Evoke Electric Urban S Coming Stateside
Ever hear of Evoke? Us neither, but according to reports, the Chinese e-bike maker has plans on introducing its Urban S model to America this July. While Evoke may be an unknown OEM, it claims that a partnership with Foxconn – famous as Apple’s iPhone manufacturer – is what’s allowing the company to expand, ramping up production from 120 bikes last year to an estimated 2,000 bikes this year.
According to Evoke’s website, the Urban S is powered by a 19 kW motor, a 400A DC wave controller (with regenerative braking), and a 99.2V, 90ah lithium-ion Evoke PowerPack. The combo is claimed to deliver 86 lb.-ft. of torque, a top speed of 81 mph, and a range of 124 city miles, and 74 freeway miles.
MSRP for the Urban S is currently set at $9,400, about $1,000 more than a Zero FX but $1,600 less than a Zero S/DS. Pre-order deposits of $200 are being accepted on the company’s website. Also found on the Evoke website is a teaser for a Project Kruzer model with 126 lb.-ft. of “ludicrous” acceleration, referencing Tesla’s Ludicrous mode. Now we’re talking!
It’ll be interesting to see if the small upstart can pull off a successful entry into the U.S. e-bike market. If so, it’d be the first manufacturer to actually bring Zero some competition since Brammo and its spin-off into Victory/Polaris.
A former Motorcycle.com staffer who has gone on to greener pastures, Tom Roderick still can't get the motorcycle bug out of his system. And honestly, we still miss having him around. Tom is now a regular freelance writer and tester for Motorcycle.com when his schedule allows, and his experience, riding ability, writing talent, and quick wit are still a joy to have – even if we don't get to experience it as much as we used to.
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"Hub motor" incorporated into the rear wheel = fewer moving parts AND lots of unsprung weight.
Rear brake activated by a left handlebar lever = how am I going to learn that?
Electric street motorcycles are hard to justify given the great fuel efficiency and lower buy-in of many of the gas powered bikes. But, I believe there is an opening for electrics in the scooter segment where top speed and range aren't as important. I think because of this lowered emphasis on power and range it's also possible to make electric scooters as cheap to buy as gas scooters, or very close to it. Odd thing is I see more activity in electric motorcycles than I see in electric scooters. One more entry into the e-bike market isn't as useful in my opinion as a really practical e-scooter option.