What's next in electric motorbike racing?

As we know it

The success of first zero-emissions motorcycle race held at the Isle of Man in 2009 prompted the Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) to launch a new electric motorcycle racing series in 2010. TTXGP’s founder and organizer Azhar Hussain was given the responsibility to lead the project, which was part of the Road Racing Grand Prix Commission.

Carrera Raptor RS

According to FIM President Vito Ippolito, the new series was a chance for the manufacturers to come up with innovative ideas because they will have to come up with bikes that were non-polluting. Several competitors from the TTXGP including Brammo, Mission Motors, Agni Motors and Motoczysz participated in the eGrandPrix race held at Mid Ohio on July 24-26.

Need for change

TTXGP is perfect place for the bike manufacturers to showcase their powerful, green bikes. The TTXGP also allows the manufacturers to showcase their low carbon technological innovation forward. These kinds of race are necessary to prove that clean-emission transport technologies have developed a lot and we can ride zero emissions which are fast and exciting as well. We know that electric bikes are not allowed to compete in SuperBike’s race, no matter how powerful they are. This is proving to be major handicap in helping the electric bikes gain popularity among racing fans. The decision to organize electric motorbike racing is laudable because it will help in bringing the electric bikes to the fore.

What’s next

1. Carrera Raptor RS

What’s new

This futuristic electric bike features electric motors located at each wheel. The front as well as rear tire of this zero emission is composed of two rim types; a static rim, which is visible but do not rotate and an internal rim, which is hidden but rotates with the wheels. The front wheel uses a gyroscope rotation system, allowing it to rotate on its own axis.

What difference will it make

This bike with electronics controls on the handle has the potential to change the face of electric bike racing. The user interface of this motorcycle with a multi-touch display is very user-friendly. This bike can move at a very high speed because of the inverted wing shape of its handlebar, which adds to the stability. The racer can adjust the height of this bike according to speed.

Problems

Unfortunately this is just a concept and it is still unclear when this concept bike will hit the market.

2. AER – Electric Racing Motorcycle

AER – Electric Racing Motorcycle

What’s new

Designed by auto designer Andre Federico, the AER is a concept electric motorcycle, featuring asymmetrical chassis, and powerful enough to challenge any conventional gasoline-powered racing bikes available in market. Four electric engines with a combined output of 143.5KW power this bike. The engines and battery packs are compactly fitted in order to distribute weight evenly and add to the bike’s stability. The wheel flashings, tires and rims of this unique and cool electric bike are combined together in a self-contained system.

What difference will it make

If the AER manages to generate enough power to compete with gasoline-powered bikes then it can emerge as an alternative for those who want to ride high-speed bikes. This bike is completely eco friendly, which means it will not cause any harm to the environment.

Problems

One of the major problems with AER is that it is still a concept. We have seen several concepts which simply failed to take off.

3. E-Carver

E-Carver

What’s new

The credit for designing E-Carver, an electric motorcycle racing concept, goes to Italian industrial designer Luca Bar. Powered by an electric motor, which is fitted onto the rear wheel hub, this bike features a forward leaning riding position. Bar claims this bike can compete with gasoline-powered bikes available in market. The motor used in this bike can charge batteries on deceleration, adding to the bike’s efficiency.

What difference will it make

The success of the E-Carver will prompt many other designers to come up with electric bike concepts, which will ultimately replace the conventional bikes, which emits harmful greenhouse gases.

Problems

Unfortunately, the E-Carver is still a concept and it remains to be seen when will this bike becomes a reality.