Automotive electrification is here to stay, and the future is bright for electric motorcycles. Electric bikes have benefited from significant investment in research and development in the past few years. The upshot is that modern electric motorcycles are more refined and sophisticated. Additionally, the advancements in battery technology and constant innovations has made the bikes deliver excellent performance and range. Thus, electric motorcycles have become a more popular choice as an alternative to traditional gasoline motorcycles.
Most motorcycle manufacturers have embraced the transition by offering both ICE and electric motorcycles in their portfolio. It is important to note that electric motorcycles are also in their infancy and a lot more needs to be improved and developed to make them mainstream. Is it, however, sensible to get an electric motorcycle right now, or should you wait to evaluate your preferences before buying your first electric motorcycle?
10 Buy: Extensive Customization And Personalization Options
One of the exclusive features of electric motorcycles is the ability to customize most aspects of it through an onboard dash display or through connected apps. The same is not true for ICE bikes, which require you to take them to service centers or local experts. Using a dedicated mobile application for your electric motorcycle you can adjust performance aspects such as throttle response, top speed, traction control, and more. By changing these options you can completely customize your bike according to your riding preferences. The ability to alter various parameters of the bike by yourself easily through a mobile app interface to virtually any desired specification is a really neat feature to have.
9 Wait: Limited Dealer Network
In recent years, electric motorcycles have seen significant growth since their inception with multiple brands and new lithium battery technology developments. But you may have noticed that the options are limited in comparison to traditional bikes on the market. Electric motorcycles are still considered a niche market, and you will not find many dealers and service centers with mechanics specialized in them. As a result, you might have to travel longer distances to shop for electric motorcycles and for bike maintenance, service, and repairs. However, as the adoption rate of electric motorcycles increases over time, this might not be a big concern as the demand for them grows.
8 Buy: Low Service And Maintenance Costs
Unlike traditional motorcycles, electric bikes don’t need as much maintenance. Apart from regular maintenance, traditional bikes also require more care as wear and tear takes its toll on the many moving parts. That is not the case with electric bikes since there are fewer moving parts, and they seldom require any servicing. The only parts you need to replace regularly are tires and brakes. Since most eclectic bikes are belt driven, no need to worry about chain maintenance either.
7 Wait: Longer Battery Charging Time
Another common dilemma is the longer battery recharging time. In a world where it hardly takes a few minutes to refuel your gasoline bikes, it is hard to imagine spending hours parked just to fully recharge your bike to ride further. Then again, the charging time further depends on the battery capacity, type of the charging station, and the charger power output. It becomes highly inconvenient for longer distance trips or frequent bike usage when you have to spend hours recharging batteries. Although, the charging times have significantly reduced with advancements in battery technology. These days many electric bike manufacturers offer DC fast chargers that can recharge a battery in an hour or so. These fast chargers are limited and most often cost a fortune.
6 Buy: Cheaper To Run
If you are looking for a valuable motorcycle purchase then nothing can beat the value in return from an electric motorcycle purchase. As with the rising cost of gasoline fuel all over the world, the running costs of traditional bikes are consistently increasing. On the other hand, it only costs an average of $1.2 to fully recharge an electric bike, which results in savings in the long run. It is possible to actually break even on the purchase cost with electric motorcycles in just a few years, due to savings on maintenance, fuel cost, and other service costs. That’s why electric motorcycles make for an excellent beginner-bike. Additionally, most electric motorcycle manufacturers offer at least 5 years or more warranty on the bike and the battery. Providing extended peace of mind and appreciation of the bike's value.
5 Wait: Few Charging Stations
As the electrification of automobiles is on a fast track, the infrastructure to support the growth is far behind, especially in the number of available charging stations. In comparison to gasoline fuel stations which are readily available in the remotest location, electric charging stations are far fewer and far from each other. As a result, getting stranded with zero battery charge on your long highway trips is a big concern and requires a well-planned route map with available charging options. Even if you find a charging station, it is uncertain whether the station has a compatible charging port, or if it is even functioning and able to charge your bike.
4 Buy: Efficient And Eco-Friendly
If you are a concerned global citizen who believes it is our responsibility to protect the environment and do your best to preserve it for future generations, then electric motorcycles are an excellent option for your travel needs in order to prevent air pollution. Electric motorbikes are also very efficient, providing excellent value when compared to regular bikes, with electric motors that are over 95% efficient in delivering power. Additionally, if you do not like the sound of the engine rumbling and vibrations while you ride, an electric motorcycle is the ideal alternative, since it offers a silent and smooth ride.
3 Wait: Range Anxiety
Yes, with advances in battery technology, electric motorcycles have come a long way in terms of range. However, it is nowhere near the range of a full-tank of gasoline for a regular ICE bike. As a result, range anxiety is a constant concern, with the fear of running out of battery before reaching the next charging station.
An additional cause of concern is the significant difference between the manufacturer-specified range and the true real-world on-road range. It is true that all electric motorcycles quoted higher range on a single charge are still much less than the true real-world range. Hence, if you just love riding your motorcycle without worry, and discovering new places, electric motorcycles are not for you just yet.
2 Buy: Instant Torque And Power
The best feature of electric motorcycles is the instant torque and power delivered from the electric motor at the twist of the throttle. You can feel the pull of quick acceleration right away off the line, leaving every other vehicle in the dust at a traffic signal. It is harder to return to the linear acceleration of a regular ICE bike after experiencing the blistering launch and acceleration of electric motorcycles.
Electric motorcycles have only one gear, so there is no throttle lag or acceleration drop. With a twist of the throttle, smooth and instantaneous power is always readily available. The quickest accelerating ICE bikes on the market are expensive, and a mid-priced electric motorcycle can offer the same level of excitement.
1 Wait: High Purchase Price
In spite of government rebates and incentives on electric motorcycle purchase prices, most electric motorcycles continue to be relatively expensive when compared to ICE motorcycles. One of the main challenges for many riders adopting electric motorcycles is their high purchase price. The price of these bikes is mostly determined by the battery capacity, powerful motor, onboard electronics, and safety equipment.
Although manufacturer provides a warranty on the battery, you have to replace the battery after a specified number of recharge cycles, which adds to the maintenance costs. However, as technology advances and more people switch to electric vehicles, their prices will reduce, making them more accessible and affordable.