Electric bike is eco alternative to regular motorbikes

Whether we like it or not, non renewable fossil fuel supplies are running short and the demand for energy efficient vehicles is growing rapidly.

Now a new electric maxi-scooter from American based company Vectrix has arrived in New Zealand to give us a taste of things to come. The market appears to describe the Vectrix as half motorcycle and half maxi scooter, and is comparable to the size of a Triumph 900 Tourer.

Its performance is fairly surprising. It is capable of speeds up to 100kmh, and has a range of 80km per charge.

Its pretty pricey to be green, at $NZ17,990 the Vectrix is about $6,000 more than a petrol equivalent. Makers say low running costs of $45 per year, will save approximately $1800 per 10,000km, offsetting the extra initial investment over a couple of years.