Cycle Trader's Guide to Buying Your First Electric Motorcycle

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Electric vehicles are becoming more popular, and motorcycles are no exception. There is a lot to consider before buying your first e-motorcycle. Many consumers are turning to electric vehicles due to their lower fuel and maintenance costs and to lessen their impact on the environment. Read on to find out why electric motorcycles are becoming more popular, including how much they cost to purchase and the annual maintenance costs, as well as the pros and cons of owning an electric motorcycle.

What Is an Electric Motorcycle?

Electric motorcycles are the same two-wheeled vehicle as gas-powered motorcycles, but the combustion engine has been swapped for an electric motor that uses a lithium-ion battery. Many of the big bike brands, such as Harley-Davidson and BMW, have begun releasing electric bikes in addition to gas bikes. Electric motorcycles still maintain their powerful motors and high speeds with some added benefits over conventional motorcycles.

Electric Motorcycles vs. Bicycles, Mopeds, and Scooters

Motorcycles differ drastically from bicycles, mopeds, and scooters in terms of speed, driving range, licensing, and price range. This does not change when the bikes go from gas to electric. Here are some key similarities and differences between each of these vehicle types:

Motorcycles – Motorcycles have the top speeds and ranges and can only be driven on roads with a proper license. Electric dirt bikes are sometimes considered motorcycles, depending on their top speed and range.
Electric Bicycle – In comparison, an electric bicycle is a pedal-powered bike that has a battery for additional speed and pedal assist. They range from normal bikes to electric mountain bikes and electric road bikes depending on your riding style. If the battery dies, the bicycle continues to work as a regular bike.
Electric Mopeds – Electric mopeds are also two-wheeled electric-powered vehicles but have far less power and range than a motorcycle. They are often driven solely around cities.
Electric Scooters – Likewise, electric scooters can often be found around cities thanks to rental apps, such as Lime and Bird. They are often driven on sidewalks or in bike lanes and do not require a license.

For all electric vehicles, there is a wide variety and price range based on what type of riding you are looking to do. Electric mountain bikes and dirt bikes can be ridden on rough terrain more easily than city bikes. However, they can’t be taken on the highway since they aren’t street legal, and have a more limited range than a motorcycle. However, many types of motorcycles may not be allowed on bike paths. Mopeds are built to be commuter bikes in cities and have far less battery power than adventure bikes.

How Much Should I Expect to Pay for an Electric Motorcycle?

Like gas-powered bikes, electric motorcycles have a wide range of prices based on brand and capabilities. Because there are fewer available for purchase, electric motorcycles tend to be more expensive to buy than conventional motorcycles. However, there are bikes to fit every budget from different bike brands. Electric motorcycles range in price from as little as $2,500 to over $100,000 for more exotic makes and bike brands. In a recent survey about electric motorcycles conducted by Cycle Trader, 74% of buyers spent between $10,000 and $30,000 for their e-motorcycles.

Electric and gas motorcycles both require the same licensing and insurance. These fees can vary between states. However, some states and other countries may waive certain taxes and fees to encourage more environmentally friendly vehicle purchases. Finally, some U.S. states and countries require proof of protective gear in order to purchase a bike or earn a license.

How Much Does It Cost To Maintain an Electric Bike?

The good news is that electric motorcycles typically require less maintenance than conventional motorcycles, resulting in a reduction in maintenance costs and less time spent at the bike shop. The motor and battery are less complicated in an electric motorcycle, resulting in fewer parts that need to be replaced or repaired. An electric motorcycle only needs to be charged, tires pumped, brakes checked, and the chain in place.

In our survey, 62% of electric motorcycle owners spend less than $1,000 annually on maintenance and need minimal-to-no repairs. In comparison, traditional motorcycles cost an average of $1,000 per year on repairs alone, not including the time and money spent on maintenance. This also does not include the cost of gas which is not needed in electric vehicles.

Overall, the maintenance required for electric motorcycles includes the cost to replace the battery, brakes, chains, and tires as needed. The most expensive maintenance in electric vehicles is the cost to replace the battery. In motorcycles, this can range from $600 to $800 depending on the brand and quality of the battery. A well-maintained e-battery will last between three and five years.

What Are the Pros and Cons of an Electric Motorcycle?

There is a long list of pros for electric bikes, but there are a few cons to consider before purchasing your first electric motorcycle.

Pros of Electric Motorcycles

Generally cheaper to maintain
Often smaller frame size and easier to store
Lower environmental impact
Easy to handle and operate
More safety features
Instant torque
High motor power
Less time spent on maintenance
Eliminates the cost of gas
Less noisy
More comfortable riding position
May qualify for subsidies

Due to the lack of a clutch and lightweight frame, motorcycles with an electric motor have less of a learning curve for beginners. In addition, an e-motorcycle has a powerful motor with less torque and reaches full power faster due to a lower RPM. For all of these reasons, most electric motorcycle buyers are satisfied with their purchase. In fact, in our survey, 71% of buyers were happy with their e-motorcycles.

Cons of Electric Motorcycles

Shorter driving range
Long charging time
High upfront cost due to the small electric motorcycle market
Fewer bike shops that can do repairs and battery replacements

A con that concerns many new buyers is the length of time it takes to charge the battery. Charging times to reach a full battery for e-motorcycles can range from 25 minutes to 15 hours depending on the type of bike and battery, as well as how much charge remains in the battery.

These factors surprise some electric motorcycle buyers. According to Cycle Trader’s survey, e-motorcycle buyers discussed what they wish they knew more about before purchasing their electric motorcycle.

Need Help Finding the Right E-Motorcycle?

Types of motorcycles and batteries range widely in the current market, and not all motorcycles offer the same benefits. Ask yourself and your dealer a few questions before making your decision.

Are you looking for a commuter bike or an electric cruiser bike?
Do you prefer riding on paved roads, bike paths, or trails?
How long are you riding for, on average?
Do you have a place to charge your motorcycle?

Our survey indicates that e-bike users utilize their motorcycles for multiple purposes and hobbies, including commuting, racing, and taking short trips.

New motorcycles with electric motors are constantly being released by both traditional bike brands and new electric vehicle companies. Currently, Luxe Digital rates the top e-bike of 2023 as the Energica Experia, followed by Cake Kalk INK and the BMW CE 04. When buying a bike, Cycle Trader makes things easy by listing over 100,000 motorcycles, both electric and gas, for browsing and comparing a wide range of motorcycles, including the most popular bike brands.

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