Vectrix closes shop on electric motorcycles

[Ganja Ninja]

Middletown, R.I.-based Vectrix (AIM:VRX) is preparing to file for bankruptcy after disappointing sales of its high-performance electric motorcycles.

The startup said it has laid off all but essential staff as it pursues options, including sale of the company and financing, according to a release to investors last week. If unsuccessful at those efforts, the company plans to file for bankruptcy within three weeks.

The release from Vectrix blames the credit crunch and lack of consumer spending on bigger ticket retail purchases.

"The company has made every effort to reduce costs and conserve cash, but market conditions continue to be difficult and the results of sales have been very disappointing," the release said.

http://www.cleantech.com/news/4730/vectrix-closes-shop-electric-motorc

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

1. It's not easy being green

There's probably no more demand for electric motorscooters than there is for electric cars. Everybody thinks they're a good idea, but not too many people actually want one.

They call it a high-performance electric motorcycle, but with a top speed of 60mph, I don't see the performance. It's a nice quiet tame scooter.

With a 60 mile battery life, that means you can only go about 25 miles from home, and back again to recharge, unless you like living on the edge. Go any further, and you have to find a place to plug in for a couple of hours. Good luck with that.

I'm guessing this thing competes with motorscooters in the 90-150 cc range, which can go a lot further on a tank, and can fill up anywhere in about 2 minutes, not 2 hours.

Maybe if they put a big subwoofer on it and played back the sound of a big harley ...

:hi:

[Robb]

2. Zero Motorcycles is still making a go of it

...Heard much good about the dirt version from friends, their sumo version hit the streets recently:

http://www.zeromotorcycles.com/

[david13]

3. I know.

There has been talk of BMW coming out with an electric bike, and with Vectrix in trouble, it would be a good way for BMW to get going with an already going model.
I don't know if they would go that way, or insist on all their own development, but the concept is a good concept, so I hope they do it.
Some of the others are still going, and they ran at Isle of Man TT this year. I also know they had a track day at Laguna Seca last month, I'm still waiting for posts and reports on that.
dc

[Robb]

4. And KTM has said they would be racing an electric by 2010

Motocross, anyhow.

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

5. Electric race on Isle of Man

Here's a link:
http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/498/3116/Motorcycle-Article/TTXGP--Electric-Motorcycles-Race-Isle-of-Man.aspx

Because of practical limitations, the race was one lap (35mi), no refueling (who wants to see pit stops measured in hours instead of seconds?).

[Robb]

6. LOL

Two-hour pit stops would be great for the concession stands! :D

[david13]

7. You're talking about 3 weeks of racing over there anyway. I

just saw IOMTT on tv yesterday, oh, on dvr, from Monday, the electric bike races. Agni won.
Check out Mission Motors also.
dc

[david13]

8. Hey, the Vectrix website is up and running? What's going on

with them? Are they back in business?
Good luck, I hope so.
dc