http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/ Engadget Comments for http://www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/]]>Apr 23rd 2009 11:17AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/Apr 23rd 2009 11:26AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/Apr 23rd 2009 11:55AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/Apr 23rd 2009 12:05PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/Apr 23rd 2009 12:12PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/Apr 23rd 2009 12:24PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/Apr 23rd 2009 1:09PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/pew pew pew sound when you honk the horn
Now that would add sprinkles to an already sweet package]]>Apr 23rd 2009 1:38PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/Apr 23rd 2009 2:49PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/ Except for blind people, though. I think there was an article on here a while ago about a city or state (probably Cali) looking to require all electric cars to make noise so blind people don't get smacked.

I vote with Kimmo, I want mine to make a Tie Fighter sound!
]]>Apr 23rd 2009 3:39PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/Apr 23rd 2009 4:07PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/
The needs of the (very few) blind people should not supersede the needs of the people who can see, and would prefer not to be burdened with noisy, inefficient vehicles. Besides, if you're a blind pedestrian, you can probably hear an electric vehicle coming from the friction of the tires alone. This would be especially true if there weren't so many loud, gas-guzzlers on the road masking the noise.

In New Jersey, we have a state law which requires that all vehicles must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks. So, as long as the blind can find the crosswalks, they can cross whenever they like. Instead of making vehicles louder, perhaps crosswalks could just emit an audible beep every minute to let any blind people know that they're near a crosswalk and it's safe to cross.]]>Apr 23rd 2009 4:49PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/Apr 23rd 2009 5:07PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/Apr 23rd 2009 6:17PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/
But, I have some concerns...

My biggest concern is the control you would have over the bike seeing that it is indeed clutch-less. The precision of control afforded by finger-squeezing action (ie. clutch) is much higher than that for wrist turning (ie. throttle). On a motorcycle, this becomes especially important considering that it could be life or death.

As for the sound... "It's quiet... too quiet."
While silence is beautiful it's also dangerous. If the designers of the future electric cars want to build ergonomic vehicles that include considerations for safety they will not ignore the millions of years of evolution that have allowed for object-sound localization. We use it every day much more than we'd think - especially for internal modeling (think maps of your environment) and it could be debilitating to remove this. Yes, your eyes are part of your attention system and supercede the auditory system, but their range is very low (ie. detail only for objects close to you and directly ahead of you; depth perception for a low angle (less than 180). Audition allows for 360-degree spatial orientation. In this sense, audible pipes (read: reasonably loud) do save lives. The chain on this, however, sounds unbearable. Tightening it slightly should correct this a bit.

I see this as a good concept for FUTURE motorcycle manufacturers. It's something to learn from, but not something safe.]]>Apr 23rd 2009 8:41PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/
Helmet cam? I'm looking for something like that. Yours seems to do video decently. Could you post which helmet/helmet cam you used, Engadget? Can it be fed directly into a computer while in use (ie. a motorcycle computer to record trip)?]]>Apr 23rd 2009 10:56PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/Apr 23rd 2009 10:21PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/Apr 28th 2009 2:41PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/Apr 23rd 2009 7:21PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/Apr 23rd 2009 11:19AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/Apr 23rd 2009 12:01PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/Apr 23rd 2009 2:26PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/

I love electric motors, I think they're much more elegant than combustion engines. However, the problem has always been delivering juice to the motor. And when you run out of power, it's not a simple 5-minute stop at the gas pump. Slap on some solar panels and I think it makes it more viable, yet more expensive. People see it as "green" yet the batteries aren't exactly great for the environment, plus the fact that most of our electricity comes from coal (and not to mention we're having an electricity crisis here in So Cal).
"the battery is said to last five years, and while right now a new unit will set you back a massive $5,000"
That's a worrying statement. What the heck does "five years" mean? Some people park their motorcycles in their garage 90% of the time, while others (like me) put hundreds or thousands of miles on them per month.

If I had lots of extra money to blow, I'd totally buy one though.]]>Apr 23rd 2009 4:36PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/
Well, not really. More like a short, rider's eye view of the controls and another short rider's eye view of the ground in front of the bike.

]]>Apr 23rd 2009 11:23AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/Apr 23rd 2009 2:41PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/Apr 23rd 2009 11:26AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/
ATGATT (all the gear, all the time) folks!]]>Apr 23rd 2009 11:28AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/Apr 23rd 2009 11:49AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/
I was like, "full gear, but NO gloves???"

I dunno how you forgot man, I feel totally naked getting on my bike and not having gloves on. But I've been riding with Held gauntlets for years so it feels so natural.

Hey great review though btw, it's great to see an engadget editor who rides, I knew someone must because I keep seeing articles for electric bikes. If I wrote for engadget I'd definitely work that in too :)

]]>Apr 23rd 2009 12:01PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/Apr 23rd 2009 11:24AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/Apr 23rd 2009 11:27AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/
Kudos to Zero for developing this bike. Hope its the start of many more quiet, electric bikes. True the price is high (for now), but you don't have to buy gas, oil, tuneups, etc. ]]>Apr 23rd 2009 1:33PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/
Fair enough. I'll definitely take your experience and word on the issue. I would imagine though that the exhaust sound helps alert drivers to some extent though, even if not loud. Hearing the motorcycle coming from behind you or in front of you might help you to become more visually aware of the motorcycle on the road. I'm not saying that the lack of sound would be the primary cause of the accidents, but I think some exhaust sound is going to help drivers get a head's up. ]]>Apr 23rd 2009 2:07PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/
+1
I have had quiet pipes, it is alllll about defensive driving. Even when dumb friends of mine are convinced the loud pipes that you need earplugs to ride with are their savior!]]>Apr 24th 2009 10:24AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/Apr 23rd 2009 11:27AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/Apr 23rd 2009 11:29AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/Apr 23rd 2009 11:29AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/Apr 23rd 2009 11:29AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/Apr 23rd 2009 11:41AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/Apr 23rd 2009 12:27PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/
It's a common arguement (usually by gas-guzzler owners) that engines use less fuel at lower RPMs. The engine speed is NOT directly proportional to gas consumption. Simply put, an engine at LOW rpm has to dump a lot more gasoline PER STROKE, then the same engine at HIGH rpm - to maintain the same speed.
]]>Apr 28th 2009 3:56AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/Jun 9th 2009 6:57PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/Can you just powerwash it like a normal bike? ]]>Apr 23rd 2009 11:43AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/Apr 23rd 2009 11:56AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/As long as you wash it carefully and grease it up theres no problem..

this is a super moto bike.. so it gets dirty.. ]]>Apr 23rd 2009 12:04PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/Apr 23rd 2009 11:45AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/Apr 23rd 2009 11:45AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/Apr 23rd 2009 11:50AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/Apr 24th 2009 12:19AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/engadget-shreds-on-the-zero-s-all-electric-motorcycle-with-video/Apr 23rd 2009 11:53AM