zero: xu electric motorcycle
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zero: xu electric motorcycle
the zero 'xu' electric motorcycle with removable battery pack
one of five electric models in the company's 2011 lineup, 'xu' by zero is the world's first street motorcycle
to include a removable power pack that can be swapped in and out and used in conjunction with a stand-alone charger.
quieter and simpler to use than their internal-combustion counterparts, electric motorcycles are an appealing alternative
for a range of city-dwellers. at the same time, urbanites are less likely to have the garage or outdoor space
required for electric charging, a problem solved by the power pack on the 'xu', which can be removed from the device
and brought indoors to charge. the feature also provides easy swapping in and out for fleets of motorcyclists.
full profile view
front view
built on a dirt bike frame but optimized for urban use, the 'xu' has a maximum speed of 51mph (82km/hr),
with a single-charge driving range of 30 miles (48 km).
whether connected to the power pack or directly to the 218lb (99kg) bike,
the device's charger fits into any standard 110 or 220 volt outlet and provides a charge time of 2 hours to completion
on standard mode, or 1.2 hours on quick-charge mode.
closer view of battery pack
planned to retail for 7,995 USD, the 'zero xu' is already available for order,
and the first models are expected to be available later this month.
the 'zero xu' on the streets
detail on rear lights
detail on ignition panel
footage of the bike in use on the streets
via gizmag
Loud pipes save lives. They better add some noise
David Clark 03.03.11
Loud pipes distract other drivers, cause accidents. A little noise, to warn pedestrians, would be best.
Dan 03.03.11
Dan, you patently do not understand motorcycles or road safety which David Clark obviously does. Do fire engine and ambulance sirens distract drivers and cause accidents too?
Lombax 03.03.11
so true, gonna have to add some bells and whistles even though they handled that visually-gorgeous
Mary St. John 03.03.11
there will be an app for noise AND an app for PA speakers
everyone will be happy.life rolls on
everyone will be happy.life rolls on
snp5k 03.03.11
@Lombax : The appropriate response to emergency sirens is to slow down and get out of the way and get out of the way. Are you suggesting that motorcycles without mufflers be afforded the same privilege? You'd better believe that sirens are distracting - they're designed to be.
I understand bike safety VERY well, been on one for 15 years - your stupidly loud bike means nothing next to a butthead with a stupidly loud stereo. I also understand the idiot psychology of needing a bike loud enough to get in everybody's face, you big rebel. I'm sure you'd be crying the blues if every car was pumping Justin Bieber through you helmet as loudly as your unmuffled bike.
So, how about a bike beside me, loud enough to drown out those emergency sirens? Does that sound like a life-saving circumstance?
You are not an emergency vehicle, but it it raises the question why you think you should be allowed to be as loud as an emergency vehicle.
Loud pipes are needed by attention-starved zipperheads who probably can't ride safely to begin with.
I understand bike safety VERY well, been on one for 15 years - your stupidly loud bike means nothing next to a butthead with a stupidly loud stereo. I also understand the idiot psychology of needing a bike loud enough to get in everybody's face, you big rebel. I'm sure you'd be crying the blues if every car was pumping Justin Bieber through you helmet as loudly as your unmuffled bike.
So, how about a bike beside me, loud enough to drown out those emergency sirens? Does that sound like a life-saving circumstance?
You are not an emergency vehicle, but it it raises the question why you think you should be allowed to be as loud as an emergency vehicle.
Loud pipes are needed by attention-starved zipperheads who probably can't ride safely to begin with.
Dan 03.04.11
I bicycle most days and I can tell you that the Prius is is the most fearsome predator I have in the city.
How about a front mounted speaker that plays whenever the bike is running?
Wagner would get me out the way as well as any loud pipes...
How about a front mounted speaker that plays whenever the bike is running?
Wagner would get me out the way as well as any loud pipes...
James 03.04.11
What about take off your iPod's when riding your bike and have a close look what is around you. Why put noise to something not so silent? You could ear the buzzing of electric motors.
External speakers for electric cars? that's ridiculous. People must pay attention when is on the street!
External speakers for electric cars? that's ridiculous. People must pay attention when is on the street!
marczinger 03.04.11
While loud pipes may in fact alert some drivers to the presence of motorcycles in traffic, the biggest problem comes when loud pipes alert people in their HOMES and BUSINESSES and SCHOOLS and CHURCHES to the presence of motorcycles in traffic. In short, loud pipes intrude on the privacy of people who pose no risk to the rider's safety. When the non-riding majority think of motorcycles, they think of the jerks who disturb their peace on a Sunday morning, and they tell their legislators to do something about those a-holes on bikes.
Chris who rides in NM 03.04.11
Why does "loud" make the folks here (Dan) instantly jump to absolute extreme? A bike with noise makes itself known in a world that is blind to them, making their riders safer. I have been in plenty of situations where, without my very quiet stock muffler, I would have been obliviously crushed. One does not need to go to extremes to achieve a safe amount of sound for a bike. No need to get offended Dan. Your response seems like a blasting stereo to me.
d 03.05.11
@d Sounds like you found "the noise" offensive? Imagine that. Learn to ride in the mirrors, and you won't be crushed, pipes or no.
Dan 03.05.11
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