For you guys wanting an electric commutor vehicle

Not sure how this will be received by some here, but I just heard about it this morning on NPR and I think it's awesome. I have about 10 miles of my commute each way on a short crowded bit of freeway where the speed is infinitely variable from 0 - 90 mph so it's out for me (as is any two wheel device per the spousal unit). But i still want one.

Mahindra are launching a new electric scooter today. Around $3k, capacity of 275lb's, 30 mph with a 30 mile MINIMUM range, removable Li-ion pack. 3.5hour max charge time. 130Nm peak torque (that's like 95 lb/ft! Make sure you don't wheel off the back on take-off). Best of all it's going to be built in Ann Arbor.

I like the look of it and love the carry bin thing behind the rider.

Unlike many things, this seems not to be vaporwear.

That is pretty cool. What is the top speed? My commute is way too long but I like the idea. And the torques.

I like the idea and price but the max speed is about 10 mph too slow for my needs.

singleslammer wrote: That is pretty cool. What is the top speed? My commute is way too long but I like the idea. And the torques.

IT says 30mph. 40mph would be better to keep up with traffic even in urban areas around here.

When I hear "electric vehicle" this is always my first thought. Screw Tesla...

http://www.zeromotorcycles.com

I really really really want one. But the price puts me off for what it is...

In reply to octavious:

The 2016 models saw a price reduction.

$8500

http://www.zeromotorcycles.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=227

I like this one better. No price yet, but it reminds me of my Cub 50. http://www.revzilla.com/common-tread/the-honda-concept-motorcycle-that-could-be-revolutionary

An electric bike like the Zero would fit my commuting needs perfectly. And that new price point is pretty attractive.

I like the idea of a scooter but can't get around the Urkel of them

Flight Service wrote: I like the idea of a scooter but can't get around the Urkel of them

I like the electric bikes and I have a Zero dealer around the corner too me. They say it accelerates like a Gixxer 750 which is plenty fast for me.

In reply to singleslammer:

Up to 197 mile range and 131 on mixed roads. That sounds really good.

Going by the penny a day operating cost zero is quoting in their ads I would save 258.61 per year in fuel costs over my current bike.

That would be a nice little added bonus over the other benefits.

I'd really love to buy a "ZERO" like Preston Petty races. Yes that Preston Petty, still fast as heck.

Ohm

I emailed Zero to propose they build the Zero Model 60:

60 mile range

60mph top speed (something like a 250cc bike in performance)

$6000 msrp

But they never even wrote back.

I would buy it in a heartbeat. Perfect for my 13 mile r/t commute.

I think it's doable, even with current technology. But Zero is in the business of pushing the envelope, not making sensible bikes.

In reply to Nick (Not-Stig) Comstock:

A penny/day seems a bit optimistic, but even using 10 cents/day would have my operating costs at around $25. Per year. That doesn't seem possible...

For comparison, rough estimates are $2450/yr. for my Grand Caravan (est. $2/gal RUG) and $1470/yr. for my TDI (est. $3/gal for diesel). This also assumes dino fuel prices stay at current levels.

In reply to EvanR:

It depends on how you define "sensible". For me, a 60 mile range doesn't work. Doesn't matter if the bike is $6000 or $600.

Ian F wrote: In reply to EvanR: It depends on how you define "sensible". For me, a 60 mile range doesn't work. Doesn't matter if the bike is $6000 or $600.

Well of course, no vehicle is perfect for everyone. However, I suspect that many/most people have a sub-25-mile commute.

AND... if you make the battery pack easily removable, the owner could detach it, carry it in to work like a briefcase, and charge it at 120V all day - effectively doubling the range with no need for charging stations in the parking lot.

Nick (Not-Stig) Comstock wrote: Going by the penny a day operating cost zero is quoting in their ads I would save 258.61 per year in fuel costs over my current bike. That would be a nice little added bonus over the other benefits.

So $21 a month? How much is your current payment vs new payment, or you could just stop having McDs for 2 meals.

EvanR wrote: Well of course, no vehicle is perfect for everyone. However, I suspect that many/most people have a sub-25-mile commute. AND... if you make the battery pack easily removable, the owner could detach it, carry it in to work like a briefcase, and charge it at 120V all day - effectively doubling the range with no need for charging stations in the parking lot.

True... I do like the idea of a removable battery that can be charged sererately. "Hey... what's that under your desk?" "Oh... nothing..."

Ian F wrote:

EvanR wrote: Well of course, no vehicle is perfect for everyone. However, I suspect that many/most people have a sub-25-mile commute. AND... if you make the battery pack easily removable, the owner could detach it, carry it in to work like a briefcase, and charge it at 120V all day - effectively doubling the range with no need for charging stations in the parking lot.

True... I do like the idea of a removable battery that can be charged sererately. "Hey... what's that under your desk?" "Oh... nothing..."

That's my... lunchbox! Yeah, that's it!

Flight Service wrote:

Nick (Not-Stig) Comstock wrote: Going by the penny a day operating cost zero is quoting in their ads I would save 258.61 per year in fuel costs over my current bike. That would be a nice little added bonus over the other benefits.

So $21 a month? How much is your current payment vs new payment, or you could just stop having McDs for 2 meals.

I haven't had McDonald's in so long I forgot what it tastes like.

I'd I was in a better place financially I would be test riding one very soon. Specifically the DS. It's not in the cards for the foreseeable future though