Honda Oree Concept Electric Motorcycle

At the 2008 INTERMOT Bike Show in Cologne, Germany, an exhibit called “Innovation Cafe” was one of the favorites for many attendees. At that exhibit were concept designs for 2-wheeled creations. One of those was this concept bike, the Oree, sponsored by Honda.

Two design students, Nike Albertus and Andre Look (Academy of Art and Design), designed the Oree as a “concept bike for dynamic road riding.”

The design is pretty cool, being very spare and futuristic. I think the official term for this, in the art world, is “minimalist.” At the center of the design is the electric motor, which is surrounded radially by battery packs. The designers, pointing out the performance possibilities of electric motors (high torque at low RPMs, instant acceleration, no need for gearbox/clutch, etc.), said they wanted to feature an electric concept with a sparse style.

Honda Oree electric motorcycle

The Oree is belt-driven, very thin, and extremely open. So open, in fact, that the rider would be able to see not just the road, but how it’s affecting the suspension as the bike moves.

This bike is very innovative-looking and, I think, very cool. I don’t know that I’d want to sit on it for very long, though, given the thin saddle and the weird, hanging mirrors (which I imagine vibrate a lot). The open belt just reaches out to pull your pants into it as well.

All that said, though, this is a concept. A nicer one to look at than most too, I think.

Via Zoomilife

Ducati Monster Motocycle

• High Performance all-terrain,12-volt sport cycle
• Twist grip on/off with working drum brake
• Real adjustable rearview mirrors & front headlight
• Rugged capped traction tires and removable training wheels

Your 3-7 year old will be posing with the big kids while riding their very own off-road Ducati Monster. With exciting, bold colors, slip resistant tires, a durable frame and front & rear shocks, the Ducati Monster is set to take on grass, dirt or hard surfaced terrain. A 12-volt battery and two robust motors provide the power for two-speed action; 2 1/2 or 5 mph. It comes with training wheels and a high-speed lockout for beginners. The twist grip on/off, working brake and adjustable rear view mirrors will make your little one feel like they're on a real adventure.

With tough, slip-resistant tires and front and rear shocks, the Ducati Monster is set to take on grass, dirt or hard surfaces. A 12-volt battery and two motors provide the power for two different speeds: 2.5 or 5 mph. An on/off twist grip, working drum brake and adjustable rear view mirrors will make your little one feel like he's on a real road adventure.

Motorcycle comes with removable training wheels and a high-speed lockout for beginners. Requires 12-volt rechargeable battery and charger, included. Also requires 2 "AA" batteries, not included. Adult supervision recommended. Measures 37.75"L x 29"W x 22"H. Holds up to 65 pounds. Assembly required.

Via Amazon

The Vespa Electric Conversion by Soundspeed Scooters

Vespa scooters (and their knockoffs) are extremely popular little machines. I’m not sure why, since I really don’t like them much, but it appears that their “retro” looks appeal to a lot of people. Enough people that a company has started taking the noxious 2-stroke engines out of them and converting these scooters into all-electric rides.

Soundspeed Scooters in Seattle has conversion kits for making most Vespa scooters (ET, LX, PX, S, and other models) electric. The kits include a new swing arm, hub motor, controller kit, and so forth. The little motor Soundspeed sells has 3,000 watts at 60 volts, which will propel most Vespas to over 35mph.

No batteries are listed, but battery systems are expensive to ship and readily available in most areas, so there probably isn’t a need. The conversion kits cost around $1,600 plus shipping, depending on your model. Price doesn’t include any labor and the kits are mainly sold as DIY packs.

Via ZoomiLife