Noxis Speeders
The speeders were implemented before the pirating was allowed. The speedres have another role - they are the fastest ship in the game. They are meant to wreak havoc to your neighbours and destroy cargoes and recyclers before the player logs again, something like Special Operations Unit. Speeders are alright as main battlefleet only in the early stages, when they give an edge to the Noxis attack.
"I have seen what power does, and I have seen what power costs. The one is never equal to the other." G`Kar, Babylon 5