Electric motorcycles have made news in recent times. All the major companies are hopping on board to develop the first electric motorcycle. And so many bikers are also making the switch. But why do people buy electric motorcycles? Although it may seem like a redundant investment, you’ll find e-bikes to be a lot more efficient than gas bikes.
And that’s just technology-wise. Consider the lower costs and just how much you can save in the long run.
With all that being said, let’s take a closer look at the growing interest in e-bikes and find out why people buy them.
Why Electric Motorcycles Are the Future of Riding?
Although only a recent development, electric motorcycles are gaining a lot of attention from the media. Many news outlets are claiming them to be “the future of riding.
Electric motorcycles are paving the way for seamless riding. But why do people buy electric motorcycles?
Ever been on a road trip where you had to make constant stops for fuel? All of that is eliminated with an e-bike. No more making pit stops for refueling at some shady gas station.
And that’s just the beginning. Given how rapidly the technology is developing, it’s safe to say that it will change the world as we know it. Although total eradication of pollution may be a dream, electric motorcycles bring us closer to it.
Of course, this also means that the bikes are safer for you. After all, clean air is not so much for the Earth as it is for us. That’s a significant relief for the environmentally-conscious youth who want to eliminate global warming once and for all.
But the environmental aspect isn’t the only thing luring people in. The low running cost is one of the biggest reasons why people are converting to electric motorcycles.
While electric bikes do cost more initially, they’re easier to maintain and consume less power than gas bikes. This leads to a more sustainable and eco-friendly riding option.
Now add that electric motorcycles are highly flexible, and you can quite get why they’re making the buzz. Everything from the low running costs to the eco-friendly nature of the bikes has earned them that title. As sophisticated vehicles that run on batteries instead of fuel, they produce lesser greenhouse gasses.
What’s Going on With Electric Motorcycles Today?
Electric motorcycles are making quite the buzz lately. Recently, Vattenfall and CAKE announced that they’d be working on the “first fossil-free electric motorcycle.” They aim to develop a peaceful, eco-friendly Earth with loads of benefits to e-bike users.
As of now, electric motorcycles are under intense development. Both technology and industrial power are present to manufacture electric motorcycles.
But implementing said technology and power requires a lot of research. Even then, electric motorcycles are making headlines in the motorbike community.
Why Do People Buy Electric Motorcycles?
With so many people making the switch over to e-bikes, one question still stands why? Why do people buy electric motorcycles when there are cheaper options available? Here are a few reasons why other people are switching to e-bikes and why.
Tax Incentives
One of the many reasons people are switching over to e-bikes is that governments are imposing tax incentives. The laws are still not concrete, but the future is bright for electric motorcycle owners.
According to a recent motion in Congress, a tax credit of 10% will be offered to e-bike purchases in the US. Of course, it’s not large compared to that of owning four-wheel electric cars. But the initiative is there to promote the use of electric vehicles in the nation.
Savings
Perhaps one of the biggest reasons why people buy electric motorcycles is the financial aspect. Although the initial price of electric motorcycles is much higher than gas bikes, the running cost makes all the difference.
Yes, electricity doesn’t come cheap. But considering the price of fuel and how often you need to refuel, it’s not surprising that electric bikes save you a lot of money.
Easier Maintenance
With so much going on in the combustion engine of a gas motorcycle, there’s a wide margin of error. Therefore, maintaining a gas motorcycle requires skills and knowledge on how to clean the cylinders.
But that’s not the case with electric motorcycles. Instead, they work on electrical components that are relatively easier to maintain, aside from heating and water damage.
Of course, that doesn’t mean there’s zeromaintenance involved. Since the parts are primarily electrical, your local mechanic may not know what’s wrong. Additionally, if the parts are damaged by heat and water, they may require a full replacement.
Ease of Use
If you’ve ever driven a gas bike, you’d know the intricacies of riding it. You must keep the engine in gear, shift the gears when needed, and try your best not to stall the engine.
But with an electric motorbike, there’s none of that. Electric bikes work on pushbuttons and switches. A throttle button turns on the motor and keeps it going. There’s no need to shift any gears or worry about any sort of engine damage since there is no engine.
Great For Road Trips
Road trips are my sweet escape from reality. But the one thing that can completely throw a good road trip off is refueling. Making constant stops for fuels just beats the whole point of a smooth and consistent road trip.
And that’s why you should switch over to electric bikes. While you will need to recharge the battery, most e-bikes last longer than gas bikes. More specifically, e-bikes can ride for up to 150 km without needing to recharge.
Once you do need to recharge, however, you’ll either need to find a mains outlet. Of course, that itself can be near impossible if you’re out in a remote location. But sure enough, on shorter road trips that fall within your bike’s range, you’ll enjoy every moment of it.
Better For Commuting
Electric bikes don’t just conquer road trips. They can be seamlessly integrated even into your daily commute. However, since gas bikes tend to get hot, they’re not the most comfortable. And daily use of the engine will wear it out quicker.
On an electric bike, however, no engine can get heated up. The only things that may produce heat are the motors, which aren’t anywhere near your body. Plus, daily use won’t put so much stress on the motors.
Better For the Environment
Last, but quite possibly the most important, e-bikes are better for the environment. They don’t produce toxic gasses that can lead to air pollution. And you don’t have to worry about gas leakages, which can be fatal on gas bikes.
It’s not a question of whether you care about the environment or not. I think we can all agree that breathing cleaner air benefits everyone, not just eco-conscious people.
What Are the Disadvantages of Electric Bikes?
Now you know why people buy electric motorcycles, let’s look at some of the negative aspects. Here are factors that may deter you from buying an e-bike
High Initial Cost
This is by far the biggest reason why people don’t buy e-bikes. E-bikes are very costly. Consider how costly gas bikes are, especially the newer models. Now double that amount to get the base price of an e-bike.
Although the running costs are lower, it’ll be a while before you can break even the initial cost. But, of course, if you’re a regular commuter, you’ll make up for the initial cost in no time. But for people who seldom use their bikes for road trips and adventures.
Long Battery Charge Time
One other aspect that discourages people from buying e-bikes is the long charge time. With gas bikes, you’ll run out of fuel more often, but you can quickly refuel and be on your way.
With an electric motorbike, however, you’ll need to wait longer to recharge the bike. Yes, the battery lasts longer on a single charge. But waiting hours to “refuel” your e-bike can be challenging.
Short Battery Lifespan
Batteries are unreliable. They’re prone to too many issues, including sulfation and corrosion. This means that, while they certainly outperform engines, they won’t last long in the long run.
Luckily, a new battery isn’t as costly as a new engine. But the idea that your battery can go dead very easily frightens many riders.
Low Resale Value
Since electric motorcycles aren’t very popular yet, they have low resale value. So, you won’t be able to make up the initial price by reselling the bike. It’s a major discouraging factor for people who are already too afraid to invest in an electric motorcycle.
Should You Buy a Hybrid or Electric Motorbike?
Electric bikes have their ups and downs. But what if you could buy a bike that balanced the benefits of gas bikes with those of electric bikes?
Enter the world of hybrid bikes. These bikes primarily run on gasoline but use electricity to get that occasional boost in riding speed.
As they combine the best of both worlds, hybrid bikes are much easier to maintain than gas bikes.
In addition, they’re capable of boosting your range, letting you squeeze out as much riding time as possible. And since they don’t rely on electricity alone, you can ride them with a dead battery as well.
But why do people buy electric motorcycles over hybrid bikes? Just like they borrow benefits from both electric and gas bikes, they also borrow their drawbacks.
The biggest drawback of a hybrid bike is the maintenance it requires. Since it not only uses a gas engine but a battery as well, you’ll need to maintain both.
Gas engines are already a pain in the neck to maintain and repair. Add a whole battery pack to that, and you’re looking at higher maintenance costs.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to you. Do you want a cheaper bike at the expense of higher maintenance? Or do you prefer a bike that is more eco-friendly but will be unreliable in the long run?
Are Electric Motorcycles Good for Beginners?
Electric motorcycles are great for beginners who want to learn how to ride a motorcycle. They’re easy to maintain, which means you don’t have to worry about knowing all the technicalities.
And they don’t produce any carbon emissions, a major driving factor for young learners.
However, if you’re buying an e-bike to learn how to ride a gas bike in the future, then it’s not recommended. E-bikes and gas bikes are entirely different. So, if you plan on buying a gas bike later on, buy one right now and use it for practice.
Hence, the verdict is that, yes, they’re suitable for beginners who plan on riding electric bikes in the future too. The high cost may discourage some new buyers, though.
Are Electric Motorcycles Faster?
Are electric motorcycles faster than hybrid or gas-powered bikes? Yes. Well, it depends on the model you have. Every e-bike has its top speed. And some gas bikes have higher top speeds than some e-bikes. But the general trend is that e-bikes run faster than gas bikes.
One thing to note here is that faster doesn’t always refer to top speed. So, in the case of a gas engine, consider that the engine needs time to get to a suitable speed.
This drawback is not present in e-bikes. With e-bikes, the motor can catch pace almost instantly. This allows you to go from 0 mph to 60 mph in a shorter amount of time.
Why Are Electric Motorcycles So Expensive?
Why do people buy electric motorcycles when they’re so expensive? Several factors contribute to the higher electric bike price.
- One of the most significant factors is the research and development cost. You might be thinking why do I have to pay for that? Well, electric motorcycles are relatively new. And a lot of research is required in making even a single unit.
- The researchers have to design the bike’s circuitry, but they must ensure it works according to the requirements. So, with every e-bike you buy, you’re also paying for the hours of research and brainstorming that went into it.
- This brings us to another reason scarcity. In today’s world, while electric motorcycles are moving forward, they’re still not normalized. All of these factors combine to raise the price of electric motorcycles.
Difference Between Electric Motorcycles, Electric Bicycles, Electric Scooters, And Electric Mopeds?
Lots of people get electric motorcycles, bicycles, scooters, and mopeds confused. Therefore, here’s a rundown of the meaning behind the different terms
Electric Motorcycles
These are motorbikes that use electric motors instead of engines.
Electric Bicycles
These use electric motors to provide a boost to your ride. You still need to pedal for the majority of the ride. They are less powerful and less intricate than electric motorcycles.
Electric Scooters
They are designed to be more portable and easier to travel with. Although some require manual driving, most are fully powered by electrical motors.
Electric Mopeds
They are similar to motorbikes but are equipped with pedals. The pedals are used to start the helper motor.
Why Aren’t There That Many Electric Motorcycles?
Electric motorcycles are still scarce when compared to gas motorcycles. There are many reasons for this.
But the main reason is the lack of demand. Many people don’t want to invest in an electric motorbike if they are not sure that they will make money back. Given the high initial cost, it’s no surprise that people are scared to buy electric motorcycles.
Additionally, electric motorcycles are unreliable. The battery takes hours to recharge, which is a lot less convenient compared to gas engines. This, plus the lower production, deters people from buying electric motorcycles.
What Is a Good Motor to Use for An Electric Motorcycle Conversion?
If you want to buy decent motors to use for your electric motorcycle, then pay close attention to the wattage of the motor. For lighter bikes, 3kW motors are highly recommended.
Of course, you can reduce that even further and use 1-2kW motors if you like cruising. But for heavier bikes, you can use motors of up to 6kW.
Besides the motors, also pay attention to the voltage and current ratings of the battery and controller. Incompatible batteries will hinder your ability to accelerate and reach top speed.
FAQs
Are electric motorcycles worth buying?
If you’re willing to spend a large sum on the bike in exchange for lower running costs, then definitely. But if you’re an adventurer who doesn’t use your bike often, then it’ll be harder for you to make up the cost. But compared to gas bikes, electric bikes certainly outperform.
Is there a market for electric motorcycles?
Electric motorcycles have a market as rich and promising as any other vehicle. Although the technology is still developing, investments and pre-orders have already started. As a result, more and more people are making the switch over to electric motorcycles. And it’s high time you did too.
Will electric motorcycles be a thing?
Most certainly so. Major automotive companies are developing their electric motorcycles. And some are even collaborating with major research institutes.
Take Harley-Davidson, for example, which is making LiveWire it is very own electric motorcycle. The e-bike is set to release to the public on the 8th of July this year.
Do electric motorcycles get hot?
Not as much as gas motorcycles. Since there is no engine, they don’t heat up, especially not where you’re sitting. However, they do run powerful motors that will eventually produce heat.
But since the motors are not near the seat or your feet, it’s unlikely that you’ll feel the heat. That, plus they don’t produce exhaust gasses, which can reach higher temperatures.
Do electric motorcycles have a clutch?
No, electric motorcycles do not have a clutch. This is because they don’t have gears, either. Instead, the speed of the motorcycle is controlled through a motor driver and user controls.
Do you need a license to drive an electric motorcycle?
Yes, you need a license to drive an electric motorcycle. However, licensing may not be available in your locality if the technology hasn’t been normalized there.
What is the range of an electric motorcycle?
The range varies with the model. For example, commuting motorcycles are designed to have shorter ranges since they’re not meant for longer trips. On the other hand, off-roading bikes have long ranges to avoid having to recharge the bike mid-trip. In general, the range can vary from 40 to 100 miles.
The range depends on the battery, motor, terrain, and average speed of the bike. Of course, your weight also factors into how far you can ride on your e-bike.
How long do e-bike batteries last?
With good care and careful maintenance, an e-bike battery can last for 2-4 years. Of course, with poor maintenance, a battery can go bad in an instant. Always ensure that the battery is in good condition and make a habit of checking on the battery.
Can electric bikes go up hills?
Yes. Electric bikes may be the one true solution for all terrains. Although this largely depends on the power of the motors you use, most electric bikes can climb hills.
Moreover, they’re powerful enough to conquer steep slopes, so long as you fit the suitable motor.
What is the fastest electric motorcycle?
It has to be the Lightning LS-218. It has a top speed of 346 kph or 215 mph, the highest top speed of any electric motorcycle on the market. Additionally, it has a very rapid acceleration, from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.2 seconds.
Which motor is best for an electric motorcycle?
No set motor brand or type works best with electric motors. But if a brand was to be recommended, QS Motors is a good choice. Besides that, for lighter bikes, consider a lighter motor of 1-3 kW. And for heavier bikes, you’ll want a more powerful motor of up to 6 kW.
Besides that, also ensure that the voltage and current ratings match on the battery and controller. This will enable you to ride at top speed and will heavily impact acceleration.
Conclusion
Electric motorcycles are the future, and now you know why. To summarize, electric motorcycles are much more economical and eco-friendlier than gas bikes.
So, why do people buy electric motorcycles? Due to the many financial benefits. Although the initial price runs high, the running costs more or less make up for that. And let’s not forget about the seamless trips that you get when you ride an electric motorcycle.
The future is e-bikes is bright, but technological advancement is yet to be made. Thus, when electric bikes do roll out, don’t miss out on them!
