A 125cc Equivalent Aimed at Beginner Riders, the Rider SR8 Offers Electric Performance and Style.
The electric motorcycle market is growing at an incredible rate, especially in Europe where it is being driven by government incentives and a thriving beginner market for new tech. The latest entrant in the market is the SR8 electric sportbike from French brand Rider, a subsidiary of electric two-wheeler distributor Go2roues.
Targeted at beginner riders, the SR8 is a 125cc equivalent bike with a price tag of 9,249 Euros ($9,988 USD). While not cheap, Rider claims that the price is worth it for a high-end electric sportbike. In terms of performance, the SR8 has an electric motor that produces 11 kilowatts, equivalent to 14.7 horsepower, and a maximum torque of 103.6 lb-ft. It has a top speed of 93 mph and its battery pack has a capacity of 7.2 kilowatt-hours with a claimed range of 75 miles.
The SR8 is a well-equipped machine, with adjustable suspensions, radial calipers and a reasonable weight of 175 kg. Its design is classic, but it still has an aggressive and sporty look. However, its battery range is not very impressive and the charge time of five and a half hours in public charging stations or 10 hours on a standard household socket may prove to be a drawback for some riders.
On the other hand, Rider’s SR8 is entering the market in France and aims to directly target the accessible sports market. With a maximum speed of 150 km/h, the flagship model of the Rider range boasts of a 11 kW engine peak and a maximum torque of 148 Nm, designed by the reputable QS Motor. It runs on a 7.2 kWh battery for a range of 120 km, which can be recharged in 5 hours and 30 minutes on public chargers or 10 hours on a 220V standard socket.
Despite some limitations, the SR8 is an exciting new entry in the electric motorcycle market and showcases the growth and potential of the electric two-wheeler segment in Europe. The combination of French innovation and engineering prowess, the backing of Go2roues and the aggressive styling of the SR8 make it a formidable contender in the beginner sportbike segment.
Source: Motor-Station