Manufacturers are looking more and more for innovative ways of making electric motorcycles and scooters lighter and better. French research group, Citi-Technologies  , had presented at the last Paris motorcycle exhibition their electric scooter concept, the ek'O.
The big difference with other manufacturers is that the scooter is made out of linen fiber. So instead of making a nice linen shirt, they actually made a scooter. Obviously, the linen is not that used for shirts, but the resin of linen, tougher than the best shirt you can buy, and a lot lighter than other materials.
The body frame itself is made out of two bio-composite shells, incorporating the required batteries. The innovative structure reduces parts; only 15 parts compared to the average 50 used in traditional scooters. The use of the bio-material, linen, reduced weight by some 20%.
Another change with traditional scooters is the plastic injected single swing arm.
The electric engine has an output of 11kW and 85Nm of torque and a 7.4 kWh lithium battery. The ek'O scooter offers a maximum speed of 110 kph with a 100 km range. The batteries are recharged to 80% capacity within 2 hours, and to reach 100%, you'll need to wait 6 1/2 hours.
Citi estimate a street price of €5000 for this 125cc equivalent scooter, and hope to start selling it in 2013.
Follow the "via:" link below for many more photos and drawings.
Via: Technologic Vehicles
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