9 Interesting Facts About Electric Motorcycles

Electric motorcycles have gained a lot of traction lately. And we can expect more on our roads moving forward because many countries plan to end the sale of gasoline-powered vehicles and motorcycles by 2035.

If you want to purchase a two-wheeler today, you might be torn between an electric one and a gasoline-powered one. Although an electric bike is environmentally friendly, it comes with a huge price tag. Below, we have compiled a list of 9 interesting facts about electric bikes you should know to help you decide.

Zero Emission

Did you know that for every 60 miles you cover with a gasoline-powered motorcycle, you emit 12.8kg of CO2e? Yes, traditional internal combustion engine motorcycles burn fossil fuels to generate power. This combustion process releases carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and other harmful substances into the atmosphere.

If you want to lower your carbon footprint, consider an electric bike. Because these bikes run on electricity powered by lithium-ion batteries, they have no tailpipe emissions. Adopting e-bikes contributes to reduced air pollution.

Instant Torque

If speed is your thing, you will love electric motorcycles' instant torque and power. Instant torque is the immediate and maximum delivery of rotational force by an electric motor, particularly at low speeds or from a standstill. Electric motors can deliver their maximum torque almost instantly. This means rapid acceleration.

Rapid acceleration makes a big difference when you want to speed, move out of the way to avoid being hit or ride through busy traffic. You won't need to shift gears; you only need to accelerate and brake. On the contrary, internal combustion engine motorcycles must rev up before reaching peak torque. Regardless of the cc a gasoline-powered motorbike is, it can't match the instant torque of an electric motorbike.

Silent Speedsters

Gasoline-powered motorbikes are notorious for being loud. And although some drivers claim it adds to the thrill, noise pollution can irritate the owner and other road users. Imagine going home after a long, tiring day, and all you hear is the rumbling noise. It can't be exciting.

As for electric motorbikes, they are super quiet, with almost no sound. You will enjoy a quiet, peaceful journey as you help reduce noise pollution. You can even carry on a conversation riding next to a friend, and you won't have to worry about waking the baby every morning as you head to work.

Lower Operating Cost

Gas prices are at their highest right now. Depending on size, refuelling a gas-powered bike will cost about $20 to $30. An electric bike is powered by a rechargeable battery that you can charge at home or a charging station. On average, fueling a gas-powered motorcycle will cost you $0.25 per 6 miles, while an electric one will cost $0.08. This means you are saving over 60% on fuel costs.

However, there is more. As much as all motorcycles need regular maintenance regardless of type, maintaining an electric bike is cheaper. A gas-powered bike has many moving parts compared to an electric motorcycle that only has the electric motor as the moving part. For this reason, if you own a gas-powered bike, you must regularly replace parts like air filters, oil, spark plugs, gearboxes, and more. Fortunately for electric bike owners, the maintenance cost is low; you only need to check the chain, keep the tires pumped, and check on the brakes. You'll save lots of money in the long run.

Longer Range

Range is how long a motorbike can travel on a full charge. While electric motorbikes previously had an average range of 20 to 40 miles, advances in battery technology have extended the range. Currently, the average range is between 40 and 100 miles, making them more practical for everyday use. However, there are electric motorcycles with higher ranges, like the Evoke 6061-GT, with a city range of 410 miles and 308 miles combined, and the Lightning Strike R, with 293 miles combined.

Remember, your battery range is affected by various factors, including riding style, weight and load capacity, terrain, and weather. More efficient driving, including smoother acceleration, maintaining a constant speed, and coasting, can help maximize the battery range of your electric bike.

Beginner Friendly

Although many riders will tell you how 'fun' it is to run through the gears of a combustion engine motorcycle, don't believe them. Learning how to control a bike and shift gears can be challenging for beginners. Luckily, you don't have to do that with an electric motorcycle. This way, you can concentrate on the road.

Moreover, electric motorbikes are much lighter and compact than gas-powered ones. This makes them easy to control and handle.

You Can Ride on Different Terrains

If you regularly travel with a motorbike across various landscapes, you might wonder if an electric motorcycle can do the same. The truth is you can ride an electric bike on any terrain. In fact, most electric motorbikes are designed for off-road use. They usually have thicker tires and sturdier frames to tackle rough terrain. However, remember not all electric motorcycles are created equal. Consider where you regularly ride when buying yours.

Can you ride an electric motorbike in the rain or snow? Yes, you can still ride even when it is snowing or raining. E-motorcycles are water resistant, so you can't be electrocuted. However, to ensure the longevity of your bike, take it inside during lower temperatures. Lower temperature can affect battery capacity and, ultimately, range.

Smooth and Comfortable Ride

As a gas-powered bike owner, you will be amazed by the comfort and performance of an electric bike. As mentioned above, these bikes can accelerate fast, with some models going from zero to over 60 miles in about three seconds. The power delivery is immediate and relatively linear. But that's not all. The comfort of riding these bikes is on another level. You will have an enjoyable ride in traffic and town centers without worrying about changing gears and clutching.

Moreover, these bikes don't vibrate or generate heat like their gasoline counterparts. You won't worry about heat roasting your thighs or the exhaust burning the ankle of your passenger. You will be healthier, as studies suggest that the heat and vibrations can lead to low sperm count or erectile dysfunction. Finally, you won't worry about staining your favorite shirt or garage while changing the oil.

Government Incentives

There is no doubt electric motorbikes are expensive to buy. However, many countries offer incentives to encourage citizens to go green. For instance, the U.S. government is offering up to 30% off the cost of an electric motorcycle, the maximum amount being $1,500 for an e-motorbike costing less than $8,000.

Combine this with state incentives, and the e-bike will be much cheaper. For example, in Hawaii, you'll get a tax credit of up to 20% of the cost of the electric motorcycle, with the maximum value being $500. However, as more players get into the production of electric bikes, the price will likely get lower in the coming days.

Conclusion

Electric motorcycles are among the most viable options as the world strives for more sustainable transport. These bikes are cheaper to maintain and have unique features like instant torque, quietness, and smoothness. While the initial cost is higher than that of a gas-powered bike, you will save money in the long run because charging is cheaper than gas, and the maintenance cost is lower as they have fewer moving parts.

Buyers also have a number of financing options, making the ownership of an electric bike even more affordable. Depending on your financial situation and preference, you can get up to 4 new or used motorcycle offers in minutes. When you combine this with government incentives, there's no better time to go green and reduce your carbon footprint.