[Smaug]

Electric scooters will slowly replace 49cc scooters. 40 mph and 50 mile range would be OK to start, as long as the batteries are removable and easily chargeable at one's desk.

I read an article somewhere, that the Big Four in Japan are cooperating to develop a common removable battery for use in scooters in the cities there. The user would pull it out, just like on a cordless electric lawn mower. There would be stations that would swap them for charged ones for a nominal fee. Or, the user could just have a few, ready to go. The battery packs looked small, about the size of a half-dozen size box of eggs.

^ This is just Phase 2. (Phase 1 was Zero motorcycles, with built-in batteries) Can't wait to see Phase 3.

Word has it that Honda's PCX150 is available in a hybrid version in Japan, and may come to the US soon.

Yeah, they're not about the sound. They're about efficiency, low-emissions and full torque from 1 RPM. If you've never had a ride in a Tesla or Chevy Bolt, you should arrange one. With the electric torque, they're mind-blowingly quick.