They. Are. Here.

© Zero Motorcycles

It goes fast, and leaves nothing behind.

As hybrid and even full-out electric cars make inroads in the marketplace, electric motorcycles may be nearing their day in the sun as well. In a movement reminiscent of the early days of cars, when hundreds of companies offered their models to the public, new electric motorcycle companies are announcing their existence almost monthly.

The offerings range from low-end Chinese scooters that sell for a couple thousand dollars all the way up to items like the Mission Motors 150 mph Mission One, which sells for $69,000. In the middle are $7,000 to $11,000 machines, as well as at least one chopper for which "pricing varies with customization."

The biggest drawback with all these machines is their limited range. The $8,000 Enertia, produced by Brammo Motorsports, has an average range of 42 miles between recharges. The $11,000 Vectrix Corp. VX-1 will go 35-55 miles. The $10,000 Zero S, by Zero Motorsports, can make it up to 50 miles. All of these figures depend on how the bike or scooter is ridden.

The biggest pluses, on the other hand, are the no-emissions transportation and low per mile cost. The electricity for these motorcycles and scooters generally costs about a penny per mile. And quite the opposite of the rumbling Harleys we all know so well, these two-wheelers operate silently, and give off no exhaust at all. Of course, "no-emissions" is something of a misnomer, because that electricity has to be generated somewhere, with the accompanying emissions.

Top speeds also limit their usability for highway travel. Top speeds on the models mentioned , excluding the super-powered Mission One, are as follows: Enertia, 60 mph; VX-1, 62 mph; Zero S, 55 mph.

For the moment then, electric motorcycles are best suited to commuting and short trips around town. Operation is very simple, as none of them have a clutch and gears. You just twist the throttle and go. Acceleration is smooth and strong.

As with electric and hybrid cars, some issues remain regarding the batteries. The batteries are generally the most expensive part of an electric vehicle and, as we all know, batteries eventually die. Discussion of this issue is not featured prominently on the manufacturers' websites, although EVII, which produces the LiV Ryder chopper, does say in its spec sheet that the battery life should be at least 1,500 full charges. With 50 miles listed as the range for a full charge, that comes out to 75,000 miles before the battery could be expected to die. And realistically speaking, only a moderate percentage of motorcyclists ever put 75,000 miles on their bikes.

This is not the first time that hopeful manufacturers have attempted to create a market for electric motorcycles. But with concerns over climate change, as well as the myriad issues regarding oil, it might just happen this time.