Electric Motorcycles - what do you want to know?

[Mrs. DantesDame]

I have the opportunity to meet with the owner of Electric Motorsports and to do a test ride. I will be riding something like the photo attached and really want to make sure that I cover all of the bases while I'm there. So I ask you, my STN friends: what do you want to know? What questions would you like answered?

Some information can be found on their website, of course, such as horsepower and charge times. But what's missing?

[Bodhi]

I'd really like to get an electric bike for commuting. My round-trip is a little over 50 miles, so a single charge won't make the round trip. Is the holy grail for electrics 100 miles on a charge? If I could lay out a flexible charging panel on the seat while I'm in the office (and assuming it wouldn't be stolen) and if that could fully charge the bike (assuming eight hours of sunlight), then I'd be seriously thinking about it. I'm in the process of setting up a PV solar power rig in my backyard and would love to have (virtually) free transportation.

[Black Ice]

I have the opportunity to meet with the owner of Electric Motorsports and to do a test ride. I will be riding something like the photo attached and really want to make sure that I cover all of the bases while I'm there. So I ask you, my STN friends: what do you want to know? What questions would you like answered?

Some information can be found on their website, of course, such as horsepower and charge times. But what's missing?

Performance info.  Detailed specs on 0-60, 60-0, top speed, handling and 'seat of the pants' fun factor.

[SuperHans]

I'm not trying to be rude, but I have zero interest in electric bikes. What I would like to know is how do they plan on getting guys like me to ride bikes like that?

[Mrs. DantesDame]

I'm not trying to be rude, but I have zero interest in electric bikes. What I would like to know is how do they plan on getting guys like me to ride bikes like that?

Not rude at all. Obviously there are bikes for different riding styles and you may just not have one that would work with an electric bike. But here's a question for you: what is it about electric bikes that don't interest you? Are you assuming performance drops? Don't like the mileage limitations? If they know what you don't like, then they have something to work towards achieving  

[M.Brane]

 Cost of ownership vs. a comparable gasoline powered bike.

[Scoop]

Just give us your riding impressions.  That's enough for me!

[et]

What routine maintenance is different on an electric motorcycle ?
How long do the batteries last AND how much does it cost to replace them ?

[Mrs. DantesDame]

Good replies guys! Thanks and keep them coming!  

I'm going to call them tomorrow to set up a time to meet, hopefully this week.  

[JamminJere]

What voltage do they run at? 36V 48V? How many batteries in series? I'm assuming that alot of the weight is the batteries and motor.

Does the motor charge the batteries on deceleration like some of the hybrids?

What is the weight of the one that you're going to test ride?

What is the range of the bike. How do they fare in hilly terrain? Mountainous terrain?

Does riding an electric motorycle make you feel sexy?  (Oh wait.. strike that question)

I've heard some electric motors fitted to motorcycles can do over 100mph... and accelerate very quickly..

If they can make one that goes 300 miles a day with luggage, and charges overnight while I do.. I could be swayed to try one..

Jerry

[Rockin SV]

I have to say that I believe the limitations are the biggest turn off. I have a 50 mile a day commute and that would appear to be on the outer limits. Plus its not like you could take this thing across country. I think thats what is going to make a change to another form of power very tough. The bikes aren't bad looking though, but I just don't see them as being practical. Plus I really like the sounds of certain gasoline powered engines

[Mydlyfkryzis]

I'd really like to get an electric bike for commuting. My round-trip is a little over 50 miles, so a single charge won't make the round trip. Is the holy grail for electrics 100 miles on a charge? If I could lay out a flexible charging panel on the seat while I'm in the office (and assuming it wouldn't be stolen) and if that could fully charge the bike (assuming eight hours of sunlight), then I'd be seriously thinking about it. I'm in the process of setting up a PV solar power rig in my backyard and would love to have (virtually) free transportation.

From the Website:

A zero emissions street legal Electric Motorcycle for light commuters and motorcycle enthusiast alike. The 14.2 kilowatt electric drive system and Hi-Power Lithium batteries allow this light weight electric motorcycle to briskly accelerate to freeway speeds.

14.2 KW Motor.
A really good solar cell can put out 1000 watts per square meter on a bright, cloudless day.

the bike has about a 60 mile range, 30 miles at high speed.

So using everything for your 50 mile commute, you will need about 14.2 hours to replenish it with a 1 kw solar cell. Of course, you can half that time with a 2 square meter cell.

So 2 square meter panel, plus the charger, you can recharge your electric bike in only 7.1 hours. Unless it is cloudy, raining or otherwise.

DD, here's a question.... What kind of outlet do you need for the charger (The high speed and built in)? 110V at what Amps? I doubt you can easily find over a 20 amps socket, with 10 and 15 amp sockets being the common ones.

[Snowbird]

 

Ask 'em who proof reads their web page:

Electric Vehicles us NO gas

Seriously, ask them if they are aware of and pushing for a law like Ontario passed wherein some electric vehicles are exempt from licensing and insurance requirements if the vehicles meet certain stipulations: 20 mph top speed, can be pedaled if necessary, bike helmet worn by rider, 60 mile max range, IIRC. The law is supposed to stimulate sales of city transportation.

[ride+dive]

"the bike has about a 60 mile range, 30 miles at high speed"

With a range like that I have to ask: what is there market?  Are they marketing this as a motorcycle or as a scooter?

Do they have any plans to give this bike a greater range, say 200miles btwn charges?  

[DogBoy]

What about an off-road version?

Wouldn't need as much range or weight to push around and would solve a lot of noise complaints (not that the noise bothers me).

[M.Brane]

What about an off-road version?

Wouldn't need as much range or weight to push around and would solve a lot of noise complaints (not that the noise bothers me).

 Fit some knobbies on this, and you're good to go.

[ctbandit]

Why would anyone buy one vs a ninja 250 or similar high mileage bike? You can get nearly 70mpg with those and go from here to anywhere at any time because of availability of fuel. I read 50miles as their limit in distance, which stinks.

there "speed charger" of 1.5hrs is optional? This HAS to come standard. 4 hours for a charge is ridiculous. You could barely charge it before lunch.

MSRP 8K? What's the appeal? Zero emissions? how about the chemical waste from the batteries needed to power these. Or the likelihood that the electricity created to charge it will come from coal energy.

Way way too many draw backs. But I suppose for those with that much disposable income and a hard on for no emissions this would be appealing?  

[Scoop]

Why would anyone buy one vs a ninja 250 or similar high mileage bike? You can get nearly 70mpg with those and go from here to anywhere at any time because of availability of fuel. I read 50miles as their limit in distance, which stinks.

there "speed charger" of 1.5hrs is optional? This HAS to come standard. 4 hours for a charge is ridiculous. You could barely charge it before lunch.

MSRP 8K? What's the appeal? Zero emissions? how about the chemical waste from the batteries needed to power these. Or the likelihood that the electricity created to charge it will come from coal energy.

Way way too many draw backs. But I suppose for those with that much disposable income and a hard on for no emissions this would be appealing?  

I'd buy one.  I have a hard on.

[Brad1445]

I'm not trying to be rude, but I have zero interest in electric bikes. What I would like to know is how do they plan on getting guys like me to ride bikes like that?

+1

[Hardware]

I can't access the linked site through the work firewall so I apologize if my questions are already addressed there.

1.  Is the motor mounted traditionally in the centre of the bike with a drive system (i.e. belt or chain drive) powering the rear wheel, or is the motor mounted in the rear hub (I can't tell from the pic)?

2.  Electric motors traditionally make a lot of torque for a given amount of hp - how is this regulated so that the rider can accelerate smoothly, avoiding the electric switch phenomenon?  Is the "throttle" in the right handgrip essentially a rheostat or potentiometer?

3.  How is this bike affected by heavy rains and moisture?

4.  How much affect will light operation including use of highbeams and signal lights have on a given charge?

5.  Is the company instituting a recycling program for their batteries?  What's the projected life span for the batteries?