http://www.greenlivingonline.com/GettingAround/the-new-easy-rider/
(Aug 16, 2007)
Despite getting more mileage to the litre, your average motorcycles is at least eight times dirtier than most cars. In fact, with the new, stringent emission standards, the typical gas guzzling SUV is 95 percent cleaner than a motorcycle. 
But motorcycles are cleaning up their act with new electric bikes hitting the market. Powered by a clean source of electricity, these hogs eliminate tailpipe emissions that add to greenhouse gases and reduce oil consumption. The downside is that while these bikes are less expensive to operate, the price tags are a bit higher and speeds slower.
Hydrogen highway
Intelligent Energy and design gurus Seymourpowell have created a working prototype of a bike built around a hydrogen fuel cell. The ENV bike (emissions neutral vehicle) is fast becoming one of the most attractive green choppers around. The sleek design used high wheel-well arches and forward-leaning posture all done up in ultramodern materials. Even better, the 1-killowatt fuel cell, dubbed the Core, is about the size of a small suitcase and can be taken off the bike to provide power to other devices. Everyone is anxiously waiting for this chopper to go into commerical production.
Momentum for change
Brammo, an Oregon-based start-up, rolled out the world's first all-electric, zero-emissions production motorcycle during the Live Earth concert in July. The Enertia bike reaches maximum speed is 80 km/h (50 mph) with a range of 72 km (45 miles) but can be fully recharged in three hours via a standard plug.
The instrument cluster keeps all relevant information front and centre while the USB port allows the rider to download data and tailor the riding experience to their personal usage. Weighing in at 124 kilograms (275 pounds), this bike is a solid option for city transport. You can put your order in for a limited edition first quarter of the 2008 model for $14,995. If you can wait until full production starts up in the third quarter, the price drops to $11,995.
Scoot around town
The fastest machine so far is the Vectrix scooter, which can go 104 km/h (65 miles per hour). That limit is deliberate though since it was designed for the city where acceleration is more important than sustained high speed. The Vectrix is fast and light due to lightweight aluminium frame that provide structural integrity while maintaining the weight at 200 kilograms (400 pounds). The compact battery charges in just over two hours and with relatively few parts (250 vs. 2,500 for a gas scooter) the Vectrix promises to be a reliable commuter vehicle. It retails at $9,000.
Road worthy
Following close behind is the Zero electric motorcycle, an electric motocross bike being adapted for the road. With a range of 64-km (40 miles) and a recharge time of three hours, this bike weighs only 54 kilograms (120 pounds). It doesn’t have top speeds but this plucky little dirt bike outperforms comparable gas bikes. Zero sells the dirt bike for $6,900 and it looks like the price should remain the same. The unfinished look of the bike may not appeal to everyone.
Listen to the master
John Bidwell can show you how to easily convert a gas motorcycle to electric power. His book The Secrets El Ninja describes all the technology fundamentals, performance tradeoffs, and design decisions involved in the conversion. The work can be completed in your own garage using standard hand tools with no welding or machining required. And to prove how easy it is Bidwell has included a clear and straightforward example of a 1987 Kawasaki 750 sport bike being converted. There is even a bonus section covering the maintenance and repair of the electrical components of any electric motorcycle. Your El Ninja will hit a top speed of 104 km/h (65 mph) with a range of just over 64 km (40 miles). The total conversion will cost less than $2000 to build if you already own the donor machine.
For the DIY biker
Bidwell’s other project lets you build the bike from the ground up. El Chopper is primarily a frame building and assembly project using basic steel welding designed to accommodate Harley-Davidson seats, tanks, and other accessories. All parts can be found at local hardware, discount, auto, and bicycle stores as well as the local Harley-Davidson motorcycle dealer. Your El Chopper with hit 80 km/h (50 mph) with a range and 64 km (40 mph) and costs about $1,200 to assemble.
The new easy rider
Image: Intelligent Energy
But motorcycles are cleaning up their act with new electric bikes hitting the market. Powered by a clean source of electricity, these hogs eliminate tailpipe emissions that add to greenhouse gases and reduce oil consumption. The downside is that while these bikes are less expensive to operate, the price tags are a bit higher and speeds slower.
Hydrogen highway
Intelligent Energy and design gurus Seymourpowell have created a working prototype of a bike built around a hydrogen fuel cell. The ENV bike (emissions neutral vehicle) is fast becoming one of the most attractive green choppers around. The sleek design used high wheel-well arches and forward-leaning posture all done up in ultramodern materials. Even better, the 1-killowatt fuel cell, dubbed the Core, is about the size of a small suitcase and can be taken off the bike to provide power to other devices. Everyone is anxiously waiting for this chopper to go into commerical production.
Momentum for change
Brammo, an Oregon-based start-up, rolled out the world's first all-electric, zero-emissions production motorcycle during the Live Earth concert in July. The Enertia bike reaches maximum speed is 80 km/h (50 mph) with a range of 72 km (45 miles) but can be fully recharged in three hours via a standard plug.
The instrument cluster keeps all relevant information front and centre while the USB port allows the rider to download data and tailor the riding experience to their personal usage. Weighing in at 124 kilograms (275 pounds), this bike is a solid option for city transport. You can put your order in for a limited edition first quarter of the 2008 model for $14,995. If you can wait until full production starts up in the third quarter, the price drops to $11,995.
Scoot around town
The fastest machine so far is the Vectrix scooter, which can go 104 km/h (65 miles per hour). That limit is deliberate though since it was designed for the city where acceleration is more important than sustained high speed. The Vectrix is fast and light due to lightweight aluminium frame that provide structural integrity while maintaining the weight at 200 kilograms (400 pounds). The compact battery charges in just over two hours and with relatively few parts (250 vs. 2,500 for a gas scooter) the Vectrix promises to be a reliable commuter vehicle. It retails at $9,000.
Road worthy
Following close behind is the Zero electric motorcycle, an electric motocross bike being adapted for the road. With a range of 64-km (40 miles) and a recharge time of three hours, this bike weighs only 54 kilograms (120 pounds). It doesn’t have top speeds but this plucky little dirt bike outperforms comparable gas bikes. Zero sells the dirt bike for $6,900 and it looks like the price should remain the same. The unfinished look of the bike may not appeal to everyone.
Listen to the master
John Bidwell can show you how to easily convert a gas motorcycle to electric power. His book The Secrets El Ninja describes all the technology fundamentals, performance tradeoffs, and design decisions involved in the conversion. The work can be completed in your own garage using standard hand tools with no welding or machining required. And to prove how easy it is Bidwell has included a clear and straightforward example of a 1987 Kawasaki 750 sport bike being converted. There is even a bonus section covering the maintenance and repair of the electrical components of any electric motorcycle. Your El Ninja will hit a top speed of 104 km/h (65 mph) with a range of just over 64 km (40 miles). The total conversion will cost less than $2000 to build if you already own the donor machine.
For the DIY biker
Bidwell’s other project lets you build the bike from the ground up. El Chopper is primarily a frame building and assembly project using basic steel welding designed to accommodate Harley-Davidson seats, tanks, and other accessories. All parts can be found at local hardware, discount, auto, and bicycle stores as well as the local Harley-Davidson motorcycle dealer. Your El Chopper with hit 80 km/h (50 mph) with a range and 64 km (40 mph) and costs about $1,200 to assemble.
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