Riding a motorcycle is an excellent way to travel from A to B without having to worry about traffic jams or finding a parking spot.
Not all motorcycles are the same, though! A gas motorcycle, much like any other bike, offers thrilling riding experiences. But it’s also quite slow to accelerate, costly to refuel and maintain, and not exactly eco-friendly.
If you want to lower your carbon footprint, cut down on operating costs, enjoy faster acceleration, or refuel virtually anywhere, then it may be a good idea to swap your traditional gas-guzzling motorcycle for an electric one. 🔌
To make your decision easier, let’s settle the ‘electric motorcycle vs gas motorcycle’ debate and explore:
- Why electric motorcycles are the better option when compared to gas-powered two-wheelers
- What common misconceptions could be preventing you from making the switch to electric mobility
Why Electric Motorcycles Trump Gas-Powered Ones
1. Environmental Impact
⚡ ELECTRIC MOTORCYCLES
Electric two-wheelers are powered by rechargeable batteries instead of combustion engines, so they don’t emit any of the pollutants that come from exhaust or tailpipe emissions, such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons, and more.
Plus, electric motors operate without engine oil, which can burn up and produce toxic fumes when petrol engines overheat. Used oil also affects wildlife, vegetation, and water supplies if improperly disposed of. So, by going electric, you can keep the air we breathe clean and the environment free from oil pollution.
Even better, electric vehicles are energy-efficient; the electricity used to power your electric bike can be generated from renewable sources, such as wind or solar energy.
They don’t add to noise pollution either. Electric motorcycles may not be completely silent, but they come close. You’ll likely hear a faint buzzing from the motor and belt, but that’s nothing compared to the 80-decibel (or higher!) exhaust noise you get from a gas motorcycle.
⛽ GAS MOTORCYCLES
Gas motorcycles are known to emit harmful air pollutants that lead to serious environmental and health problems. When gasoline is burned for fuelling vehicles, it releases toxic substances like:
- Carbon dioxide—a greenhouse gas that causes climate change
- Benzene—a carcinogen linked to leukemia
- Particulate matter—an air pollutant associated with respiratory and cardiovascular diseases
Gasoline is also a highly flammable liquid. So be careful, as you could accidentally trigger a fiery explosion.
The loud noise produced by gas-powered motorcycles is another environmental concern. Many nations have set a maximum noise emission limit of 80 decibels to combat this problem. But some motorcycles can exceed this limit, reaching up to 119 decibels. Just so you get an idea, noise levels above 85 decibels can permanently damage your hearing.
2. Performance
⚡ ELECTRIC MOTORCYCLES
Electric motorcycles don’t need to be warmed up; they’re ready to go the moment you hop on. On top of that, they take off more quickly than gas motorcycles as electric motors can produce full torque at 0 RPM (revolutions per minute).
That’s right, super-fast acceleration from a dead stop!
Some models can even go from 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) in 2 seconds or less.
Don’t worry, electric two-wheelers deliver great speed, too. When used on public roads, most models are capped at 45 km/h to abide by the applicable regulations. But when taken off-road, they can reach speeds of over 100 km/h.
⛽ GAS MOTORCYCLES
Motorcycles that run on gas can hit high speeds of up to 420 mph (680 km/h). But it’s very dangerous to take them to these limits as it puts the rider at risk of serious injury or death.
Though gas-powered bikes can be fast, they take longer to warm up and get moving. The acceleration is sluggish because torque peaks at mid-RPMs in gas engines.
There are, however, a variety of other factors that can contribute to poor acceleration: worn spark plugs, clogged air filters, bad gas, or a dirty carburetor.
3. Handling and Maneuverability
⚡ ELECTRIC MOTORCYCLES
Most electric motorcycles are lightweight, agile, and easy to control. Take the Ride Colibri M22, for example; the bike weighs:
- 30 kg without batteries
- 55 kg with one battery
- 85 kg with three batteries
A lighter bike makes it much simpler to maneuver through busy city streets without tiring yourself out. You won’t need to put in a lot of effort to lean into turns, steer, and brake.
It’s also much easier to lift and carry a lightweight motorcycle up the stairs or onto public transportation.
⛽ GAS MOTORCYCLES
Heavy gas motorcycles offer improved stability at higher speeds, but their weight and bulky size can make them very difficult to maneuver through heavy traffic or tight spaces.
The average weight of a motorcycle is 275 kg, with certain models, such as touring motorcycles, weighing as much as 365 kg. Imagine having to lift and carry a motorcycle of this size if it were to tip over on the street. You’d need a lot of strength!
You’ll also have to learn a few techniques for controlling a heavyweight bike, such as how to stand it up and maintain the correct body posture.
4. Riding Experience
⚡ ELECTRIC MOTORCYCLES
Those who choose to ride electric enjoy low-noise, fume-free, and smoother journeys.
Electric motorcycles typically feature a simplistic design, so they’re easier to figure out and operate—which is perfect for first-time riders especially. There’s no need to rev the engine or shift gears as the electric motor provides direct power to the wheels.
If you’re new to motorcycling, you’ll need to get familiar with the basics like controlling your bike, keeping your balance, and turning corners. Don’t worry, though; with a bit of practice, you’ll soon be ready to ride on public roads.
⛽ GAS MOTORCYCLES
Operating a gas motorcycle takes more skill as riders must understand how to shift gears and control the clutch.
The ride is not always as smooth and comfortable. Riders are inevitably exposed to engine vibrations that negatively impact their well-being. Research on whole-body vibration exposure has revealed that motorcyclists often experience discomfort in their upper body, muscular fatigue, and reduced stability. Prolonged exposure to these vibrations can lead to headaches, sickness, and in extreme cases, permanent nerve damage.
5. Maintenance, Repairs, and Upgrades
⚡ ELECTRIC MOTORCYCLES
Your electric motorcycle won’t need regular servicing, but you should still look after your ride. It’s important to regularly inspect your brakes, tires, headlights, and turn signals to make sure they’re all functioning properly. For optimal care, you should also:
- Keep an eye on battery health
- Wash off dirt, mud, and grime
- Store your motorcycle in a clean, dry, and well-ventilated place
Electric two-wheelers are built to stand the test of time; their sturdy frames should last you forever, whereas the batteries may need to be replaced every 5-10 years. But if you’re looking to upgrade any components, like the seat or brakes, your supplier can always help you find the highest-quality parts. You can also accessorize your bike; mudguards, rear trunks, and LED strips are just a few of the extras you can get.
⛽ GAS MOTORCYCLES
Gas bikes are high maintenance and can cost up to $1,500 per year for upkeep. As part of regular care, you should:
- Change the gear oil
- Check the air filter for dirt and debris and clean or replace
- Inspect the exhaust system for damage or leaks
- Clean and adjust the carburetor for optimal fuel-air mixture
- Check and adjust the chain tension
- Inspect the spark plugs and replace them as needed
- Clean the fuel tank
- Lubricate all moving parts
If your motorcycle is not performing as well as you’d like it to, you’ll need to make some upgrades. For example, you can install a premium air filter to allow more air to flow through the engine.
6. Operating Costs
⚡ ELECTRIC MOTORCYCLES
The cost per mile for electricity is far lower than that of gasoline.
Of course, the cost per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity varies by location. In December 2023, Arkansas, Washington, and Oklahoma had some of the lowest electricity costs in the US, with rates of 9.99¢/kWh, 9.79¢/kWh, and 10.72¢/kWh respectively.
Hawaii had the most expensive electricity rate: 32.76¢/kWh. Yet the average end-use electricity price in the US is projected to go down over the next 30 years. The European Union has also been working to stabilize electricity costs—and most member states have seen a decrease in electricity prices in the latter half of 2023.
Moreover, electric motorcycles require much less maintenance and repair than gas-powered ones; a thorough service check is recommended every six months.
⛽ GAS MOTORCYCLES
Refueling a classic motorcycle is relatively simple, but the unpredictable cost of gasoline can make it expensive to keep the vehicle running at times.
On 11 December 2023, the average gas price in the US was $3.158 per gallon, while in Europe prices varied from €2,029 in the Netherlands to €1,917 in Switzerland and €1,883 in France. These prices, however, can differ from day to day.
Besides refueling, regular maintenance like oil changes, valve adjustments, or filter replacements is needed to keep the motorcycle running properly. This adds to the cost of ownership.
7. Convenience of Charging
⚡ ELECTRIC MOTORCYCLES
To charge your electric motorcycle, simply plug it into a 220V wall socket. That’s it!
You can easily recharge your electric motorcycle wherever you have access to an electrical outlet—whether it be in your own home, at the gym, or even at a café while you enjoy a cup of your favorite brew. You can also plug it in overnight and wake up to a fully charged motorcycle.
On average, it takes about 2 to 3 hours to fully charge an empty battery.
⛽ GAS MOTORCYCLES
The only (safe) way to refuel a gas motorcycle is to make a pit stop at a gas station. This could be a bit of a problem if you’re stuck in traffic and your tank is running low. Plus, when you finally get to the station, you may have to wait in line to get to a pump—and that could take a while.
If you live in a rural area, you may not have access to any nearby gas stations. So you’ll need to look for other options, such as 24/7 pumps located in a neighboring city.
Electric Motorcycle vs Gas Motorcycle: Who Wins the Race?
Let’s Clear Up Some Misconceptions That Might Be Holding You Back
Myth 1. Low Range
Many still mistakenly believe that electric motorcycles don’t have the range for long-distance trips. In reality, electric motorcycles like the Ride Colibri M22 can go up to 200 km on one charge. That’s enough to get you from London to Brighton and back without needing to stop and recharge. All you need to do is remember to plug in the batteries for a full charge before setting off.
As electric mobility technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more impressive ranges soon enough.
Myth 2. Electric Battery Production Emits More Carbon Dioxide Than Combustion Engine Vehicles
Although battery production is carbon-intensive, this is only a short-term problem; battery-powered vehicles emit far less carbon dioxide than traditional vehicles throughout their entire lifecycle.
Manufacturers who use renewable sources of energy to produce batteries drastically reduce their carbon footprint.
What’s more, it may be possible for batteries to become carbon-neutral through new technological advancements. But gasoline will never be a zero-carbon fuel; it will always be a contributor to climate change.
Myth 3. Short Battery Life
The longevity of your electric motorcycle’s battery depends on how well you care for it.
On average, the battery can endure about 1,000 charge cycles, which can be equivalent to up to 5 years of usage.
But with adequate care, you can extend the battery life up to a maximum of 10 years.
Myth 4. Poor Performance on Rugged Terrain and in Extreme Weather
Many electric motorcycles are outfitted with strong, durable tires that can easily handle rugged terrain. Models specifically designed for off-roading even come with improved suspensions and wider tires to ensure greater stability and grip.
It’s also safe to take your electric motorcycle out in the rain or snow. Many bikes are equipped with water-resistant cases to protect the battery from moisture and tires with good traction for slippery roads.
But don’t take it too far; submerging your bike in water could cause irreparable damage to the electrical components.
Ready to Ride Electric?
From lower operating costs to faster acceleration and a smaller environmental impact, there are plenty of reasons to make the switch to electric motorcycles.
Featuring a powerful 4 kW motor and smooth suspension system, the long-range Ride Colibri M22 is perfect for those who want to enjoy the best of electric riding without compromising on performance!
You’ll never want to look back! 👌
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