Electric bike gets set for IoM

A prototype one of the world's fastest electric road-legal bikes was unveiled at the 2008 NEC Bike Show in Birmingham

A prototype one of the world's fastest electric road-legal bikes was unveiled at the 2008 NEC Bike Show in Birmingham. The TTX01 runs on two battery-powered electric motors, producing around 86 bhp with a top speed of 125mph.

It was built for the world's first emissions-free grand prix for motorbikes, at next year's Isle of Man TT road races.

According to the organiser, Azhar Hussain: "The TTX01 is a strong indication of what we can expect from electric vehicles of the future."

The full production model will be made from lightweight carbon composite materials and will only be available in limited numbers. It is expected to go on sale at the end of next year at an estimated price of €25,000.

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Also unveiled at the NEC Show was a rider airbag vest. In a crash it inflates in under 0.2 seconds. The vest was designed primarily for motocross riders, but can also be worn under leathers.

It is activated when a cord between the vest and bike is pulled.

It can be re-used by replacing a CO2 gas canister for around €15.

A 1967 Lambretta Li 150 Series 3, ridden by Phil Daniels - "Jimmy" in the film Quadrophenia - fetched a record price of €42,000 at a Bonham's auction in London last week.