Range anxiety may still be an issue for many potential converts, but to show what’s possible, Verge Motorcycles set a new world record for electric bikes, acheiving almost 311 kilometres (193 miles) from a single charge.
The new Guiness World Record was set using a Verge TS Pro, ridden around London for just over 16 hours by Sam Clarke and Sara Sloman. Travelling within the M25 through the city, their progress was tracked by vehicle management and tracking company Webfleet, and the AA were on hand throughout in case anything went wrong. But not only did the team achieve a new record, but apparently the battery still had around 7% charge remaining, and could have gone even further.
The Verge TS Pro has a claimed max range estimate of 217 miles in cities, or 124 miles as a highway estimate at a speed of 56mph. But it’s good to see the real world performance being tested and demonstrated, even if the new record was set entirely with urban riding. The TS Pro actually has a slightly lower estimated range than the more expensive TS Ultra, but still offers 102 kW of power, a 124mph top speed, and 35 minute fast charging. Prices start from £31,980.
It may have been done largely for publicity, and the Verge range aren’t exactly cheap urban commuting bikes, but given the inevitable decline in traditional petrol motorcycles in the coming years, practical demonstrations and progress in both electric motorcycles and alternative fuels are only going to become more important, especially for younger riders who may be using them for decades of motorcycling. Even if they’re still able to keep a two-stroke hidden away in the back of the garage for occasional weekend use.
Check out all of our coverage of electric motorcycles, here.
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Verge Motorcycles Start UK Sales With A London Pop-Up Store
The electric motorcycle company has officially arrived as Verge Motorcycles start UK sales with a London pop-up store open from May 28th, 2024.
The shop marks the start of operating in the UK, and will be located at the Westfield London shopping centre, allowing you to view the range of bikes, which currently include the TS, TS Pro, TS Ultra and California Edition. You can also book appointments for test riders, which will begin in the next few weeks.
the first Verge Motorcycles store in Monaco in 2023.
They’re not cheap, with the TS starting from £26,900, the TS Pro from £29,900 and the TS Ultra from £44,900. The TS has a top speed of 112mph, a 0-60mph of 4.5 seconds and a range of up to 155 miles, while the TS Ultra offers 124mph, a 0-60mph of 2.5 seconds and up to 233 miles of range. But they all offer 1000Nm of torque from the rim-mounted motor, which also means a low centre of gravity along with the body-mounted battery pack.
Keep up with all our latest coverage of Verge Motorcycles, here, along with everything we’ve featured on electric bikes and scooters.
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Verge Motorcycles Open Their First Store In Monaco
We’ve gone beyond the point where electric bikes are particularly unusual anymore. But it’s still interesting to see them providing new companies with an opportunity, as Verge Motorcycles open their first store in Monaco.
While most of us probably aren’t going to be flying over for a test ride, apparently Verge will be opening more outlets in larger European cities this year. The opening was attended by Prince Albert II of Monaco, along with F1 legend Mika Hakkinen. The Finnish two-time champion is an investor and advisor to the company, and a Hakkinen Edition signature model was recently launched, limited to 100 vehicles.
High performance electric motorcycles aren’t cheap, with the Hakkinen model topping the range at €80,000, but the Verge TS model starts from €26,900 (£23,175 at the time of writing). And while you may still love internal combustion, electric motorcycles are an increasingly viable alternative, whether that’s for commuting or fun at the weekend.
Keep up with all our latest coverage of Verge Motorcycles, here, along with everything we’ve featured on electric bikes and scooters.
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F1 legend Mika Häkkinen designs luxury electric superbike
Two-time Formula champion Mika Häkkinen has teamed up with Verge Motorcycles to launch a limited edition model limited to just 100 bikes.
Designed by Finnish star, it features a stylish and bold design combined with Verge’s unique technology.
“I know from experience what it takes to develop a vehicle that embodies speed, precision and elegance,” said Mika.
“I wanted to design the bike right down to the smallest detail rather than just picking the colour. Each bike is numbered and features an exclusive signature.”
Perfected down to the last detail, the model represents the most powerful and advanced electric superbike on the market with a range of 217 miles and a fast-charging time of just 35 minutes.
In addition, it features an integrated rim motor inside the rear wheel, which is a patented and internationally awarded innovation developed by Verge.
The bike is made of the highest quality materials on the market, making the final product truly unique. For example, it has carbon fibre fairings and a unique ceramic surface treatment that protects against scratches.
Full black shock absorbers and details combined with dark grey and silver surface elements complete the powerful and elegant look.
The bike is available for purchase via the Verge Motorcycles online store in Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Finland, Estonia and Monaco. It can also be purchased from the new Verge Motorcycles flagship store in Monaco. The retail price of the bike before tax is 80,000 euros (£70,000).
The partnership started at the beginning of the year, when Mika (also one of the investors in Verge Motorcycles) was appointed to the company’s Advisory Board.
“We are extremely proud to have F1 legend Mika Häkkinen design the signature model,” said says Tuomo Lehtimäki, CEO of Verge Motorcycles.
“He is one of the greatest drivers of all time, and breaking boundaries and enjoying the thrill of speed is something that we very much share in common.”