Evolve Motorcycles roll out line of electric scooters

Evolve Motorcycles are rolling out their line of electric scooters this month, with four distinct offerings with starting prices that run from $2,900 to $5,400. A young startup, Evolve has its plate full with expanding its dealer network and production facilities, but the company is already looking to branch out in several, innovative ways.

We met up with company officials today at the New York International Motorcycle Show, where they explained several efforts now underway. A defining element for Evolve is that they are targeting, youthful—daresay hip—urban dwellers. These consumers live in a crowded, congested, pollution ridden, and noisy environment where silent, green transportation that can split lanes and park most anywhere would be a distinct advantage. Because many such customers often live in an apartment building where parking access to an electrical outlet for recharging can be rare, Evolve is working on packaging a removable battery in its Neon scooter. By truncating the battery into about a 22-lb. pack, Evolve will enable customers to bring the battery upstairs for charging, eliminating the need for curbside or garage plug access. In order to make the battery pack portable, size will be limited and with it range. The revised range estimated to be about 30 miles, down from an estimated 50 miles. For contrast, Manhattan land measures 23 square miles.

The company says it is also looking at other solutions. Engineers at its New Jersey facility are fitting a 50cc four-cycle scooter engine to serve as an onboard generator. Think of this as an extended-range scooter, much like the Chevrolet Volt in concept. This new variation is scheduled for introduction in the first quarter of 2012. Another possibility is that the same powertrain could be modified to create a true hybrid scooter, teaming the electric and gasoline systems. Evolve says it is still exploring this option.

Another product on the Evolve horizon may be derived from the Lithium sport bike concept, a high-performance electric motorcycle (not scooter!) with a distinct open frame (aka "negative space") design that emphasizes the unique packaging potential for EVs. The concept uses a 40,000-watt motor and 110 ah battery pack, with an estimated 100-mile range.

From these insights, it is clear that Evolve is coming on quickly. It will be interesting to see how this American company adapts to the growing market for green transportation.

Learn more about the Evolve Motorcycles scooter line up.

—Jeff Bartlett