Voltra: Electric bikes can do sexy

ehm....

 No! looks like someones crashed a wheelbarrow into a fridge - Is this a sister vehicle to Geoff from top gear?

I do like the swingarm though - would look good on a ducati

Posted: 01/12/2009 at 12:57

looks f'ing uncomfortable to me

Posted: 01/12/2009 at 13:35

It looks like a weird lego/meccano hybrid ripped off from the Ducati Monster.  The oversize panels add nothing to it, definitely not aerodynamically and I wonder what they would be like with heavy side winds.  Apart from being electric it looks like the "designer" has added none of the benefits that should be coming with this use of technology - ie a more versatile adaptable setup - the seat looks fixed and uncomfortable, there's no obvious way to adjust the position of any of the components eg foot rests, handle bars and seat position, there's no easy way to add storage - where do the tank bag and panniers go?  Plus it relies on a chain - which with electric bikes just rattles and annoys because there's no engine noise to cover it.  But apart from that ... actually, no, there's nothing I like about it.  I can't wait for an electric motorbike (and I still want a bike that's like "Mitzi" from Futuretrack 5 for any who know the book - with an adjustable setup, integrated sat nav that shows all vehicles on the road and a safety monitoring system that helps you get the most out of the bike when it's safe to do it) but not this art student concept rubbish

Posted: 01/12/2009 at 13:36

Rubbish seems a bit unfair, just because it doesn't conform to your ideal bike.  It doesn't look any more or less comfortable or adjustable than most naked bikes. 

Personally I do quite like the design, especially the trellis "tank" and swingarm, though the flat sided panels could do with a bit more scultping for my tastes.  They might be for channelling air for cooling but the point made about cross winds if a fair one (but then look at the barn door sides of the new VFR).   But as always beauty is in the eye and all that...

You can understand the designer's need to have visual impact to help sell the new technology.  We may be a friendly lot us bikers, but we are very conservative! 

Aesthetics aside does it actually work?

Posted: 01/12/2009 at 14:50

The guy's a student - give him a break!!!

It's a concept, not a production bike. He has put up a few original ideas together - some work some don't.

There will be alot more electric concept bikes in the future - they will be the only choice eventually!!!

Posted: 01/12/2009 at 17:20

OK, rubbish might be a bit harsh.

   But this is still a 'concept' bike that doesn't do anything to improve on things, it's just an electric motor with traditional motorbike parts bolted on with more focus on "style" than on actually having a bike that won't cripple you if you ride it for more than 50 miles - look how close the pegs are to the thin seat and imagine what position you'll be in when you ride it.

  There are electric bikes that look like sports bikes http://www.gizmag.com/mavizen-ttx02-electric-motorcycle/13321/ so for conservatives it can be just a change of power source and unfortunate loss of noise - but someone will probably come up with an MP3 attachment that will play your favourite bike engine noise while you ride

But there are so many things that could be done to make biking even better, especially anything that keeps all the fun while making it safer and more comfortable, so while they're introducing a new "engine" they could also sort out the things we've been putting up with such as the one-size-(doesn't) fit-all problem with most bikes.  This bike doesn't do anything like that and while part of the looks are OK I definitely wouldn't want to ride it.

Posted: 01/12/2009 at 17:33

Had to chuckle at the thought of MP3 bike noise.  Talk about diversification when Akrapovic doesn't make pipes anymore, just sound clips!

You're right about the one size fits all stuff, but then we get basically what the manufacturers shove at us because they think they can sell.  Have you tried the Aprilia Mana - storage for a full face lid where the tank usually is  and a fully or semi auto gear box so no clutch and flappy paddles or a regular clutchless foot lever if you still feel the need to have involvement.  Genius that works very well, but not selling well...

If design fits function then ultimately most electric bikes will probably look like Burgmans - as I suspect electric vehicles will be ok for commuting and round town but surely they'd be useless for distance or touring - not enough range and take too long to recharge?

Posted: 01/12/2009 at 18:28

I suppose you could make a normal looking fully faired bike and 'convert' it to electric. Then it would 'fit in' in the looks department.

The power and distance will improve over time.

 When petrol engines were first used they were huge capacity but produced small amounts of power compared to modern engines.  At the moment battery technology is way in front of motor technology so I think it's the motor improvements that will be the turning point in development.

As for the exhaust sound track - Great idea!!!    MICRON for me please!!!

Posted: 03/12/2009 at 13:53