In first ever documented case, Talaria electric dirt bike goes up in flames in US
The new Talaria MX5 Sting Pro electric dirt bike may have just celebrated the one-week anniversary of its launch in the US, but it’s already marking another less-joyous occasion: the first documented major battery fire in a Talaria.
Videos on social media show what is reported to be a Talaria MX5 engulfed in flames as the rider details how he had managed to put only 20 miles (32 km) on the new bike before it caught fire underneath him.
The fire was confirmed by Eric Hicks, the founder and owner of Luna Cycle, which is well known as the main US-based supplier of Talarias and other light electric dirt bikes as well as high-power electric bicycles. Luna Cycle is often credited with introducing Talaria-style electric motorbikes into the US, long serving as Sur Ron’s exclusive distributor in the country and introducing several Talaria models in recent years.
According to Luna Cycle, which sold the Talaria MX5 bike in question, “This is the first major Talaria fire, of any model, reported in the USA. We take this very seriously, and plan to address this concern with the utmost priority.”
Hicks explained that Talaria normally only uses a well-respected battery maker known as Greenway Batteries. Greenway is one of the main suppliers for many electric bicycle brands in the US and around the world.
In fact, Greenway Battery has been the primary supplier for Talaria and Sur Ron electric motorbikes for years, and Luna Cycle has been a distributor and authorized repair center for Greenway Batteries in the US for eight years.
As Hicks continued, “In those eight years we have not seen a Greenway pack cause a fire and it is a big reason Surron and Talaria products have been so safe.”
However, due to a “clerical error made by the Talaria team,” some Talaria MX5 electric motorbikes that were shipped to the US included a battery produced by another supplier known as Scud.
“After investigating the incident and the bike involved in this fire, Luna verified the MX5 that caught fire last night unfortunately had a Scud battery installed in it from Talaria,” continued Hicks. “We are not sure of the cause of this fire and would prefer not to speculate at the possible causes, whether faulty or due to external factors. Regardless of the cause, Luna stands behind every bike and product it sells, and this incident is unacceptable for both Luna, and our customers.”
Luna Cycle has since announced a series of steps intended to address concerns regarding these Scud batteries. The company will replace the batteries in any Talaria MX5 bikes that shipped with Scud batteries and has since cancelled or reversed shipments on orders currently being processed that contain Scud batteries. Those bikes will have their batteries swapped and will ship in the next few days.
Not all Talaria MX5 Sting Pro bikes shipped from Luna Cycle in the past week have Scud batteries, but those customers who did receive an MX5 with a Scud battery will be contacted directly by Luna to receive a replacement Greenway battery.
While lithium-ion battery fires are known in the electric bicycle industry, they are relatively rare in the US compared to the millions of e-bikes already on the road. Such fires are even rarer in the case of more premium models, both premium electric trail bikes like these Talarias and high-end electric bicycles.
The few documented cases of electric bike battery fires in the US are usually related to inferior quality batteries used in bottom-tier budget-class e-bikes.
Several cities and institutions have begun initiating rules and regulations requiring safety certifications such as UL-compliance for micromobility vehicles features lithium-ion batteries, furthering a growing trend towards higher safety in the industry.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
Electric vehicles’ share of the market continues to climb in America’s second city, with BEV registrations up more than 50% in the first quarter of 2025 compared with the same period last year. Great news, but charging hasn’t up – but a new plan from Chicago Department of Transportation aims to build up enough infrastructure for the city to keep up.
In a bid to keep up with the rapid growth of EVs, Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT is currently seeking public feedback on a plan called “Chicago Moves Electric Framework.” The city’s first such plan, it outlines initiatives that include a curbside charging pilot through the city’s utility, ComEd, and expanded charging access in key areas throughout the city.
Unlike other such plans, however, the new plan aims to focus on bringing electric vehicle charging to EIEC and low income communities, too.
“Through this framework, we are setting clear goals and identifying solutions that reflect the voices of our residents, communities, and regional partners,” said CDOT Commissioner Tom Carney. “By prioritizing equity and public input, we’re creating a roadmap for electric transportation that serves every neighborhood and helps drive down emissions across Chicago.”
Neighborhoods on the south and west sides of Chicago experience a disproportionate amount of air pollution and diesel emissions, largely due to vehicle emissions according to CDOT. Despite that, most of Chicago’s public charging stations are clustered in higher-income areas while just 7.8% are in environmental justice neighborhoods that face higher environmental burdens.
“Too often, communities facing the greatest economic and transportation barriers also experience the most air pollution,” explains Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. “By prioritizing investments in historically underserved areas and making clean transportation options more affordable and accessible, we can improve both mobility and public health.”
The Framework identifies other near-term policy objectives, as well – such as streamlining the EV charger installation process for businesses and residents and implementing “Low-Emission Zones” in areas disproportionately impacted by air pollution by limiting, or even restricting, access to conventional medium- and heavy-duty vehicles during peak hours.
The Chicago Moves Electric Framework includes the installation of Level 2 and DC fast charging stations in public locations such as libraries and Chicago’s Midway Airport, “supporting not only personal EVs but also electric taxis, ride-hail and commercial fleets.”
Chicago has a goal of installing 2,500 public passenger EV charging stations and electrifying the city’s entire municipal vehicle fleet by 2035.
Electrek’s Take
I hate to sound like a bed-wetting liberal here, guys, but Chicago is getting EVs absolutely right with big utility incentives on both vehicles and infrastructure, a governor willing to stand behind smart environmental policy, and a solid push for more and better infrastructure in the areas where they’ll do the most good. They’re even thinking of the children.
Here’s hoping more cities follow suit.
SOURCE: ComEd, via Smart Cities Dive; featured image by EVgo.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
With a fully-enclosed, G-Wagen-inspired body and an 80 mile electric range, the Bodo G-Wagon golf cart is the NEV you need when you decide it’s time to get serous one-upping the rest of the Palm Beach country clubbers.
If you love the look of the $230,000 Mercedes-Benz G580 off-roader, but think the 579 hp, 6,800 lb. electric 4×4 is probably overkill for occasional trips to the golf course and country club, this G-Wagen-inspired golf cart might be just what you’re looking for.
The shiny black 2024 Bodo G-Wagon sold at Mecum Auctions last month for $31,900, which seems like it might not be a lot of money to the sort of person who decides to take a flyer on a goofy, limited-use EV that ships with real, metal doors, power windows, heating and air conditioning, fully digital instrument cluster and infotainment, and a “posh,” caramel leather interior.
It even has windshield wipers, power steering, and a rear-seat entertainment system that’s built into the front headrests!
It’s really nice in there
Under the hood, the Bodo packs a 15 kW (20 hp) electric motor drawing power from a 10 kWh li-ion battery that won’t deliver a scorching 0-60 mph time (it only goes 35), but will deliver you and your buddies from one end of any golf course in North America and back several times over, thanks to the G-Wagon’s 80 mile range.
The official Mecum Auctions listing goes into a bit more detail, and I’ve included it here, in case it gets deleted after a while and you’re just finding this for the first time in 2027:
Be the envy of any country club or golf community showing up with this 2024 Bodo G-Wagon Golf Cart. Perhaps more appropriately known as an E-Wagon, this baby G-Wagon is powered by a 15kW motor with a 10kWh lithium battery. Boasting an 80-mile range and a 35 MPH top speed, the Bodo is an enclosed, luxury golf cart that pampers occupants with heating and air conditioning, rear-seat entertainment, power windows, power locks and a posh, caramel-colored interior. With the Bodo fitted with power steering and 4-wheel power disc brakes with brake boost, drivers will think they’re in a full-size G-Wagon, thanks to the multiscreen entertainment cluster, the rearview camera, windshield wipers, turn signals, running lights and so much more.
Finished in black with the right amount of brightwork, the overall vibe is one of jaw-dropping, smile-inducing fun. While the Bodo would be an excellent choice for any golf community, it should also prove to be hugely popular around a race track or car condo community as well, or maybe even a neighborhood with its own airplane runways. Over the past decade in particular, the demand for unique, luxury golf carts has been on the rise, and understandably so. The number of luxury communities with specific interests in sports, aero and auto has also been on the rise, with people buying homes in these exclusive locations to better engage with like-minded people. All too often a golf cart is the perfect way to get around these gated neighborhoods, and this one is enclosed, comes with the amenities of a full-size car and is infinitely more stylish.
You can check out a few more photos of the 2024 Bodo G-Wagon golf cart that sold at Mecum, below – and if you want one for yourself, you’re in luck! I found this brand-new 2025 “G600 E-Wagon” (in white) for $23,900 at Gulf Carts in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. Head on down to the comments and let us know if you buy it.
G-Wagon golf cart gallery
SOURCE | LOTS MORE PHOTOS: Mecum Auctions.
Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Best of all? Contractors won’t call you unless you give them your number. Get started here.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
-
Sports3 years ago‘Storybook stuff’: Inside the night Bryce Harper sent the Phillies to the World Series
-
Sports1 year agoStory injured on diving stop, exits Red Sox game
-
Sports2 years agoGame 1 of WS least-watched in recorded history
-
Sports2 years agoMLB Rank 2023: Ranking baseball’s top 100 players
-
Sports4 years ago
Team Europe easily wins 4th straight Laver Cup
-
Environment2 years agoJapan and South Korea have a lot at stake in a free and open South China Sea
-
Environment2 years agoGame-changing Lectric XPedition launched as affordable electric cargo bike
-
Business3 years agoBank of England’s extraordinary response to government policy is almost unthinkable | Ed Conway