14 DAY TRIAL // Because of the higher gasoline prices, the electric motorcycles and scooters are raising in popularity, and the battery technology is gradually improving, making this form of transportation more practical. The zero emissions, the easily rechargeable vehicles are just two of the advantages that the electric power comes with compared to gasoline.
Brammo Motor Sport is known to be a small motor sport and sportscar company formed in 2002. Recently, after years of development, the company is releasing Enertia, a 100% electric bike, which can be charged by normal plug in just three hours.
It works with six Valence Technology lithium phosphate batteries which can store up to 45 miles worth of riding, and are mounted above and below the frame.
But reaching a top speed of only 50mph, the bike seems to be more of a decorated moped than a motorcycle. The vehicle weighs just about 275 pounds and uses a direct-chain drive for power. It uses Pirelli tires, Brambo brakes and looks great too.
Regarding the green front, according to Brammo, this funky urban transportation tool can reduce a commuter's carbon footprint by 92 percent. As the company claims, "The Enertia is a clean-sheet design, conceived from day-one as a two-wheeled, zero-emission, fully electric conveyance, not a hybrid. Its central structure is a carbon fiber monocoque, which serves as both the motorcycle's chassis and its battery tray. Machined 6061-T6 aluminum bits for the bike's threaded hard-points, are bonded to the carbon fiber structure-a race-bred building technique. Though exceptionally stiff, the entire chassis weighs a mere 16 pounds."
The company will offer a limited edition for the carbon model first at a price tag of around 15 000 bucks. The bike is said to be for sale in the United States in the early 2008.
