CALIFORNIAN FIRM'S ELECTRIC ZERO S OFFERS FULL THROTTLE FROM THE OFF, SAYS GEOFF HILL

Here's the story. You've just turned 17 and got your A1 bike licence, which restricts you to 125cc and 11kW.

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Your great-aunt Maud has just popped her clogs, ignoring the wise saying that if at first you don't succeed, give up skydiving.

Still, the old dear has left you 15 grand in her will, and you fancy splashing out on a bike, but want something that's exciting, fun and cheap to run.

Sound impossible? Well, let me introduce you to the Zero S, made by the same Californian company which produced the DSR/X which was my Bike of the Year in 2022.

You see, unlike petrol bikes, which need to wind up the revs to get to maximum power and torque, electric bikes have it from the moment you twist the throttle. And since there are no gears, progress is not only swift, but seamless.

Those of you who owned a Scalextric set back in your wild and impetuous youth, and watched your car shoot off at a corner and give the cat a nasty surprise will know what I mean.