Off-Roading on a Zero X Electric Motorcycle

Don't look for a kick-starter here because ... there isn't one. And forget about changing spark plugs or cleaning the air filter; no need for those either. Zero X is a revolutionary high performance dirt bike propelled by a clean, quiet, zero emission electric motor rather than a noisy two or four cycle internal combustion engine.

Santa Cruz, California based Zero Motorcycles is shaking up the off-road motorcycle world with its Zero X, a motocross style bike that offers impressive performance. Zero X isn't a converted gas powered motorcycle, but rather a clean sheet design from renowned designer Neal Saiki that's engineered expressly for electric drive. Its aircraft aluminum frame weighs just 18 pounds. Complete and in fully equipped and ready to ride trim, the Zero X tips the scales at just 140 pounds. Some 45 pounds of that is the power pack, so the bike weighs just 95 pounds with the battery removed, a tribute to lightweight engineering.

Zero X is powered by a 23 horsepower, brushed permanent magnet electric motor that delivers impressive acceleration in the featherweight package. You'd better hang on: The Zero claims 0-30 mph performance in less that 2 seconds thanks to the electric motor's ability to provide 100 percent torque from zero rpm. There are no gears to shift since power is transferred to the rear wheel through a one-speed clutchless transmission.

What makes the package work is Zero's patent-pending 2 kWh lithium ion array battery. The battery pack is said to provide 300 amps of current without the risk of overheating. A two hour charge from either a standard 110 volt outlet or a 220 volt source will reportedly provide a 40 mile range. An onboard speed controller offers the ability to customize both top speed and acceleration. The company points out that riders can switch to a "motorized bicycle" legal 30 mph setting, beginner "easy" mode, or high performance "sport" setting.

The lightweight, quick acceleration and long travel off-road suspension should make the Zero X a blast to ride. Zero X features fully adjustable hydraulic forks in the front and a double diamond swing arm suspension with adjustable coil spring shock in the rear to soak up the bumps. Zero X has a video posted on its website showing the bike flying a 65 foot jump, so it is a serious off-road machine.

This bike is very economical to operate, too. At typical grid rates, the Zero X will cost less than a penny per mile to ride, which means about 40 cents per recharge. Zero Motorcycles estimates that the overall pollution from the electric powerplant providing recharging energy will be less than one tenth of that produced by a comparable gasoline powered dirt bike. The recyclable Zero Power Pack is said to contain no toxic metals and is rated for landfill disposal in the United States, Canada, and Europe. Want one of these? At present Zero X has a retail price of $7,450, with a high power version available for $8,350.