If internal combustion engines are on their way out, it looks like electric mobility will become the future.  But if the move to electric mobility is to gain more traction, electric vehicle prices will have to drop significantly.  And according to Road/Show, Sondors may have done just that with the Sondors Metacycle.

Pricey electric vehicles

Presently, electric vehicles are largely more pricey than their internal combustion engine counterparts.  And current prices will do nothing to entice people to make the transition.

Many current “mainstream” electric motorcycles cost well into the $10,000 and $20,000 range, and some are nearly $30,000.  Pricing like that will do little to encourage the widespread adoption of electric motorcycles.  Particularly for commuting purposes.

A big hole in the center of the bike resides where an ICE powered motorcycle’s fuel tank would normally be.

And that’s where the Sondors Metacycle comes in.  Sondors is best known for its electric bicycles and scooters.  But it recently unveiled the Metacycle, and it could be a game-changer for the electric motorcycle industry, particularly for commuting.

Sondors Metacycle

The Metacycle is a minimalistic-looking, lightweight electric motorcycle built around an aluminum frame.  But what makes the Metacycle different is its abilities.

Weighing in at around 200 pounds, with an 80 MPH top speed and a max range of about 80 miles (all claimed figures), the Metacycle could meet the commuting mission of most people.

The bike’s range and power come from a low mounted, removable 4.0-kilowatt-hour battery pack.  Power comes from a 14.5 kWh (20 HP) hub motor mounted to the rear wheel.

The Metacycle’s power comes from a 14.5 kWh (20 HP) hub motor mounted to the rear wheel.

The bike can charge from a typical 110-volt wall outlet in about 4 hours (claimed).  But it can also charge more quickly from a Level 2 public charging station.

Sondors Metacycle pricing

What may be the most impressive thing about the Metacycle is its price.  Sondors says that the highway ready Metacycle will sell for $5,000.  That’s about half of Zero’s least expensive electric bike.

While the bike looks like it has all the equipment for street use and highway riding, Sondors will likely have to revamp some parts of its commuting machine.  Even 80 miles on the current seat could become a painful nightmare.

Mission

Sondors apparently wants to make it clear that the Metacycle is not meant to be a toy but is built to be a tool.  A tool that can get you back and forth from work.

Commuting is this bike’s mission.

Electrek quotes the company’s founder Storm Sondors as saying:

The SONDORS Metacycle is the newest extension of our mantra of ‘Electric For Everyone.’ It was a clean sheet of paper design where we considered how to make the best electric motorcycle for people who need an affordable, attractive transportation solution. We didn’t design this bike for enthusiasts, or racers, or people who want a third or fourth toy in the garage. It’s a fun, easy solution for real people who want to enjoy getting on the road every day. – Storm Sondors to Electrek

Sondors says that deliveries will begin in October, and you can pre-order one now.  If the Metacycle can meet or exceed its claimed specs, would you purchase one?  Let us know in the comments below.

All photo credit: Sondors

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