Fonz Z Series Debuts as Australia’s Most Capable Electric 300cc Scooter Alternative

As Australia’s EV adoption accelerates, electric scooters and motorcycles have struggled to gain the same momentum. High registration and insurance costs, alongside competition from e-bikes, have slowed uptake. But the segment may finally get a breakthrough with the arrival of the Fonz Arthur Z Series, a high-performance electric scooter designed to replace a 300cc petrol model while remaining lightweight, practical, and affordable.

Australian manufacturer Fonz, founded in 2010 by CEO Michelle Nazzari, positions the Z Series as the company’s most advanced model yet—and a legitimate electric upgrade for riders accustomed to Vespa-class machines.

A True 300cc Electric Alternative

The Fonz Z Series delivers the size, speed, and capability expected from a premium 300cc scooter, while dramatically reducing weight. At just 108 kg, it’s far easier to maneuver than a Vespa GTS 300 (150+ kg), especially for smaller riders.

The design takes clear inspiration from iconic Italian scooters, but with a modern electric reinterpretation—sleek, compact, and functional.

Nazzari describes the scooter as:

“Our BYD moment—a premium product at a mainstream price point and a true 300cc alternative.”

Performance: Faster Than Petrol and Shockingly Quick

Under the seat, a 10.7 kW direct-drive motor delivers exceptional acceleration:

• 0–50 km/h in 2.3 seconds

• Or 1.8 seconds with a performance waiver

• Top speed: 105 km/h

• Cruising speed: 100 km/h

This makes the Z Series almost three times quicker to 50 km/h than petrol rivals. Dual-channel ABS provides strong stopping power.

Riding modes:

• Eco – maximises range

• Street – ideal for city riding

• Performance – for highway use or rapid takeoff

Handling is excellent thanks to the centrally mounted floor battery, which lowers the centre of gravity and keeps weight perfectly balanced.

Range Options: 100 km Standard or 180 km Long Range

The Z Series comes in two configurations:

Standard Range

• 100 km urban range

• ~75 km mixed riding

• Battery housed in the floor

• Underseat storage: 25 L

Long Range Variant

• Up to 180 km range

• Adds a second battery under the seat

• Reduces underseat storage to 11 L

• Fonz offers battery rentals for occasional long trips

Batteries use NMC pouch cells, with the primary pack fixed in the chassis.

Charging: Fast and Flexible

Two charging methods:

• Type 2 charging: ~1 hour = +100 km

• Standard wall socket: ~4 hours full charge

For riders with no off-street parking, Fonz recommends the Arthur 7, which features removable Powerpacks. But with growing public charging availability in Australia, many riders may find fixed batteries perfectly workable.

Practicality and Everyday Usability

The Fonz Z Series is built with real-world commuting in mind:

• Flat floorboard (more usable than Vespa’s hump)

• Glovebox with USB-A and USB-C ports

• Optional colour-matched top box

• Underseat storage fits a full-face helmet

• Reverse mode for easier parking

• 110 mm digital dash with tyre pressures, regen level, and consumption metrics

• StarTex-style materials for durability

The upgraded ergonomics and storage make it a genuine daily vehicle—not just a weekend toy.

Pricing and Options

The Fonz Z Series is sharply priced:

• Standard Range: from $9,690 ride-away

• Long Range: from $11,990 ride-away

Colour options:

• Moon Blue

• Racer Green

• Matte Black

• Cuban Green (+$300)

• Forza Aranciata (hero orange) (+$300)

Saddle options include vegan and leather trims, with multiple premium upgrades.

Warranty: 3 years / 20,000 km (Australia).

Fonz also offers a full shell colour change for $990, completed in four hours.

Where It Excels

Compared to the Vespa GTS 300 and other petrol scooters, the Z Series offers:

• Much quicker acceleration

• Cheaper running costs

• Lower servicing requirements

• Zero emissions

• Better weight balance

• More modern connectivity

Its only noted weakness is the lack of a smartphone app, though GPS tracking is available as an add-on.

Conclusion: A Major Step Forward for Australia’s EV Two-Wheeler Market

With its combination of performance, price, practicality, and design, the Fonz Arthur Z Series stands out as one of the strongest electric commuting options in Australia. For riders ready to move away from petrol scooters, the Z Series delivers compelling range, fun dynamics, and real-world usability.

It may be the electric scooter that finally gets Australian riders to make the switch.