Electric Motorcycles & Electric Bicycles

The Verge E2 from Finland was introduced about 2 years ago :

https://electrek.co/2018/09/11/rmk-electric-motorcycle-without-hub/

What makes it unique compared to other electric motorcycles (and electric bicycles) is that most other electric motorcycles either have a motor in the frame or in the hub.

The verge has the motor in the rim of the rear tire which is basically the technology from the movie tron : https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1339119/The-real-Tron-Lightcycle-hit-120mph-costs-55-000.html

And why is this important ? Well anyone who understands transmissions, axels, and other belt or gear driven mechanisms knows that there is something called transmission loss :

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transmission_(mechanics)

The frictional and other mechanical losses from such systems is inherent part of the equation when these types of technology are used, so by simplifying or eliminating them, efficiency is increased dramatically.

The Verge is now called the TS and is the next generation (or marketing generation) from Verge and at $25K euros (~ $35K USD) it is one of the most expensive electric motorcycles out there : https://www.vergemotorcycles.com/

Range is actually better in the city at 300 KM (180 miles) than the highway at 200 KM (120 miles) so intermittent surges of power reduce less internal battery heat generated and therefore eke out more range.

The bigger question is of battery swap-ability but charging is typically 4 hours with a need-for-speed charging at 50 minutes.

Performance is typical at a speed limited 100 mph and o to 100 kph (0 to 60) in under 4 seconds.

In terms of styling and simplification, the verge has it, but in terms of marketability, the jury is still out.