“In college, I received both my degrees in aeronautical engineering.  To me, aerospace technology was the pinnacle of engineering and I wanted to learn as much as possible.  After heading up a major aircraft design project in the aerospace industry I decided to take that knowledge and start my own business designing full suspension mountain bikes and motorcycles.”-- Neal Saiki, founder and inventor of Zero Motorcycles (www.zeromotorcycles.com).

With a CV like that, it’s easy to see why Saiki’s all-electric Zero S is more Aerion Supersonic Jet than Rascal Scooter.  The S darts 0 to 30 mph in under 2 seconds and tops out at 60 mph in just 5.  The 1-speed, clutchless drivetrain (deal with it, gearheads) brings peak torque of 62.5 lb-ft, courtesy of a 31-hp brushed permanent magnet electric motor; while its 4-kWh lithium-ion battery supplies 60 miles range after a 4-hour, standard outlet recharge.  “Zero” also stands for zero emissions, or close to it, as the S burns a purported 1/8 the carbon of a similarly-sized gas bike.  (No estimates burned rubber available).