Orphiro electric motorbike: The ultimate gadget?
Motorbikes represent the ultimate in gadgets, but not everybody can put up with the noise they make. The Orphiro is an electric motorbike, offering the looks, speed and handling of its petrol rivals, without any noise or the need to fill up with petrol.
With petrol prices comfortably over £1 per litre, and getting on for £1.50, there’s never been a better time to own a motorbike. Fast, fun, and packed with technology, they’re the ultimate gadgets, and they’re also incredibly frugal. The Orphiro electric bike goes one better, sipping electricity rather than petrol.
With a laid-back stance, and sculpted seat just over the back wheel, the Orphiro is the Harley of the electric bike world. It won’t appeal to sportsbike riders then, but its top speed of 75mph is enough to cruise happily among motorway traffic, and it’s likely to get to its top speed briskly.
As with most electric vehicles, range is likely to be the key issue – but at least most bikers tend to use their transport for fun or inner-city commutes. So a sub-100 or 200 mile range won’t be quite the same problem as it is on an electric family car.
Out on the road in September, there’s still no word on pricing. Would you buy an electric motorbike? Or is the noise a key factor, and something you couldn’t live without?
User comments (2)
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Graham Baker18 July 2011
Certainly an interesting, retro looking bike and with the plus points of electric vehicles one that's definitely worth a look nearer the launch date. That said, there are plenty of motorcyclists out there that feel the added extra noise of a bike all helps to raise their road presence and thereby their safety. Perhaps some playing cards taped to the rear struts, flicking against the rear spokes might be the answer! ;)
Report as inappropriateKevin Balding19 July 2011
I own a Vectrix Maxi Scooter (electric) 30 mile range, 30p to charge so 1p per mile. top speed 68mph, very few moving parts so annual service is inexpensive, Road Tax is also free. Use the throttle as a break by twisting it forward and it recharges the battery My wife and I commute to work on it every day, (about 5 miles each way) so a charge lasts 3 days and parking is FOC. Its a great bike to ride and looks good. It does make noise, a little like an underground train so pedestrians do hear you coming. It comfortably carries two people with plenty of luggage space under the seat and with a top box there’s plenty of room for a laptop waterproofs etc. For commuting its a no brainer, fun, cheap and comfortable transport. PS Suzy Perry should have used one in her race against the horse, she would have won hands down
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