The world of electric motorcycles it is certainly the one that is opposing the greatest resistence the advent of electric mobility: unlike the electric scooterswhich in a short time have gained popularity thanks to the technical aspects that make them very functional for use in large busy citieselectric motorcycles are still one rarity worthy of astonishment; batteries are still difficult to integrate and expensive, which gives life to expensive motorcycles and with an autonomy that many fans do not like. In recent months, a giant of the motorcycle world like Ducati has launched into the world of electric motorcycles – developing the bike that will race the championship of Motorcycle E starting next year – to then bring a zero-emission road model; it will take time and it will take important technological advances, but undoubtedly even electric motorcycles will be able to spread and attract new and old enthusiasts thanks to the typical characteristics of all vehicles powered by electric propulsion, instant power And long-term savings.
Instant power
Like battery cars, electric motorcycles have aimpressive response in terms of power with 100% instant torque. With the knob at maximum you will feel an unparalleled thrust which, if you are not careful, could become dangerous.
An example? L’Energica Eva EsseEsse9 RSwith its powerplant from 80 kW (about 110 horsepower) and a pair of 200 Nm covers it 0-100 in just 2.8 seconds. A Ducati Streetfighter V4S, a bike positioned in a “similar” price range, needs 3.6 seconds: a notable difference.
Savings
The initial outlay to buy a high-performance electric motorcycle is anything but low, however, on the long periodthey could get really big savings. To “fill up on tap” you can rely on both the public columns available on the street and the power socket in your garage.
Also, for some models, theautonomy in electric is practically equal to what could be achieved with a similar petrol model. Unlike cars, in fact, there is no particular gap in terms of mileage. Of course, the times to “fill up” are still very different but nothing impossible with proper planning: we always recommend organize your tour also following the layout of the columns so to avoid unpleasant inconvenience.
Maintenance
We know, among our readers there will certainly be someone who loves to do the maintenance of their bike in total freedom, without turning to specialized mechanics. In any case, on electric vehicles, the maintenance is very low and implies a consequent reduction of management costs. With an electric motorcycle you will no longer find yourself replacing the clutch, changing the oil, changing the air filter and much more.
Guarantee? There is still no standard about it, most manufacturers predict 2 years on the vehicle and up to 3 years (36 months) or 50,000 kilometers on the battery.
Emissions
By eliminating combustion and consequent exhaust gases, the emissions will be significantly reduced. The transition to electric is not to be considered only for cars with four (or more) wheels, but will be gradually applied to all vehicles on the road.
Innovation
There technology inserted in electric vehicles is constantly evolving with important progress measured from year to year. The same Energeticin a recent statement, said to insert a new lighter powertrainefficient and powerful on next generation electric motorcycles.
The systems are still in progress and it is not so unthinkable that, with the introduction of newly developed batteries, it is possible to further reduce the weights and perhaps the overall dimensions. If only a few months ago the manufacturers of electric motorcycles could be counted on the fingers of one hand, now the market seems to have adapted offering a great variety of models. Zero Motorcycles, for example, has a truly enviable range of proposals: from super sports cars to models dedicated to dirt roads, naturally passing through naked bikes.
Comfort
Yes, convenience. Have you ever driven one summer motorcycle in the city? Surely you have come to terms with the heat generated by your bike. Well, with an electric motorcycle you will not have any such problems as there is no combustion, the bike will always be fresh and usable in any condition. Does the weight scare you? Don’t worry, some models integrate reverse and a “low” gear to carry out all the necessary maneuvers in total safety and without any danger.
But are there only positives?
Similarly to electric cars, however, there are some aspects that we can define as “negative” or at least difficult for the most passionate users to appreciate: the two main factors that could make you give up are the noise and it driving style. The driving style it is perhaps the most complex aspect to accept: the mass and weight distribution is very different, there is no engine with a tank, but an electric engine combined with a battery positioned in the lower part of the bike. Also, except for a few jingle of doubtful use, the only one noise that you will hear will be generated by the friction of the tires on the asphalt and the rumble will become only a vague memory.
It should also be noted that you will not find the change anymore: As with most electric cars, you no longer have to worry about using the clutch system. If on the one hand it could represent a traumatic aspect, on the other it will allow you not to necessarily have to pay too much attention to the type of footwear you will use. In other words, your shoes will (potentially) always stay clean.
On the autonomy front, as anticipated, we do not feel we should penalize electric motorcycles too much as with correct planning it is possible to cover practically any section (with the necessary short stops); however, we specify that it is always good check the type of charging connector available as not all columns may have the correct cable. While on models like the Energica mentioned above there is the CCS2 Combo, on other proposals you may find the Type 2.
The price is the only real downside: as with all new technologies, you need to wait some more time for prices to stabilize downwards. If on the one hand, as anticipated, several models with the most disparate characteristics are available, it is equally necessary spend a lot of money to get a powerful electric motorcycle and at the same time able to cover distances comparable to the models we are now well accustomed to. We do not feel inclined to include recharging among the negative aspects as, thanks to the presence of “compact” batteries, it is almost always possible to recharge your two-wheeled model at public refueling stations.
