Many people are thinking about alternative energy.  They look at gasoline powered cars and think about ways to not only protect the environment but to quiet down the roadways.  That’s where the electric dirt bike comes into the picture.

One company that produces these is Zero Motorcycles. Zero electric dirt bike is quiet, and performs well. As of August of 2008 they were already back ordered. Of course only 45 had been produced by that time. Their goal is to produce 2000 in 2009. They will also introduce an electric street bike.

People often use an electric dirt bike to ride off road near the house.  That means forests and trails.  Neighbors would complain if people tooled around on loud gas bikes.  But the electric bikes are whisper quiet.  That’s why it’s becoming popular.

An electric dirt bike can be costly.  Gas powered bikes are cheaper.  They also have limited range.  A charge is good for 40 miles.  That turns out to be about two hours of use on the trail.  One problem with this is people like to ride for an entire day.  The bike can’t be recharged while on the trail.

Some veteran off-road riders see the electric dirt bike as a novelty. They don’t think it will last. One rider, also an editor of a motorcycle magazine, said “this is a good second bike, but not something most enthusiasts would want to own as an only bike.” But other people call them sexy and fun.

The founder of zero said he became interested in building an electric dirt bike in about 2002. He was formerly an aerospace engineer, but later became a motorcycle designer. He disagreed with people who think electric cycles are slow and boring. He dislikes off-the-shelf parts so many of the parts on his bikes are custom designed.

The electric dirt bike battery is an issue.  Lithium ion batteries can last a long time but they’re hard to cool.  Zero needed an insulator around the batteries.  The pack that they came up with costs nearly $4,000 to replace.  It lasts for six years.  A full charge takes only 2 hours.  That’s fast.  The motor has 23 hp and can go from zero to 30 in under two seconds.  Zero says that experienced riders are blown away by the performance.

Speaking of costs, the zero is about $7,000, this electric dirt bike also costs $300 to ship. They’re only sold online. The overall goal for the company is to become big.

Expect to see an electric dirt bike very soon somewhere in your town.