Loud and Dirty Chopper Maker Goes Clean and Quiet

I don't know about you, but when I think "chopper," I think of too much chrome, eardrum-rattling roars and smog from the tailpipe, and that all-encompassing "F--- You!" attitude that you either love or hate. (Observe the aura of independence — even though it's dependent on foreign oil — espoused by the accompanying photo of a chopper.) I also think of those peaceful chopper jockeys from the classic film Easy Rider, who personify a kinder, gentler vision of the American Dream.

But I certainly don't think "low emissions" or "earth friendly."

However, Orange County Choppers TV celebrity Paul Teutul Sr. (see above, in the mold of the classic chopper-riding bad-boy), under commission from Siemens, built what is being called "the first custom-made electric chopper," according to an article in Wired. Dubbed the Smart Chopper, Siemens is using the bike to cultivate buzz around its environmentally friendly technology developments. Pictures of the bike can be found here.

The bike lacks the usual chrome adornments but still looks a lot badder than its clean-cut specs would indicate. According to Siemens, the chopper has a 60-mile range and can hit a top speed of 100 mph. The 27-hp electric motor can be charged in less than five hours with a standard, 110-volt electric outlet.

It's currently making its way across the country as part of a publicity tour and will be auctioned off to benefit an as-of-yet undetermined charity. Call it the Tesla Roadster of electric bikes: too exotic for the average consumer, but it may help make electric motoring cool for a new generation of drivers.

Photo courtesy of Army.mil, via Flickr