Brammo Empulse

[Goodvibes]

http://www.brammo.com/home/

Not a bad looking electric bike; would you be interested in one? I bet the instant full-torque experience would take a bit getting used to.

 

[Mi_ka]

What is interesting is the use of a 6 speed gearbox - pretty unusual for an EV

 

[Rafael]

A bit pricey for the range but the EV market has to start somewhere. The fuel savings are big. And one of these would have extended the life of my motor back when I was commuting, (for 15 years) 2 miles a day each way on my SP.

I'll have to test ride one someday. I just read a test ride report in CityBike Mag. One of the comments pointed to the lack of the ability of an EV to pull a wheelie. Looks like that's been achieved.

I didn't see an explanation of the 6sp g-box. Maybe it changes the torque characteristic or allows them to use a an smaller motor?

Since Piagio is in the scooter business they should get into the EVs if they haven't already.

 

[Mi_ka]

Maybe it changes the torque characteristic or allows them to use a an smaller motor?

I suppose it provides better acceleration at low speeds and also some engine braking as normal bikes.
Maybe it even uses the flywheel effect of the motor to enhance stability when cornering hard, like normal bikes as well.
But most probably, it just feels more like normal bikes enabling better engagement of the rider to his ride.

Anyway, looking forward to your test ride report!

 

[Trout]

Maybe it changes the torque characteristic or allows them to use a an smaller motor?

I suppose it provides better acceleration at low speeds and also some engine braking as normal bikes.
Maybe it even uses the flywheel effect of the motor to enhance stability when cornering hard

Most likely nobody is reading this post anymore but here goes:
Electric motors operate most efficiently at a specific RPM range. Their torque is usually on the lower side of the RPM range. For electric vehicles this makes them great for low speed, quick response or pulling power (Golf Carts) but they top out very quickly. So you tend to "cruise" at max speed leaving no extra for passing. To get higher speeds it is necessary to be able to keep the motor at it's best RPM range then mechanically increase the RPM at the rear wheel. Don't be surprised if in the future EV transmissions will actually be a throw back to mini-bike / moped style "torque converters" where the primary pulley adjusted it's size according to engine speed. Kinda like changing a primary sprocket on a chain drive while riding! Just think like a 10 speed bike. By changing both primary & secondary pulley sizes you can increase / decrease vehicle speed without changing RPM. Let that old electric motor run at peak performance / efficiency and then control the final drive RPM. Sooner or later the old technology will become the new technology just follow the history of Moto Guzzi.