Whether you’re carving the Pacific Coast Highway with the wind in your hair or beating the crowd in downtown Miami to work, you can do it all with ZERO tailpipe emissions. The electric motorcycle is here to make your weekends more fun, your workdays easier to get through and motorcycle rallies more techy than ever.
Electric Motorcycles
Electric motorcycles work just like electric cars. They’re just EVs with two wheels or three wheels. Electricity is stored on the bike in a rechargeable battery which powers one or more electric motors. Both motorcycles and cars are charged the same way with the same chargers. While batteries are heavy, electric motors are not and a tank full of gas is unnecessary, making the bike lighter than you think. From big companies to start-ups many manufacturers are jumping in, from high powered super-fast motorcycles to three wheelers for city traffic commutes. 2020 was a big year for electric motorcycles; in fact, off-road motorcycle sales doubled last year, and this year may be even bigger. As EVs become more popular and gas prices keep going up according to Electrek.com “One of the biggest beneficiaries of the sales boost has been low-cost electric motorcycle and scooter manufacturers.” Electrek also reports a boom in full size and higher cost motorcycles including Italy’s Energica which is set to double their sales in the US this year. From the Harley Davidson LiveWire to the Fly Free’s Smart Desert to the CSC CitySlicker to industry leader Zero’s SR/F many models, electric bikes are emerging fast and showing up in more places than ever.
Why Electric Motorcycles Are Trending
After Covid and lockdown cabin fever many people are getting outside and trying new things. A growing segment of the population is interested in motorcycles but not the pollution, noise and maintenance of gas-powered models, they want to be outside without a stream of emissions from a tailpipe. Electric motorcycles offer powerful acceleration, which is one of the features attracting new riders. Greener, quieter options are appealing to more and more riders, new riders who may never have seen themselves on a motorcycle and experienced riders looking to try out new gear and technology. These motorbikes are showing up in more and more unexpected places, even traditional motorcycle venues.
Classic Rally, Modern Tech
In the Black Hills of western South Dakota, Sturgis (Aug. 6-15, 2021) is an annual motorcycle rally which “attracts 500,000 to 750,000 bikers and motorcycle enthusiasts for a week of drag racing, death-defying stunts and roaring concerts”. Sturgis was established in August of 1938 and hasn’t changed much since then. But technology has no better home than transportation and motorcycles being ridden are changing with the times. Electric motorcycles are taking Sturgis by storm. Electric motorcycles being ridden at Sturgis are known for their impressive top speed, which makes them competitive in drag races.
Last year driver Jesse Dalba of Florida made waves at Sturgis by winning drag race after drag race on his LiveWire Harley Davidson. “I really do believe it’s going to change the rules of drag racing. It’s really unfair – you don’t have to dump the power output the clutch; you just pull the throttle and go. And what people realize is the power is instant. So, I can hit the brakes on the track and then pass you because I can get full power.” said Dalba.
In fact, Harley Davidson is changing the focus of their iconic brand and concentrating on electric motorcycles for a younger crowd that wants a different bike. Some e-motorcycle riders may miss the Harley growl, but most won’t. “For so long we thought of motorcycles as being these raw, fire-breathing vehicles” said Harlan Flagg founder of Hollywood Electrics in Los Angeles. “Motorcyclists have done the world and themselves a huge disservice by scaring people away with these ridiculously loud bikes that are obnoxious.”
The Future of Electric Motorcycles
A lack of interest in motorcycles took its toll on the industry. Some riders stopped riding and younger riders aren’t as interested in motorcycles as previous generations were. Ron Bartels, general manager of Bartels’ Harley-Davidson in Marina del Rey said, “We need a new kind of next generation of customer”. An environmentally conscious generation, millennials and Gen Z are buying less gas guzzling and ear-splitting bikes but still want the fun and freedom of a motorcycle. Modern electric motorcycles come with various ride modes that allow riders to customize their riding experience. By appealing to a younger crowd while keeping the cyclist roots, electric motorcycles are here to stay. The market for electric motorcycles is expected to grow big in the coming years. According to Grand View Research the global electric motorcycle market size was valued at USD 30.11 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19.0% from 2023 to 2030, reaching USD 121.07 billion by 2030.
Electric Motorcycle Manufacturers
Zero Motorcycles
Zero Motorcycles is a leading electric motorcycle manufacturer with a range of models for different riding styles. Their lineup includes the SR/S, SR/F, S, DSR/X, DSR, DS, FXE, and FX models each designed to provide a unique riding experience. Zero’s motorcycles are known for their range, performance and cutting-edge technology.
LiveWire
LiveWire is a brand under Harley-Davidson and its company focuses on electric motorcycles for the urban experience. Models like the LiveWire One, S2 Mulholland and S2 Del Mar offer powerful performance, quick acceleration and modern features like fast charging and advanced connectivity. LiveWire combines the classic Harley-Davidson experience with the benefits of electric power.
Energica
Energica is an Italian manufacturer of motor part that produces high performance electric motorcycles like the Ego, Eva Ribelle and Experia. These bikes are known for their speed, torque and long range. Energica’s focus on innovation and quality has made them a big player in the electric motorcycle market.
CSC Motorcycles
CSC Motorcycles offers a range of electric motorcycles including the RX1E, City Slicker and Wiz. These bikes are designed for efficiency and affordability so they can be enjoyed by a wide range of riders. CSC’s customer service and support model has helped them build a loyal following.
Other Brands
Several other brands are making waves in the electric motorcycle market. Brands like Damon, Arc and Tarform are pushing the boundaries of electric car design and performance with innovative features and unique riding experiences. These brands are helping to grow the popularity and acceptance of electric motorcycles.
Benefits of Electric Motorcycles
Environmental Impact
Electric motorcycles produce zero tailpipe emissions so they’re a cleaner alternative to gas powered bikes. This reduces air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions and helps the environment. As more riders switch to electric motorcycles the overall environmental impact of transportation can be reduced big time.
Cost Savings
Electric motorcycles can be more cost effective in the long run than traditional motorcycles. They have lower maintenance costs with fewer moving parts and no oil changes. And electricity is also energy generally cheaper than gas, so you’ll save on fuel costs.
Performance, Powerful Acceleration, and Convenience
Electric motorcycles have instant torque and smooth acceleration for a fun riding experience. Many electric motorcycles come with a sport mode that enhances performance and acceleration for a thrilling riding experience. They’re quieter than gas powered bikes so there is less noise pollution. Many electric motorcycles come with features like regenerative braking, fast charging and connectivity options to make life easier.
Government Incentives
Many governments offer incentives and subsidies for buying electric vehicles including motorcycles. These incentives can help offset the cost of the bike and make electric motorcycles more affordable for consumers. Some regions also offer benefits like reduced registration fees and access to carpool lanes for electric vehicle and bicycle owners.
Challenges and Opportunities
Charging Infrastructure and Regenerative Braking
One of the biggest challenges for electric motorcycle adoption is the charging infrastructure. While the number of charging stations is growing the need for more widespread and accessible charging options is still there. Investment in charging infrastructure and advancements in battery technology will be key to the continued growth of the electric motorcycle market.
Range Anxiety
Range anxiety or the fear of running out of battery before reaching a charging station is a concern for many potential electric motorcycle buyers. But advancements in battery technology are increasing the range of electric motorcycles making them more practical for longer rides. Manufacturers are also working on solutions like battery swapping and fast charging to address this issue.
Market Growth
The electric motorcycle market is set to grow big in the next few years. As technology improves and more consumers become aware of the benefits of electric motorcycles demand will increase. This growth is an opportunity for manufacturers to innovate and expand their product and price range to cater to a wide range of riders.
Final Thoughts
Electric motorcycles are appealing to a new breed of riders who want sustainability, performance and innovation. Electric motorcycles range from commuter bikes to high-performance sport bikes, catering to different riding preferences. From Sturgis to city streets electric motorcycles are making their presence felt and changing the way we think about two-wheeled transportation. With technology advancing and governments and consumers on board the future of electric motorcycles looks good. Whether you’re an old timer or new to the sport bike or motorcycles there’s never been a better time to check out the electric motorcycle experience.
