some kind.

In my personal experience, the largest installments are given by Abank, Monobank, and Pumb. Even for people who do not have a job (at least, that was the case before). But, to put it mildly, few stores give installments for such equipment. No one prevents you from buying the same Xdao 72V45Ah 1500W on Rozetka, except that then you have to be in one of the big cities, where… apparently there is a self-delivery of this product. Somewhere I came across installments for SokMoto CARGO Max on Prom from Monobank, but now I can’t find it. And… the last option is where I bought my vehicle.

There is such a store called “Delivery Center of Ukraine” . Actually, here is a model on the company’s website . This store was interesting to me because of the opportunity to take the goods in installments in three payments through Monobank. Having contacted via Viber, we discussed all the nuances of delivery, the company is ready to send it both by Nova Poshta and Delivery, however, we preferred the delivery of assembled transport by the company’s car. The delivery was from Kyiv, and the couriers were not afraid to bring it to our border region (Novgorod-Siversky, the extreme northern district of Chernihiv region). The delivery came to a tidy sum, but I think that delivery via Delivery (taking into account the insurance cost) would be no less. Plus, I heard about other three-wheeled scooters that scratches on the body are possible due to the peculiarities of delivering these products to Ukraine, but it arrived to me almost completely without scratches. I would say that it is in perfect condition. For which a special thanks to the store. I can safely recommend this store for purchasing vehicles from them.

Assembly features

The electric scooter is assembled manually from a bunch of spare parts, because they arrive to us (in Ukraine) in a completely disassembled state. Therefore, even after assembly from the store, you should check all important components. In our case, during assembly, they forgot to add a fixing clip to the hose on the filter side. Also, in places, the wires had to be additionally crimped with ties so that they did not get anywhere. Our light was (and still remains) connected incorrectly, because the high and low beams turn on the same way. After a certain break-in, the mirror unscrewed, it had to be tightened. Also (possibly during transportation) the downshift got unwound. Because of this, it did not want to turn on, so we had to tinker for a couple of minutes and adjust it additionally. Otherwise, no problems were noticed. What also came out is mostly the things that the buyer should follow, because the vehicle, although it does not require a license or registration, is already a full-fledged participant in road traffic and must be fully functional. I would also like to remind you that the speed characteristics and type of transport oblige you to ride in a helmet. It comes, by the way, in the kit, for the first time it will be more than enough. Do not neglect your safety and the safety of those who may be riding with you (passengers).

Instead of a conclusion

This year I planned to buy an “adult three-wheeled transport”, and I bought it. It was a bit different and for different purposes, but it was strange to make the most expensive purchase in our lives by the end of the year. Next year I plan to transfer it to lithium batteries and use it to the fullest. An advertising poster with the services we will provide is already being prepared. A trailer awning was also ordered to protect the cargo from weather conditions. Autumn seems to be rainy so far, so extra protection will not hurt. I think that in the future there will be more than one post here about improving this transport, so… come back again 🙂

P.S.

Like many things in this world, the side dimensions and indicators turned out to be…a prop.

The Chinese have always been known for their ability to cram a lot into things, but not make them functional. That’s what happened with this electric scooter, which has a lot of lights that don’t make any sense. For now. I plan, when I have time and opportunity, to update these lighting elements, making them working. There is no such thing as too much lighting, because lighting is our safety and that of other drivers on the roads.

Author: Sa Crea

Hellmin