Looking back nine years ago, only a few people had electric motorcycles. The idea of ditching the conventional gasoline motorcycles for their electric counterparts was still foreign to many. Now, electric motorcycles have become more popular than ever, with Yamaha and Harley-Davidson producing incredible models.
While these types of bikes are cost-efficient and produce almost zero carbon emissions, newbies who want to get a hold of them to want to know if they have gears. Well, the answer is no, they don’t have gears. Electric motorcycles deliver sufficient speed because they have direct-drive transmission. As a result, there’s no need for gears. However, some of them do have clutches.
What Are Electric Motorcycles?
Electric motorcycles make use of electric motors to transmit power instead of an internal combustion engine. Like electric cars, these motorcycles emit zero carbon and are near silent when driven, unlike conventional combustion engines. Although costlier than combustible engine motorcycles, electric motorcycles are ideal choices for short trips and commutes. Those who love driving automatic cars will find electric motorcycles attractive.
If you crave power, sustainable speed, and sleek design, electric motorcycles are your best choice. They can bypass obstacles easily and offer commuters an economic way to get to their destinations. Above all, electric motorcycles have low maintenance issues, as you don’t need to change the oil. In addition, they are incredibly intelligent with powerful AI features. These days, electric motorcycles are built with a quick recharge time, which is fantastic for people who are always on a deadline.
Despite being popular, this type of bike is still a niche market with few manufacturers. Motorcycles powered by combustible engines still dominate the market because of their lower cost of prices and faster engine speed.
Electric Motorcycles Vs. Gasoline Motorcycles
You can’t dispute the fact that there are still powerful and well-engineered conventional motorcycles out there that can stand toe to toe with electric motorcycles. Some of them are even better than electric motorcycles based on long-range.
However, looking at other factors, electric motorcycles seem to be a better option all-round. Let’s take a look at some of the factors that make electric motorcycles better.
Instant Acceleration and Peak Power
Electric motorcycles are known for their lightning speed and fast acceleration. Regardless of the terrain, this type of motorcycle can maintain speed and power over a long period.
Unlike conventional motorcycles that take longer to reach peak power and speed, their electric counterparts reach peak power from 0 RPM instantly. Besides, the peak power is more consistent throughout the range.
Electric Motorcycles Are All About Comfort
Electric motorcycles offer more comfort than gasoline motorcycles because they hardly vibrate. Even when riding at full speed and you suddenly have to stop because of the red light, it doesn’t shake, no matter the size.
This is not to discredit gasoline bikes. In fact, there are many of them with inbuilt counter-balancers to try and reduce vibrations. However, none of them offer the kind of comfort electric motorcycles provide, considering that you need to be clutching or shifting gears now and then, especially when riding through traffic.
Speaking of comfort, with electric motorcycles, you don’t need to worry about the hot exhaust burning your leg. This is commonly experienced in gasoline motorcycle riders. In addition, you don’t need to worry about the noise coming from the exhaust, as the electric motor produces less noise. Even on high ways or uphill terrains, the noise produced is quieter than that produced from exhaust pipes of gasoline motorcycles.
Low Maintenance
The fun of having an electric motorcycle is not having to tune the carburetor or change the oil. There’s no contacting of mechanics to repair the bike when it breaks down. Plus, you can customize the bike to suit your preference.
The only thing you have to do is update the motorcycle’s software via the manufacturer’s app whenever there are new updates. This is better and more convenient than opting for newer and more improved gas models at an additional cost.
One would argue that electric motorcycles are way more expensive than gasoline motorcycles. That’s true, considering the initial purchase costs. However, in the long run, electric motorcycles will save you more money than their gas counterparts. Think of the few bucks you will save from not changing the oil or buying gas. That’s a lot!
Of course, electric motorcycles have their faults. You can’t compare their range to gasoline motorcycles. During long rides, you may have to recharge an electric motorcycle but may need not refuel a gasoline motorcycle.
Conclusion
Contrary to what many think, electric motorcycles don’t have gears. They transmit power automatically via the electric motor, which makes it possible to accelerate without the need for gears. Convenience, low maintenance, and performance are the three significant things that make electric bikes a more preferred option over gas bikes.
Millions of electric bikes from Yamaha, Zero, and Harley-Davidson are now available to purchase offline and online, so if you want to jump into the train of owning electric bikes, you can conveniently do that.