An electric bike for the beginner

MARK GARDINER FOR THE TORONTO STAR

With its neutral riding position and bright colours, the Enertia seems designed to be user-friendly for new riders.

The Brammo Enertia, an electrically powered motorcycle that's a rival of the Zero lineup, will begin production this summer.

Brammo claims only 80 km/h as a top speed and a range of 65 km, but it and the Zero bikes have similar specifications. The 130-kg Enertia also uses a German-made motor, and carries its battery pack in an aluminum beam frame.

Despite those similarities, Brammo's target customer is completely different. Zero is selling performance, and the bike's styling is stark and aggressive. By contrast, Brammo is selling a user-friendly point-of-entry for new riders. Its design emphasizes organic shapes and bright colours.

The Enertia that we rode last month was a true prototype, differing in many ways from the production machine. Still, if the handling and ergonomics were any indication, it's well-suited to its target market.

The narrow seat felt lower than its 83 cm height, the riding position was neutral, and the geometry stable and confidence-inspiring.

The single Brembo front disc brake was more than up to the task of stopping and the ride quality imparted by the Marzocchi front fork and Canadian-made Elka shock absorber was excellent.

In Brammo's home town of Ashland, Ore., the prototype proved to be a practical runabout.

The motor-control software held it back on nearby winding roads, but Brian Wismann, the company's product development chief, assured me such issues had been addressed for production.

Another important difference between the two companies is that Zero is run by an inventor, while Brammo CEO Craig Bramscher is an entrepreneur and self-made millionaire.

He believes that within five years, his company will produce 100,000 motorcycles per year – about the number BMW makes now.

Brammo has already struck a distribution deal with Best Buy, and bikes will be available in 60 test stores (on the U.S. West Coast only) this summer, priced at $11,995 (U.S.). More information can be found at www.enertiabike.com.

–Mark Gardiner

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