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The Electric Motorcycle



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With gas prices going through the roof, what are some greener options for getting around?
One is the Vectrix motorcycle.

100% electric, zero emissions and no environmental impact.

Follow Ilyce Glink as she checks out the world's first electric motorcycle approved for highway use at the Consumer Electronics Show.
IlyceGlink

13 responses // The Electric Motorcycle

  • Love the duel front wheel.
    CharlieG
  • What conference did you shoot all these tech stories at? And your piece didn't mention how much the motorcycle costs, or where it available!
    rahulbrown
  • We shot these stories at this year's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. We were looking for cool new things for house, home and life. The motorcycle wasn't priced at the conference, but it probably is now. Go to the company's website for details on purchasing one of these. (They're really cool, aren't they? I had a great time shooting this story.)

    We'll post additional house/tech videos at www.youtube.com/expertrealestatetips and eventually, here, too.
    IlyceGlink
  • I have just finished using one of these for 25/27 June on a tryout for my daily 25-mile each-way commute. 17 miles is dual carriageway, the remaining is town riding. The Vectrix copes extremely well, with about 12 miles range left at each end of the journey. I kept my speed on the DC down to 50mph to conserve range. In town the Vectrix out-performs a lot of the petrol bikes and scooters - much to the amazement of other riders.

    The bike is currently on sale for around £5,595 - exchange rates will affect the price from time to time.

    The savings over 4 years against my Honda X11 motorcycle amount to around £10,000. If you do the math these are a compelling buy.

    I enjoyed the bike so much that I have ordered one and hope to have it delivered in a week.
    Hands0n
  • I love that you've actually ridden this motorcycle and given it a test drive. I loved riding it around the CES show. It's truly silent. Ilyce
    IlyceGlink
  • Yes, I've done around 300 miles on the Vectrix MAXI Scooter, to give it its full handle.

    On the penultimate commute I nearly had someone walk into the side of me, it is that quiet. He saw me coming, but I guess brain and ears did not connect properly. As I drew alongside him, just by my elbows, he stepped into the road. I braced myself for impact but he must have missed me by scant inches! Vectrix did engineer in a bit of a whine (a bit like a milk float) but in the London traffic that noise is lost.

    Glad you liked the bike too - it is a superb bit of engineering.
    Hands0n
  • The lack of sound could be an issue. Loud motorcycles make others on the road aware of their presence, and that saves lives. I wonder if the designers would consider adding some sort of sound system that blares traditional motorcycle sounds as a safety feature.
    rahulbrown
  • Personally I don't subscribe to the "noisy bikes save lives" theory, even tho I have a carbon can on my Fireblade :) I've had my share of people walk out in front of that beast!!

    Vectrix have engineered the 'leccy milk float sound into the MAXI Scooter. But to introduce motorcycle roar would be akin to sticking lollypop sticks onto the forks of a pushbike (come on, we all did it!!)

    Nah, I want my 21st century bike to sound like it comes from this era :)
    Hands0n
  • yayyyyyyyY!!!!!
    Bulletyme
  • That's fresh!! I want one! What's the retail?
    ScreamingDinosaur
  • The cost is around $11,000 but some states are offering incentives if you buy one. For example, there is a $1,500 incentive from the State of California (for state residents) to buy one. Check out the web site for details: www.vectrix.com.
    IlyceGlink
  • Just doublechecked the MSRP. 2008 North American MSRP — $9,395. Pretty good, especially if you get the $1,500 California tax credit.
    IlyceGlink
  • There are also clean energy vehicle expos, like the annual one in Southern California:
    http://www.cleanvehicleexpo.com/
    flamegarden

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