Comments on: Coming Soon to Best Buy: Motorcycles?

By: Mark

Mark — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 03:41:37 +0000

I think when they state that the emissions are up to 15X higher for a motorcycle than a car they are referring to 2 cycle engines. That’s not a fair comparison since there are very few 2 cycle manufacturers in the US, if any anymore.

By: Andrew Wilson

Andrew Wilson — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 12:27:16 +0000

I have test-ridden a Vectrix electric motorcycle (or “maxi-scooter”). It is rated to 100km/hr (about 62mph)and I rode it at up to an effortless 90km/hr (56mph- the local speed limit). Our freeways vary between 100 and 110 km/hr (about 70mph). Its range is speed-dependent, losing charge a lot faster at higher speeds. I would describe it as a very competent city commuter. Its owner charges it from photovoltaics on his roof so mostly avoids the question of burning coal at the power station to operate the machine. (He lives a way out of the city so on cloudy days he does sometimes plug it into the power supply at work; so his boss charges him AU$2/week.) The lifetime carbon efficiency will include the carbon costs of manufacture of the motorcycle itself and of the proportion of the PV panels used to power it. Lifetime general maintenance costs are less because electric motorcycles with direct drive don’t even have gearboxes and chains/belts/driveshafts to maintain, use regenerative braking (less wear on the actual brakes) and their elctric motors require a lot less maintenance than internal combustion engines. Neither do they require catalytic converters, another environmental plus as that saves mining rare platinum-group metals. I hope this is helpful. Andy W

By: Paul Smith

Paul Smith — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 23:22:20 +0000

Well look what I found: The first electric motorcycle to get highway certification. http://current.com/items/90448086_x-rider-becomes-first-electric-highway-motorcycle-to-receive-epa-certification.htm?xid=RSSfeed

By: Paul Smith

Paul Smith — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 22:40:35 +0000

Agreed. That could have been the worst cycle vs the most efficient car. Let’s see if Brammo is listening…

By: daveconrey

daveconrey — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 22:07:12 +0000

I have a problem with the statement of 15x emissions. There’s no documentation referenced in the Enertia site, so the stat is questionable unless they can show proof. I can’t imagine Honda, who makes some of the most efficient and lowest emission vehicles, producing a motorcycle that with that much of an emission problem.

By: Paul Smith

Paul Smith — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 20:45:35 +0000

Yes, I’ve heard from motorcyclists that much of riding is defensive, watching out for motorists that are oblivious to you. It’s not all about speed, but that certainly helps

By: David

David — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 20:35:23 +0000

To be safe when I ride, I want to be faster than the cars behind me, stop faster than the cars in front of me. 50 is not fast enough.