Even after a close look at this milestone in development, the only criticism that arose was regarding the noise emissions generated by the ENV; some claimed it to be too quite to be noticed in traffic - another first for motorcycles, which have been criticized for being too loud since their invention.

With the potential future of our favorite vehicle category within arms reach, the only questions many of our readers had, were "Where can I get it?", and "How much does it cost?" Well, we are not quite there just yet.

Intelligent Energy's part in a product like this is development and testing, not later mass production and marketing. According to the company's answer to our inquiry about availability and price, a spokesperson for Intelligent Energy said "Availability depends on a visionary manufacturer taking the bike on. Once that happens, then the bikes could be ready in 18 to 24 months".

As far as the target price goes; the final MSRP ticket of the ENV depends, like with any other product out there, on the amount of units manufactured. Intelligent Energy's expectations here currently point at £3,000 (about US-$5,700), when the production run is for 10,000 units. Only half the bikes produced, 5,000 units, would bring the price up to £4,500 (about US-$8,500). Once in production, the ENV will certainly not be a bargain, but these prices put the fuel cell motorcycle well within the margins of today's motorcycle and scooter market.

Let's hope, it is not too optimistic to expect a manufacturer easy to be found for an innovative vehicle like this which should, judging from the response we have seen so far, be flying - sorry, rolling off the shelves as fast thaat it breaks speed records.

Rubber Magazine will keep you posted.

~