With their modern design, advanced technology, and eco-friendly nature, these two-wheeled wonders are reshaping the future of mobility. Electric motorcycles offer several advantages over their conventional counterparts. Firstly, they produce zero emissions, making them an environmentally friendly choice. This attribute is particularly crucial as the world strives to combat climate change and reduce air pollution. Secondly, electric motorcycles are significantly quieter, contributing to reduced noise pollution in urban areas. Additionally, they require less maintenance since they have fewer moving parts compared to internal combustion engines, resulting in lower operating costs for riders.
Technological Marvels on Two Wheels
The allure of electric motorcycles extends beyond their environmental and economic merits – it lies in their technological prowess.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Two-Wheeled Mobility
The journey into the world of electric motorcycles is not just a trend; it is a paradigm shift in the way we envision two-wheeled mobility.
The Eco-Friendly Evolution
Electric motorcycles come to the forefront with a significant environmental advantage – zero emissions.
Quieter Rides, Quieter Cities
In the bustling urban landscapes, noise pollution is a growing concern. Electric motorcycles, with their significantly quieter operation, contribute to a reduction in noise levels.
Efficiency and Affordability
Beyond their environmental merits, electric motorcycles offer practical advantages that resonate with riders. The simplicity of electric engines, comprising fewer moving parts compared to traditional internal combustion engines, translates to reduced maintenance needs.
Exploring Leading Brands in the Electric Motorcycle Market: Silence and TiSTO
In the dynamic realm of electric motorcycles, key players have emerged, revolutionising the way we perceive two-wheeled transportation.
Silence: Where Style Meets Sustainability
1. Nice Design: Silence, a Spanish brand, is synonymous with modern electric scooters that seamlessly blend aesthetics with functionality.
2. Removable Lithium-Ion Batteries: One of the distinctive features of Silence models is the inclusion of removable lithium-ion batteries.
3. Sustainability Focus: Silence scooters go beyond being just a mode of transport; they embody sustainability.
TiSTO: Innovating the Riding Experience
1. Intelligent Systems: TiSTO, another notable brand, has carved its niche with electric scooters that marry innovation with a thrilling riding experience. Keyless start systems, acoustic vehicle location, alarm systems, and USB charging exemplify the intelligent features integrated into TiSTO scooters.
2. Technological Sophistication: TiSTO scooters are not merely vehicles; they are technological marvels.
3. Environmental Minimalism: TiSTO's commitment goes beyond technology – it extends to minimising environmental impact.
Shaping the Future of Two-Wheeled Transportation
1. Accessible Charging Infrastructure: As technology advances and the charging infrastructure for electric vehicles expands, electric motorcycles and scooters are becoming increasingly accessible.
2. Cleaner and Quieter Urban Landscape: The rise of electric motorcycles signifies a transition to a cleaner and quieter urban environment.
3. Global Shift Towards Sustainability: The rapid development and adoption of electric motorcycles and scooters mark a global shift towards sustainable transportation.
In essence, the future of two-wheeled transportation is intricately linked to the innovations brought forth by brands like Silence and TiSTO.
Transportation is undergoing a thorough metamorphosis in this day and age. And one method of commuting is changing like never before. We’re talking about electric motorcycles. The two-wheeler electric motorcycle is steadily gaining traction. It’s an eco-friendly and enginel-free solution, paving the way for a new era of mobility. The future is electrifying with the rapid advancements in the electric motorcycle space. And the benefits are endless – longer range, shorter charge times paired with the ability to cruise endlessly. So, how far have electric motorcycles made it in 2023, and where are motorcycle manufacturers going with this trend that’s gunning to stick around?
Battery technology has come a long way–something that’s considered the life-essence of EVs. Sure, initial electric motorcycles were criticized for their subpar range and battery life. And frankly, it’s a steep cause for concern for early adopters and especially for those that are used to gas-guzzling traditional motorcycles. However, electric motorcycles are taking a turn for the better. In fact, some electric motorcycles can now pull off triple digits of range on a single charge. That, too, for less than ,000. Put that into perspective, and that’s double the range of your average combustion engine motorcycle.
If you’re scared of a dead battery on a long cruise, then take a look at the Energica Experia. Energica is a leader in the electric motorcycle space. The electric motorcycle dared to venture into a space other electric motorcycle manufacturers are hesitant to touch. We’re talking about Touring Bikes. But somehow, they’ve managed to pull off an electric touring bike that doesn’t consume the bike’s frame with lithium. The company claims that the Energica Experia can pull off a total of 261 miles on a single charge. And if you’re ever concerned about charging on the go. Then you’ll be glad to know that Tesla opened up its Supercharger stations for non-Tesla EVs. The new Magic Dock CCS connector allows non-Tesla EVs to juice up, and it’s no surprise that Energica’s touring bikes are on the plug-end of most superchargers these days.
A lower price point is certain to lure in more early adopters for electric two-wheelers, and it’s worked considerably well in CSC and LiveWire’s favor. Although the 2021 LiveWire was a bit on the expensive end, LiveWire decided to go affordable. The LiveWire S2 Del Mar was unveiled last year with a limited launch edition, priced at ,699. Contrary to selling concerns, the LiveWire S2 Del Mar sold out in just 18 minutes. Harley-Davidson's efforts with the LiveWire S2 Del Mar have proved fruitful. Despite the current climate of inflation and the target price being originally set at ,999, LiveWire announced a price drop of the electric motorcycle in the US for ,499. Sure, that's great but the CSC RX1E gives you a bang for your buck.
The CSC RX1E takes the cake as it's the lowest-cost highway-ready electric motorcycle to date, and the company has started sending out the electric two-wheeler to customers. Currently, the RX1E sells for around 95, putting it well below the cost of many high-way-capable electric motorcycles. For the price point, it offers multiple power levels, a top speed of 80 mph, and a max range of 100 miles. While not befitting for a touring expedition, it gets the job done for navigating cities and highways on a single charge. And electric motorcycles are getting faster charging times too. Today, most modern electric motorcycles like the new LiveWire feature CCS fast charging. CCS utilizes the same socket as that of a Type 2 plug. These chargers deliver DC to your electric motorcycle and the rest is history. What you get is a motorcycle that’s prepped to hit the road with an 80 percent charge in under 45 minutes. But some electric motorcycle companies are making some stupefying claims. Lightning Motorcycles claims that their new fast-charging electric motorcycles can charge as fast as a regular motorcycle can refuel. That sounds like a stretch. Previously, Energica and Harley-Davidson's LiveWire held the thrones for the fastest DC-charging motorcycles, with a charge time of around 30 minutes.
Now partnered with Enervate, Lightning claims that it can blow competitors out of the park. The company is now using Enervate’s next-generation silicon-anode batteries, which allow users to get a claimed full charge in nearly 10 minutes. While it’s not the same as refueling your bike and heading out, it’s far better than sitting at a charging station for 30–45 minutes. For now, Lightning has outfitted its Lightning Strike Motorcycle with Enervate’s 24 kWh battery in contrast to the previous 10 kWh battery pack. With this new battery, the company claims they’re doing 150–170 miles at 70 mph, and charging under 10 minutes on a level 3 CCS charger.
While some companies are in a race for the fastest charging times, and the farthest range, others are taking steps to make electric motors lighter, smaller, and more efficient. We’re talking about the Stockholm-based electric two-wheeler company CAKE, which unveiled its new Jante motor for lightweight electric motorcycles. The company has adopted a minimalist approach with the least amount of bulk on a motorcycle. CAKE's known for making some of the lightest and most agile electric motorcycles from scratch. While CAKE won’t be dethroning Energica, or LiveWire, it's safe to say that its new Jante motor just fits in with its motto.
CAKE has adopted what's known as an Internal Permanent Magnet motor technology for its electric motor, which puts a steep emphasis on a fine balance of efficiency, reliability, and power in a compact and neat frame. Aluminum housing and dual-bearing shaft aside, CAKE’s new Jante motor has some decent performance metrics of 60 mph and 369 lb-ft of torque. It’s incredible when you realize this small motor can fit in the palms of your hands. Well, almost. Performance metrics are not all that impressive, with range-topping off at 70 miles and a top speed of around 60-70 mph. Still, the real victory lies in the fact that electric motorcycles are getting lighter, cheaper, and more economical to purchase for the average commuter as well. And CAKE’s new compact, yet respectably powerful and efficient IPM motor just goes to show you how far electric motorcycles have come. The $10,000 entry price is good enough to pique the interest of the curious consumer looking to get their first electric motorcycle.
But this is just the start. According to a report by Grand View Research, electric motorcycle sales figures are expected to see staggering growth in the coming years, with the market expected to reach .82 billion by 2025, and 1.07 billion by 2030. But of course, this growth can be attributed to the ease of operating an electric motorcycle, the environmental benefits, and the long-term cost-effectiveness of electric motorcycles compared to other forms of transportation. Electric motorcycles represent a shift in the way people think of urban transportation. Sustainability and eco-friendly initiatives have become the norm around the globe, paired with the rising cost of gasoline and emission concerns. Keeping all of this in mind, it’s clear that electric motorcycles are going to play a deeper role in the future of urban mobility.
The land of the automobile, with its grid-oriented cities, wide roads and interstates rolling off into the horizon. But cities that were not built for cars have narrow, winding and possibly cobbled streets without many parking options, and you’ll find that mopeds and small-engined bikes of various stripes are a far more common sight in these cities than cars. They are cheap to run, easy to maintain, and relatively simple to learn to ride. Mostly, they’re not about recreation, but about transportation and business.
Back when I lived in London, a motorcycle was my primary mode of transport. I’ve whizzed around Hanoi on a moped. Bangkok, Fes, Paris, Rome: They’re filled with mopeds and motorcycles. But what’s going to happen to this mode of transport as we shift away from internal combustion engines and toward electrification?
I spoke to motorcycle legend Erik Buell to get his vision for what the future holds. A motorcycle racing champion, engineer, and founder of the Buell Motorcycle Company, Buell helps the Fuel company dream up what’s next.