Electric way to save cash

PAID parking could encourage more people to buy motorcycles. Baroni Bikes director Gerry Clarke, who has launched a new type of electric motorcycle, anticipates that demand will increase.

'I think that we are going to see more commuters switch from four wheels to two to try and avoid paid parking,' he said.

'With the rising petrol prices showing no sign of stopping, electric motorcycles are the obvious solution.'

The Alderney-based company has introduced the bikes to Guernsey ahead of a UK launch next year.

The quickest bike in the range can reach speeds of up to 40mph and can travel as much as 37 miles between charges.

Mr Clarke, 59, who has lived in Alderney for the past 11 years after moving there from Cheltenham in Gloucestershire, said that the vehicles were more environmentally friendly and cheaper to run than their petrol-fuelled equivalents.

'These electric motorcycles are perfect for the island. Performance-wise, they are up there with a petrol-driven moped, but without all the nasty noise and emissions.

'For a lot of commuters they will provide a convenient and more economical alternative to a car.'

Two models of the bike are on display at Guernsey Electricity's North Side showroom. Prices for the new machines start at about £1,000.

Baroni has agreed a joint promotion and marketing deal with Guernsey Electricity which means that anyone buying one this summer will receive a £100 credit towards their electricity bill. In addition, the two companies are discussing the possibility of installing recharging points at places around the island.

GE managing director Ian Watson said the company was fully behind schemes that could help to improve the local environment.

'Obviously, electric vehicles are something in which we as a company have always had an interest, albeit until now the technology has never really been that viable,' he said.

'However, these motorbikes appear ideally suited to the island, as a more environmentally friendly and economic alternative to the motor car.'

* For more information, visit www.baronibikes.com.