Polaris buys electric bike maker Brammo

Going electric is a good sign for manufacturers, most of whom are in a never ending quest to save the planet. Polaris, a leader in the powersports industry, has announced that it has bought Oregon-based electric motorcycle firm Brammo Inc., in addition to acting as a leading investor in the recapitalisation of Brammo. This injection of funds will enable the electric vehicle firm to focus exclusively on the design, development and integration of electric vehicle powertrains.

Brammo had been selling the Empulse/R and the Enertia for over five years, in the US, and it was known that the electric bike manufacturer’s cash reserves have been dwindling for a while. The recapitalisation means that Brammo will be able to take advantage of Polaris’ position globally, while Polaris will market a variety of electric vehicles using Brammo’s lithium-ion electric drivetrain technology.

Scott Wine, Polaris Chairman and CEO, said, “We have enjoyed our involvement with Brammo Motorcycles over the past three years, and our excitement about their industry-leading lithium-ion electric drivetrain technology has increased commensurate with their improvements in cost and performance. Polaris and Brammo share a goal of adding the most advanced and highest capability electric solutions to Polaris’ portfolio of leading powersports products.”