Electric motorcycles may be very familiar to many of us and new to many but in the past few decades, it gained massive popularity. Motorcycle companies have come out of their traditional ways to start producing electric motorcycles. Which are now widely accepted as an alternative to traditional motorcycles. Every technology has advantages and disadvantages, and electric motorcycles have advantages and drawbacks. Let’s talk about them.
Advantages of Electric Motorcycles
1. Eco friendly
The first thing that comes to mind when it comes to electric motorcycles, is their environmentally friendly nature. An electric motorcycle comes with zero emissions.
2. Low operating cost
You do not need to spend a lot of money as you do on your gasoline-based motorcycle because you don’t have to pay for fuel or engine oil. You just only need to pay for electricity which is much cheaper than fuel. You won’t need to change the spark plug, air, and oil filters on time. Since electric motorcycles have fewer components and moving parts than gasoline-based motorcycles, you don’t need to incur extra costs and hassles in maintaining them. So it can be said that an electric motorcycle is way more cost-effective than a gasoline-based motorcycle.
3. Quiet engine operation
Electric motorcycles produce nearly quite sound. You can only hear the motor sound—many riders like this quietness when they are riding in a natural landscape. When I ride through an open field or tree tunnel road the quietness of the engine enhances the enjoyment of riding which is impressive. It prevents sound pollution and also will protect you from the screams of your annoying neighbors.
4. Well-power productive ability
Electric motorcycles offer quick throttle response and for that, it’s able to generate immediate torque. An electric motorcycle can be a good choice for beginners for its smooth and consistent power output.
5. Advance monitoring technology
Electric motorcycles use more advanced monitoring systems than traditional motorcycles. An electric motorcycle can monitor almost everything such as battery health, the motor, brakes, tire pressure, GPS and connectivity, the thermal system of the motor, and the battery.
Disadvantages of Electric Motorcycles
1. Limited mileage
The main drawback of an electric motorcycle is its limited mileage. Depending on the model most motorcycles can run on a single charge anywhere from 100-200 miles. Though it is enough for short-distance travel or daily commuting but not suitable for covering long distances. Which is a major drawback.
2. Longer charging time
An electric motorcycle takes 30 minutes to several hours to get fully recharged. Whereas a traditional motorcycle only takes a few minutes to get the tank full. Though some models support fast charging but not widely available yet.
3. Limited charging infrastructure
Charging stations are still not available as like gas stations. This is a complete drawback for those motorcycle riders who ride in rural areas or want to cover long-distance journeys.
4. Initially higher purchase cost
Electric motorcycles initially cost higher purchase prices than the same segment of gasoline-based motorcycles.
5. Lack of authorized service center
Like gasoline motorcycles, there is little availability of authorized electric motorcycle service centers. In resulting motorcyclists suffer when they need to service or repair their motorcycles.
6. Limited Variety
The model variety of electric motorcycles is not as wide as gasoline motorcycles. It is hard to find cruisers, touring, or off-road motorcycles in the electric motorcycle segment.
7. Resale value
As technology advances the chance get increases to not getting the expected amount of money from your second-hand electric motorcycle. This matter is opposite from traditional motorcycles.
My personal preferences about Electric Motorcycles
To be very honest I don’t like electric motorcycles that much. I like them for only a few reasons such as their environmentally friendly nature, low-cost operation and maintenance, and for their advanced monitoring technology. There is a huge drawback of its limited mileage and insufficient charging infrastructure. Though it produces smooth and consistent power output nevertheless I didn’t get the fun ride as my gasoline-powered motorcycle. Until I revved up and heard of my motorcycle exhaust note it didn’t feel like I was riding a motorcycle. Everyone’s preferences are different for electric motorcycles but that’s what I feel about it.
There is a huge probability in the future for electric motorcycles if they fix their drawbacks and expand their model varieties. Purchase an electric motorcycle depending on your riding style and zone.