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http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/AmericanFlag.jpg Following in the path of Vectrix, firms including Mission Motor, Zero and Brammo expect zooming growth for plug-ins on two wheels. (latimes.com/business/la-fi-electric-bikes17-2009mar17,0,4786529.story)

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/2009_Zero-X.jpgSusan Carpenter - The Los Angeles Times (latimes.com) - Mar. 17, 2009

A lot more affordable than an electric car with the same range! -- Ed.

When it comes to electric vehicles, the Tesla Roadster and Chevrolet Volt get all the love. But there are other EVs rolling around, and they're balancing on two wheels.

Since 2007, when Vectrix of Middletown, R.I., first rode onto the scene with its battery-powered Maxi Scooter, a growing number of U.S. start-ups have entered the plug-in two-wheeler market. They've invested millions of dollars in vehicles, many of which are poised for production within a year.

Led by pioneers with impressive resumes, these firms predict growth in spite of the down economy, and they're laying claim to niche markets with such boasts as "first" and "fastest" as they stake out territory in what many believe is the future of transportation.

"It's amazing how inefficient the vehicles we're driving today really are," said Forrest North, founder and chief executive of Mission Motor Co., a San Francisco company that unveiled the prototype for its 150-mph, 150-mile-range electric motorcycle at the... http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-electric-bikes17-2009mar17,0,4786529.story

Something for me to keep an eye on.

Highway speeds for my communte? Check.
Enough Range? Check.

I need to look around for one that might fit the budget.

I've tried to analyze my daily route based on the Vectrix scooter range and no matter how I slice it I fall 5-10 miles short. The owner's manual I've downloaded has a table with the true range at various speeds and it is very disappointing at real world speeds even on secondary 45mph roads. Real world range is really only 30-35 miles off the highway and only about 20miles at 60mph. The only way the Vectrix with its current battery would work for me is if I could recharge it while at work.:rolleyes: I would have to investigate if there is access to an external plug.

A local got to test ride the ZERO version, if you are interested in an unbiased test ride report. Here's a link . . . scroll down to post #8 for the meat:

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=442119

Hi Cowboy:

___Thanks for the link to the Zero-X ride impression by Spooph! I am just biting at the bit to hear news on the -S and when it arrives, whoooaaa ;)

___And welcome to CleanMPG too :D

___Good Luck

___Wayne

I've tried to analyze my daily route based on the Vectrix scooter range and no matter how I slice it I fall 5-10 miles short.

AutoWeek tested the Vectrix last year and had their reporter use it for his commute for a week. He found that is was best to try to plug it in while parked away from home but he also said that it's surprisingly easy to find electrical outlets in places like parking garages once you start looking.

Some day, or course, they'll figure out how to meter these but for now they're free fuel for EV's.