electric

Harley struggles to fire up new generation of riders with electric bike debut

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by Rajesh Kumar Singh from https://www.reuters.com/ CHICAGO (Reuters) – Harley-Davidson Inc (HOG.N) is betting on electric motorcycles to attract the next generation of younger and more environmentally conscious riders to reverse declining U.S. sales. But as Harley ships its first “LiveWire” bikes – priced at $29,799 – to dealers, there is little evidence the 116-year-old brand is catching on with new young customers. The problem lies mostly with this “super-premium” product’s price. The bike costs nearly as much as a Tesla Model 3, and aims for a market that does not really exist: young, “green” and affluent first-time motorcyclists. The sleek sport bike has been available for preorder in the United States since January. However, the bulk of the orders are coming in from existing and old riders, according to interviews with 40 of the 150 dealerships nationwide that are carrying the bike this year. The dealers Reuters spoke with account for little over a quarter of LiveWire dealerships and are spread across Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, California, Nevada, New Jersey and New York. Harley has for years failed to increase sales in the United States, its top market accounting for more than half of its motorcycles sold. As its tattooed, baby-boomer base ages, the Milwaukee-based company is finding it challenging to woo new customers. In 2018, Harley posted the steepest sales decline in four years in the United States. U.S. sales are tipped to fall again this year. Harley Davidson’s U.S. Retail Sales Grappling with an ageing customer base and the waning charm for its big bikes, Harley has failed to post sales growth in the United States – its biggest market – in the past four years. The heavyweight motorcycle maker’s stock price has declined by 42% in the past five years. By comparison, the S&P 500 […]

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The World’s Fastest Electric Motorcycle

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by Michael Alba at https://www.engineering.com/ 2 Wheels and 218 Miles per Hour: The World’s Fastest Electric Motorcycle His bike wasn’t rumbling beneath him as he rolled up to Alice’s Restaurant. The California air was heavy with sun and the black exhaust of the Harleys, Yamahas and Kawasakis purring all around him. His name was Richard Hatfield, and he was a computer engineer turned bike builder who was taking the first test run of his first prototype. It was an old Yamaha R1 bike frame fitted with an electric motor and stuffed with lithium iron phosphate batteries. The year was 2006, and the bike was the first lithium battery sports bike ever built. Richard would have revved the engine had there been one. Instead, he turned left at Alice’s and pointed his bike toward the top of the Woodside hills. He gunned it, then it gunned him. It was the fastest acceleration he’d ever felt on a bike, and in an instant, the Yamaha shot noiselessly up the hill. Richard felt fast as lightning. Lightning Motorcycles There’s nothing easy about building an electric motorcycle. There’s limited space for components, yet electric vehicles need one component in abundance: batteries. Hatfield retrofitted his Yamaha R1 with 28 lithium iron phosphate (LiFePo4) batteries, each one weighing 6.6lb and storing 90Ah at 3.2V for a total capacity of about 8kWh. The batteries took 7 hours to recharge and offered a range of 80 miles at 65mph. The whole project cost him $15,000. It may not have been pretty, but it worked. That test drive at Alice’s Restaurant convinced Hatfield that electric bikes were the way of the future, an “unquestionably” better biking experience. “For the first time, I experienced that electric torque and thrust without any noise or vibration or sound,” Hatfield recalled. “And the

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Honda to showcase Super Cub-based CT125 at Tokyo Motor Show

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The concept motorcycle is based on the Super Cub series, which has been very popular among customers all around the world, informs the Japanese automobile manufacturer. Honda will display the Super Cub-based CT125 at the Tokyo Motor Show, informs the company in a release. The concept motorcycle is based on the Super Cub series, which has been very popular among customers all around the world, informs the Japanese automobile manufacturer. Apart from that, there will be a business-use electric scooter Benly e, an electric three-wheeler scooter Gyro e on display as well. Also, the CRF1100L Africa Twin Dual Clutch Transmission, CRF1100L AfricaTwin Adventure Sports ES Dual Clutch Transmission ADV150 too will be showcased at the event. Among the cars, the company will showcase the all-new Accord, the new Fit that is known as Jazz in India along with the Honda e electric vehicle as well. Honda is expected to showcase some exciting technologies related to future mobility solutions.

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Father made an exact replica of a full size Royal Enfield Bullet motorcycle for his son

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This hand built mini Bullet is identical to the full sized Royal Enfield Bullet in all respects. It is located in Kollam, Kerala and the video is shown by ETV Andhra Pradesh drawing attention to every part of the mini Bullet which has been fashioned to look like its life sized counterpart. It shows the complete mini Bullet being ridden by a young toddler who is around 5-7 years of age. He takes the bike around the yard donning riding gear while the finished product shows extreme attention to detail done by the father who is also a Bullet aficionado. The ingenuity of the father knew no bounds when he went through great lengths to build a mini version of the Royal Enfield Bullet motorcycle for his son This Royal Enfield Bullet electric mini motorcycle is made at home and all parts are made of fiber. It gets all features as seen on a full sized RE Bullet with identical headlamp, single pod instrument console and fuel tank which also sports the RE moniker. The other elements such as the suspension, indicators, mirrors and leg guards are also identical to its larger counterpart and have been installed on the Mini Bullet. The only difference being that the Mini Bullet runs on battery power. No specifications of the battery capacity have been revealed in the video but should offer around 30 minutes of us on a full charge. The chassis of the bike is also handmade. Royal Enfield is also working on a full sized electric motorcycle. However, launch is not expected for the next few years. Speaking about future launches, Royal Enfield will soon update their entire range of Bullet, Classic and Thunderbird models of 350 and 500 cc with new generation motorcycles with new BS6 engines. More recently, Royal

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E-scooter manufacturers are rushing into Germany

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European scooter companies such as Circ, Tier, Voi are vying with international players such as US-based Lime and Bird in the world’s fourth largest economy. by Avik Das from TNN BERLIN: A gamut of electric scooter companies has flooded the streets of Germany, specially Berlin, after the federal government opened up the segment in June in an attempt to reduce congestion and carbon footprint. European scooter companies such as Circ, Tier, Voi are vying with international players such as US-based Lime and Bird in the world’s fourth largest economy, where the car still remains the preferred mode of commute in spite of a strong public transport system. Dutch company Dott, which recently raised 30 million euros in its Series A round, is also looking to enter Germany. Berlin-based Tier, which started operations last year in Vienna, has got a fleet of 20,000 scooters, of which 1,000 are in the German capital. “We are starting in one city every week and have already completed 5 million rides with 1 million in Berlin in just 30 days,” said Tier cofounder Julian Blessin. Tier has till date raised about 33 million euros. Most major European countries, barring the United Kingdom, have already allowed these 10 kg vehicles to ply and companies and experts say Germany has the potential to be one of the largest markets after France because of the number of cities. Urban consumers, who are already familiar with cab hailing companies like Uber, are attracted to electric scooters as they are fun, provide a new experience and help them avoid traffic jams. The result: investors are opening up their purse strings. Swedish company Voi has raised 75 million euros and Berlin-based Circ 55 million euros. These companies need more money to compete with those like Lime, which has raised nearly $800

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Rwanda Encourages Youth To Use Electric Motorcycles

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Rwanda has introduced the use of electric motorcycles as part of its efforts to protect the environment and cut fuel costs. Passengers and motorcyclists say the electric vehicles could dramatically change how Rwandans do business. James Musisi, 45, is one of 10 motorcyclists who have started to use the motorcycles in what is known as the moto-taxi business — motorcycle taxis. He says the vehicles are quiet, which means passengers are able to make phone calls as they’re taken to their destinations. They’re also relatively cheap. One electric bike costs $1,300 — less expensive than the $1,600 price for fuel motorcycles. Also, Musisi said, “There is no chain, no drum brake, and requires less [maintenance compared to] those that use fuel lubricant every week and have to change the oil.” Currently, there are 10 of the motorcycles running on Kigali’s roads, but more than 600 are being built. Two charging stations exist in Kigali. A moto-taxi driver has to bring an exhausted battery to take a charged one, which runs for 70 kilometers (43 miles). The price for recharging an electric vehicle is equal to the cost of the fuel for traditional cycles. In 2016, four entrepreneurs from different countries formed a start-up called Ampersand with a mission to transform Rwanda into a mass market for commercial electric motorcycles. Josh Whale, the company’s chief executive officer, said electric motorcycles, also known as e-Motos, have great potential in Rwanda — a country known for its environmental initiatives. “For electricity, we found that the grid is sufficiently reliable in Kigali,” he said. “There has been a lot of investment made in new transmission lines, which are operating well, so everything is good for us.” Environmental efforts Engineer Colleta Ruhamya, director-general of Rwanda’s Environment Management Authority, says this is another milestone for the

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Harley-Davidson launches new Motorcycle Models and Technology for 2020

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HARLEY-DAVIDSON LAUNCHES NEW MOTORCYCLE MODELS AND TECHNOLOGY FOR 2020 The Debut of the All-Electric LiveWire™ Motorcycle and the Return of the Legendary Low Rider® S Model MILWAUKEE (August 20, 2019) – New models, new technologies, and more customer choices are featured in the expansive lineup of Harley-Davidson® motorcycles for 2020.The new Harley-Davidson Low Rider® S model brings aggressive style and all-out performance to a 2020 Harley-Davidson models that also include the all-electric LiveWire™ model and the new CVO™ Tri Glide® model, the ultimate three-wheel motorcycle. Also new for 2020 is the H-D™ Connect service, a subscription-based cellular connectivity service for select Harley-Davidson motorcycles, and the Reflex™ Defensive Rider Systems (RDRS), a new collection of rider-control technologies for select models that includes traction control and advanced Antilock Braking System (ABS). The new models and advanced technologies are components of the More Roads to Harley-Davidson plan to accelerate building the next generation of riders through new products in additional motorcycle segments, broader access and a commitment to strengthen dealers globally. “Harley-Davidson offers riders a host of new models, gear and accessories for 2020 as we leverage our unmatched ability to blend style, performance and technology in products designed to elevate the motorcycling experience,” said Heather Malenshek, Harley-Davidson Chief Marketing Officer. “This year Harley-Davidson offers more choices for more riders than ever before.” Harley-Davidson LiveWire Model: A New Motorcycling Experience The LiveWire model is an all-new, all-electric motorcycle; an exhilarating and evocative new model designed to offer the rider a high-performance motorcycling experience infused with a new level of technology, and the premium look and feel of a Harley-Davidson product. Propelled by the immediate torque of the H-D™ Revelation™ all-electric powertrain, the LiveWire motorcycle is capable of rapid acceleration with just a twist of the throttle – no clutching or gear shifting required.

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China’s Ninebot unveils scooters that drive themselves to charging stations

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Ninebot said Uber and Lyft, the ride-hailing giants that are expanding into scooter-sharing, would be among the customers for the new semi-autonomous vehicles that are expected to hit roads early next year. BEIJING/HONG KONG – Segway-Ninebot Group, a Beijing-based electric scooter maker, on Friday unveiled a scooter that can return itself to charging stations without a driver, a potential boon for the burgeoning scooter-sharing industry. Ninebot said Uber and Lyft, the ride-hailing giants that are expanding into scooter-sharing, would be among the customers for the new semi-autonomous vehicles that are expected to hit roads early next year. Gao Lufeng, Ninebot chairman and chief executive, told Reuters in an interview that AI-driven scooters, controlled remotely from the cloud, could radically improve the economics of scooter-sharing. “The pain point for scooter operators is to better maintain the scooters at a lower cost,” he said. Currently, operators of scooter sharing fleets have to collect the machines manually for re-charging. Formed by the 2015 combination of China’s Ninebot and U.S. transportation pioneer Segway, the company has quietly become the largest supplier for scooter-sharing companies such as Bird and Lime “I believe scooters will replace bicycles as the prime solution for micro-mobility,” Gao said. “It’s human nature to save energy when commuting.” The scooter-sharing fad was triggered two years ago with the launch of Bird in California. Venture-capital investors have since poured hundreds of millions of dollars into the sector, and fleets of electric-powered scooters now operate in cities across the U.S. and Europe. Segway-Ninebot Group has applied to list its shares on the China’s new Nasdaq-style board for homegrown tech firms, the STAR Market. The company sold 1.6 million scooters in 2018, according to a prospectus filed in April. Lyft and Uber did not immediately respond to emailed requests for comment. The new scooters

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Berlin to tighten rules for electric scooter users

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City transport officials said after a meeting with scooter providers that they’ll designate special on-street parking zones for the battery-powered vehicles BERLIN: Berlin plans to stop electric scooters from being left haphazardly on sidewalks and other anti-social behavior that’s drawn the ire of residents in the German capital since the vehicles were made legal two months ago. City transport officials said Wednesday after a meeting with scooter providers that they’ll designate special on-street parking zones for the battery-powered vehicles, which are popular among tourists and young people. Berlin police will also step up patrols to prevent illegal behavior such as doubling. Police say seven people have been seriously injured and 27 suffered minor injuries in scooter accidents since mid-June, saying most were due to riders behaving carelessly. In Paris, where about 20,000 scooters roam the streets , authorities recently proposed limiting speeds to 8 kilometers per hour (5 mph) in areas with heavy foot traffic.

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eRIDE CLUB – The Largest Light Electric Vehicle Portal Officially Launched

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DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Aug. 8, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — eRIDE CLUB, the largest light electric vehicle (LEV) portal, today announced the launch of its website (www.erideclub.com) and eRIDE CLUB mobile app. Following in the footsteps of other pioneering rental and sharing services, plans in hospitality (e.g., AirBnB), ride-sharing (e.g., Uber, Lyft), scooter and e-bike rentals (e.g., Bird, Lime, Jump, Motivate), eRIDE CLUB is the first entity to provide rentals of all types of electric vehicles including scooters, e-bikes, mobility scooters, ATVs and electric cars. “Our goal is to provide affordable and sustainable transportation options for everyone to get around,” stated Julian Brown, the president of eRIDE CLUB. “Do you want an e-bike on your next Caribbean trip? Or a mobility scooter for your visiting grandparents? Maybe a scooter in Rome? We can arrange it all,” continued Brown. The eRIDE CLUB app (iOS and Android) allows members to access a huge database of LEV’s for rent or sale according to their current location or travel destination. Customers can choose from unique products and compare prices, while businesses can showcase and profit from their idle showroom products. Suppliers benefit from new markets, increased visibility and rewards. “Suppliers can use the app to list products, prices, pictures, features and availability, all in real time,” said Brown. eRIDE CLUB has already signed over 190 points of rental/sales across the globe. Presently, eRIDE CLUB is moving into Phase II of its plan, which will encompass acquiring 100,000 members and doubling its points of supply within the next six months. eRIDE CLUB is actively pursuing strategic alliances and investors worldwide to accelerate its strategy plan. eRIDE CLUB has signed a letter of intent with 2050 Motors, Inc. for investment to accelerate faster. As part of the transaction, which is expected to go to Definitive Agreement and

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