Electric cars have advanced to the point where they have made their way to the masses. The progress made in the past few years is profound in itself. Due to these advancements, it is not naïve to predict a future where electric automobiles will rule the streets.
The owners of conventional, petroleum-powered cars have been quite happy to switch to their electric counterparts. After all, who doesn’t want to drive greener given the current environmental state of the planet?
And that brings us to petroleum-powered motorcycles and their proposed replacement by electric bikes (e-bikes).
The concept of e-bikes has started gaining traction in the past few years. Here are a few instances of how they have sparked discussion on a global scale:
•Aficionados swear by them.
• Governments want them to replace conventional cars.
• Researchers keep finding more benefits of their use.
But the concept of replacing the old form of transportation with an electric bike is not that simple.
Switching out your conventional car for an electric model is easy in terms of mechanics. You simply trade in your petroleum-powered automobile for one that charges through electricity. You charge the vehicle and keep enjoying the miles until the battery runs out. After that, you charge it again.
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Charge, run, repeat.
All of this comes without a difference of conventional experience or performance in other mediums. This makes the comparison quite simple.
However, that’s not how it works when it comes to classic powered cycles and e-bikes.
What’s the Difference Between a Motorcycle and an Electric Bike?
Let’s get the straightforward bit out of the way first.
Motorcycles utilize an internal combustion engine (ICE) mechanism, which is completely powered by fuel. Whereas, e-bikes use an electric drive system that powers their motor by a rechargeable battery.
But here’s how it gets tricky.
Motorcycles, like cars, aim for a drive without any physical efforts from their rider. Whereas, e-bikes allow you to switch between assisted pedalling or a ride completely powered by their motor. The option to ride without any physical assistance is especially true for higher-end e-bike models.
This means that with e-bikes, you get to choose between two options. You can either pedal the e-bike by yourself or let its motor assist you with the required force to move. The function also comes in “levels”, which means that you can control how much assistance you get from the motor. This ranges from no assistance at all to riding the e-bike like a normal motorcycle.
This is particularly useful if you want to maintain a healthy lifestyle, but don’t want to overexert yourself.
But this also raises the question: since e-bikes also use pedalling, why not just compare them to regular bikes instead of motorcycles?
There’s a very good explanation for that.
The Differences Between E-Bikes and Bikes
Pedalling or assisted pedalling is one of the reasons why e-bikes often get compared to regular bikes than motorcycles. This also earns them the moniker of “pedelecs”.
But cyclists are divided into two categories: those who appreciate the ease of e-bikes, and those who regard it as cheating.
But on this front, most studies have generally been in favour of e-bikes and do not regard them as a “cheating” method.
Riding an e-bike actually encourages longer rides, maintains a healthy heart rate, and motivates people to cycle more. An e-bike also comes with the assurance that if you get tired, then you could switch to a completely-motorized ride.
Higher-end models of e-bikes also allow cargo or carry-carts attachments, making them ideal to ride with your kids. That is something you cannot do with a conventional bike on longer rides.
To summarize, e-bikes have a motorized mechanism and the ability to sustain longer rides than bicycles or bikes. This is gradually yet certainly causing people to propose them as an alternative to other modes of transportation.
Comparing a Motorcycle with an Electric Bike
Now that we have discussed their very core functionalities, it’s time to delve into a direct comparison of these vehicles.
Here are a few points on how a gas powered cycle can be beneficial for you:
• It lets you drive without any physical effort. It’s like riding a car, just in the style of a bike.
• It provides more mileage per tank refuel. You also don’t have to wait for more than a few minutes to get the tank refilled.
• It is faster than an e-bike.
• It has an ignition lock. Some motorcycles also have a tracking system installed within them. This makes them harder to steal from the get-go.
And here are the advantages of electric bikes as compared to the aforementioned points:
• It lets you choose between how much physical efforts you want to put in. This leads to a healthier lifestyle.
• It is more economical than motorcycles. Depending on the type of energy you are using, it takes only a few cents to get 20-30 miles at the very least.
• It is more environmentally-friendly. There are no carbon emissions with the drive. If you are using clean energy, then it is even more significant.
• It does not typically require registration or insurance costs to be incurred.
Both of these vehicles have their own shortcomings.
For instance, motorcycles have their own share of disadvantages:
• The upkeep comes at quite a cost. In addition to base cost, the registration, insurance, and maintenance for higher-end motorcycles can be quite expensive.
• Most motorcycles are infamous for making noise.
• The significant contribution to the carbon emission levels cannot be denied.
• The accidents by motorcycles are deadlier and result in more injuries than other vehicle-based mishaps.
E-bikes are not free of flaws either. They have their own set of flaws to report.
• The theft rate for e-bikes is increasing around the world. It is because they are easier to steal than motorcycles. You have to invest in a locking system.
• They cost a pretty penny to buy. The one time cost is enough to cause more and more people to draw away from them. Typically, e-bikes can cost from $2,000 to over $10,000.
• They are not ideal for longer journeys since they can only run a few miles. With that being said, e-bikes typically range from 20-40 miles. There are some that even go more than 70 miles (but they, of course, cost more).
As the aforementioned comparison shows, both motorcycles and e-bikes have their respective set of pros and cons.
The decision to buy or ride either one of these vehicles depends completely upon and your lifestyle.
Which One is a Better Option for You?
Seeing the advantages and disadvantages, as well as the direct comparison between these vehicles, the answer lies within your lifestyle.
Do you want to have a ride that is rowdy yet fast, environmentally questionable but convenient? Then choosing an option from a family of gas-powered cycles would be a good option.
Do you want to adopt a healthier lifestyle or complete short journeys economically after a one-time investment? Then e-bike is the way to go.
However, looking at the way that the world is progressing, the future is going to be dominated by electric vehicles.
• Plans are already in motion for electric vehicles to take over the automobile space.
• Global markets are already throwing their hats in the ring to become the leaders of the electric car industry.
• Developments are being made in tax credits for electric vehicle owners.
This suggests that if you have to make a large investment, then you should do so in the e-bike segment.
But as stated above, the final decision is yours to make.
