Falling into the "maxiscooter" category, the Vectrix electric scooter has a top speed limited to 62 mph, allowing for a range of 68 miles from its 125 Volt NiMH battery. If the long-rumored all-electric Superbike from Vectrix does in fact make its first appearance on November 6th in Milan at the 2007 Eicma show, expect the speed and range to be a bit higher. Assuming that similar technology is used in the Superbike as in the scooter, the machine should feature regenerative braking by simply rolling the throttle backwards. When the bike is stationary, rolling the throttle back should move the bike slowly in reverse.
At this time, no details are available other than the teaser photo above. This machine is likely the work of ROBRADY Design, which worked with Vectrix on the design of the scooter. Vectrix has stated in the past that they plan on using lithium ion technology in the future, which would make sense in the Superbike since it will carry a higher price point than the scooter. Using lithium-based batteries would allow for higher speeds and greater range, potentially making for a very exciting all-electric sportbike indeed.
[Source: Motoblog, Vectrix]
New KITT Attack Mode revealed at Comic Con
London 2008: Honda OSM concept roadster says, "Cheerio!"
London 2008: Lotus unveils the Evora
2010 Chevy Camaro - Official Details and Images
2010 Chevy Camaro - LIVE from the reveal
First Drive: Maserati Quattroporte S in Europe
First Drive: 2008 MINI Cooper S JCW
In the Autoblog Garage:2009 Nissan GT-R
North American Exclusive First Drive: Alfa MiTo
First Drive: 2009 Kia Borrego
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
^FourthDimensionGod^ @ Oct 14th 2007 5:00PM
No thanks. Bad idea.
going around blind corners on the bike the engines noise is the only indicator to someone going the opposite way that youre nearby.
Ric Kaysen @ Oct 14th 2007 5:13PM
Having the ability to accidentally send the rear wheel into reverse by rolling the throttle backwards sounds really, really dangerous.
ryan @ Oct 14th 2007 5:14PM
Yep, it's Robrady. A friend of mine did that rendering a couple years ago.
RWD fan @ Oct 14th 2007 6:04PM
Looks like fun, I wonder how it stuntz?
;-)
But seriously, I don't think this should be called a Superbike. That name should be reserved for bikes that are AMA SBK , or WSBK type accepted machines.
Scott Eaton @ Oct 14th 2007 8:56PM
I don't think it can be a "superbike" at all when it tops out at 62 mph. :-) Love the design though.
Alex @ Oct 14th 2007 9:31PM
superbike? I think i bike would need to do well above 68 not just a bit higher.
but thats just me.
antarctic74 @ Oct 14th 2007 11:13PM
@Scott:
62 mph is the top speed of the currently available Vectrix scooter. The bike will likely be faster.
mk @ Oct 14th 2007 11:27PM
sleek looking machine.
Don't know if I buy an electric bike with a speed limit, and reverse, though.
A real bike that looks like that would be cool.
CMDR @ Oct 15th 2007 12:04AM
SBKs shouldn't be the focus of fuel saving technology, they already have above par consumption rates.
MikeInNC @ Oct 15th 2007 8:51AM
I think this is a great idea. Of course they aren't going to make a super bike that only does 62 mph (read the article people). That being said, the Kawasaki 250 Ninja doesn't do 180mph but it's a total blast to ride. The bottom line is that this is somewhat like Tesla in that they are opening a new market for electric bikes. If you don't want one, don't buy one. At least it's another choice and the more choices available the better.
Don't forget how torquey electric motors can be. Imagine a short track with a light electric bike. It could be a real animal. right now the biggest hurdle will be weight. I guess we shall see.