Paul Alexander (pictured left), an Institute of Advanced Motorcycle expert rider, takes Austin Colle (right) out for a test ride
Fulham’s Honda/Yamaha dealer, Chelsea Motorcycles, has been converting petrolheads to the joys of pollution-free, noise-free biking.
The firm offered free test rides this week on the new generation of Zero motorcycles as the electric motorbike manufacturer toured the UK’s most prominent dealerships to introduce riders to the fume-free models, which – for performance – match up to 750cc and 125cc petrol bikes.
John Ford, manager at Chelsea Motorcycles at 84 Lillie Road, Fulham (near the North End Road junction), gave customers a chance to go on escorted test rides in convoy with Institute of Advanced Motorcycle expert riders.
“It’s a great introduction to the new future of motorcycles,” he said, adding that they would help to reduce pollution in the borough’s streets.
“All the riders are really happy with the bikes, and they look and ride like motorbikes, but with no emissions, no noise and no gears. They’re capable of between 150 and 240 miles on a single charge, depending on how you ride the bike.”
The technology has come on in leaps and bounds in the last year, and government grants are available for bikers who decide to switch to electric.
New e-scooter trial
If getting about on an electric scooter gets you charged up, they are now available to rent in Hammersmith & Fulham. The rental e-scooters are provided by three different operators: Dott, Lime and TIER.
This trial scheme will be the only way to legally ride an e-scooter on public roads or in other public places in H&F.
“It’s an exciting and environmentally friendly new way to get around in H&F. I urge everyone to enjoy it safely,” says Cllr Wesley Harcourt, H&F Cabinet Member for the Environment.
We have identified an initial 50 parking locations across H&F where you can begin and end your journey.
Over the next few weeks, we will be introducing new e-parking bays alongside our expanding electric vehicle charging bays, as well as purpose built ‘corrals’ to house the e-scooters (similar to the parklet on Hammersmith Grove).
The trial scheme – run in partnership with Transport for London and London Councils – will operate across H&F, Ealing, Kensington and Chelsea, Richmond, City of London, as well as within the Canary Wharf area. Riders will also be able to pass through Tower Hamlets on a rental e-scooter.
Guidance and tips on how to ride rental e-scooters safely and avoid serious injury to any road users are available on TfL's website.
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