Eicma 2011: The Electric Motorcycles |
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File under EICMA Exhibitions Electrical Scooters
Author: Mike Werner
Location: Normandy, France
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Every year, for the last 3 years now, the number of electric motorcycles and scooters coming to EICMA  has been increasing by a large factor. Initially, there were two or three, now, 4 years later, there are some 40 + manufacturers.
Most of the electric motorcycle manufacturers are from Asia (China, Taiwan and Japan), offering cheap scooters, with a warrantee valid until the first corner, and a Mean Time Between Failure that is measured with a stopwatch. But there are more and more serious players with real motorcycles or useful scooters.
Here's an overview of the more interesting electric motorcycles and scooters I saw at Eicma. I've not taken all the manufacturers, just those that had something new, interesting or funny:
Brammo
American Brammo did not have any new models to present (well, their demo-dollies were new), but they did present their recently acquired BrammoParX motocross race track.
E-Max
E-Max is a German manufacturer who mostly makes utility electric scooters, like the ones the have recently sold to the Spanish postal system.
Energica
Italian racing company CRP Racing is making the incredible sleek Energica sports motorcycle.
Top speed 220 kph, torque of 16 kgm and a range of 150 kilometers.
It's a one-off bike, so don't rush to the dealers looking for one.
eTropolis
eTropolis is a German manufacturer of electric scooters that all have the good old fashion scooter look from the 60's. Nostalgia to perfection.
Pink and vintage looking, great combo...
Where's Romy Schnieder when you need her...
Mission Motors
American race electric motorcycle maker, Mission Motors was present with a small stand as well.
Their single motorcycle model line-up is still spectacular, but it's reserved for racing.
Oxygen
Italian Oxygen makes a funny looking 3 wheel electric motorcycle (plus some utility electric scooters)..
ProEco
ProEco from Germany make standard looking electric scooters, all small units, but well built.
Nice classical dash!
Classy, and classical looking.
All the electric scooters are already on sale.
Vectrix
Vectrix is one of the older electric scooter manufacturers, and have been coming to Eicma for years now, but each year their stand gets smaller and smaller.
Their 3-wheel, MP3-like electric scooter looks very good, and could make it in the market for business commuters.
Storage space for your helmet.
Nice and complete instruments panel.
Volta
Spanish Volta showed for the first time their BCN electric motorcycle, and it's a winner.
Not bad looking, with good electronics onboard.
One big center-rear suspension, like many race motorcycles.
Instrument panel is complete and very visible.
The dummy fuel tank holds storage space for your helmet.
The Volta will be on sale next year in several European countries. No price known, but competitive.
Zero
American Zero have been selling electric motorcycles for a while now, and they presented all their models. One in particular took my fancy:
The Streetfighter. It looks like one, and rides like one.
Proper dash, there's nothing there you'd want extra..
Contrary to many electric motorcycles, that look like gasoline motorcycles, this one has the width and feel of one. Nice, and should look great in my garage. Maybe one day...
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