Tag Archives: Electric motorcycles

Orders start for first Aussie electric motorbike

Australia’s first full-size electric motorcycle, the Savic C-Series, has launched today in Wollongong at the Australian Motorcycle Festival with orders accepted for for first 49 bikes.

The updated prototype revealed today is a far cry from the one unveiled a year ago, thanks to feedback from the public, according to founder Dennis Savic.

Dennis Savic Orders accepted for Aussie electric motorcycle
Dennis Savic on his original prototype

Prices

Pricing is now $12,990 for the 120km-range Omega, $16,990 for the 150km Delta and $23,9990 for the 200km Alpha. (Range is calculated on 100km/h highway riding at constant throttle without regenerative braking. City range should be higher.)

Prices announced in August were: $10,990 Omega, $15,999 and $22,999 Alpha.

It’s still much cheaper than the Harley-Davidson LiveWire electric motorcycle launched last month in the US at about $US30,000 ($A44,000). It will be available in Australia late next year. Pricing is yet to be confirmed.

The Savic range is also competitive on highway range with models such as Harley-Davidson’s LiveWire, and bikes from Zero and Energica.

Savic product spokesman Michael D’Amico says their price rise is “due to an increase in motor torque to better compete with other high end electric motorcycles on the market”.

So we’ve managed to more or less match performance, for a significantly lower price to customers,” he says. 

Our prices have increased slightly, but they are in the order of $5-10k below our direct competitors.”

Savic is also offering a $2000 discount on Alpha, $1000 on Delta and $500 on Omega Spec models if customers submit an expression of interest for orders at the Australian Motorcycle Festival or online.

Orders2019 Savic electric motorcycle prototype orders

Michael says they currently (sic) have four orders for the founder-edition vehicles and are today releasing 49 orders of the first C-Series production run.

“The Alpha spec is the most asked-about model, however we have high hopes for the Omega as we intend to have it comply with the LAMS scheme.

“Manufacturing will commence in August 2020 with deliveries scheduled for late 2020 through to early 2021.”

Orders can only be placed online and they will be shipped within Australia only for the first production run. 

Savic has scheduled their first demo ride day in Melbourne in February 2020.

Updates2019 Savic electric motorcycle prototype orders

The updated prototype is a much more handsome bike than the original.

“This year we completely re-designed and manufactured our own electric motor and battery pack,” Dennis says. 

“We developed a liquid-cooled, aluminium-billet, CNC-machined battery enclosure that integrates into the frame.” 

It also helps disguise the “brick” battery shape.

The original prototype’s powertrain was assembled from off-the-shelf parts and entry level battery cells. 

“We were limited to 40kW and about 100Nm of torque from the motor, but the battery cells couldn’t deliver that power at all,” Dennis says. 

“We had to hand fabricate the frame that supported the battery pack and motor, providing a less-than-elegant solution.”

Design2019 Savic electric motorcycle prototype orders

“We learned a lot through 2018 on the vehicle design side of the business,” Dennis says.

“We went back to the drawing board and completely refined the design of the vehicle. 

The original had a swingarm from a donor bike, but they have now engineered a tubular single-sided swingarm for a “designer” aesthetic as well as improved handling dynamics. 2019 Savic electric motorcycle prototype orders

“Last year we hadn’t engineered our seat at all, and we received a lot of feedback on the narrowness of the seat,” Dennis says.

“We did some vehicle level testing and found it to be uncomfortable indeed! 

“We have widened the seat this year and will be tested when vehicle testing begins in December.”

It is still a solo seat, but Dennis says they plan to bring out a pillion option next year. 2019 Savic electric motorcycle prototype orders

The bolt-in Motec dash has also been replaced with Savic’s own dash software and the body and frame finishes have been improved for aesthetics and rider comfort.2019 Savic electric motorcycle prototype orders

There is also now a lower fairing option. 

2019 Savic electric motorcycle prototype ordersManufacture

The Savic Prototype was designed, engineered, developed and built in Australia.

However, it now includes pre-production parts from suppliers in Taiwan and China.

“We are also looking to engage further supply networks in India,” Dennis says.

“The reality is that we have to manufacture our components overseas, but we will be assembling all our vehicles locally for the Australian market.” 

Savic tech specs2019 Savic electric motorcycle prototype orders2019 Savic electric motorcycle prototype orders

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Energica eases electric range anxiety

If range anxiety is the biggest hurdle for electric motorcycles, Italian company Energica, who supplies the bikes for MotoE, may have the answer.

Their new Ego and Eva have a larger battery with up 400km (250 miles) of range.

Now that’s a substantial amount and it should ease any range anxiety you might feel about electric motorcycles.

As far as we can see it’s the best on the market beating Zero motorcycles with 360km if you use their optional Charge Tank which costs an extra $US2295.

2020 Energica Eva Ribelle
2020 Energica Eva Ribelle in the city

Range anxiety

However, Energica’s quoted 400km range is for city riding only.

As we know, regenerative braking helps replenish a battery, so stopping and starting actually provides more range than a steady throttle. It’s the opposite of petrol-powered vehicles.

Read all about the electric vehicle range hoax here!

Out on the highway, Energica’s range drops to 230km (143 miles) which is still pretty good, but may not ease some people’s range anxiety.

However, they don’t say at what speed that is. You certainly won’t get that far if you are doing their rated top speed of 200km/h!

If you buy or have access to a DC Fast Charger, it will charge to 80% in 40 minutes, which is fairly standard across most electric vehicles.

On fire!

electric garage fire energica
Energica garage explodes in flame

Meanwhile, Energica is still reeling from the fire earlier this year that destroyed their entire fleet of MotoE race bikes.

The fault was found to be in an overheating charger that wasn’t even plugged in.

Harley-Davidson last month embarrassingly, but temporarily, pulled the plug on its electric LiveWire production over the same issue after one charger overheated.

Harley-Davidson LiveWire electric motorcycleHarley-Davidson's electric LiveWire short circuit
LIveWires on DC fast chargers

Energica models

Despite the issues with chargers, these Energica electric bikes certainly look fantastic.

They’re not yet available in Australia, but they would cost more than $A30,000.

That’s still about $14,000 less than Harley’s LiveWire is expected to cost when it goes on the market here late next year.

It comes with a mix of Marzocchi forks and Bitubo shock, with Bosch brakes and full-colour TFT instruments.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Why are there so few electric cruiser bikes?

When Harley-Davidson announced it would make an electric motorcycle, most people thought it would be an electric cruiser style.

However, the iconic heavy cruiser company produced the naked LiveWire sports bike, instead.

Harley-Davidson LiveWire electric motorcycle
LiveWire in action

Over the past decade, many other electric motorcycles have been launched, mainly by start-ups, and most have been dual sports, commuter bikes or sports bikes.

We can only find a few that you would vaguely consider an electric cruiser:

Maybe it’s because riders who cruise like to listen to and feel a big, lumpy engine.

They certainly won’t get that with a smooth and quiet-running electric motor.

Cruiser riders don’t need nor want aerodynamic fairings, a jockey riding position and flashy instruments that look like an iPad.

They prefer old-school chrome, a laidback riding position and analogue dials.

Electric bikes are usually aerodynamic to increase their range and have modern instrument screens.

Latest electric cruiserHadin electric cruiser

But that hasn’t stopped Chinese company Suzhou Wonder-Tech from producing the Hadin electric cruiser.

They say it is an “American-style” electric cruiser bike with feet-forward controls, beach bars, raked forks and a low-riding solo saddle.

However, it doesn’t look like a conventional cruiser. It’s more of a scooter-meets-cruiser.

And it won’t really cruise all that far with its 45kW motor having range of just 160km.

Hadin electric cruiser
Hadin has a tablet-style dashboard

Mind you, that’s 10km more than the Harley-Davidson LiveWire can manage while cruising on the open road!

The Hadin will be one of many electric motorcycles unveiled at the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan next week.

We imagine it will be the only “cruiser-style” bike among them!

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Why You Should Change Your Old Electric Scooter

(Sponsored post)

Scooters are not just meant for kids. If you want to avoid the hassles of parking your car or being stuck in traffic, then you should invest in buying a scooter. Electric scooters also come with a variety of features allowing you to choose one that will suit your needs. Whether you are an urban commuter or you want to take on nature travel, you must get a scooter suitable for your needs. Also, the engine noise associated with motocross tracks is a bit of a turn-off; hence, you must replace your old electric scooter with a better one.

1. Improvement in battery technology

More companies today are producing better electric scooters. This has increased competition in battery production. These recent years have been characterized by environmental-friendly and economical scooters. It is, thus, necessary for you to change your old electric scooter to allow yourself to experience the joy of these newer, improved batteries. These electric scooters have long-lasting batteries, which enables you to travel for up to 43 miles per charge. Also, battery consumption when the scooter is motionless remains minimal, so your charge will last longer.

2. Affordability

The electric cars are pricey, and biking is exhausting. Consequently, scooters are the most viable option. This means that to save some cash, you only have to change the old scooter for a newer model. Also, if you do not take a long-distance journey, scooters are better than electric bikes. They are available at affordable prices with great qualities. If the scooter is damaged, it is easier for you to get spare parts. The repairs will also not cost as much as they used to for the older models; click here for more information on repairs and pricing.

3. Speed Increase

With many electric scooter models released recently, most companies are competing to provide higher speeds and more control to the buyers. There are scooters, today, that go at an average speed of 60mph. This is why you should replace your old scooter and increase your speed. You cannot afford to miss the new upcoming powerful motors, which are equal to 400cc engine hence guaranteeing you great speed.

4. Better Appearance

You can change your scooter and get a better and fancy looking one. Most of them now come with a pillion passenger seat. They have stylish and contemporary designs. This means that they are more elegant and boost your self-esteem when you are riding around the city. The new models are equipped with a larger cargo box hence allowing you to carry more luggages.

5. Greater Control

The upcoming scooters are equipped with powerful motors, thus allowing the users to handle all acceleration of the motor. This means that you will not need a clutch and a gearbox. Besides, the scooters are environmentally friendly. This makes the new electric scooters efficient hence fun to ride.

Features To Consider When Buying a New Scooter

Ducati Super SOCO electric scooters
Ducati Super SOCO electric scooter

· Electric Motor

Before you choose a scooter for yourself, you need to consider whether you can climb mountains on the scooter. If your grounds are not smooth, then you need to choose an electric scooter with a motor that is powerful enough to allow you to climb fast without any issue. At least a 350-watt motor should do the trick.

· Range

You will have to consider how far the batteries can go on a single charge before you buy one. The range will also vary depending on whether you will be riding on flat ground or rough terrain. Temperatures will also affect the mileage of the scooter. You should put that into consideration too.

· Portability

The last thing you want is an electric scooter that is too heavy to carry around. One thing is for certain; you will not always be riding your scooter. Sometimes you will have to carry it around. While all scooters are relatively smaller, some are heavier than others. This difference could cause a huge problem for you. Whether you are buying online or from a brick and motor store, you need to consider how much weight you can handle versus how much the scooter weighs.

Conclusion

Old electric scooters put you at high risk of an accident. Also, sticking to your old machine limits you from experiencing the great power that comes with the new upcoming one. The British government is now subsidizing the production of electric scooters. Hence, they are inviting more innovation and more producers to enlarge the Market. You cannot afford to miss such new inventions, which will be revolutionary in the upcoming days.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Yamaha steps up its electric program

Yamaha is stepping up its electric program with removable batteries, but not in a full-size electric motorcycle.

That’s probably just as well as Harley-Davidson has hit a short circuit with the introduction of its LiveWire.

Instead, Yamaha will unveil two electric scooters, an electric bicycle, an electric mobility scooter and an electric personal scooter at next week’s 46th Tokyo Motor Show.

Yamaha has not revealed many details of its new electric program at the Tokyo show, but they do promise fast-charging, extra range and removable batteries.

Electric program

So far, Yamaha has only produced the electric PES1 (Passion Electric Street) road bike and PED1 (Passion Electric Dirt), but neither is available in Australia.

In June, Yamaha unveiled their EC-05 electric scooter with Gogoro lithium-ion battery packs you can easily swap at a convenient roadside vending machine.

Yamaha Gogoro battery swap electric scooter
Yamaha electric scooter with removable Gogoro battery

Yamaha was also recently believed to be co-operating with the other Japanese motorcycle manufacturers to standardise electric motorcycle and scooter technology, including charging infrastructure and swappable battery packs.

In Tokyo they will unveil the small E02 scooter and classic-looking E-Vino, both with removable batteries.

There will also be a YPJ-YZ pedal-assisted e-bike, an electric tilting three-wheelers mobility scooter, and the electric Land Link Concept.

The latter uses artificial intelligence image recognition technology to autonomously move over “vast” outdoor terrain. It is likely designed to transport cargo.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Why you need to buy an electric motorbike in 2019

(Sponsored post)

In modern society, eco-friendly products are getting more and more popular. People want to make an effort in order to save our planet. Electric cars are widely used all over the world when electro motorbikes are just gaining popularity.

Electric motorbikes are not powered by fuel, but by batteries, and they have a special electric motor. What is really comfortable about them, that the batteries can be charged at your regular socket right at your home. While the battery is charging, you can relax at home and enjoy your favorite hobby – read, watch movies, play online casino. If you are looking for a nice and unusually designed gambling platform, we recommend checking Ignition casino review where you can find a lot of online gambling tips.

5 reasons why you need an electric motorcycle

If you are reading this article, you are considering buying an electric bike. Before making a final decision, check the 5 main advantages.

  1. It is silent – you will not be annoyed by the sound the fuel motorbike makes. If you ride it on an empty road, you will hear nothing but your thoughts.
  2. All those features that fuel bike offers – you will not feel any discomfort as you will have all the features you are used to; also, you are not limited in speed.
  3. No spending on maintenance – there is no need to check the engine oil, time belts, or clutch. You do not need to spend additional money on it.
  4. No need to look for petrol stations – just charge your battery overnight when you need it, as it takes 6-8 hours to charge it fully. No need to be worried if there is a petrol station on the way.
  5. Prices are going down – today, an electric motorbike is still more expensive than a fuel one. However, as the popularity of electric bikes is growing rapidly, the prices tend to get lower and lower.

    BMW Motorrad Vision DC Roadster electric boxer electromobility
    BMW Motorrad Vision DC Roadster electric boxer

Electric motorbikes seem to be a good decision for those who care about global warming and pollution.

Electric motorbike insurance

When it comes to insurance, it is still a bit difficult with electric motorbikes. They are still considered as a risky vehicle because pedestrians might not hear you coming. The silence does not work well here. Also, electric motorcycles are used in urban areas, so there is always a risk of an accident on the road or theft. That is why it is important to get your vehicle insured. Even when it is a bit difficult now, anyway, most insurance companies offer a good insurance plan for your electric motorbike. Check the plans of different companies and choose the best for your needs.

License to ride an electric motorbike

Do not confuse electric motorcycles with electric bicycles. When it comes to a bicycle, everyone can ride it without any special license. When it comes to an electric motorbike, they are only allowed to be ridden by a person over 16 years old. Also, a driving license is the same as for petrol bikes.

Two of the most famous electric motorbikes offered are the Harley-Davidson LiveWire and Honda CR-E. But you can choose from a wide range of models available on the market today.

If you care about nature and want to decrease pollution, if you are open to new innovations and inventions, you should consider an electric motorbike. The future is here, and it is already available to us. Start saving the planet from small things and riding an electric device is a big step to planet-saving.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

HOG boss calls on journalists’ help

Harley-Davidson boss Matt Levatich (above) has called on motorcycle journalists to help the industry’s future by not just explaining the product but telling readers what it’s like to ride.

As Harley and the motorcycle industry slump through trade wars, ageing riders, tough finance and a lack of interest among millennials, the finger of blame has been pointed at everyone from manufacturers all the way down to dealers and customers.

This is the first time motoring journalists have been included.

Boss Hog

Matt was talking to a bunch of “motor noters” at the recent media launch of the Low Rider S in Sydney.

Harley-Davidson boss Matt Levatich in town for Low Rider S launch
MBW at the Low Rider S media launch (Image: Lyndon Marceau / marceauphotography)

“What we need to do as an industry — and I would include all of you in this request — is start leaning into what it’s like to ride,” the company president and CEO told us.

“Why should people ride? What is it that people get from riding? Why is it worth the trip?

“Because it’s hard: It takes a lot of energy, it takes a lot of commitment, it takes a lot of time and it costs a fair bit of money before you actually realise all the things you get from riding.”

The boss Hog says many in the industry, including journalists, have forgotten what it’s like to learn how to ride because we learnt so long ago.

“It’s intimidating, it’s hard, it’s challenging, but it’s an achievement,” he says.

“We need to help people understand why riding is worth the trip and what’s on the other side of becoming a great rider.

“What is the feeling? What’s the transcendent moments you have on a motorcycle that you never have in any other part of your life?

“If we can all collectively start to do that we’re gonna … start to light up people who might be on the outside looking in and wondering why.

“Start thinking about how you talk about what it means to be a rider, not just about what it means to have a great product to ride.

“If we all do that, we will all be stronger as an industry and we will all have a great future.

Quick visit

Matt was only in town a couple of days and was limited to talks to staff, dealers and two media agencies; sadly not us.

We were not allowed to ask any questions, so after his talk I rushed up to ask a quick question before the minders could lead their boss away to safety.

“What does Ewan (McGregor) think of the LiveWire (Harley’s electric motorcycle)?” I asked.

Charley and Ewan adventure on LiveWire
Ewan on a LiveWire in South America

He laughed and said: “Yes, I’ve seen the spy photos too.”

Matt was referring to Instagram photos of Ewan and Charley Boorman on LiveWires for their Long Way Up ride from Tierra del Fuego in South America to LA.

That’s when he was led away before I could ask about the effect of Trump’s trade wars and when we would start getting Thai-made Harleys in Australia.

Shame he didn’t talk about Ewan and Charley’s adventure because that could inspire many future riders just as their first two Long Way instalments inspired thousands of adventure riders.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Can-Am unveils electric prototypes

Among the 2020 line-up of Can-Am Spyder and Ryker roadsters unveiled last week is a range of electric two- and three-wheeler prototypes.

The Canadian company is short on details, but the Ryker EV (above) appears to be the same structure as the current Ryker, only powered by an electric motor. They also unveiled the TWeLVE electric leaning three-wheeler.

Can-Am Twelve prototypes
Can-Am TWeLVE

Electric three-wheelers makes a lot of sense because battery weight and size is not as big an issues with motorcycles.

Yet Can-Am also showed the CT1 electric scooter and CT2 electric motorcycle.

Can-Am electric bikes prototypes
Can-Am electric scooter and motorbike

While technical details of these prototypes are not available, we expect they feature Alta Motors powertrains.

Can-Am last year bought the assets of electric start-up Alta Motors which went bust after Harley-Davidson had a brief collaboration with the Californian company.

There is no word on when these will come to market.

The company may be waiting to see how the Harley-Davidson LiveWire electric motorcycle is received in the marketplace.

2020 Can-Am line-up

Meanwhile, Can-Am has revamped their 2020 Spyder RT lineup for better touring capability.

They now include new LED headlights, a redesigned cockpit, extended floorboards, lower seats that are also heated, increased lumbar support, a new adjustable electric windshield with memory function, and upgraded suspension.

Luggage space is now increased to 177 litres and the top box features a quick-release system.

Australian prices and availability for the 2020 line-up have not yet been released.

20202 Can-Am Spyder and Ryker models prototypes
2020 Can-Am Spyder and Ryker models

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Fonzarelli NKD is first Aussie mini electric

Fonzarelli has produced the first Australian-made production electric motorcycle, the fun, dual-sport Grom-sized NKD capable of up to 120km range and 100km/h top speed.

Founder Michelle Nazzari says their NKD mini-bike is now available through Fonzarelli retailers and online, starting at $A9990. She says they will be “ready for summer”.

The Redfern-based company has already produced three electric scooters ranging in price from $5490 to $9890.

Fonzarelli X1 electric scooter
Fonzarelli X1 electric scooter

Now their NKD will beat the Savic Cafe Racer to the market as the first Australian electric motorcycle, albeit a mini version.

Dennis Savic Orders accepted for Aussie electric motorcycle
Savic electric motorcycle

Powered up

The NKD is powered by a mid-drive brushless motor producing 9.6kW of power and 56Nm of torque, reaching 100km/h in five seconds.

You can also buy optional fat knobby tyres so it can do some off-road work.

The Panasonic Lithium-Ion 3.5kWh inbuilt battery can be charged via the onboard AC mains charger from flat to 100% in about five hours.

It’s a type 1 Japanese charger as used in the Nissan Leaf and other electric cars.

Michelle says the challenge facing two-wheel electric vehicles is the lack of dedicated charging stations.

So Fonzarelli is collaborating with design researcher Simon Modra of the University of South Australia, to create a compact two-wheel optional charger.

Michelle says the optional portable charger could be “rolled out in cafes, hotels and other public spaces”.Fonzarelli NKD is first Aussie mini electric

“You can charge up another 20km of range in the time it takes you to have a cup of coffee,” she says.

The optional single-phase 10amp charger costs $1200.

Custom designFonzarelli NKD electric mini motorcycle

Owners can option up the NKD with a hand-stitched honeycomb saddle in Lambo-style Alcantara suede, a USB port for charging devices on the go, integrated LED headlamp, tail-lamp and bar-end turn signals, LCD dash screen, and dual sport off-road knobby Pirelli tyres.

Fonzarelli design director Wenley Andrews has been working on the design for 10 months.

“I’ve built and designed all manner of bikes in my time,” Wenley says.

“I wanted it to be versatile where you could take it off-road into sand dunes and hills – and compact enough to put in the back of my Jeep.” 

Michelle had an unlikely education as a motorcycle manager studying Mid-East politics and Arabic at Sydney Uni.

She then spent some time working in her father’s bus company helping to make Australia’s first hybrid and electric buses.

“I developed a real passion for developing electric motorcycle powertrains as I was already a rider,” she says.

Fonzarelli have so far sold 800 electric scooters in Australia and New Zealand and Michelle hopes to branch into Europe and UK with the NKD and X1 scooter.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Electric highways pave way for electric bikes

Millions of taxpayer dollars is being given to private companies to provide charging points to create electric highways, paving the way for electric motorcycles and scooters.

Last year Chargefox received $6m in Federal Government funding and $1m from the Victoria Government to install 21 charging sites from Adelaide to Brisbane, around Perth and in Tasmania.

In Queensland, the state government is spending $2.5m to build an “Electric Super Highway” with 17 fast-charging stations along 1800km of highway from Coolangatta to Cairns and from Brisbane to Toowoomba.

Now the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has announced $15 million in funding to Evie Networks for more charging stations that will be about 100km apart.

Dennis Savic with electric Cafe racer motrcycle electric highways
Australia’s first electric motorcycle, the Savi Cafe Racer

Range anxiety

These electric highways should go some way toward easing “range anxiety” that is preventing the adoption of electric motorcycles and scooters in our wide, brown land.

While some electric motorcycles boast up to 300km range, that is on an urban route. Highway riding depletes a battery quicker.

For example, the Harley-Davidson electric LiveWire (pictured above) has 230km of city range, but only 150km of highway range.

So highway charging points about 100km apart will be more suitable for motorcycles.

Harley-Davidson LiveWire electric motorcycle electric highways
LiveWire on a fast charger

Electric highways

The latest funding will support the first phase of the $50.2 million electric highways charging network with 350kW ultra-fast chargers powered by renewable energy. 

Some 42 charging sites will be installed at roadside service centres connecting Adelaide, Melbourne, Canberra, Sydney and Brisbane, plus charging stations in Far North Queensland, Tasmania and Perth.

Construction has started on the first site north of Brisbane, with 23 sites operational in the first year. 

Each of the 42 sites be able to charge two vehicles at the same time providing about 100km of charge in 15 minutes using Tritium ultra-fast chargers.

Riders will be able to use the stations via special apps that find stations and handle payment. 

Chargefox charging app electric highways

In the initial stages, there could be a long wait at these charging points. However, we suspect that demand will drive more charging stations.

Evie Networks boss Chris Mills says they estimate Australia needs about 350 sites to cover all the highways in our National Land Transportation Network.

So far only about a quarter of that amount is planned. By comparison, there are about 6500 service stations in Australia.

Chris expects that most motorists will charge their electric vehicle at home, work, public carparks or shopping centres.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com