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[xring]

I plan to purchase a electric motard soon, and need to rely on your expertise and knowledge for this question.  I'd like to be able to also use it for commuting to work (18 miles round trip), i.e. street-legal configuration is preferable.

How does the Quantya compare to the ElectricMoto Blade? 
http://www.electric-bikes.com/motor/cycles.html#Blade
http://youtube.com/watch?v=39VvgpPi2mY&feature=related

How does it compare to the Zero X? 
$7450 + $300 shipping. 
http://store.valueweb.com/servlet/zeromoto/Detail?no=1
http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/03/19/zero-motorcycles-to-introduce-street-model-having-trouble-keepi/

How does it compare to the Electric Motorsports Super Motard? 
$5,800 + $150 shipping.
http://www.electricmotorsport.com/Motard/motard.htm
http://www.electricmotorsport.com/Motard/specs_sm.htm
http://www.electricmotorsport.com/Motard/faq_sm.htm
http://www.thunderstruck-ev.com/ACMotard.htm
Note that this one is currently at the top of my list... the price is HALF of the Quantya Strada( $10,700 + shipping).  Yup, I realize it's SLA versus LiFePO4. 

[skadamo]

Looks like you have done your homework.  I can help you research answers to your questions.  I am learning as I go too.

I'd like to be able to also use it for commuting to work (18 miles round trip), i.e. street-legal configuration is preferable.

Until we get some people commuting on these things I think it will be hard to know.  What speeds do you plan to travel during your commute?  Do you need luggage mounted?  Any special requirements for you commute?

[skyclark]

I just test rode the Quantya Strada, check out the ride report.
http://electricmotorcycleforum.com/boards/index.php?topic=82.0

I was really impressed with the Quantya bike.  It has the size and performance of a real motorcycle and is street legal.  The Zero bike is build with bicycle components, is much smaller, and is more "kit bike" in feel.  It lacks the polish and finish the Quantya has.

The Quantya is governed at 40mph and if ridden at 40 flat out has a range of about 20 miles.  If you ride slower the range increases drastically.

The Quantya is more of a mature product than the Blade.  The design is very well thought out and to my knowledge, bug free unlike the Blade.

If you have specific questions or would like to talk with the Quantya rep pm me for a referral.

[xring]

Hi Skyclark!

I guess I'll be looking to you as the resident Quantya expert!
Have you ridden the Zero X?
What were the bugs in the Blade?  Have you also ridden the Blade? 

Thanks!
-=xring=-

[xring]

ah... forgot to reply to skadamo's questions...

My daily commute is approximately 10 miles each way (approximately 20 miles round trip) with some hills.  The posted speed limit is 35 MPH for most to the way.  Some areas have a lot of stoplights and stop signs.  The traffic flows anywhere from a crawl up to about 40-45 MPH (yup, exceeding the posted speed limit). 

It would be nice to be able to carry stuff with me, but I suppose a knapsack is a necessary compromise when commuting on a motorcycle.  I don't think luggage, e.g. top box or side bags, would be an option for the Quantya.  I guess I can ask anyway. 

I'm located in the Pacific Northwest, so there's plenty of rain for half the year.  I wonder how well the motor, batteries, etc. will do in the rain. 

Cheers!
-=xring=-

[skyclark]

I haven't had a chance to take the Zero for a ride but a few friends have.  I am eager for a chance to ride it for myself.  The Zero is a very different kind of bike than the Quantya.  Since its based on mountain bike components and ride position it is less motorcycle-like.  As a designer I think that form and function are both important and it seems that the Zero design department focused on function and didnt consider form very much .  These are a few of the reasons that Im not too into the Zero but if you dont mind those things it may be a good choice for the budget minded.  They say that the '09 model is larger and fixes the poor chain drive system the current model sports.  Im interested to see what this new one looks like as it sounds much better.

I dont remember exactly what the Blade's bugs are but I have read about the company being slow to release the latest model and some people encountering bugs.  They seem to have a pretty decent product but are still working some stuff out.  At this point what I have heard may be old news and they may be fine.  I imagine that skadamo will have a better idea about this.

The Quantya seems like it may just make your commute, especially if the traffic is slow for part of the ride.  Of course if you can charge at work you would be set.  If you dont need all the bottom end snap you might have success in boosting mileage with taller gearing but you would have to talk to the rep to see if that is indeed practical.
The rep told me that they have taken bikes through mud and water and they didnt have any problems but I have no idea how wet it actually was.  If all the connections are sealed (cant remember if they were) I dont think rain would be a problem.
I commute on my scooter with a backpack but I'm interested in developing a luggage bracket for this bike.  As soon as I can get a Quantya for myself or borrow someones for measuring and fitting I will start.  Since large side bags will add drag and mileage is already short I would like to do slim computer/ file bags on the side and a platform/ rack behind the seat.  There are tons of options for legendary bikes like the XR650 and I would like to adapt some of those concepts specifically for this bike. 
If anybody has a Quantya in New England and wants to be the guinea pig let me know.

[xring]

Hhhmmm, that's somewhat good news regarding the Quantya's range working for my commute. 
However, the Quantya is the most expensive option I'm considering ... certainly a bit more than the Zero ... and several times more than some of the other electric 2-wheel'd candidates.