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[Richard230]

Here is a link to an article published by motorcycle.com reviewing the 6.5 DS:

http://www.motorcycle.com/features/is-an-electric-bike-perfect-for-courier-duty.html

[BrianTRice@gmail.com]

Motorcycle journalists don't know how to think about EVs, part ten.

Vehicle range and turnaround time can be figured out on "the back of a napkin" if you take it seriously. The S 6.5 is a nice little commuter for a very certain round trip length, and little more. Even with ~4kW of charging, the range recovery is only 40mph or so.

These errands could be accomplished with a ZF13 with three cases (top and sides) just as easily, and regular company use would pay it off.

[MajorMajor]

"He tells me he can make up to 12 stops in a day, covering 120 miles or more, stopping only for gas or a (quick) bite to eat. Nearly all of those miles are on the freeway"

You want to do 120 miles on the freeway, maybe don't get a Zero 6.5 for the task?
The specs page clearly states the expected range at various speeds, what was the purpose of this test?

This just in "bike with stated 35 miles highway range cannot do 120 miles on a full charge". Get this guy a Pulitzer. 

[Adan]

EVs are good for tasks like commuting where you have a defined route with well-understood variations.  Let's say 80% route, 20% variations, can work well.  Courier duty is 0% route and 100% variations.

I don't think they're helping the EV cause by picking an obviously inappropriate application and then writing an article about why it's an inappropriate application.  They're doing just the opposite.

But they do acknowledge the virtues of the 6.5. It's light, it's quick, and you can put a gallon  of milk and loaf of bread under the seat.   

[clay.leihy]

That might have been my original choice over the FX, had it been available. Now though, I'm too used to the light weight and ability to handle bombed-out (figuratively) city streets. Nothing like getting some decent air on a grade crossing or tearing through a milled-up and potholed construction zone.