Zero Motorcycles has announced that their electric Zero S and Zero DS models have passed both U.S. and Canadian safety standards, and received a Certificate of Conformity from the Environmental Protection Agency. This means that buyers of the Zero S and DS are now eligible for a ten percent federal tax credit and sales tax credit as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

Santa Cruz, CA based Zero says theirs are the first electric motorcycles to pass the safety standards and achieve EPA certification. The company is claiming a 455-mpg equivalent for both the S and DS, which use the same lithium ion battery and 4 kWh electric motor.

Both models are street legal, although the DS (Dual Sport) is designed for a combination of on and off-road use. Zero claims a range of up to 50 miles, and a top speed of 55 mph. Recharge time is said to be less than four hours.

The Zero S and DS are priced at $9,950, a figure the company says will be reduced to $8,955 with the tax credit--still a hefty price for green motorcycling.

—Jim Travers