Electric Motorbikes and E-Bikes: Why Aren't There More Manufacturers and Where Can You Get One?
The Challenges Facing Electric Motorbikes
In the motorcycle world, weight matters more than in the automotive world. The necessary big batteries add extra weight, becoming a bigger issue for motorcycles than for cars. This is one of the primary reasons why there aren't more manufacturers producing electric motorcycles.
The motorcycle industry is overall smaller and cannot move and diversify as quickly as the automotive world. Motorcyclists often put a big emphasis on the engine, which remains exposed. They value the sound and design, which makes it take more time to adapt to electric motorcycles.
Government Incentives for Electric Vehicles
Europe has historically offered substantial tax benefits to electric car buyers. However, there are no such benefits for electric motorcycles. This government incentive policy difference has further hindered the adoption of electric motorcycles.
E-Bikes: A Different Perspective
For a moment, let's shift our focus to electric bicycles (e-bikes). Unlike full-size electric motorcycles, the market for e-bikes is far more established and accessible. According to my assumption, you might have meant bicycles instead of motorcycles. The reasons for this are multifaceted.
Firstly, e-bikes start at around $1,000 US, which is a significant investment. Yes, some cheaper e-bikes are around this price point, but they are not as sophisticated. Secondly, the practicality of owning an e-bike can be challenging for those living in multi-story buildings. The added weight of a 40 or 50-pound e-bike can be a non-starter for many people.
With electric vehicles (EVs), charging stations are becoming more common, but for e-bikes, charging in a limited space like an apartment can be problematic. These factors, along with the higher cost and practicality issues, often deter potential buyers.
Riding a Bicycle: A Personal Perspective
I choose to ride a bicycle because it is a relatively simple, quiet, lightweight, and self-powered machine. Cycling provides exercise and a refreshing way to get around. Electric bikes (e-bikes) start to blur the lines and cross into the definition of a motorcycle. Adding a motor to a bicycle also defeats the purpose of riding it purely for exercise.
In the USA, e-bike motors are generally limited to 1 hp. Higher powered motors would be considered motorcycles. However, my vision of the near future is a different story. If manufacturers and buyers are allowed free rein, the demand for more power will escalate. Hills present a challenge for e-bike riders, and no one wants to be slowed down by them. This could push lawmakers to allow for higher power limits, leading to e-bikes that operate at motorbike-like speeds.
The danger lies in the potential misuse of these powerful e-bikes. Some consumers might use the hill-climbing power on flatter terrain, leading to new speed limits and an upheaval in neighborhood tranquility. You might imagine seeing e-bikes flying down quiet city streets, ridden at bicycle-racing speeds. Some could be young mothers riding with infants on the back, adding to the chaos.
The Future of E-Bikes and Electric Motorbikes
Full disclosure, I don't own any type of motorcycle. Comparing an electric-powered motorcycle to a bicycle isn't valid because e-bikes are low-powered electric motorcycles. People who ride e-bikes often want an inexpensive motorcycle. Electric motorcycles are quieter, cheaper to buy, maintain, and operate compared to gas-powered motorcycles. However, traffic laws regarding where they can be ridden and whether they need to be licensed are still evolving.
Ultimately, my opinion is that e-bikes will eventually have to be treated as motorcycles by law, given their increasing power and capability. This shift would help ensure fairness in traffic regulations and safety standards.
For those interested in electric motorcycles or e-bikes, there are several options available. Companies like Lightning Motorcycles, Zero Motorcycles, and Cake Motorcycles are currently producing electric motorcycles. Meanwhile, e-bikes can be found from various brands such as Segway, Electra, and Bajaj.
In conclusion, while there are challenges in the motorcycle and e-bike markets, both sectors are evolving. The future may see more manufacturers entering the e-motorcycle market, and laws adapting to accommodate these new technologies.