Jun 27, 2011

MIT’s eSuperbike takes on the Isle of Man

HackDay -  mit_ebikeWhile the Isle of Man typically plays host to an array of gas-powered superbikes screaming through villages and mountain passes at unbelievable speeds, the island's TT Race is a bit different. Introduced in 2009 to offer a greener alternative to the traditional motorcycle race, organizers opened up the course to electric bikes of all kind...Their entry into the race is the brainchild of PhD student [Lennon Rodgers] and his team of undergrads. They first designed a rough model of the motorcycle they wanted to build in CAD, and through a professor at MIT sourced some custom-made batteries for their bike.

While the team didn't take the checkered flag, they did finish the race in 4th place. Their bike managed to complete the course with an average speed of 79 mph, which isn't bad according to [Rodgers]. He says that for their first time out, he's happy that they finished at all, which is not something every team can claim.  Read full at HackDay