We've seen (and written about) both green taxis and motorcycle taxis before, but never a combination of the two. Sure enough, though, one of our spotters recently came across an all-electric motorcycle service in France.
Citybird's Electri-City operates a fleet of 15 Suzuki Burgman 650cc Executive scooters from its Paris-based headquarters, as well as a number of luxurious Honda Goldwings for use by members of its Citybird Club. All its Suzuki scooters are 100 percent electric, and emit just 125g CO2 per km—significantly less than most motorcycles and 50 to 70 percent less than traditional taxis, according to Climate Mundi. Taking it even further, though, Citybird works with Climate Mundi to offset those remaining emissions, along with those from its own administration. So, it also effectively negates the emissions from manufacturing all the motorcycles and gas it uses, as well as from making the supplies, furniture and computers used in its offices and its waste, energy facilities and movement of personnel.
Electri-City, which has made more than 54,000 trips since 2003, now has 160 companies under contract for its services. It also has partnerships with British Airways and TGV for airport transportation. Fares begin at EUR 25 within Paris, with subscriptions available offering discounts of up to 20 percent. Microphone-equipped helmets are included, as is protective gear in foul weather.
Motorcycle taxis already have an advantage in congested urban areas, but those benefits are multiplied many times over when the service is emissions-free. This one seems like a no-brainer—to be replicated in cities throughout the world!
Website: www.city-bird.com/_electricity
Contact: infos@city-bird.com
Spotted by: Matthew Cua
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Although there can be CO2 emission associated with electricity generation (particularly from coal), it does seem like they've mixed something up. The article itself refers to what presumably is a gasoline engine displacement (650cc). :-)
I think an error in translation here! Their website does not claim all their Suzuki bikes are electric and in fact the Bergman's and Honda's are conventionally powered so nothing new there but the off-set? If elecctric powered there would be no Co2! Mis-leading grren-wash?
Brendan Dunphy | July 31, 2008 7:53 AM