10 Considerations when buying an electric motorcycle

The context of climate urgency in which the planet lives has put the focus on two- and four-wheeled cars, and not without reason; for instance, cars are responsible for 60.7% of the carbon dioxide pollution caused using road transport in Europe (European Environment Agency, 2019).

Even though motorcycles only account for 1.2 percent of the total CO2 emissions, this does not negate the fact that steps need to be taken to change their current state and transform them into a mode of transportation that is entirely environmentally friendly.

Electric motorcycles have recently entered the market for it. In this new post, we will discuss the ten factors we need to consider when we are getting ready to purchase one of their models.

What are some things to think about before purchasing an electric motorcycle?

Now that we’ve finished with the preamble to this new Motorbli entry, it’s time to get down to business and discuss the factors that should be considered when determining whether or not investing in an electric motorcycle is a good idea.

The time has come for enthusiasts of two-wheeled vehicles to face the reality that, sooner or later, they will have to acquire one that operates like this or with some other form of renewable energy.

1. The purpose that will be served

When choosing between different bicycle models, it is essential to consider the function you want the bike to serve.

It is recommended that it has an extended range of features that contribute to it, such as regenerative braking, which allows you to recover energy by operating the brake handlebars.

If, for example, you want to use it to commute to work every day, with five-day round trips, then it should have a long range and features that contribute to it.

You must consider the fact that you will be required to recharge your device numerous times in this scenario, along with the expense associated with each recharge.

On the other hand, if it is only used occasionally for a few errands here and there, then perhaps a moped would be a better choice.

2. The power output and classification of electric motorcycles

In contrast to traditional motorcycles, electric motorcycles do not have displacement in the conventional sense because their mechanical structure does not include cylinders.

Therefore, there are three distinct categories of mounts that are powered by electricity in the following ways:

3. The presence of charging stations in the area

It is a blessing to know whether or not you can connect the bike to any standard point for charging; if not, you will likely need to install a specialized charging socket similar to what is done in four-wheeled vehicles.

If this is not feasible, it is essential to have access to several locations within proximity where you can top off the battery.

To be prepared for the lack of energy that may occur at a particular time, and even if the battery breaks, to solve the problem as quickly as possible and without assuming the economic costs involved in one that is conventional combustion.

In any event, it is essential to point out that most lithium-ion batteries are compatible with the standard 220V current found in homes.

This is something that needs to be mentioned. When it comes to batteries that cannot be removed, you can put them next to a socket in the garage.

This is helpful for communities of neighbors who put individual meters together.

4. The independence that one possesses

Examining the kind of battery already installed in your electric bike is one way to estimate how long it will be able to keep going without being recharged.

The most common type is lithium-ion batteries, which are also utilized in automobiles.

These batteries offer the advantage of undergoing multiple recharging cycles and do not suffer from the phenomenon known as the memory effect.

However, they are not infinite by any means, and one reason for this is that some manufacturers claim to have a duration of 20,000 kilometers.

In contrast, others claim to have a time of 50,000 kilometers, and still others claim to go up to 100,000 kilometers.

This also is contingent on the driving done, the weight being transported, and the terrain being traversed.

In general, lithium-ion batteries’ lifespan is between 70 and 120 kilometers, whereas the lifespan of lead-ion batteries is between 45 and 70 kilometers.

It is essential to remember that the typical daily mileage for a motorcyclist is between 15 and 20 kilometers and that this figure should be considered.

Consequently, it is sufficient to use Google Maps to obtain an accurate estimate, enter the route the driver typically takes, and then add the total distance.

Because of this, it will be much simpler for you to determine whether the model you possess between your eyebrows can adjust to the cadence of life and the frequency at which it needs to be charged.

Another factor to consider is the amount of time required to recharge the battery. Most batteries need between four and eight hours to charge fully, but some can reach 50 percent charge in just one hour.

On average, the batteries need between four and eight hours. However, using more powerful chargers can reduce the time required to charge.

5. The license to drive that you currently possess

Because numerous variations of electric scooters are now available for purchase, a single driver’s license cannot be used to operate all of these vehicles legally.

If you only have the A1 right or a moped license, you can buy, for instance, a model with 45 or 125 cubic centimeters of engine space that has a maximum power of 11 kW and can carry up to 150 kilograms (translated to hp almost 15).

An additional presumption is that the driver has held the B license for at least three years. If this is the case, the driver is allowed to operate a motorcycle model included among the possibilities.

In this context, the options include all motorcycles with an engine capacity of up to 125 cubic centimeters, including previously mentioned properties.

6. Strength and utmost velocity

When it comes to riding a motorcycle, some people seek out intense feelings, while others would instead take a more sedate approach so that they can use the time to reflect on the neighborhood or the scenery that surrounds them.

Aside from that, it is essential to consider the roads you will be riding because the restrictions on the maximum speed that can be achieved vary depending on whether the streets in question are public or private.

It is essential to remember that to be classified as a two-wheeled vehicle; a motorcycle must have a power output greater than 4 kW from its electric motor.

7. The possibility of receiving assistance

There are some countries in which institutions have launched initiatives to encourage the purchase of motorcycles and electric vehicles in general.

This is done in response to the challenge of sustainability. In the case of Spain, as an illustration, there is a plan known as the Move Plan.

This program offers consumers financial assistance in the face of a future purchase that can save up to 750 dollars. Another example would be the program known as the Move Plan in Portugal.

It lays out several prerequisites that must be satisfied to qualify for this valuable assistance.

These prerequisites are primarily based on the fact that the cost of the vehicle cannot exceed 10,000 dollars and that the vehicle’s range must be greater than the threshold of 70 Miles.

It is also essential that you know that owning an electric motorcycle entitles you to pay a lower amount of taxes in Spanish territory than other vehicles and that, in some regions, you are even exempt from paying taxes related to registration.

It also means saving money on fuel because it eliminates the need to pay the special taxes typically entailed in purchasing power.

8. the presence of specialized workshops nearby

Compared to more conventional models of motorcycles, one of the most obvious disadvantages of electric motorcycles is that to repair a malfunction, you will need the assistance of trained electricians.

This is, without a doubt, one of the most notable drawbacks of electric motorcycles.

For this reason, it is essential to know where to find a center with this profile to extricate oneself from a predicament such as an accident that has caused the structure to become damaged.

9. The type of riding experience that is preferred

Because these motorcycles typically do not come equipped with a gearbox, the rider must concentrate solely and exclusively on accelerating and breaking.

As a result, they are perfect for individuals who are interested in getting into the world of two-wheelers and looking for a sense of calm while riding.

On the other hand, bikers who are looking for excitement and adrenaline will not trust them, at least not until manufacturers begin focusing on producing electric models with larger displacements.

10. The proportion of the cost to the amount of independence

To conclude, we will mention these figures, representing the typical quality-to-price ratio that applies to conventional automobiles.

The lower it is, the better it is for the user’s experience.

Because this translates into purchasing more kilometers of autonomy for a lower total cost, to obtain it, the mathematical formula listed below must be used: divide the total cost of the purchase by the number of kilometers of driving range it offers.

¿Did you like the content?

Related articles