What happens when you take an electric bike out on track? Therewas only one way to find out…

WORDS: DANGEROUSBRUCE IMAGES:MSVT

FEATURE

Sonaughtycombustion engines are ruining this planet, along withemicrowaves, atomicbombs and lawnmowers.But fear not becausethe electric motor is here to save the day… and one’seardrums from therelentlessrhetoric of tree hugging folk whoclaphandsand drink greentea. Now, I’m aconscientious person and Iget that we all need to do our bit to keep our environment as healthyand vivacious as is humanly possible, but all I ask is that dueconsideration is giventothe upkeepofour much needed two-wheeled kicks. Ilove motorbikes.They’re morethan apassion to me, and Ifind it staggering that every year manufacturers manage to up their game andbetter their stock while working to evermorestringentemissionslegislation.

Well, in most instancesatleast.But things aregetting tougher andit’sonlyamatter of timebefore motorcycles, and other combustionengineofferings, aresocastrated that you’d be better off lighting your farts to powerapush bike (anorganic form of jet engine, ifyou like). So wheredowego from here?Well, that’sthe bigquestion.

Change is very much needed, especially so nowthat the UK Government’s made clear itsintentionthat 80% of our current carbon emissions aretobebut adistant memory come 2050.And while that might seem like it’sagesaway(it’s too many sleeps for us to count), in purelytechnologicalterms it’s basically tomorrow.

The good news is thatmostmajor manufacturersare already working on tackling this planet-saving task, and some have evenproduced credible goods that are arguably fit for purpose.Well, assuming you don’t want to travel as far as Fro do Baggins and you’re happymovingatasnail’space. Of course, I’m being alittle harsh here, and I also realise that if we don’t support such innovations they’ll never catch on. Personally, I don’t care if my bike is powered by grass cuttings, but what I do care about is performance without compromise.