Santa Cruz is a motorcycle Mecca. After all, four wheels may move the body, but two wheels move the soul. Perhaps that is why Santa Cruz is also an environmental Mecca, which is why Zero Motorcycles is looking to open up shop here. The electric motorcycle manufacturer, currently based up the road in Scotts Valley, is looking for $800,000 to open a new research and manufacturing site as well as a store front in Santa Cruz. On Tuesday night, City Council voted to help the business out with a $175,000 loan and an additional $25,000 in staffing and technical assistance.
Zero plans to continue most of its manufacturing in Scotts Valley, but would move its dealership to Santa Cruz. It would also develop and manufacture new powertrain technologies in Santa Cruz for incorporation in other vehicles such as snow mobiles and wave riders. The new development facility would employ as many as six engineers and 12 manufacturers. Read more at the Santa Cruz Sentinel.
