electric motorcycles going on the roads
Electric motorcycles are motorcycles with electric motors instead of motors. This results in a relatively slow vehicle that will struggle to travel long distances. Despite the negatives though, electric scooters are becoming more popular due to their low running cost and their positive effect on the environment. However, while more of these bikes appear on the market, only a few are legal for use on the road.
Vectrix VX-1 Maxi Scooter
The Vectrix VX-1 Maxi Scooter weighs in at 515 pounds. The battery of this electric motorcycle weighs 180 pounds by itself. When this scooter has been fully charged it can travel up to 60 miles. It can also reach a top speed of 60 mph. The road legal electric scooter cost $8,000 when it was first released in 2008. The Vectrix VX-1 was also the first electric scooter to hit the market.
ZeroDS
The Zero DS electric motorcycle is built around an aircraft-grade alloy frame. This lightweight frame is designed to make the bike agile. AZ Force Power Pack means the bike can travel a maximum of 50 miles when fully charged. The Zero DS has a dual sport configuration, and the seat is positioned upright. A quiet electric drive train means the bike makes very little noise when running. This bike is also used by the police. In California, the Scotts Valley Police Department began using one of these motorcycles in 2011 for traffic enforcement. They are also used for local patrols, where their silent operation helps officers hear what is happening while driving.
Zero S
The Zero S electric motorcycle weighs 225 pounds. The bike is powered by a 4-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery, which weighs 80 pounds alone. This battery is fully charged in less than 4 hours and will last for 60 miles worth of use before needing another charge. It will also last a Zero S owner around six years before it needs to be replaced. The magnetic motor inside the bike generates a maximum of 31 horsepower and 62.5 pound-feet of torque. Accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 5 seconds, the vehicle can reach a top speed of 60 mph. With suspension allowing 9mm of front travel and 8mm of rear travel, the Zero-S is suitable for both on-road and off-road rides. The Zero S cost $9,950 when it was first released in 2009.