In my small hometown, the first group of people who bought motorcycles
were all killed in motorcycle related incidents. Ever since then, I have always
considered the motorcycle as a very dangerous transportation vehicle and difficult
to drive. But now a new type of motorcycle that looks like a mini car will be
launched in 2014. This marks the end of a traditional motorcycle era and the
beginning of a more innovative era. This event is significant in that it will
bring more safety, energy efficiency and potential climate benefit for this
world.
Daniel Kim, the owner of San Francisco-based Lit Motors, is developing a
new type of motorcycle that is safer than the traditional one. They named this
motorcycle C-1. It is enclosed with steel-reinforced shell and doors. It can
reach a speed of 120 miles per hour. The metal shell gives drivers better
protection during a collision. In addition, the gyroscope technologies enable
this motorcycle to keep its balance. The benefits it brings to people is
safety; people can drive in bad weather such as rain, snow or windy days.
Moreover, this motorcycle use electric batteries to save energy. Gasoline
powered cars, a nonrenewable resource, are sources of pollution and contributor
to climate change. The development of this electric motorcycle is a good
solution for global warming.
The company has developed a prototype and hopes to launch commercial
products in 2014 with a $24000 price tag per motorcycle. The price would be cut
down to $14,000 in 2016. The company's target markets are older motorcyclists
and younger commuters. But I think they need to move into markets in China and
India. It is difficult for further automobile development in these countries because
of their large populations and limited city land. Motorcycles are always a good
transportation tool for people who live in these countries. Although the price
cannot compete with the cars, this type of motorcycle will become popular in
niche markets. Practicing managers should grasp this opportunity to develop the
new motorcycles.
Citation
1. A Motorcycle that won't wipe out.
By Olga Kharif on November 21, 2012
http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2012-11-21/danny-kims-motorbike-wont-wipe-out
2. For Some Drivers, an Electric
Motorcycle Could Be the Best of Both Worlds.
By BRIAN X. CHEN on October 10, 2012
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/11/technology/start-ups/for-some-drivers-electric-motorcycle-could-be-the-best-of-both-worlds.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0
3. Lit Motors unveils all-electric,
fully enclosed motorcycle
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0m-cUxMcJw
This is a very good idea. I like the ability to run 100+mph with a better sense of security. I do wonder, however, if a new false sense of security will be established for the younger crowd leading them to do more dangerous things.
ReplyDelete