ARE WE THERE YET?
Zero, the Californian electric bike manufacturer, has been leading the way since it launched its first fully electric production motorcycle back in 2010. Now on the back of the successful SR/F, Zero has chosen to launch the sporty SR/S featuring new suspension and sleek bolt-free bodywork, which can improve the range by up to 13% compared to its naked counterpart.
Riding the bike, I find that there’s virtually no noise, just the slight whine of the carbon belt drive on rapid acceleration. I have no gears and no clutch, instant torque and multiple rider aids keeping me safe. Would I swap for a conventional petrol bike? You know, I’m unsure, which might just be a first.
PRICE
There is no hiding the fact the Zero SR/S is expensive at £19,590 for the base model or £21,590 for the premium model, which includes a 6kw rapid charger, heated grips, and aluminium bar ends. But, let’s not forget the monetary savings on purchasing an electric bike. This is the part when I wish I’d done A-level maths, not A-level drama.
There is virtually no maintenance as there aren’t any liquids aside from the brake fluid. Even the carbon belt drive will only need an initial adjustment after the first few hundred miles,
