Alternative energy is big today so people think about it. They think about ways to stop using gasoline which tends to pollute. That’s the purpose of the electric dirt bike.
One company that produces these is Zero Motorcycles. Zero electric dirt bike is quiet, and performs well. Zero Motorcycles produces one of these. The electric dirt bike they make is quiet and runs very well. They couldn’t handle all the orders in 2008. There were only 45 of these made by this time. They want to roll out 2000 in 2009. They’ll also introduce an electric bike for street riding.
An electric dirt bike is ideal for people who want to ride off-road in barren areas near cities. That means forests and trails. Regular bikes are far too loud. But the electric bikes are whisper quiet. That’s a reason people like them.
One issue with an electric dirt bike is the price. They’re generally more expensive than comparable gasoline powered dirt bikes. They also have limited range. This is about 40 miles per charge. That turns out to be about two hours of use on the trail. One problem with this is people like to ride for an entire day. They won’t find a socket out in the wild.
Serious dirt bikers see the electric dirt bike as a passing fad. They say it won’t be a long term product. One rider, also an editor of a motorcycle magazine, said this is a good second bike, but not something most enthusiasts would want to own as an only bike. Others think they’re fun.
The founder of zero said he became interested in building an electric dirt bike in about 2002. He was formerly an aerospace engineer, but later became a motorcycle designer. He disagreed with people who think electric cycles are slow and boring. He dislikes off-the-shelf parts so many of the parts on his bikes are custom designed.
The important issue with an electric dirt bike is its battery. It’s not easy to keep them cool. Zero needed an insulator around the batteries. The pack that they came up with costs nearly $4,000 to replace. It lasts for six years. It takes two hours to charge the batteries. That is quick. Zero to thirty performance is less than two seconds. Test riders have been amazed by the performance.
Speaking of costs, the zero is about $7,000, this electric dirt bike also costs $300 to ship. They’re only sold online. The overall goal for the company is to become big.
Expect to see an electric dirt bike very soon somewhere in your town.
