I just got the newsletter that Zero has released their Dual Sport model. It looks like the same capacity as their street model, just beefed up a bit to allow for some off road riding.
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They did some interesting things with the Zero DS. I thought for sure they would base it on the Zero MX and put a light kit on it and a few other enhancements.
Basing it on the S makes for a more interesting product line. I am very interested to see how people like it. I really like the headlight and it looks like the S now has the same headlight if you look at Zero's site.
The knobby front tire and street oriented dirt tire on the rear is an interesting combination. I thought they may have done it because it was hard to find a full knobby rear. However, Kenda makes a Trackmaster in 16".
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One consideration is the quick change battery pack isn't as important for street use as is a large pack. At a track you may want to quickly change out packs but I can't think of a reason for that in street use -- well, unless a battery exchange business were to spring up.
- David Herron, The Long Tail Pipe, davidherron.com, 7gen.com, What is Reiki
What I like best about the Zero line is that it's the only electric I've seen that's designed to have the battery swapped out quickly. This allows the possibility of using zinc-air batteries, which have high energy density and are fully recyclable with no waste products.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zinc-air_battery
There are many caveats, but I think a Zero bike with Zinc batteries might compare favorably to my own experience with the Vectrix. I've lost range to the point where it's only useful for very short trips, (10-15 mi) and servicing the batteries is going to be a major undertaking, deferred until time and money permit.
Arlo
This thread is about the S model Zero Motorcycles, their S model does not support swappable battery packs. Only their X models do that. Their S models instead have a larger pack (more kwh's) than the X models.
- David Herron, The Long Tail Pipe, davidherron.com, 7gen.com, What is Reiki
reikiman
Well many people that live in cities don’t have access to electricity points as they often live in tall blocks, or restricted access blocks.
By providing a quick swap out battery you provide a real potential for them, they could pull up lock their bike up take out the battery carry it into their flat and charge it up, while one battery is charging they could put in another so they can continue with their days movements.
Without this facility they may have to push it to the local charging point which may end up being miles away and have to wait for it to charge.
A swappable battery would suit my needs but I am not to keen on the look of the bike.