While some motorcycle enthusiasts wouldn’t dare stray from the roar of the engine of a bike they’ve ridden for decades, young and old motorcyclists, alike, are starting to take notice of an increasingly popular trend in motorcycles: going electric. If you live somewhere in the U.S., where you can ride your motorcycle for most of the year, you may already be doing your part to be a little more environmentally friendly (and friendlier to your wallet) by parking your car and riding your bike whenever possible. Haven’t heard much about electric motorcycles? Here’s the scoop:
Fuel Efficiency
Whether you’re an eco-conscious rider or not, riding a fuel efficient motorcycle is pretty important for most riders. Although there are several types of fuel efficient motorcycles on the market, most of them don’t come close to the mpg equivalent of electric motorcycles (many go well beyond 100 miles before needing a charge). The biggest challenge that electric motorcycles face (as with all electric transportation) is the lack of widespread charging stations, however with continued popularity, it shouldn’t be an issue that sticks around too long.
The Ride
There are bikers who like to ride at a steady speed and take in the scenery and then there are those who like the thrill of the ride, hugging the tight curves in a road, and seeing the landscape flash by. Although every type of rider should give an electric bike a test ride, just for the experience alone, the thrill seeking rider is definitely drawn to an electric motorcycle; what other bike can go from 0 to 60 mph in about 3 seconds?
While the ride is “zippier”, many motorcyclists have commented that riding an electric bike takes some getting used to, especially the lack of sound. Motorcycles are known for the roar of their engine and as one test rider (from RideApart) noted, “The silence is deafening...with a faint whir, the new (Zero) DSR whisks aways with smooth yet forceful acceleration and no shifting...the only significant noise is from the wind blast and because there’s minimal sound, the speed is difficult to gauge.”
Safety
Like all motorcycles, an electric motorcycle, should have a responsible and experienced rider. Many of the pluses of an electric bike, such as lack of sound and its lightweight design, may also make it less safe (but again, much depends on the driver). According to Long Island Car Accident Lawyers at Cohen & Jaffe, LLP., motorcycle accidents may result from an operator error, but in many cases, automobile drivers are less likely to pay attention, see, or even treat motorcyclists as equals on the roadways, resulting in preventable accidents. Think about the last time you were sharing the road with a motorcycle? Did you hear or see him or her first? The downfall of a quieter bike may make the motorcyclist even more “invisible”.
Cost
Electric motorcycles are more expensive than fuel engine motorcycles, the price is typically about double of a standard motorcycle, however when you consider the mileage and other benefits, the price is right for what you get. Additionally, you may be eligible for a state or federal tax incentive.
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