Ok, I may be different. But, that's not that unusual in my world. Before I retired I rode motorcycles 40 miles one way to work every day. Retired almost 6 years now and I still run into town on one of my bikes when weather permits! Otherwise I drive my WVO Diesel powered Isuzu I Mark that I built. (45 MPG with the AC on)
I am a retired Technician for the Electric Company and I would have loved to have the Zero Dual Sport to get me back and forth to work every day. (When I lived within 15 miles of the Office I rode my bicycles.)
I say that because my Son and I actually went to our local dealer and test rode the Motard version. We rode it till the battery barely got us back. (ABOUT 2 HOURS WORTH)
I weight in a 250 lbs with my clothes on and the one we rode would fly even with me on it. Running 83 MPH was top speed and you could watch the battery drain as you rode that fast. Slow down to the speed limit (65) and the Motard would have made my commute no problem. And, I could have charged it up at work for free. The savings would have made the payments.
If you haven't ridden one yet, go ride one, then make the decision if they are worth it or not.
As for "No Noise"!
I ride in a full face helmet and run a stereo Bluetooth in it with Pandora Music playing from my phone. So not hearing an engine would not bother me. Maybe it would be a problem for Harley riders and the other Loud Pipes Save Lives Crowds. I have my head on a swivel and make sure I ride where Cagers can see me. And I ride like they are out to kill me if I forget. So it's habit with me to NOT put my safety in being heard! I wear a GOOD Helmet and Armor Riding Gear because I am the crumple zone! My bandana is in my pocket, not on my head!
The Dual Sport Version would have done my Round Trip Daily Commute on one charge easy. Imagine, being able to run to work and hit the bike shops on the way home, (Or Grandkids) and not have to spend a dime on fuel. I had an electric outlet in front of my parking spot.
The only complaint I have is I would miss shifting gears, but I could get over that. But I'd miss it! The interesting thing is you don't have to mess with the clutch and match the revs to get going from a stop light. You twist the throttle and it goes ,and goes, and goes!
The Motard Version steering head angle was awfully tight. It felt like it was going to toss you off at highway speeds if you hit a bump on the road. Too Twitchy for me.
I have a standing request with the Dealer that when he gets in a Zero Dual Sport Bike, that I can test ride, he should let me know.
I'd buy one and enjoy every minute of it if the steering was more stable at speeds above 60 mph and the range is at least 100 miles.
My son drive a Leaf Electric car and loves it. He also has a Harley Night Train. (What ever that means, I'm a metric guy!) and he feels the same way I do about the Future of electric bikes. I like the Leaf car, but it doesn't have the range I need for my drives into town from my Ranch where I live now. So, I'm waiting for an electric car that will do 150 or more miles on a charge. And just so you know, his Leaf Lease is $200 a month and he says that's what he use to spend a month on gas. (Chevy just announced a 200 mile Electric Coming)
My Solar Panels at the house would make charging a lot easier. Since I run my house on them, MOSTLY!
You can bet my Dino Powered cars and bikes would get ignored some, but I'll keep them for the long trips and rides across the Country.
Now, if they would just build a Diesel Hybrid Bike I'd have the best of both worlds.
ICE Vehicles are going to be around for many years to come, but if we substitute some electric powered ones for the short runs, when we can, we'll come out ahead!
And if you really have to have engine noise, I guess I need to patent my "engine sound generator" that hooks up to the accelerator/ throttle on electric vehicles. It can give you the sound of a Lamborgini in your Prius if you want. Loud Speaker on your Electric bike and you could be a "Harley Loud Pipes Saves Lives" rider while you burn electrons!
Wow long post! but that'S my 25 cents worth on the subject!