It appears the Benelli TnT135 mini moto,
sold in Malaysia at RM8,198 – the SE version retails at RM 10,098 has an
electric powered version. Sold in the US as the CSC Motorcycles City Slicker,
the mini electric motorcycle (e-bike) is priced at USD 2,495.
Styled identically to the TnT135, the City
Slicker installs a 3.2 kW (peak power) electric motor in the swingarm, just
ahead of the rear wheel. With a nominal 1.5 kW in rated power, the City Slicker
draws power from a 72 Volt, 26 Ah battery pack which takes the place of the
TnT135’s single-cylinder combustion engine.
The City Slicker’s battery pack is
removable and charging is claimed to take between six to eight hours using
domestic current. This gives the mini moto e-bike an estimated 100 km of range
at 35 km/h or 60 km at 60 km/h, with top speed governed to a maximum 75 km/h.
While the range and speed numbers might
not sound too impressive, certain countries, especially in Europe, allow for
low powered e-bikes to be ridden without the need for a motorcycle rider’s
license. On CSC’s website, the City Slicker is touted as a substitute for an
electric bicycle but with better safety features and riding comfort.
As per specifications for the TnT135, the
City Slicker rolls on 12-inch wheels, shod in 110/70/12 and 120/70/12 tyres
front and rear, respectively. Weight for the City Slicker is 99kg, which
compares against the TnT135’s 115 kg. Braking is done with single hydraulic
discs, 220 mm diameter and 190 mm diameter, respectively. An added feature of
the City Slicker is the provision of reverse drive, something easily done with
DC power.
Other riding conveniences include a
lockable storage compartment where the fuel tank would be on a normal
motorcycle, as well as lockable front forks. LED lighting is used throughout
and in the instrument panel, a battery charge indicator is added to the usual
readouts.
