How can you combine your passion for two wheels with respect for the environment? Simple, by buying an electric motorcycle. This is now a widespread reality, both on the roads (first in America and then in many European countries including Italy) and on the track (the MotoE World Championship has been staged since 2019). Let's get to know this type of "two-wheeler" better, comparing them with internal combustion (or fuel) ones in terms of characteristics and then seeing the prices and the most interesting models.
Electric and Thermal Motorcycles Compared
As mentioned above, electric motorcycles are becoming more and more popular. This happens mainly because of the many advantages they offer. First of all, these motorcycles are extremely quiet and do not pollute. It is therefore a double benefit, for health and the environment. In addition, electric motorcycles have a great range (even 200 km) and can be recharged in no time.
And let's not forget the significant savings in economic terms, as these vehicles do not need to consume fuel. To choose electric motorcycles over the other type, however, it is necessary to know in more detail all the advantages they offer. So let's take a look at their characteristics and then make a comparison with their fuel-powered counterparts. Like regular motorcycles, electric motorcycles also have a battery.
This can be lithium-ion or lead-acid and, in any case, has the task of powering two motors: one located in the hub of each wheel. These motors convert electrical energy into mechanical force that turns the wheels and allows the motorcycle to move. In terms of performance, electric motorcycles provide a much smoother ride than their gasoline-powered counterparts, as well as less vibration due to the absence of an internal combustion engine. There is also a need for less maintenance, as there are no components such as spark plugs or a fuel injection system to worry about.
In terms of safety, on the other hand, there are advantages between electric motorcycles and internal combustion motorcycles with regard to the first category. In fact, they are much quieter and do not emit toxic fumes: thanks to this feature, they are easier to spot on the road in low light conditions and safer for pedestrians. Additionally, because electric motors require less energy to reach cruising speed than a combustion engine, they can accelerate faster from a standstill. This potentially gives riders an extra edge when braking or avoiding obstacles.
Said of the advantages that can lead people to prefer electric motorcycles, even fuel-powered "rivals" have "skills" to put on the table. First of all, the price, which for now favors the gasoline one. In fact, the diffusion and characteristics of a fuel-powered motorcycle still make it preferred, also due to an easy economic law: the more you increase the production of a given good (in this case the internal combustion engine) the more it will cost less for the buyer. Going to performance, if as already mentioned with electric motorcycles you can go more smoothly, with thermal ones it is possible to reach a higher speed. The lack of a gearbox for the former forces the construction technique and characteristics of the engine with large chainrings and small sprockets.
The architecture of the engines also has differences: an electric motor is simpler, and with fewer components than an internal combustion engine, all to the advantage of reduced maintenance and its longevity (but to the disadvantage, overall, of its top speed). Finally, the characteristics of an electric motorcycle make it a heavier vehicle than a fuel-powered motorcycle.
So what is the cheapest motorcycle to buy? Thinking both for the present and in the future, everything seems to be moving towards an ever-increasing diffusion of electric motorcycles. However, it depends a lot on the needs of the rider on duty.
Models and prices of electric motorcycles
As you can easily imagine, the electric motorcycle market is constantly evolving, with startups offering products that can attract the attention of enthusiasts and the simply curious. One of the most interesting brands is Energica, which gave birth to the Ego: the first electric supersport motorcycle produced in Italy.
Eva is also very respectable, perhaps less extreme in performance than the previous one but more balanced. Among the other brands that are making the history of this young sector is Zero Motorcycles, Californian and with affordable prices. In fact, it ranges from about 12,000 euros upwards.
The top of the range in this case is the Zero DSR, with an acceleration from 0 to 100 in 3.9 seconds and 144 Nm of torque. Also noteworthy is the proposal of Volt Motorcycles, the Irish company that gave life to the excellent Volt 220 road sports bike. A type of motorcycle that is therefore making more and more headway, in the market of the sector and consequently in the minds and hearts of two-wheel enthusiasts.
