Even as things look worse and and worse for BC-based Damon Motorcycles, we see yet another generation of electric motorcycles looking to break into the market. You might not be able to buy a HyperFighter Colossus, but according to Kollter’s distributor, you can purchase one of their bikes right now, for a lot less money.
The new Kollter CS1 is called a scrambler, although it doesn’t really look much like something you’d want to flog in the dirt; consider it more “vintage-inspired” than an actual descendent of the desert sleds of history.
The CS1’s electric motor puts out 11kW of peak power, and just under 300 lb-ft of torque, which can push the bike to a top speed over 110 km/h—apparently it’s a commuter, not a superbike. All that torque will get you to top speed quickly, but it is not intended to propel you along at interplanetary velocity. That’s probably because the 72V, 58 Ah battery is only rated to take you “up to” 100 kilometres on a single charge, which generally means a lot less if you’re hard on the throttle. The lithium-ion pack can recharge in about four hours from a 120V outlet, or two hours with a 240V connection. Kollter includes a J1772 charging port so this bike can charge from other commercial charging stations when you’re away from home.
The Kollter CS1 weighs 140 kg, so it’s maneuverable in traffic. Seat height is only 79 cm so it’s very accessible to a lot of riders. Ground clearance is 25 centimetres, so you can roll over urban potholes without too much danger.
Keyless start and operation is standard, as well as a built-in alarm and a battery management system that helps you avoid being high-and-dry with no juice.
The CS1 comes with disc brakes front and rear, and the left-hand lever manages both brakes while on the right-hand you get a “front safety brake lever.”
Kollter is distributed by Joule Motorcycles in Canada. Starting price is $6,950 CAD, and you may be eligible for a government rebate depending which province you live in. See more details at JouleMotorcycles.com.
Kollter is picking up steam while brands like Damon, Livewire, Sondors, and even Energica are fading out—either because they couldn’t deliver or their prices are just way too high. Electric motorcycles might not be ready for big adventure trips yet, but they’re awesome for commuting, off-roading, and racing