Electric motorcycles: what are the advantages?

Electric motorcycles

Electric motorcycles are probably the most significant innovation in the motorcycle industry in recent years; technologies have improved, chassis and engines improved, but it has been a long time since we have seen a significant overhaul of the basic mechanics. While the introduction of high-powered electric motorcycles and agile mopeds to the city are in line with plans for the electric transition, not everyone is ready to give up on classic propulsion systems. What really changes between a classic and an electric motorcycle?

Instant power

Like battery cars, electric motorcycles have an impressive response in terms of power with an instant torque of 100 %. With the knob at maximum you will feel an unparalleled thrust which, if you are not careful, could become dangerous.

An example? The Energica Eva EsseEsse9 RS, with its 80 kW engine (about 110 horsepower) and a torque of 200 Nm, covers 0-100 in just 2.8 seconds. A Ducati Streetfighter V4S, a motorcycle positioned in a "similar" price range, takes 3.6 seconds: a significant difference.

Savings

The initial expense of buying an electric motorcycle high performance is anything but contained, however, in the long run, really important savings could be achieved. To make "a full tank on tap" you can rely on both the public columns available on the street and the power socket in your garage.

Furthermore, for some models, the electric autonomy is practically equal to what could be achieved with a similar petrol model. Unlike cars, in fact, there is no particular gap in terms of mileage. Of course, the times to "fill up" are still very different but nothing impossible.

Maintenance

We know, among our readers there will surely be someone who loves to do the maintenance of their bike in total freedom, without contacting specialized mechanics. In any case, on electric vehicles, maintenance is very low and implies a consequent reduction in management costs. With an electric motorcycle you will no longer have to replace the clutch, change the oil, change the air filter and much more.

The warranty? There is still no standard in this regard, most manufacturers expect 2 years on the vehicle and up to 3 years (36 months) or 50,000 kilometers on the battery.

Emissions

By eliminating combustion and the consequent exhaust gases, emissions will be significantly reduced. The transition to electric is not to be considered only for cars with four (or more) wheels, but will be gradually applied to all vehicles in circulation.

Innovation

The technology incorporated in the vehicles electrical is constantly evolving with important progress measured from year to year. Energica itself, in a recent press release, stated that it is inserting a new lighter, more efficient and more powerful engine on next generation electric motorcycles.

The systems are still in the making and it is not so unthinkable that, with the 'introduction of new concept batteries, we can further reduce the weight and perhaps the overall dimensions. If only a few months ago the manufacturers of electric motorcycles could be counted on the fingers of one hand, now the market seems to have adapted by offering a great variety of models. Zero Motorcycles, for example, has a truly enviable range of proposals: from super sports cars to models dedicated to dirt roads, naturally passing through naked bikes.

Comfort

Yes, comfort. Have you ever ridden a summer motorcycle in the city? Surely you have come to terms with the heat generated by your bike. Well, with an electric motorcycle you will not have problems of this type as there is no combustion, the bike will always be fresh and usable in any condition. Does the weight scare you? Don't worry, some models integrate reverse gear and a "low" gear to carry out all the necessary maneuvers in total safety and without any danger.

But are there only positive aspects?

Similarly to electric cars, however, there are some aspects that we can define as “negative” or at least difficult for the most passionate users to appreciate: the two main factors that could make you give up are the entrance price and the driving style. As with all new technologies, it is necessary to wait some time for prices to stabilize downwards. If on the one hand, as anticipated, several models with the most disparate characteristics are available, it is equally necessary to spend considerable amounts to obtain a powerful electric motorcycle capable of covering distances comparable to the models we are now well accustomed to. >
The driving style is perhaps the most complex aspect to accept: the mass and weight distribution is very different, there is no engine with a tank, but an electric engine combined with a battery positioned in the most low of the bike. Furthermore, except for a few jingles of dubious usefulness, the only noise you will hear will be generated by the friction of the tires on the asphalt and the rumble will become only a vague memory.