Auper InCity: Brazil's Answer to Electric Zoom and... Safety?
Here I am, dazzled by the hum of yet another electric two-wheeler. After a lifetime of playing with dino-juice guzzling machines, writing about the ones powered by electrons is much like trading in your favorite vinyl record for Spotify – you resist it at first, but eventually, you're head-bobbing to the latest pop hits.
Behold the Auper InCity, an electric motorcycle designed specifically for Brazil's bustling streets. While most electric two-wheelers woo you with promises of low costs and "being green" (which feels more like a limp lettuce leaf than a roaring beast), this one's different. Hailing from a Brazilian startup with its roots firmly planted in Canada, the InCity is all about performance, safety, and looking like it dropped straight out of a sci-fi movie.
From the first glance, it's futuristic, and not in that tacky way where you're expecting it to ask if you're Sarah Connor. It's sleek, streamlined, and gives off that vibe of "I'm the future, and I know it." Interestingly, it looks like the Fuell Fllow's not-so-distant cousin. Perhaps they exchanged DNA at a family reunion or share a common design inspiration. Whatever it may be, for the Auper, it works!
But this isn't just a pretty face on two wheels. Oh no, the InCity's got brains to match. It comes packed with an impressive Vehicle Control Unit (VCU), which is like the motorcycle's Big Brother. But, unlike the Orwellian version, this Big Brother wants to keep you safe. Given Brazil's high motorcycle theft rates, Auper made sure every electronic component is encrypted to its owner, making it a nightmare for any hopeful thief looking to make a quick buck.
Performance-wise, the InCity isn't shy. Its magnet-free electric motor, developed by Enedym Inc., can push this baby to a speed of 94 miles an hour (150 kilometers per hour for those metrically inclined). If you're in a rush, you'll be glad to know it goes from zero to 60 in just five seconds. The 4.8-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery gives you a comfortable 60 miles on a single charge, which isn't too shabby.
Safety's also at the forefront, which is comforting when you're on a bike that can go from 0-60 faster than you can say, "Hold my beer!" It boasts front and rear disc brakes with ABS, traction control, and a haptic feedback system on the saddle. Why, you ask? To keep you alert. If that isn’t love, I don’t know what is. There's also smart lighting for those night rides and Auper’s IIC to monitor speed, battery, traffic info, and other neat metrics.
What's that? Your wallet's trembling? Fear not! The InCity is expected to retail for about $5,000. For those with a bit more green in their pocket (and wanting more green in their ride), there's a long-range version for around $7,500 that promises a whopping 144 miles of range.
In short, if you've been skeptical about electric motorcycles like I have, the Auper InCity just might make you a believer. Or at least, it'll give you a thrilling ride while you mull it over.
