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Who is Zero Motorcycles?
Started under the name Electricross in 2006, Zero Motorcycles builds electric motorcycles at a small plant just outside Santa Cruz, CA. Their initial offerings were little more than electric mountain bikes, but their 2011 lineup replaces these cycles with bikes built with traditional motorcycle components.
The company recently announced it will move away from direct sales toward establishing relationships with traditional motorcycle dealers. To this end, former Triumph executive Karl Wharton has taken over the job of CEO.
Zero's bikes aren't being built as a replacement for traditional motorcycles, but as a compliment to the market: 70% of Zero's customers are new to motorcycles. They fill a niche, offering products that are far faster than electric bicycles but a lot cheaper than electric cars. Zero's products are also surprisingly light, with curb weights similar to or lower than their internal combustion competitors.
Green sensibilities and new riders aside, electric dirt bikes are starting to find favor with riders because they offer almost perfectly liner power delivery, making it easy to control jumps. Electric motorcycles are also allowed in some areas where traditional bikes have been banned due to noise pollution or risk of fire. These bikes are also safe to ride indoors, which many see as the future of the sport: Imagine being able to ride at a location more akin to an indoor skate park than a wilderness trail.
Models
All of Zero's 2011 models received powertrain upgrades to increase range and performance, while build quality and suspension tuning is noticeably improved across the lineup.
For $595 a 220v fast charge system can be added to any of these bikes. This is compatible with SAE J1772, the standard used to charge cars like the Nissan Leaf and Chevy Volt. Reaching 90% charge takes half as long as a full charge via a 110v plug.
Zero's motorcycles are also eligible for a 10% federal tax credit, and may qualify for additional local tax credits.
Dirt
MX
MSRP $9,495
Full charge via 110v: 2 hours
Range: 30-60 minutes dirt riding/22 miles street riding
Top speed: 40mph dirt version/57mph street version
The MX can be purchased in a dirt-only version, or a street-legal version with higher gearing, lights, and other safety equipment for an additional $450. The bike weighs an impressively low 205 lbs. in street trim, or about fifty pounds less than an average 450cc dirt bike.
X
MSRP $7,995
Full charge via 110v: 2 hours
Range: 30-60 minutes dirt riding/22 miles street riding
Top speed: 47mph dirt version/53mph street version
This bike is a cheaper, smaller version of the MX. Despite a lower price, the range is almost the same as its big brother. A street-legal version with lights and other equipment is available for an additional $500.
Street
S
MSRP $9,995
Full charge via 110v: 4 hours
Top speed: 67mph
Range: 43mph
The S is the most practical, street-centric bike in the lineup. Curb weight is 297 lbs, or about 50lbs. less than a 250cc street bike.
XU
MSRP $7,995
Full charge via 110v: 2 hours
Range: 25 miles
Top speed: 51mph
Aimed at urban riders, the XU uses the X's chassis and battery pack in combination with street tires and suspension. Top speed and range is somewhat lower than the S, but with 79 lbs. less weight to move around the XU handles noticeably better.
Dual Sport
DS
MSRP $10,495
Full charge via 110v: 4 hours
Range: 43 miles
Top Speed: 67mph
The DS combines the MX frame with the S battery pack and street-oriented tires. This gives the bike the S's range and top speed while also offering long suspension travel to handle trails.
If you are thinking about purchasing a motorcyle you might want to give Zero Motorcyles a closer look.