Breaking Down Your No. 1 Concern with Electric Motorcycles: Range
The electric motorcycle industry is picking up speed and growing in popularity. As electric battery technology continues to advance, more riders are considering the switch to an electric motorbike. However, despite the benefits of electric motorcycles, many riders still have understandable concerns about the move to electric.
We asked our social media followers what they thought the biggest issue with electric motorcycles is, and most were concerned about the range. Cycle Trader understands that you want to enjoy the freedom of the open road for hundreds of miles, so we’re breaking down everything you need to know about the range of electric motorcycles.
Electric Motorcycle Range
As a motorcycle rider, you always have your eye on your fuel range. Nothing is worse than running out of gas when you’re on a long, isolated stretch of road. There is a similar, if not greater, concern when it comes to electric motorbikes.
When asked about electric motorcycles, one of our social media followers commented, “No one would complain if they [electric motorcycles] would go 500 miles on a charge.” Unfortunately, that’s not possible yet. And, it’s no surprise that, compared to gas-powered bikes, electric motorbikes have a lower range.
Electric motorcycles have an average range of 155 miles, while gas motorcycles can go between 120-200 miles on a full tank, depending on the type of bike. There are, however, some electric motorbikes that can go the distance.
Earlier this year, Energica Motor Company, an Italian manufacturer of electric, sport-style motorcycles, unveiled its newest model, the Energica Experia Green Tourer. The Energica Experia, a zero-emission bike, was designed for comfortable, long-range riding with a city range of 261 miles. This is just below the British-made Arc Vector electric motorcycle, with an advertised 270-mile range, that’s still in development. These are just two electric motorcycles with at least a 200-mile range, and there are more on the market internationally and domestically.
Best Situation for Electric Motorcycles
While many gas-powered motorcycles, such as adventure and touring bikes, are built to ride for the long haul, the majority of electric motorbikes don’t have that capacity yet. So, if you’re thinking about buying an electric motorcycle, you should understand the best situation for riding them.
If you’re on the road for hundreds of miles at a time, an electric motorbike might not be the best choice for you. However, if you primarily use your motorcycle for local commuting, then you should consider electric. In fact, electric motorcycles typically have a larger city range than highway range. For example, the Harley-Davidson LiveWire electric motorcycle boasts a 146-mile city range, but a 95-mile combined stop-and-go and highway range.
With an electric motorcycle, you’ll have the range to travel to and from work, run errands, and hang out with friends. After your day of riding, you can return home and charge your electric motorbike overnight so it’s ready for the next day.
While gas-powered motorcycles have shaped riding culture for almost a century, there is also room for progress. As technology continues to advance, it’s only a matter of time before electric motorcycle range increases to keep pace with gas bikes. Until then, if you’re shopping for a bike for your riding needs, browse the nationwide inventory of new and used motorcycles for sale on CycleTrader.com. And, to learn more about electric vehicles, visit our EV Resource Page.
Arielle Patterson
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