Fastest Electric Motorcycle in the World is Racing Today [Electric Vehicle]

Electric motorcycles are getting better all the time, but this MotoCzysz E1pc represents a giant leap into the future. Even though it looks like multiple rows of batteries with two wheels on either side, it's the most advanced motorcycle in the world.

You're looking at lots of batteries there, 10 times the capacity of the Toyota Prius, giving this crotch rocket enough power to blast it to 140 mph, way beyond the next-fastest electric motorcycle.

Today, the E1pc Digital Superbike undertakes its supreme test, the Isle of Man TT 2010 motorcycle race, 'designed to break motorcycles and its riders.' Here's a video preview of one of its test runs:



[DVICE]

Rear-View Helmet Has Eyes In the Back of Its Head [Safety]

The folks behind the Reevu MSX1 figured out a clever way to give bikers eyes in the backs of their heads without the need for any fancy pants electronics. By glancing up, the wearer can see what’s behind them, thanks to a mirror arrangement that bends light around your noggin like a periscope.

It seems to tick all of the right safety boxes as well, with webBikeWorld rating it as a high-quality helmet and adding that it is “built like a tank.” At it is not cheap, but no good helmets are.

Price: 384$


[UberReview via WebBikeWorld via DVICE]

ThermaHelm: Helmet Cools Biker's Brains In Case of Accident [Bikes]

Here's a pretty simple idea that may save a lot of lives: A motorbike helmet that cools down the rider's head in case of impact. According to the manufacturer, their new ThermaHelm prevents overheating and swelling of the brain.
They also claim that there are head injuries in 80% of all motorbike accidents. When that happens, the brain usually starts swelling. Traditional helmets act as insulators, and the brain's temperature may increase to the point in which it can cause death or permanent damage. The ThermaHelm prevents this by firing a chemical reaction on impact, which activates a layer that cools down the biker's head.
[Gizmodo via ThermaHelm]

Snaefell hybrid car-motorcycle: why? why not? [MotorCarCycle]

What’s red, shiny, goes fast, and looks like a vehicular accident? The Pontiac Aztek, that’s what. I’d rather have the Snaefell, François Knorreck’s lovingly handcrafted car-motorcycle hybrid. It’s easier to think of it as a motorcycle with a car-like sidecar, because I don’t think that you can drive – or steer – with the car half.

Knorreck reportedly spent 10,000 hours and €15,000 (approx. $22,300 (USD)) to build this one of a kind vehicle. The Snafell is a combination of a Laverda motorcycle which Knorreck bought in 1976 and had already modified to be a sport bike, and the custom-built carbon fiber and polyester sidecar. The sidecar’s parts were culled from various automobiles, including a Volkswagen Golf GTI, a Citroen Xantia and an Audi 80.

The Snaefell – which incidentally is also the name of three volcanoes in Iceland – is powered by the Laverda’s 1000cc engine. I barely know anything about vehicles, so I don’t know if the triple exhaust is necessary, but damn if it doesn’t add to the quirkiness of this ride.

The sidecar has a gull-wing door and has a car seat, complete with seat belts. Say what you will about the Snaefell, but it’s sidecar might just be the most comfortable and safest one on the planet.

There should be more pics at Knorreck’s website, I just don’t know for sure because Internet fame has brought down the site. I really want to see it in action! Man this thing is weird.

[Technabob via designboom via kneeslider]

Mission One Electric Bike Breaks World Speed Record [Electric Bike]

From concept to real product: The Mission One electric bike—designed and made by Yves Behar and Mission Motors—is now the world's fastest electric bike at 161mph (260km/h). And they got a video to prove it.

The bike broke the record on September 1, averaging 150.059mph, and reaching a top speed of 161mph. The most amazing thing is that this is not a prototype, but an actual production model. It's the same as the first 300 bikes that will be available in 2010. In fact, you can get one of the first 50, which are already available for custom order.
There's only one bit of bad news: Now they are saying it will only have a 150 miles range, instead of 200. Still, color me absolutely wowiezowiebbergasted. [Fast Company]

Electric cars don’t excite you? How about a BRAMMO?

If you have $12,000 burning a hole in your pocket, you should check out the BRAMMO Enertia Powercycle. This electric motorcycle has a top speed of 60MPH and a range up to 42 miles or so per charge. It has no gears and clutch, so that means no shifting. Just charge it up using a standard … [visit site to read more]
Filed in categories: Spotlight Gadgets

originally appeared on The Gadgeteer