The most complicated KERS in the world

Kinetic Energy Recovery Systems, more commonly known as regenerative braking, work by applying resistance to the electric motor, thereby slowing the bike down and turning the motor into a generator. The relatively small amounts of electricity generated are used to put a little bit of charge back into the batteries. On electric motorcycles the motor drives the rear wheel so, until now, KERS setups have been limited to putting resistance on the rear wheel, which is obviously limited by traction as the bike slows down and shifts its weight forward. By using an incredibly complicated arrangement of in-wheel clutches, telescoping drive shafts, chains hidden within the top yoke and bevel gears — a system that’s remarkably similar to the Christini mechanical two-wheel-drive system —  Chip Yates has managed to connect the front wheel to the electric motor to boost the capacity of regenerative braking onboard his Swigz Pro Racing TTXGP competitor. Something he claims will allow him to use the same battery capacity as competitors while making nearly twice the power.

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