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This article was first published in the September 2015 issue of WIRED magazine. Be the first to read WIRED's articles in print before they're posted online, and get your hands on loads of additional content by subscribing online
Harley-Davidson Project Livewire
Few bike manufacturers are more associated with the thrum of the internal-combustion engine than Harley-Davidson. However, Project LiveWire represents a shift away from the muscle of old. Harley's first electric bike swaps the classic 60° V-twin engine for a longitudinally mounted, three-phase AC induction motor, which produces 74hp and 8,000rpm. Peak torque is 70.5Nm as the bike goes from 0-100kph in four seconds and tops out at 148kph. A full recharge takes 3.5 hours and the average range is 85km. £tbc
Getting up to speed on a traditional longboard requires plenty of flat space and skill. But this 8.5kg, 122cm, electric-powered carbon fibre and Kevlar effort means you can get away without the former -- although you'll still need some of the latter in order to stay upright. Evolve reckons you can squeeze about two hours (or 45km) out of a single charge. It also helps that the motor forms part of the deck, meaning there's no unsightly power pack. £1,185
Without a chain or a belt drive, Mando's Footloose IM is a standout proposition among e-bikes. Once they hop on and get pedalling, riders charge a 36V battery which powers a 250W dual-winding motor. Unlike the original Footloose, the Footloose IM isn't foldable, which for WIRED is no loss, as it means it looks sharper and costs notably less. A top range of 60km makes it ideal for commuters who don't want to join the Lycra brigade. £1,999
This article was originally published by WIRED UK
