Arnold Goes Electric: Governator endorses Zero Motorcycles, announces $1,500 CA rebate [w/video]

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger (Republican) has a well-known fondness for motorcycles. Plus, he's also a big fan of the electrification of the automobile. As such, it would seem that Arnold and Zero Motorcycles, California-based manufacturer of some of the best electric bikes available, are a natural fit for one another.

It's not surprising, then, that Governor Schwarzenegger was on hand to promote Zero Motorcycles when he recently announced that his state would be offering a $1,500 rebate off the purchase price of qualifying electric motorcycles. For those keeping track, that means the Zero DS dual sport motorcycle and the Zero S supermoto will now be available to California residents at the price of $7,495 after the $1,500 California Clean Vehicle Program rebate and ten percent federal tax credit.

Said Governor Schwarzenegger:

Zero electric motorcycles are very important technology and this is great for California because this is an ideal place to ride motorcycles... I love the financial side of these motorcycles because they cost less then one cent per mile to operate and you get a 10% federal tax credit plus a California rebate of $1,500. That equates to a 25 percent price reduction making these electric motorcycles affordable for anybody. It's part of our overall strategy to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent by the year 2020.

See the official press release and a video from Zero after the break, and be sure to check out our image gallery below.

[Source: Zero Motorcycles]

The video meant to be presented here is no longer available. Sorry for the inconvenience.

PRESS RELEASE:

Zero S and DS eligible for $1,500 rebate through California Clean Vehicle Rebate Program

SANTA CRUZ, Calif., March 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Zero Motorcycles, the global leader in the electric motorcycle industry, today announced its plans for an upcoming "Discover the Experience Tour" across California as its newest state incentive program gets underway. The Zero DS dual sport motorcycle and the Zero S will now be available to California residents at the price of $7,495 after the $1,500 California Clean Vehicle Program rebate and ten percent federal tax credit.

"We could not be more thrilled to be the first electric motorcycle company approved for this rebate in the state of California," said Gene Banman, CEO of Zero Motorcycles. "This new electric motorcycle rebate program is a result of hard work and dedication from the California Air Resources Board. It benefits everyone in the State of California from motorcycle enthusiasts to future generations who will breathe cleaner air."

California customers will receive $1,500 off their purchase of a 2010 Zero S or Zero DS while funding for the program lasts, in addition to the ten percent federal tax credit. Zero Motorcycles will kick off the "Discover the Experience Tour" in Santa Cruz, California, and will continue across the state, visiting San Francisco, San Jose, Sacramento, San Diego, and Los Angeles. Zero's Independent Representatives (IRs) will be offering demo rides of the entire product lineup, including the Zero S, Zero DS, Zero MX and Zero X.

Zero Motorcycles is the next step in motorcycle evolution and represents the ultimate electric motorcycle technology. Unencumbered by conventional thinking about how they design, manufacture and sell high performance electric motorcycles, they are on a mission to turn heads and revolutionize their industry by combining the best aspects of a traditional motorcycle with today's most advanced technology. The result is an electric motorcycle line that's insanely fast and environmentally friendly.

Zero Motorcycles first entered the motorcycle industry in 2006 with the all-electric Drift. In 2008 they launched the Zero X which exceeded all expectations by selling out before the year end. Its success blazed the path for the long awaited launch of the Zero S Supermoto motorcycle last year. Earlier this month, Zero Motorcycles announced the launch of its 2010 product line, including the Zero S, DS, X, and MX. With added power, increased acceleration, and enhanced power pack technology, Zero Motorcycles is continuing the innovation it's known for and taking electric motorcycle technology to the next level.

Consumer financing is available for those who qualify. To schedule a demo ride or find the nearest Independent Representative, go to http://www.zeromotorcycles.com/locator/.