Swiss Electric dirt bikes launched in the US - Quantya

[Rincewind]

Interesting press release from Swiss company Quandry:
http://www.emediawire.com/releases/2007/11/emw570721.htm


Swiss Electric Motorcycle Manufacturer Launches US Operations

Quantya USA Brings Zero Emission Technology to The US Market.

Syosset, NY (PRWeb) November 19, 2007 -- Quantya USA today announced the official launch and distribution
of the Quantya FMX Electric Motorcycles for the US market. Quantya is the first electric competition ready
electric motocross.

Quantya electric motorcycles are manufactured in the idyllic Swiss city of Lugano where serenity and technology
have morphed to deliver the world’s sturdiest and technically advance dirt bike.

"We are extremely proud to be able to bring our innovation to the United States and contribute even on a small
scale to save our planet from global warming," says Claudio Dick, CEO and founder of Quantya SA, Switzerland.
Relying on their determination of providing Swiss ingenuity and pride in craftsmanship, all Quantya motorcycles
are EC certified and warranted for 2 years.



Quantya FMX Motorcycles use advanced Lithium Polymer Batter technology with proprietary electronics to
power its 14KW motor with a 47V or 74V battery. A typical fully charged battery will launch the FMX to 40+
mph (governed) and give it a range of up to 2.5 hours.

"We are seeing many new exciting technologies emerging and we will continue to utilize only the latest such
technologies to deliver the absolute best quality and efficiency to our customers," says Dario Trentini CEO
Quantya USA.

Quantya SA is already a huge success in Europe where riders can go to local "Quantya Parks" and enjoy the thrill
of these electric motorcycles on a rental basis.

With the tightening regulations concerning noise and emissions, motocross riders are given new possibilities to
ride their favorite trails without disturbing or polluting the environment.

About Quantya
"Swiss Electric Movement" is the result of eco-conscious motorcycle enthusiasts who in 2005 started the
development and distribution of zero-emission high performance electric motorcycles. Quantya USA, part of the
Swiss Electric Movement, wants to bring the massive success of the Quantya FMX electric motorcycles to the US
market. Quantya USA, the exclusive importer and distributor for the USA and Canada, is located in Syosset, NY
and more information can be found at www.quantya.us.



Quantya has a bunch of vids at youtube if you want to see it in action - http://www.youtube.com/user/quantya

[Brad1445]

Y

[Rincewind]

Y

Lower emissions and environmental impact; no gas to buy.

[Bogie]

 

I say good on these guys...very innovative....

[spinalator]

Like it or not, things like this may be more the norm in 50 years, much more than the two smokers will be.

I like innovation, and technological advancements, and if they are this good now, think of how good they will be in ten years. Advancements in light weight materials, batteries, semiconductors, and go fast chips will make them increasingly fun to have.

Plus you can sneak out on chores and the wife won't hear you leave.

[Tyrroneous]

Isn't noise pollution one of the big reasons for loss of ORV areas?  If these things are even remotely acceptable as a substitute for an MX or trail bike, I think its a fantastic idea.  And like Spiny mentioned, they'll only get better.  Just think, an MX park or trail system right on the edge of town and the neighbors won't complain about the noise.    

[Liquidsilver]

and the neighbors won't complain about the noise.    

I think that's wishful thinking.   THOSE people will find something to complain about, IMHO.   Ruts and erosion damage... or whatever... just wait.  
 
 

[tourinoob]

Two things real quick:

#1) I would never buy because of my disdain for Euro enviromentalism BS

#2) Motard version please

[Liquidsilver]

I would never buy because of my disdain for Euro enviromentalism BS

Sorry, but I agree there, too.   Well, no... I WOULD buy one if I wanted, I think it actually looks pretty cool, but NOT for any environmental reasons.   Go ask a waste engineer about disposal of millions of discarded lithium batteries.   I LOVE lithiom-ion battery technology, but has a more dicey environmental impact score than an evil internal combustion engine.
 
Unfortunately, the answers aren't as easy as some people want to think.
 
Coool ride, though.   How much??  
 
 
Cheers.
 
 

[Fourstring]

Top speed of 40 mph.

25 mile range, assuming top speed the entire time.

I'm dirt ignorant.  How's that compare to a 125 2 stroke?

[Max Wedge]

Top speed of 40 mph. Governed

25 mile range, assuming top speed the entire time.

I'm dirt ignorant.  How's that compare to a 125 2 stroke?

I read that as "modifyable for more top speed." Anyone else?

If top speed is 40 - with a 2.5 run time, wouldn't that be 100 miles? That is a lot off-road. Seems like 2.5 hours must be regardless of speed. For me, that would be 2.6 miles.

Keep it under 400 lbs, 200 mile range, 70mph max, and I'll commute on one. Viable.

[Fourstring]

If top speed is 40 - with a 2.5 run time, wouldn't that be 100 miles?

Keep it under 400 lbs, 200 mile range, 70mph max, and I'll commute on one. Viable.

I'm just reading max range off their site.

Hell, I'd buy just about anything that met the first two of your criteria.

[desert_rider]

Two things real quick:

#1) I would never buy because of my disdain for Euro enviromentalism BS

#2) Motard version please

I like the way you think!  

[MK96xj]

A decent range between charge.

60-70mph required

Given the right price i would be all over it.

I would not even need to register or insure the thing in NC

[spd2918]

Y

Max tourque is availible at all RPMs.

[atadaskew]

Given the right price i would be all over it.

I would not even need to insure the thing in NC

That'll come in handy if someone steals it from you..

[MK96xj]

That'll come in handy if someone steals it from you..

Point taken but how many people insure dirtbikes?

[spinalator]

Point taken but how many people insure dirtbikes?

Yeah, but this is 'lectric dirtbike! This izza special! Momma says you should have theft only on it, and she is rarely wrong about things.

[Mac]

Wait untill the anti-theft nad taser seat activates.  

[motoguy128]

14kW = 19HP.  However, I expect it makes a much flatter torque curve than a IC engine.  IT's probably a bruchless DC Permenant magent motor or a PM Induction motor.  Hard to day.  Either way it probably can only turn 4000RPM at most, so you're looking at a torque peak of about 27ft-lbs, which is closer to a 450 4 stroke.  So it's fairly comparable to a 250 4 stroke making about 25HP, but this bikes makes a lot more torque.

I also see better mass centralizaton, lower center of gravity.  But I'd guess it weighs a little more but carries it's weight well.  40mph is a little restirctive.  It should be capable of around 70mph with 19HP.  It should pull some good wheelies with the right gearing!    

I think it would be a fun trail bike.  This might be a good application for an electric vehicle where speeds are realatively low, but you need lots of bottom end pwoer, but not a lot of peak power for high speed crusing.  You get good durability since the electric motor is very low maintenance, noise and exhaust emissions as well as sparks are a concern.  You rarely need to ride for more than a couple hours at a time.  It's possible ot recharge there in 10-15 minutes.


Along the same lines, I could see a great application for a small track bike.  Bump it up to maybe 30HP so you can reach about 110mph on most road courses.  Keep it under 300lbs, and give it a battery good for about 30-40 minutes, expandable to 1 hour for longer races.  Add some regenerative braking to increase the range.  Keep it under 350lbs with a low center of gravity and you have a winner.

If you can get over the obsession with raw HP and top speed, an electric bike can be very practical.