A prototype of an electric motorcycle developed at Carlos III University of Madrid (UC3M) by a group of engineers has taken part in the recently held world championship for electric motorcycle.
LGN Tech Design, a spin-off company, which was earlier engaged in a similar research undertaken in the Laboratorio de Máquinas (MAQLAB - Machine Laboratory) of UC3M, has been involved in designing and developing of the motor cycle. The Vice-Chancellor’s Office of Research of the University supports the project known as e-Moto through a Business Incubator program of UC3M Science Park.
The prototype model of e-Moto has recently taken part in the first ever world championship organized by the International Motorcycling Federation for FIM E-Power electric motorcycles that use 100% electric power. In a championship that witnessed participation of only three vehicles, and which took place on Magny-Cours circuit track in France, the e-Moto has achieved the third position and completed the race nonstop without any mechanical breakdown.
From the initial stages, the e-Moto was conceptualized as an electric motorcycle with a high performance battery recharging system. The 145 kg light weight vehicle incorporates an alternating current motor to achieve 95% horsepower all the time. The batteries utilized in the vehicle are designed to get charged even while applying the brakes and utilizes a novel and tested front suspension. The prototype has opted for a motorcycle design instead of assuming a widely utilized scooter design.
The developers are looking forward to introducing a 100% electric motor cycle with size proportions that matches a conventional 400 cc motorcycle. They visualize a vehicle with no mileage constraint such as a maximum of 120 km and are more advanced when compared with the electric scooters that ply on the roads. The developers are looking forward for the support from the private as well as public institutions for the development of the electric motor cycle from a Spanish company.