Best Buy to sell electric motorcycles

Oldfisti · February 28, 2009, 10:52:02 AM

Brammo Enertia Electric Motorcycle to Sell at Best Buy

by Paul Crowe - "The Kneeslider" on 2/28/2009

Last September, we wrote about Brammo Motorsports getting $10 million in venture capital funding, part of which came from Best Buy Capital. The obvious speculation was that Best Buy would carry the Brammo Enertia when it went on sale. Well, sure enough, that's what is about to happen when the Enertia will go on sale in May at 5 west coast Best Buy stores with plans to eventually sell them through Best Buy locations all over the U.S. and possibly even in Europe and China.

So, what about service? Best Buy's Geek Squad will do what is called Level One repairs, brakes, tires and electronic components, and major repairs beyond that will be performed at a few central distribution centers Brammo plans to set up.

If electric motorcycles take off, it wouldn't be surprising to see other non traditional motorcycle manufacturers use similar distribution channels, especially as current motorcycle dealers are having a tough time of it. Best Buy has many other product lines to support it and doesn't need to rely on the Brammo Enertia to stay afloat. You also don't need a mechanic familiar with internal combustion motorcycle engines
for a bike that has none. The down side is we may see something similar to what is all too common in other multi line stores, the clueless sales person describing the motorcycle on display next to the TVs and computers but careful management of the rollout and providing training for sales folks could make this a very efficient and successful way to sell electric bikes. It's definitely worth watching and I'm sure quite a few current motorcycle dealers will be watching, too.

http://thekneeslider.com/archives/2009/02/28/brammo-enertia-electric-motorcycle-to-sell-at-best-buy/

Goat_Herder · February 28, 2009, 11:18:51 AM

Quote from: alfisti on February 28, 2009, 10:52:02 AM

http://thekneeslider.com/archives/2009/02/28/brammo-enertia-electric-motorcycle-to-sell-at-best-buy/

These two guys are tools! I doubt the target market for those electric bikes is the same as those wth traditional motorcycles. I doubt they would have the sense to wear full protective gears. I picture the same buyers as scooter.

Porsche Monkey · February 28, 2009, 01:32:22 PM

$12,000?

Oldfisti · February 28, 2009, 01:43:46 PM

Quote from: Ducaholic on February 28, 2009, 01:32:22 PM
$12,000?

That'll get you a sweet used Duc with some $ left over for mods.

derby · February 28, 2009, 01:49:25 PM

Quote from: Goat_Herder on February 28, 2009, 11:18:51 AM
I doubt the target market for those electric bikes is the same as those wth traditional motorcycles. I doubt they would have the sense to wear full protective gears.

have you seen what happens when you show pics of people w/o gear on?

http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=19752.0

ducpainter · February 28, 2009, 01:51:42 PM

Quote from: derby on February 28, 2009, 01:49:25 PM
have you seen what happens when you show pics of people w/o gear on?

http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=19752.0

damned if you do...

damned if you don't.

ducnymph · February 28, 2009, 02:33:05 PM

These electric "bikes" might be a sad introduction for many people into the two wheel market $:-\$

JEFF_H · February 28, 2009, 02:34:14 PM

You want the dorks from Geek Squad working on your bike??
Um, yeah...dude...we can install the Optimization Package for $349.95 that will totally help your bike start-up faster and run more faster.

(i do like the electric dirtbike that leno did the piece on...i could ride trails with my wife without having to pedal up the big-ass hills!

)

edit to comment on last post-
i think scooters were an introduction to 2-wheels transportation more than anything in the last 2 years.
i would guess a 12k electric moto will have as much impact on the overall market as the Segway revolutionized 'personal transportation '

Howie · February 28, 2009, 05:52:18 PM

Why does the idea of the Geek Squad working on brakes and tires make me nervous? Oh yeah, those are the folks who can't fix things

ducatiz · February 28, 2009, 06:24:23 PM

i dunno, i see electric bikes as something that might be interesting to tool around with and mod.

i mean.. what's the motor on that puppy? can i swap it out with my Dyson vacuum cleaner motor and get more hp and better burnouts?

patroldawg · February 28, 2009, 07:07:53 PM

is the $12k price confirmed, or even reliably rumored? Like another poster stated, that price will you get a nice REAL motorcycle.

also, I already have my reservations about shops working on my bike, much less some dope from geek squad barely able to fix a computer. yeah, i'll put my life/safety in his hands. I'm sure best buy will have a real nice release from liability clause built into the purchase.

Holden · February 28, 2009, 07:16:01 PM

This is exactly what they needed to keep people from taking them seriously.

rgramjet · February 28, 2009, 07:21:58 PM

This is one cool electric motorcycle

redxblack · February 28, 2009, 07:33:45 PM

$12k is well beyond a starter bike price. You can buy a brand new Honda Rebel for $3k.

wisdesign · February 28, 2009, 08:21:20 PM

Quote from: Goat_Herder on February 28, 2009, 11:18:51 AM
These two guys are tools! I doubt the target market for those electric bikes is the same as those wth traditional motorcycles. I doubt they would have the sense to wear full protective gears. I picture the same buyers as scooter.

Oh yeah? The guy on the right is Jack Lewis, who has a regular column in Motorcyclist magazine, and the guy on the left rides a Monster as his daily commuter... Maybe you should think before you make rash judgements about people...

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Best Buy to sell electric motorcycles