Could a motorcycle/scooter go hybird?

[Fraser]

Originally Posted by donee

Hi Fraser,

For short runs, yiou might consider a the Maxi-Scooter made by Vectrix. Its all electric. Vectrix US :: Homepage: Vectrix 100% Personal Electric Vehicle, Electric Scooter, Zero Emissions::Vectrix.com

Good idea. But where we live, there are no short runs (unless you figure three-tenths of a mile to the gas pumps). It's three miles from our house to any meaningful destination,a nd more like 15-25 miles to a city. We're seriously in the rurals along the Gulf Coast, and the only through road is a federal highway that even I in my moped heyday wouldn't challenge against drivers who either drink and speed or don't drink and speed. In either case, not many actually watch for two-wheelers, and I'm guessing an electric won't give enough oomph to get outa the way.

[hyo silver]

The hybrid idea has already spread to scooters and even bicycles. The weight is more of an issue with bicycles, as the energy density of the batteries seems to be less than that of a fit humanoid. For someone not used to riding, and only going a short distance, they're fine.

[PeakOilGarage]

Originally Posted by Fraser

It's three miles from our house to any meaningful destination,a nd more like 15-25 miles to a city. We're seriously in the rurals along the Gulf Coast, and the only through road is a federal highway that even I in my moped heyday wouldn't challenge against drivers who either drink and speed or don't drink and speed. In either case, not many actually watch for two-wheelers, and I'm guessing an electric won't give enough oomph to get outa the way.

The Vectrix has an all electric range of 35-55 miles.
Top speed 64 mph
0-50 in 6 seconds
0-60 in 8 seconds
4 kwh battery
At 10 cents per kwh that is about 40 cents to go 40 miles.

It has plenty of "oomph". It will beat most cars off the line.

[ZX1]

Think you could handle a electric motorcycle?

Once I get enough post I will post the link..
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[efusco]

Originally Posted by ZX1

Think you could handle a electric motorcycle?

Once I get enough post I will post the link..
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I'm pretty sure this is what you're intending to post...we've almost all seen it.

YouTube - Killacycle Crash

YouTube - Killacycle Crash

[PeakOilGarage]

Originally Posted by ZX1

Think you could handle a electric motorcycle?

Once I get enough post I will post the link..
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I have been riding one for 5 months and 3,000 miles.

Vectrix Maxi-Scooter Peak Oil Garage

[donee]

Originally Posted by Fraser

Good idea. But where we live, there are no short runs (unless you figure three-tenths of a mile to the gas pumps). It's three miles from our house to any meaningful destination,a nd more like 15-25 miles to a city. We're seriously in the rurals along the Gulf Coast, and the only through road is a federal highway that even I in my moped heyday wouldn't challenge against drivers who either drink and speed or don't drink and speed. In either case, not many actually watch for two-wheelers, and I'm guessing an electric won't give enough oomph to get outa the way.

Hi Fraser,
I quote you -

" I might opt for a scooter that was stable enough for short residential runs. "

But you have the common "golf cart" thought regarding electric vehicles. Electric motors have a torque characteristic unlike gasoline engines. They have flat high torque up to a point just short of the power peak. Then it tapers off. This gives vehicles that use electric motors very good low speed accelleration 0 to 50 mph. The german motorcyle engineer that reviewed the Vectrix when it was first prototyped a few years came back after a half hour trip around a city and told the Vectrix guy " you have built a weapon ! " . This is a nerd compliment - a take on the movie " Real Science "

As you may know, the Wrightspeed X-1 , a prototype electric roadster, can out accellerate $150000 sports cars easily.

Just because something uses an electric motor, does not mean its neccassarily poor in accelleration, or slow. As you are in Florida, I thought that the Vectrix would be a perfect match.

[Fraser]

Originally Posted by donee

Hi Fraser,
I quote you -

" I might opt for a scooter that was stable enough for short residential runs. "

But you have the common "golf cart" thought regarding electric vehicles. Electric motors have a torque characteristic unlike gasoline engines. They have flat high torque up to a point just short of the power peak. Then it tapers off. This gives vehicles that use electric motors very good low speed accelleration 0 to 50 mph. The german motorcyle engineer that reviewed the Vectrix when it was first prototyped a few years came back after a half hour trip around a city and told the Vectrix guy " you have built a weapon ! " . This is a nerd compliment - a take on the movie " Real Science "

As you may know, the Wrightspeed X-1 , a prototype electric roadster, can out accellerate $150000 sports cars easily.

Just because something uses an electric motor, does not mean its neccassarily poor in accelleration, or slow. As you are in Florida, I thought that the Vectrix would be a perfect match.

I appreciate your comments. Let me say that being "in Florida" does not necessarily mean everyone is a "little ol' blue-haired lady in a big black Oldsmobile". There may well be more pickup trucks within 20 miles of our house than in the rest of the nation (yes, hyperbole). Many people drive faster than the speed limits, run red lights, drive while drunk, ignore motorcycles and bicycles. "Redneck" is a term of endearment.

That said, the main (only) east-west road carries speed limits of 45 and 55 mph, nothing else. We are on a smallish peninsula. If you drive the speed limit, you will be passed -- fast. It is difficult to go any distance without being on that road. I can't envision any vehicle with a top speed of 50 or so having enough high-speed torque to get out of the way of a Chevy 1500 doing 65. Still, Donee, sincere thanks for the information. It is something to consider, but there are difficulties with it here.

[PeakOilGarage]

Fraser, the Vectrix has a top speed is 64 mph.

[ZX1]

Originally Posted by efusco

I'm pretty sure this is what you're intending to post...

Ya that is it...What about a diesel Prius?

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