Breaking Down Your 2nd Biggest Concern with Electric Motorcycles: Noise & Style
There’s a lot of hype about electric motorcycles as more of these bikes become available from the top OEMs on the market. However, many bikers aren’t exactly impressed so far by what they’ve seen with these new models, and naturally have their skepticisms about making a switch from motorcycles that rely on fuel for power and performance.
We asked our social media followers what they thought were the biggest issues surrounding electric motorcycles, and previously broke down the leading concern with electric bikes: range. Now, Cycle Trader is addressing your next biggest concerns with electric motorcycles: they’re “too quiet,” which raises a concern over safety, and they’re “not cool.”
Electric Motorcycle Noise and Safety
Motorcycles can have a notorious reputation for being noisy, which can be loved by bikers and loathed by other motorists on the road. When you’re cruising down the highway, you get a sense of power and control that comes with the sound of a loud engine. With numerous benefits of electric motorcycles, you have to take into consideration that they produce significantly less carbon emissions than bikes built with internal combustion engines that rely on fuel. Since electric bikes run on rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, they generate less noise, with a quiet engine and the absence of a muffler and exhaust.
Some bikers believe that noise from motorcycles can actually make other drivers more aware of you on the road, which could prevent a collision. However, AutoWeek recently reported on a scientific road study which demonstrated that, under typical driving conditions, other drivers cannot hear motorcycles until they’re so close that it would be too late to make a difference in avoiding a collision. As much as we’d like to think the roar of our gas-powered bike engines alerts other drivers to our presence, unfortunately that doesn’t seem to be the case.
Even though they’re quiet, electric motorcycles still generate some noise from parts like the motor and belt. Additionally, top makers like Yamaha are manufacturing electric bikes with artificial sound effects to recreate the motorcycle engine sounds you love or even add futuristic audio inspired by science fiction. Depending on the bike type, you’ll find models with noises that are described as “stealthy” and “intimidating” when firing up the engine.
Admittedly, it will take time for bikers to get used to these bikes, so it’s reasonable to have your gripes. And the technology is new — it will be fascinating to see where it goes next and what innovations you can look forward to in the world of motorcycling.
Electric Motorcycle Style and Design
Another major concern with the motorcycle community over electric motorcycles is the appearance of their designs, and that somehow they miss the mark with the “coolness” factor. While this is a matter of opinion, it’s worth taking a closer look at these cutting-edge bikes and how they still bring styles that could complement your biking lifestyle.
Many emerging electric bikes on the market are described as “stripped down” or “naked” since they have less complicated parts, which make them easier to maintain. Some of these bikes show off the mechanical features along with designs that are described as muscular and strong. It’s also worth mentioning that the appearance of these motorcycles puts power and performance first, carefully built with speed, torque, controls, and technology at the forefront. If you’re worried that these models look too “futuristic” or like they belong in a science-fiction movie, don’t worry — as the market expands, OEMs are creating electric motorcycles that blend in with fuel-powered bikes seen on the road today.
You’re also not limited with your choices in designs with different bikes types that are electric. The market is rapidly diversifying with more electric choppers, long-reach cruisers, touring bikes, sport bikes, and much more. They aren’t just slim and sleek bikes for small riders; some have features you’d describe as anything but tame. For instance, take a look at the Harley-Davidson Livewire, a big bike that packs a punch, going 0 to 60 mph in three seconds—thanks to the electricity surging through this beast. There’s a little bit of something for everyone, including new designs you’ve never seen with motorcycles before, and those that blend in with the classics, so you wouldn’t even know it’s an electric bike at a quick look.
The motorcycle industry is changing for the better with the advent of electric bikes. No doubt, there will be criticisms with the earliest versions of these motorcycles, but it’s also exciting to see what manufacturers are bringing to the table to improve the riding experience, including noise and style. When you’re ready to find your next bike, be sure to see all the new and used listings on the nation’s leading marketplace at CycleTrader.com.
Ryan Miller
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