Electric motorcycles are growing up

http://www.wired.com/reviews/2012/08/brammo-empulse-r/

"And in another electric motorcycle first, the Empulse is practical for highway use too. It pulled strongly to an indicated 105 mph tested top speed and, over a route that included suburban and rural surface streets, plus a stretch of 55 mph divided highway where riding speeds averaged 70 mph, we saw a realistic range of 75 miles. That included no attempts whatsoever at maximizing efficiency other than frequently neglected efforts to keep it in that 2,000 rpm-wide range. That matches Brammo’s claimed 77-mile combined range using the SAE Test for Electric Motorcycles. Drop that average speed to a city-like 19 mph (which includes frequent stops) and that test delivers 121 miles. Riding the Empulse fast up a mountain while dragging knee and using a lot of full throttle returns a practical 50 miles of fun."

Not quite there yet because of how long it takes to recharge, but still, this is great news.  Most people, even in LA, could easily use one of these to get to work and back. Charge while in your tired cubicle, race home.  Pennies a day for juice.