Video: Electric Derbi GPR EV sneak peek

Derbi is close to unveiling an electric race bike based on its GPR50 learner sportsbike.

The Derbi GPR EV is revealed in this video taken by British company Sevcon in a test behind closed doors – the firm is responsible for making the motor controllers that help power the electric motorcycle.

Like many electric motorcycles it uses an existing chassis to house the electric motors. Derbi has taken a GPR50 learner bike (minus the 50cc two-stroke engine) and changed remarkably little.

The aluminium beam frame and swingarm, plus the upside down forks and radial calipers are the same as the learner legal road bike.

The bodywork is unchanged too, but the lights, mirrors and other road going parts are removed, which suggests this will be one of the first official entries in to electric racing by a major motorcycle manufacturer.

The Derbi GPR EV is seen testing at a small circuit near Barcelona in this video.