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Mean Green Machines introduced us to the Killacycle in Episode 4, which is considered the fastest electric motorcycle available anywhere in the world. But what about the fastest mass production electric bicycle?
While there may be several prototypes that are rather fast, the Jackal Performance is probably best known as at least ONE of the fastest electric bikes you can buy today that is not meant for the streets. At speeds of up to 45 mph, the Jackal is quite capable of both pavement and off-road (dirt, gravel) applications, which make it perfect for a variety of uses...both pleasure and business.
Not everybody is comfortable with being on the road with either a motorcycle or scooter, so the jackal makes a nice bicycle substitute, especially for those with a difficult trek to work. The E-Tec motor that powers the Jackal is comprised of four 12 volt (48 volt total) SLA batteries pumping out 15 combined horsepower of which can be controlled through the use of the Jackals computer programmable cruise control system.
The batteries can be charged in four hours, but a $175 upgrade will have you fully charged in just over two hours. Each charge will get you about 25 miles, which is perfect for a relatively short distance to work.
But hold onto your 15 horses there Tonto, some local laws may not allow electric vehicles on bike trails or sidewalks, so make sure you know the rules and regulations of your area before digging too deep in your wallet...about $3,700 deep mind you.
Here is the lowdown on the Jackal's Specifications:
- Top Speed: 45 mph
- Range: Up to 20-25 miles
- Charge Time: 2-4 hours (2 with $175 charger upgrade)
- Power: 15 hp peak
- Total Weight: 130lbs
- Batteries: 48V, 22 Ahr
- Wheel Base: 51 in
- Brakes: 6.5 in disc (front and rear)
- Wheels: Double-walled alloy rims with 4-cross stainless steel spokes
- Tires: 20 x 2.25" slick or knobby
- Suspension: 4" front and rear
- Frame: Hand-crafted brazed chromoly tubing
- Colors: Any custom color you can think of (sparkling black, green, purple, safety orange)
- Price: $3700
Short trips in a car can be rather gas consuming, but riding a scooter or motorcycle on the street is certainly not for everybody either. While a regular bicycle is a great alternative to both, a long hilly terrain on standard pedal power can be a killer for some. This is where an electric bicycle can be the best of both worlds.
This post was inspired by Mean Green Machines.
