Everyone loves riding a motorcycle as it gives them a sense of freedom as they cruise the open roads. Motorcycles are also great because you can customize them to suit your style, and there are lots of modifications available. Many motorcycles are on the market today, but some people are looking for something more environmentally friendly. This is where electric motorcycles come into play.
If you’re considering buying an electric motorcycle, welcome to the club. Electric motorcycles are quiet, simple, easy to ride, very affordable, and it’s just a lot of fun to ride one. But there’s a lot to learn before buying an electric motorcycle. The technology in this industry is changing at lightning speeds year after year. Our goal is to help you get up to speed as fast as possible.
What is an Electric Motorcycle, and How do They Work?
An electric motorcycle is a two-wheeled vehicle with no pedals that has a battery-powered electric motor. So basically, they are electric vehicles (EVs) in motorcycle form. This type of EV works pretty much the same way any other traditional motorcycle does. But, of course, there is one big difference. The electric motorcycle draws its power from a rechargeable electric lithium-ion battery core instead of a big gasoline-powered engine. These batteries are pretty much identical to the ones used in modern electric or hybrid cars.
How to charge a battery
Like with other EVs, you have several options for charging your electric motorcycle. The overwhelming majority of models come with a provided charging cord adapter that will allow you to plug your battery into a variety of electricity sources. However, whether you are charging your bike at home overnight or looking for a place to top off your battery on the go, it is crucial that you understand the differences between each type of electric outlet. Some may not be compatible with your motorcycle. For example, Tesla’s state-of-the-art fast-charging stations that are popping up across the nation use a DC current to provide recharging quickly. The overwhelming majority of electric bike batteries, however, still require an AC current. If you are unaware of the difference, you could easily ruin your bike’s battery.
Fortunately, the US Department of Energy provides an online, easy-to-use reference guide that can help you quickly locate the perfect place on your route to charge your electric motorcycle. In addition, you will find it easy to filter your search for the specific types of charges you need.
So, what exactly are the different types of electric vehicle charging?
Level One
Level one charging requires nothing more than a standard 120V electric outlet. These are the typical outlets you will find throughout your home that you use every day. Of course, you will need to use the provided adapter to make the connection to your battery. This charging option is easily accessible to most individuals and is the most common method to charge an electric motorcycle.
Level one charging is best used when you are at home and plan on charging your bike overnight while you sleep. It is the slowest method for charging an electric vehicle battery as it can take seven or more hours to reach a full charge. However, many companies are working diligently to improve level one charging times, and this method gets faster every year.
Level Two
Level two charges use 240V outlets. The most common type of level two outlet you might be familiar with is the three or four-pronged outlet you plug your dryer or stove into. Level two charging can typically reach a full charge in an hour or two. Many electric vehicle owners choose to install a 240V outlet when they switch to electric so they can charge faster at home. Also, a considerable number of public charging stations have standard level two chargers making them perfect for recharging your battery in the middle of a more extended trip or busy workday.
DC Fast Charging
DC charging is the newest technology in electric vehicle battery charging. Those Tesla charging stations we mentioned earlier? They are DC fast-charging stations. Unfortunately, the overwhelming majority of electric motorcycle models don’t have the technology to support DC fast charging. This is a shame since this type of charging could fully charge your bike in around 20 minutes or less! However, there are a few electric motorcycles do that support DC charging. At the moment, only the Energica and the Lightening companies offer the most recent fast charging technology, so if you plan to use your electric motorcycle for frequent, long trips, this is something you should be aware of when you select your bike.
Advantages of Owning an Electric Motorcycle
So, what makes an electric motorcycle better than the more traditional alternative? If we make a head-on comparison of the two, a number of clear advantages start to emerge. The most immediate is the cost savings. A new electric motorcycle can cost between $10k-$40k. Depending on the features you choose, the price can climb even higher. Since this is pretty similar to the price range of a gasoline-powered motorcycle, it’s easy to assume that you aren’t saving any money by going the electric route. Over the past few years, the price of an electric motorcycle has been a bit higher than a regular bike as the technology is still pretty new. However, prices are starting to come down. Also, there are ways to get an electric bike for much cheaper. All you need is a relatively inexpensive conversion kit, and you can change any old motorcycle frame into an electric one.
While today’s upfront price may be very similar, over the life of the bike, you are going to see a considerable amount of savings when you account for the price of gasoline. Home electricity currently costs around 14 cents/kWh. You can drive 120 miles on 7.2kwH. That 120-mile range only costs you $1.00!
There is also far less routine maintenance that needs to be performed on an electric model. There are fewer parts and less that can go wrong.
Drivers also tend to discover that electric bikes are easier to drive as they completely eliminate the need for manual shifting. Many riders feel they are more enjoyable to ride. There are no exhaust fumes, and more importantly, there is no heat being put off by a massive gas-powered engine beneath you. On longer rides, this can be a huge benefit.
Of course, the single biggest advantage of an electric motorcycle is that it is hands-down better for the environment. You seriously lower your carbon footprint by switching to an electric vehicle.
What to Look for When Buying an Electric Motorcycle
There are several factors to consider before choosing an electric motorcycle. The level of importance for each aspect largely depends on how you intend to use the bike. For example, if you are looking for a daily commuter, your priorities will likely be very different from someone who only rides occasionally for sport.
- Range
As of 2020, the typical range of an electric motorcycle is between 60-250 miles (or an average of 150 miles). Therefore, knowing how far you plan to travel in between charges typically can help you narrow down your search considerably.
- Speed
The speed you can achieve while riding an electric motorcycle can vary considerably. This largely depends on the type or style of bike you choose. Smaller moped-style motorcycles fall on the lowest end of the range and top out around 30mph, while the fastest and most powerful electric motorcycles can reach 218mph.
- Battery
The lithium-ion battery is the heart and soul of your electric motorcycle. While the range is one crucial aspect of your battery’s performance, you will also want to know how much torque and horsepower your electric motor can achieve. These performance indicators control the amount of power and the speed behind the engine, and they are all dependent on your electric battery.
- Warranty
On average, most electric motorcycle companies offer a 1- or 2-year limited warranty on their bikes for everything except the battery. Typically, the EV battery warranties are for between three and five years. You will need to consider how long you plan to own the bike, as well as how often you tend to ride it. Remember that since much of this technology is still new, having a longer warranty might give you an advantage if an unexpected problem creeps up.
- Tech
Technology has exploded onto this market over the past couple of years. From touch screen digital displays to AI-assisted safety features, a seemingly endless number of devices and tech upgrades are available on modern electric motorcycles. This is an area you should closely consider. Flashy gadgets and fancy screens can quickly drive up the ticket price, but they might not be worth the extra expense if you never actually use any of them. When comparing your options take a look at all of the tech features and spend a few minutes considering if they will truly add value to your riding experience.
5 Top Rated Electric Motorcycles
1. WK E Colt
This motorbike might be small, but it gets the job done at a very affordable price point. It has a simple design with a smaller profile than most of the other electric motorcycles on the market. With an extremely budget-friendly starting price of only $2,450, this little bike rides like a moped while looking like a small motorcycle.
It’s undeniable that this bike isn’t built for speed. The top speed is an underwhelming 28mph, which is more reminiscent of an electric bicycle. But this makes it perfect for short, urban commutes. The Colt is also a great alternative option for brand new riders who may not be ready for the power or speed of a more traditionally designed motorcycle. If your goal is environmentally friendly, no fuss transportation, this bike might be for you.
2. Harley Davidson- Live Wire
This electric Harley comes in at a price right around $30k. This model is loaded with all of the key features that have made Harley Davidson a household name. Its acceleration (0-60 in 3 seconds) rivals more traditional gasoline-powered models. The battery has a range of 146 miles on a full charge, and this bike can reach a top speed of 95mph. There is no shortage of power coming from this electric motor.
3. Lightning LS-218
The speeds that this electric motorcycle can reach has won awards. Its top speed is an unbelievable 215mph, and the bike can accelerate from 0-60 in a remarkable 2.2 seconds. Lightnings are known for more than just their speed. Many enthusiasts feel their power, workmanship, and durability are unmatched. Pricing starts around $40,000, and fans say this motorcycle is worth every penny.
4. Damon Hypersport Pro
There is a whole lot to love about the Hypersport Pro. First, this electric motorcycle has a phenomenal range of 200 miles highway/ 300 miles city. This alone puts it leaps and bounds above most of the competition. But there is a lot more to be impressed by. Despite its extra long range, it can still reach a top speed of 200mph.
Damon bills this bike as the safest motorcycle on the market, which is a big claim. However, it has the features to back up this big brag. The bike features a copilot safety system that includes cameras, radars, sensors, and artificial intelligence, all built into its onboard computer system. This system monitors direction, velocity, and speed, so you don’t have to worry about overlooking something. It also notifies you in two different ways anytime the AI detects a potential collision.
This motorcycle has a price point of only $25,000, making this excellent mix of power and safety much more affordable.
5. Lightning Strike
The Strike is a newer model offered by the Lightning Motorcycle company. This is a high-quality, top-of-the-line electric motorcycle loaded with all of the latest techs on the market. The $38,000 starting price point is the lowest of any of Lightening’s models. Yet it has an unbelievable number of the high-end features found on their other (more expensive) models.
Conclusion
Riding an electric motorcycle is undoubtedly different than riding a gas-powered motorcycle. However, most motorcycle riders have very little trouble making the transition. Today’s state-of-the-art electric motorcycles are big on power and are often just as fast as their gas-powered competitors. As the planet moves to more sustainable energy sources, electric motorcycles, and EVs in general, will continue to rise in popularity. There has never been a better time for any motorcycle enthusiast to make the switch to electric energy!