The Piaggio One marks the arrival of a new generation of e-scooters which the Italian brand describes as light and easy to ride while still delivering the traditional content of Piaggio scooters – quality, reliability and a robust chassis. It has just been launched in Beijing on Tik Tok, targeting younger riders.
Piaggio One e-scooter
The Piaggio One features technology such as a digital colour instrument panel with a sensor to adapt the background and luminosity to ambient conditions, full LED lights, a keyless start system, two motor maps.
Piaggio promise a comfortable riding position, a low seat, a flat roomy footplate, plus practical and robust pull-out footpegs for the passenger.
The Piaggio One is also the only e-scooter in its category to provide a capacious compartment below the seat. The Piaggio ONE will be available in several versions offering different powers (moped and motorcycle) and different ranges, all powered by an electric motor whose lithium ion batteries can be easily extracted for recharging at home or in the office.
Piaggio One e-scooter
We’re still waiting for more details, but the Piaggio One looks as though it could be a popular entry level option for younger riders. It looks pretty good, and that’s a great start, particularly for the youth market it is aimed at. We will wait and see how likely it is that the machine will be offered in Australia.
The Vektorr Concept is the first electric scooter ever produced by Husqvarna Motorcycles and is aimed squarely at the urban commuter.
Vektorr Concept
Styled and ridden like a conventional scooter, the Vektorr Concept promises a modest top speed of 45 km/h and offer a range of up to 95 km.
Vektorr Concept
The Bltz Concept will also be on display at the exhibition. It makes short urban travel easy with a stand-up scooter that can be folded up and carried, for example indoors or onto public transport. The rider stands on the Bltz Concept.
Husqvarna’s parent brand, KTM, is no stranger to electric motorcycles, with the Freeride E long offering a enduro/trails crossover battery powered version of the Freeride. Recently Husqvarna also introduced the E-Pilen concept to take battery power to the urban road enviroment.
Where the sporty Freeride E offers an 18 kW output, the new E-Pilen will produce significantly less at 8 kW. A 100 km range should prove sufficient for urban and suburban short-hop commutes.
Seemingly a battery powered alternative to the Husqvarna 125 models announced for 2021, the E-Pilen will offer less power. A modular and swappable battery system may offer increased flexibility and possibly even range if infrastructure for swapping, rather than waiting for a charge, becomes available. One would imagine that a system such as that mooted for Europe may not prove quite as economically viable in our broader Australian landscape.
2021 Husqvarna E-Pilen Concept E-Motorcycle
Husqvarna have also signalled their intention to increase their dealer presence in urban and metro areas – most likely in Europe – to further push their E-mobility range, where they are most likely to be well received, thanks to shorter trips and greater charging infrastructure being the norm.
Information at the moment on the new model is very light, with more details said to be on the way in the near future, however it seems a smart strategy alongside the e-balance bikes to get new riders onto electric machines. Possibly in the hopes of preventing the comparison to traditional alternatives for a new generation of riders, while also capturing the interest of first adopters.
2021 Husqvarna E-Pilen Concept E-Motorcycle
The looks of the E-Pilen certainly align well with the Svartpilen and Vitpilen models and despite the fairly low claimed output figure in comparison to what we’ve come to expect in motorcycles – even small capacity machines – has a real sporty edge.
The E-Pilen could well also be a viable option for those seeking something more than an e-bicycle, without making the jump to traditional motorcycle or scooter, and the 100 km range would cover many rider’s regular commute. We’ll have to wait and see what speeds the bike is capable of without greatly effecting that range.
2021 Husqvarna E-Pilen Concept E-Motorcycle
It will also be interesting to see if more powerful alternatives are offered in the future, aligning with the availability of 125, 250, 401 and 701 Vitpilen and Svartpilen models.
Price is also likely to be a hot topic with this model, with the Svartpilen and Vitpilen models having seen a fairly drastic price drop from their original figures, which has since put them in a fairly competitive position in the Aussie market.
2021 Husqvarna E-Pilen Concept E-Motorcycle
Whether the E-Pilen is an affordable alternative to a small capacity machine or ends up in a similar position to Harley’s Livewire – as a premium, fairly exclusive option – remains to be seen. Affordability is a huge factor in this segment of the small motorcycle/scooter market.
CFMoto have announced Zeeho, an electric sub-brand which will launch in China next year and should reach Australian showrooms in 2022.
Double-winglet neon lights and striking LED headlights.
Designed in partnership with Kiska, a design house that generally works closely with KTM, the concept electric scooter is a modern and edgy design.
Michael Poynton – CFMoto Australia Director
“As electric bikes begin to spark motorcycling’s main grid, the time has come for CFMoto to plug in and launch its highly-anticipated EV sub-brand. Distinct design, tech and environmental consciousness underpin Zeeho. For the Gen-Z riders of the world’s megacities, these represent the core fundamentals of urban mobility and similarly embody the guiding principles of Zeeho. It’s going to be an electrifying ride.”
The CFMoto Zeeho Cyber concept electric scooter should have a range of 130 km
As the first of several Zeeho electric vehicles, the Cyber concept debuts Zeeho ’s Cobra powertrain, which comprises a 10 kW mid-mounted and water-cooled IP6-certified electric motor delivering 21.3 Nm of torque. This gives the lightweight Cyber concept a claimed 0-50km/h sprint time of just 2.9 seconds before going on to a top speed of 110 km/h.
The CFMoto Zeeho Cyber concept electric scooter includes a 4 kWh battery
Industry leaders Farasis Energy supplies the vehicle with a premium, pouch-style 4 kWh lithium-ion battery, providing the Cyber concept an effective New European Driving Cycle range of more than 130 kilometres between charges. A fast-charging system recharges 80 per cent of the battery’s capacity within 30 minutes.
Charging the CFMoto Zeeho Cyber concept electric scooter to 80 per cent is possible in 30 mins
The battery management system has a lifespan of 2500 cycles, or eight years, and a riding distance of up to 300,000 km during operating temperatures between -20 and 55 degrees Celsius, making it suitable in most climates around the world.
The CFMoto Zeeho Cyber concept electric scooter should operate in temps from -20 to 55 degrees
Six high-definition cameras complete a 360-degree obstacle warning system. A Bosch stability control system provides the surety of control and safety during low-grip conditions and is controlled through Zeeho’s ‘Just ride’ ride-by-wire system, which offers ‘Eco,’ ‘Street’ and ‘Sport’ riding modes.
Brakes are from Brembo on the CFMoto Zeeho Cyber concept electric scooter
Other technical highlights include Brembo brakes with ABS; adjustable high-performance suspension and Pirelli Diablo tyres paired with aggressive alloy wheels including a disc-style rear. Final drive is via chain.
Pirelli Diablo tyres are also found on the CFMoto Zeeho Cyber concept electric scooter
The Zeeho app offers information on battery status and navigation functions, provides a user-customisable dashboard; smart communications; keyless start and mobile unlock; voice commands; remote diagnostics as well as live vehicle tracking for vehicle security and traffic-appropriate integration of social networking.
CFMoto Zeeho Cyber concept electric scooterCFMoto Zeeho Cyber concept electric scooterCFMoto Zeeho Cyber concept electric scooter
A British motorcycle brand that once had the unkind antonym ‘Better Shoved Along’, is set to be reborn thanks to Indian powerhouse Mahindra and the ‘Better’ can now be replaced by ‘Battery’ as the new range is set to be electric.
Of course the original BSA acronym stood for ‘Birmingham Small Arms’ and at its peak in the 1950s it was the largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world, alongside their firearms, bicycle and car arms of their business.
A BSA outfit was actually used by my dad to take my mum to hospital when she was in labour with my eldest brother!
Anand Mahindra is the main backer and is funding a new research centre in the heart of where much Formula One engineering has been brewed, Banbury,
They hope to be assembling new motorcycles in the UK as soon as mid next year. Initially retro styled machines powered by conventional internal combustion engines before hopefully launching electric models in early 2022, complete with the backing of the UK government.
BSA – Image by Greg Smith
Mahindra have joined forces with private equity firm Phi Capital headed by motorcycle enthusiast Anupam Thareja. They already have a track record of rebirthing fallen European motorcycle brands with a successful reincarnation of Jawa already completed.
Mahindra Group is the world’s largest manufacturer of tractors, I nearly bought one myself a few years ago. They are also the 20th largest carmaker by sales. It is also the world’s biggest producer of three-wheeled electric rickshaws.
The move into electric motorcycles is to help diversify the company as they look towards a future where most countries will no longer be burning fossil fuels for personal transportation needs.
EMoS is launching a new Wyld chopper style e-Moped this week to coincide with World Electric Vehicle Day.
EMoS Wyld
EMoS have received Australian full volume compliance approval for its chopper styled bike they refer to as an e-Moped and have given the model name Wyld.
This new single seater combines the last or first mile urban mobility with the appeal of motorcycle related styling.
EMoS Wyld
By the look of those square shouldered tyres it might not be the most nimble urban commuter but the vehicles classification will allow it to be ridden with a normal car drivers license in QLD, SA, NT and WA.
The speed is limited to 50 km/h to satisfy the legislation requirements that permit car licence holders to ride the vehicle.
CEO and co-founder Harry Proskefallas
“Our philosophy has been from the start to be “different”, we want people to turn their heads for our vehicles, we want them to be excited about the form and the function and to make a statement for electric vehicles and that is the same for the WYLD which was “Born to be WYLD”.
EMoS Wyld
EMos Wyld Specifications
Motor 60V 2000W / 60V 1500W
Battery Removeable; 60V12Ah, 20Ah, 30Ah
Range 60-80km
Max Speed 50 km/h
Load Capacity 200 kg
Rims 12-inch
Brakes Discs
Suspension Rear Twin Shock
Suspension Front Forks
Weight 74 kg without battery
Price – $2999 with base motor and battery
EMoS Wyld
Who is EMos?
EMoS is the recently rebranded company formerly know as e-Motion Concepts Pty Ltd. EMoS claim to be the premier Australian light electric vehicle provider, with the largest portfolio of electric road registerable for urban transport of people and goods, ranging from the 3 wheeled Personal Mobility Device (PMD) iLARK to the cargo carrying three wheelers CT-KARGO and the CT-KUBE. The Wyld is another first of its kind in Australia for EMoS and continues and complements our “out of the box” thinking increasing electric vehicle portfolio, with another three exciting vehicles in the pipeline.
Yes we know this is not strictly motorcycle related but we do believe it does have links to motorcycling due to these being the latest developments from Yamaha, and that technology will, without a doubt, trickle through to Yamaha Motorcycles in some way, shape or form in the years ahead.
Yamaha already have plenty of runs on the board with their supply of drive units to various e-bike manufacturers around the world and this week they released details of their newest and lightest consumer drive unit that will make its way into plenty of e-bikes from numerous manufacturers later this year.
Yamaha PWseries CE
In order to ensure an even faster and more flexible service to European bicycle manufacturers in what is a rapidly expanding marketplace, Yamaha HQ in Japan transferred the responsibility for distributing its OEM e-Bike systems to Yamaha Motor Europe (YME) from July 1st, 2020.
Yamaha invented the very first Electrically Power Assisted Cycle back in 1993, and since then the popularity of the e-Bike has grown at a phenomenal rate. In the last decade the introduction of highly efficient motors and more powerful batteries has transformed the performance and range of this environmentally-friendly vehicle, and today the e-Bike is emerging as a good alternative to public transport.
Urban Mobility is a key issue for everyone who lives or works in the city, and for 2021 Yamaha will respond to the public’s needs by introducing the PWseries CE drive unit and the External Crossover 500 battery, both of them perfectly suited to power the new generation of e-Bikes.
Rated at 250W and producing 50Nm of torque, the new PWseries CE drive unit weighs just 2.9kg, making it the lightest drive unit ever created by Yamaha. It’s also extremely compact, enabling European e-Bike manufacturers to develop next-generation chassis designs with a sharper, slimmer and cleaner profile.
Yamaha’s engineers have worked tirelessly to make the PWseries CE operate as quietly as possible, and various noise-reducing features have succeeded in making this the company’s quietest ever drive unit.
In order to give a better riding experience the new PWseries CE drive unit features Yamaha’s industry-leading software that operates the innovative Automatic Support Mode. This intelligent system instantly responds to changing riding conditions and selects the most appropriate support mode to give its rider the best-suited support at any time, from smooth to strong. A well-balanced level of support is also available when the bike is being pushed, the refined Walk Assist function makes it much easier to manoeuvre and park a bike that needs to be taken up a slope or may be carrying a load, no matter what gear ratio the rider has chosen.
Yamaha PWseries CE Key Features
The lightest-ever Yamaha drive unit weighing from just 2.9kg (with coaster brake support, without brake support: 3.0kg)
Yamaha’s quietest-ever motor
Ultra-compact motor design gives the e-Bike a sharper and cleaner look
Automatic Support Mode software delivers a more natural ride
Improved Walk Assist function makes parking and manoeuvring easy
Centre-mount drive
250 W rated power
50Nm torque
25km/h maximum support speed
Yamaha PWseries CE
External Crossover 500 battery
Yamaha offers a wide range of batteries, including multi-location designs that can be integrated into the frame, as well as external batteries for customers looking for practicality and convenience. Designed to be mounted either on the downtube or in front of the seat tube, Yamaha’s new External Crossover 500 battery features a simple lock-and-release system that makes it easy to remove and then recharge or store at home.
Weighing just 2.9kg, this 36V Lithium Ion battery has a capacity of 500 Wh and can be charged in approximately 4 hours, making it an ideal power source for the new PWseries CE drive unit.
Crossover 500 Key Features
External-mount design with compact dimensions and ergonomic handle
Lock-and-release system for easy removal and charging
