Electric Dirt Bike – An Introduction
Many people are thinking about alternative energy. They look at gasoline powered cars and think about ways to not only protect the environment but to quiet down the roadways. 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. As of August of 2008 they were already back ordered. Of course only 45 had been produced by that time. Their goal is to produce 2000 in 2009. They will also introduce an electric street bike.
An electric dirt bike is ideal for people who want to ride off-road in barren areas near cities. This could include wilderness trails in suburban developments. Normal bikes would draw the anger of neighbors. They’re very loud. But the electric version hums along quietly. That’s why it’s becoming popular.
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 believe it will pass. A magazine writer said it would be good as a second bike but not a primary bike. Some people do like them.
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 big problem with an electric dirt bike is the battery. Lithium ion batteries get very hot. Zero had to develop a quick cooling material to surround the batteries. It’s a $4000 system that lasts for a little less than 6 years. It takes two hours to charge the batteries. That’s fast. The bike can go 0 to 30 in under 2 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.
The electric dirt bike may be here to stay.
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Tags: electric dirt bike, electric dirt bike parts, electric dirt bikes, electric powered dirt bike, zero electric dirt bike