My Auranthetic Charger Electric Motorcycles
 

(Pun probably intended)

I had been thinking about an electric car and a project motorcycle for a few years so when I walked into a vintage shop this spring and saw "Arturo" sitting there, I fell in love. The fact that it was in my favourite colour was just icing on the cake. I bought it on the spot not knowing if it ran, rearranged the van and crammed it in the back with the cargo and floated home.

I got home and started researching the name. I found a couple of you tube videos and a forum run by a really nice guy with a bad auranthetic habit (15 or so)

Fiddling about with the motor confirmed my fear that the smoke had been let out. Musta been a lot of smoke in that thing. I was sort of bummed because the replacement Scott motor listed at about $500.

In the meantime, I got in touch with another owner in Vancouver who wanted to sell his working bike which he had just bought and got running. So that's how I ended up with two. One for me and one for my honey.

Golden horseshoes.
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2X7snotMyZ...etic-web-1.jpg

do you have any pics?

Just gotta say, those orange bikes are BEA-U-TIFUL!

They're nice looking machines. Do you use them much? If "yup", what kind of service do they see?

Thanks for the props,

I feel super lucky to have them.

My honey and I use them quite a bit. We've only had them since the spring but I ride them every chance I get. Honey drives Stella to work most warm, sunny days and I work at home so I ride for hardware, beer, paper clips, air conditioning, ice cream bars, etc. The best thing is that it's totally guilt free riding. I'm going to try to ride all winter when it's dry out.

When I go out I have to add in the chat factor to my ETA because everyone wants to know what they are. I am a willing EVangelist though, so I like that part. Interesting thing is that they almost all ask what the range is. I usually point to the power lines and say "About as far as those go."

They show up on ebay sometimes so keep a lookout. Totally worth picking up if it's near you. Most important is to make sure motor is running. Scott motors fit most of these but cost about $500.

http://bp3.blogger.com/_2X7snotMyZ8/...+Charger-4.jpg

This is Arturo in as found condition.

I found this image:

http://gallery.me.com/benhdvideoguy#...-20w-20e-cycle
http://gallery.me.com/benhdvideoguy#...-20w-20e-cycle

as part of a slideshow video on YouTube on Citicars.

Thought it was pretty cool to see a little electric cycle parked by this one!

Made me think of you!

Nice!
 

Covet!

I'm dreaming of one day owning one of those Citicars. They are the same vintage as the bikes and perfect for Bowen Island. They all seem to be located on the other side of the continent though.

...universe...send...orange...Citicar...ommmmm...

Thanks for the link.

Marcus.

Bowen Island! I never visited, but spent a winter looking at it across English Bay. Lucky you.

Value Of an 1977 Auranthetic Electric Motorcycle
 

Can anyone tell me the value of one of these bikes it seams to be in very good condition and all original parts on it

its registered in the uk and was last taxed in 1984


Can anyone tell me where i can get parts if i need any or how much it worth and if there is a website that would be best to advertise it on.

I am split minds what to do with it at this time love the story behind the bikes and the company and want to know more and if there are any others in the uk.

Photos will be uploaded if people show an interest

Around here they seem to come up on craigslist listed for $600 - $800. Don't know what they sell for there. I got mine for $270 and 300. I think they are under valued considering their rarity but there does not seem to be a collector market for electric vehicles.

There is a message board run by a guy who sells parts and some parts can be had from minibike and go-cart sites. Motors can be found. They still make that kind of industrial motor.

I have never heard of one in the UK so I have no idea if there are more. The guy who runs the message board might know.

Please post pics. I'd love to see your bike.

So, can you licence those to ride on the street?

Yup. They are classified under "limited speed motorcycle" here which has a max HP rating of 1 for lectric or 50cc for gas. (Shhh. Don't tell anyone, but mine has a 2 Hp motor in it.)

I think some states allow them as mopeds but here in the 'great white north' you need pedal power.

Hi Marcus, I'm about to become an owner of a 3-wheel Auranthetic if everything works out. I am having it shipped from Utah to Ottawa. Do you think there will be a problem with customs when crossing border? My regular shipper/mover (Crown Relocation) said he shipped a bike like this to Canada recently without a problem. Is bill of sale enough for importation to Ontario? My priority is to import it, and then may be plate it later if possible. Pitch from Ottawa

I'm no expert. There is a checklist you can use to make sure you have it all together. Registrar of Imported Vehicles

I brought an airstream over and had to fill out a form at the border. It was not a big deal. They just wanted some tax for it. When I got to the border I needed the bill of sale, and the registration with the owners signature authorizing the sale. If it has never been registered or you don't have the registration papers then there may be other things you need to do.

Make sure the motor is still good! Replacements can be $$$

Good luck.

Thanks Marcus. Yes, vehicles older than 15 years are exempt from RIV and allowed to be imported. However, how do I prove that this Auranthetic is over 15 years old? Seller only has a bill of sale. There's an online documentation but I don't know if that's adequate. That's all I have to show that it was made in the 70's. A few yrs back I imported my Spree from NH without much difficulties because I had a letter from NH stating that registration wasn't required in the state.
I guess I will try to have the seller get a letter from his DMV stating that and hope it will work out.
Btw, the seller said he rebuilt the motor and its in running condition. I will certainly post a report once I have it. Hopefully it wan't be too long. Thanks again,