Unpretentious in elite competition, these electric Trial models have been seen in dribs and drabs, at different fairs and relevant events.
The only brand that has been able to go one step further has been Electric Motion, owned by Philippe Aresten, which opted to start in the French championship and measure itself against the tireless petrol engines.
The reward for Electric Motion’s efforts has come ahead of schedule. The French rider Bastien Hieyte won on September 21 in the race held in Sommières in the S2 category, with more than 60 participants, at the controls of an MS 5.7, virtually proclaiming himself French Champion.
Never before in the
history of Trial
has it happened that an electric motorcycle won a national “adult” title against gasoline motorcycles. The title is the result of more than two years of intense work in the search for technical solutions that allow an electric motor to inherit components as essential for a trial bike as the clutch.
THE ORIGIN OF ELECTRIC MOTORS IN TRIALS
It was in 2004
Oset Bikes
, an American brand dedicated entirely to children, reinvented the way to get started in the world of two wheels. With a range of models powered by 100% electric motors with adjustable power and a final weight significantly lower than that of any petrol motorcycle, they have managed to drag the rest of the competition and motivate practically all brands to have electric models in their children’s trial ranges.
Until just two years ago, Oset Bikes offered two models, the main difference being the size (12.5″ and 16″). The boost they have given with their 2014 range has been spectacular, offering three different sizes and up to a total of 6 versions. Now there is a wider range of powers (36v and 48v) and several trim levels – see Oset range for children’s electric bikes.
In England, specific children’s championships for electric motorcycles have already become popular, so the culture with which these riders will grow up will be closely linked to the immediacy and touch of this type of engines.
The steps taken by Gas Gas and Electric Motion in offering this type of model for adult riders do nothing more than strengthen this culture of the electric motor, which is emerging as one of the solutions to combat the harsh legislation that regulates access to the mountains by motorcycle in different countries.
It will be difficult for them to damage the market share that currently bets on petrol trial bikes, but they can help the growth of the sector and cause it possible to work on a more favourable environmental regulation for the off-road bike.
