ZAP history

In 1995, ZAP began the manufacturing of electric bicycle systems, including products such as the ZAP DX and SX, as well as the ElectriCruiser, PowerBike, S&W Patrol Bike, ZAPTRIKE.

In 1996, Zap began to offer direct public offering stock, and debuted an advanced Tricyclopod, the Zappy folding electric scooter (invented by co-founder McGreen).

In April 1997, ZAP agreed to sell electric bikes to Brunswick Corp By May 1997, ZAP signed a distribution agreement with Fondmetal Export AG.

In March 1998, Zap's first electric bike store was opened in San Francisco.

In 1999, ZAP Power Systems announced a corporate name change to ZAPWORLD.COM and the company made multiple business agreements with companies such as Smith & Wesson, Veiculos Electricos, CSW Total EV, and Electric Motorbike. and announced the launch of the "Z-Boat".

In May 2000, ZAP introduced a line of sea scooters with battery-powered propulsion, and the KICK-PUSH Scooter.

In 2001, ZAP introduced a solar powered scooter and changed the corporate name of the company to simply "ZAP". ZAP also unveiled the ZAPADAPT, an electric-assist for manual wheelchairs at the 2001 Abilities Expo.

Around 2002, ZAP filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, and reorganized with Gary Starr as the chairman of ZAP. Starr hired Steve Schneider to be the new CEO of ZAP.

In February 2008, ZAP created a joint venture with Chinese company Youngman Automotive Group, to revive the nascent Detroit Electric brand.

In December 2009, a joint venture company in Hangzhou, China was formed by ZAP, Holley Group, and Better World International, named ZAP Hangzhou.

Approval to do so was confirmed by the Chinese Department of Commerce in Zhejiang Province in September 2010.