Why electric motorcycles are better than gas motorcycles

Electric motorcycles and gas motorcycles are both fun to ride. Whatever option you may have, both motorcycles give freedom and adventure. It is still one of the most preferred alternative modes of transportation worldwide. However, there are various benefits and drawbacks that a rider must consider.

With the rise in popularity of the electric motorcycle, many riders in Toronto, many people are warming up to this technology. Most riders are now switching camp to the electric motorcycle. Electric motorcycles are plug-in motorcycles with two (2) wheels powered by electricity. The electricity is stored on board in a rechargeable battery, which drives one or more electric motors.

Most electric motorcycles today are powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, though some early models used nickel-metal hydroxide batteries.

Another type of battery available for an electric motorcycle is the lead/sodium silicate battery. It’s a variation on the standard lead-acid battery invented in 1859, and still prevalent in automobiles. It compares favourably with lithium batteries in size, weight, and energy capacity, at less cost.

Do you love to ride motorcycles? Then, you should consider getting an electric motorcycle from an e-bike store in Toronto. In this article, we will explain to you why electric motorcycles are better than gas motorcycles.

A brief description of electric motorcycles

An electric motorcycle is an electricity-powered motorcycle, unlike its counterpart which uses gas-powered. It does not have an engine like most motorcycles. Instead, it is powered solely by a rechargeable battery and electric motors. Just like petrol motorcycles, electric motorcycles come in all shapes and sizes. As much as petrol bikes need to have the correct driving licence and valid tax, an electric motorcycle isn’t an exemption.

Also, riding an electric or gas motorcycle needs suitable protective riding attire as safety measures. As a rider, you must abide by the Toronto highway rules to be able to enjoy your electric motorcycle on the highway.

Notably, the electric motorcycle is still relatively new and is intended for a very niche market. There are very few options when considering buying electric motorcycles. Only a few electric motorcycles are mass-produced, making the electric motorcycle much more expensive than its gas-powered counterpart.

Few electric motorcycles match the power and strength of a gas motorcycle. Riding an electric motorcycle is more like using a scooter.

These motorcycles have automatic transmissions. This means that there is no clutch, and no ability to shift into neutral. Lack of breaking through the engine can take some getting used to, so be careful about travelling downhill with too much speed. Some riders also feel that the throttle is too intense, although this can vary.

Furthermore, some riders have also expressed concern about the ‘silence’ of electric motorcycles. Car drivers are often made aware of motorcyclists by the noise of the engine, and they can become confused by the engine’s silence. Most drivers often get confused, wondering if the electric motorcycle is idle or not? However, this vehicle comes with a powerful horn and reflective strips to make you safe on the road.

The Electronic motorcycle is an excellent inner-city motorbike. Using the electric bike to get around town is fuel-efficient, and is also good for the environment.

Although lower speeds can help to conserve the battery, most electric motorcycles can last as many as 25 miles after charging. You can save money on fuel and still get to your destination efficiently.

Related article: How an Electric Bike Works?

A brief look at gas motorcycles

Like the name implies, a gas motorcycle is gas-powered. The gas motorcycle is the oldest form of motorcycles. It is still common and user-friendly. However, it does not allow you to save on fuel costs and isn’t great for the environment.

Gas motorcycles possess a higher speed limit and can cover a long distance as long as you have fuel. The gas motorcycle is not such a bad deal for the environmentally friendly motorcycle enthusiast as well. They only lose in this situation when compared to electric bikes.

Gas motorcycles are generally more energy-efficient than cars, and it’s hard to get stuck in traffic with one. Of course, gas bikes do send quite a bit of greenhouse gas into the environment, however, it’s not as much as the average car.

The big difference between gas and electric motorcycles is cost and availability. Electric motorcycles are just too rare a market for most suppliers, and gas motorcycles tend to be cheaper. Gas motorcycles are also mass-produced, meaning that any particular brand that you desire should be readily available. Electric motorcycles tend to be individually made, so you probably have a choice of one or two designs.

Gas motorcycles are also better for long-distance travel than electric motorcycles. The latter devices are limited in that they cannot travel very far between battery recharging. They are only suitable for travelling between home and work. For weekend rides, the gas motorbike will always be the better option. You can go further with a gas bike, so trips down the highway are within easy reach.

However, electric motorcycles are becoming the best option for riders at the moment. Most riders in Toronto are ditching gas motorcycles for a much light-weighted electric motorcycle. Why not get yours today and enjoy the full experience of your electric motorcycle without having to think about the stress incorporated with gas motorcycles? Our online e-bike store offers you a unique selection of electric motorcycles.

Related article: E-bikes vs. Cars in Canada

Electric motorcycle vs. Gas motorcycle

In performance, efficiency, cost and maintenance, electric motorcycle and gas motorcycle differ with each one edging the other in one way or the other. With electric motorcycles leading the race with its new-age features and environmental features providing solutions to green-house concerns. This is an essential impact of an electric motorcycle. It has fewer greenhouse emissions, reduces air pollution and limits the effect of global warming.

Electric and gas-powered motorcycles of the same size are roughly comparable in performance. Studies have shown that a high-end electric motorcycle is faster and has better handling than any conventionally powered bike. If you are a beginner looking to start riding motorcycles, then you should start with an electric motorcycle.

Electric motorcycles have a better 0 to 60 acceleration since they develop full torque immediately. Without a clutch, full torque is instantly available.

Though there are various types of motorcycles, generally not everyone can easily maneuver a gas motorcycle. It is heavy and you need to exert force to move around a gas motorcycle. You need concentration, skills and strength to manoeuvre a gas motorcycle, unlike the electric motorcycle that offers less weight and ease of use.

Also, gas motorcycles are expensive to maintain compared to electric motorcycles. There are options for maintenance. You can choose between dealers, private mechanic or you can do it on your own. Any option will definitely cost you a lot of money. Maintenance is a must to maintain a good running condition for any motorcycle.

Electric motorcycles are fun for people of all ages. With the safety features of this technology, it is considered a better option for a daily ride to school. Yes, even kids can use thIs electric motorcycle. That’s not all. Electric motorcycles can be used by women and older adults without any issues. They are lightweight and easy to control.

However, electric motorcycles suffer considerable disadvantage in range, since batteries cannot store as much energy as a tank of gas. Anything over 130 miles (210 km) on a single charge is considered an exceptionally long range. As a result, while electric motorcycles are best for daily commuters travelling short distance trips, open road riders may have to question if the motorcycle can go the distance.

Also, electric power trades off range for speed. The faster you ride, the less distance you will be able to cover. For instance, the longest distance electric motorcycles can travel is about 300 km (140 mi) at 89 km/h (55 mph). However, some electric motorcycles’ range tends to drop to about 129 km (80 mi) at speeds of 112 km/h (70 mph).

Related article: Tips for Electric Bike Beginner

Why use an electric motorcycle in Canada

Electric motorcycles are going to be a normal fixture faster than you think. This is because it offers benefits that outweigh the drawbacks such as high purchase price, charging time and battery range. Generally, electric motorcycles offer significant benefits compared to their gas counterparts. Notably, electric motorcycles are taking over Canada’s electric bike stores and highways.

Although electric motorcycles are expensive, however, it’s just a matter of time before the price drops off. Several specialist electric motorcycle companies and several traditional motorcycle manufacturers have electric motorcycles designs in the market or concepts waiting in the wings to hit the showroom.

Purchase prices will quickly come down as more electric bikes enter the market. You can also be sure that technology will solve issues of range and charging times. In fact, the range is now up to 300km+ and charging times down to 30 minutes for 80% capacity. However, why an electric motorcycle?

Power and torque

Most importantly, for riders, electric motorcycles are fast.

Electric motorcycles hold numerous hill climb records for both cars and bikes. Also, an electric motor has an instant 100% torque which means rapid acceleration.

The only drawback is that the power delivery is so linear that there is no “surge” feeling which many riders experience in conventional fuel-powered engines. An electric motorcycle will always get you to where you need to go. And fast too!

Environment

Of course, electric motorcycles don’t belch any smoke and don’t use limited non-renewable fuel. Electric motorcycles and scooters are particularly useful for city riders because they don’t belch smoke into the city air. However, the environmental benefits of electric motorcycles is a double-edged sword. Some people argue that building electric motorcycles takes more resources and others point to using electricity from a “dirty”, non-renewable source.

However, production methods are improving, batteries are becoming recyclable, and there are many sources of renewable power. This includes charging your bike off of solar energy. Electric bikes are the future.

Fuel cost advantage

At between one (1)and two (2) dollars per mile (depending on electric rates), electric motorcycles enjoy an enormous fuel cost advantage. Three months and 2,800 km (1,700 mi) of commuting on an electric motorcycle may cost you less than $30 for electricity. However, riding a BMW gas motorcycle in a single trip of 650 km (400 mi) can cost you more than three times the same amount.

Related article: Are e-Bikes really Economic?

Sound

While most motorcyclists love the roar of an exhaust pipe, some riders don’t, and many members of the community find it antisocial and annoying.

If you like to listen to music or enjoy a podcast while riding, an electric bike won’t disturb your enjoyment. Most electric motorcycles are quiet. So quiet, some say they are a bit dangerous because people can’t hear them coming.

However, manufacturers are doing something about the sound by artificially adding some noise. Electric motorcycles are far quieter than gas-powered ones, so silent they may sneak up on unwary pedestrians. Some are equipped to emit artificial noise. The comparative quiet of electric motorcycles is the most significant difference between them and their gas counterparts. Whether a loud motorcycle is more noticeable and thus more safe than a quiet one is contested. At high speed, the whine of an electric motorcycle sounds “like a spaceship. Nobody likes noise. This is why electric motorcycles will always win this debate.

Stress and Sweat-free

The automatic safety features that come outfitted with electric motorcycles make them completely stress-free. Its usability is also top-notch. You don’t have to figure out what gear you are in and how to clutch appropriately. You only have to perform a little physical effort to drive your motorcycle. The fantastic thing about an electric motorcycle is that you don’t have to worry about gas or engine oil. It allows you to drive and move around in the safest and easiest of conditions

Related article: Health Benefits of Riding an E-bike

Lightweight

The development of an electric motorcycle is driving engineers and scientists to try new lightweight materials and aerodynamic designs. This has been done with premium success. Electric motorcycles are far lighter than their gas-powered counterparts. They are easy to handle and control on the road.

City riding

Electric motorcycles were made to be driven within the streets of Canadian cities. Even though some motorcycle tour companies in Toronto hire electric motorcycles, touring is not their forte. In fact, riding your electric motorcycle in the city extends the range of your motorcycle because it recharges your battery through regenerative braking. However, long, sustained open-road cruising depletes your battery quicker.

Saving money

Even though one of the major setbacks of an electric motorcycle is the high purchase price, over time, you will save a lot of money, depending on your electricity source and costs. A weekly commute with an electric motorcycle will cost you only a couple of dollars of electricity compared with up to $50 in fuel for gas motorcycles.

Apart from the “fuel” saving costs, some governments have special incentive programs on the purchase price, taxes or other fees. That means more money in your pocket for a motorcycle you will enjoy riding.

Low maintenance

Electric bikes don’t have air filters, oil, spark plugs, timing belts and some don’t even have a clutch or gearbox. Therefore, there is very little to check, replace or maintain, except tyres, brake pads and hydraulic brake fluid and of course, the electric motor. Electric motorcycle brake pads also last longer because the electric motor will do most of the braking.

Apart from saving you time, it also saves you money on consumables and repair and maintenance. However, there are some precautions you have to take. Generally, maintenance-free batteries have a limited life. The more you use the motorcycle, the earlier the battery life will end. Charging must also be guarded to avoid damage to the batteries. Overcharging may lead to permanent damage and the motorcycle will no longer function properly.

Financial benefits of an electric motorcycle

Gas-powered motorcycle enthusiasts still prefer these motorcycles with little or no interest in how much they spend on maintenance or gas. They argue that an electric bike costs more initially.

Yes, an electric bike may initially cost more than a fuel-powered one, but in the long-run, you will make incredible savings. A full charge for your motorcycle will result in fewer energy bills compared to the cost of buying petrol or diesel. On top of this, there are lots of government incentives on taxes and other motorbike related fees. So while you might be paying more at the start, you will easily recover this money and go onto making massive savings every year.

And because electric motorcycles are easy to maintain and have just one moving part, you will also save money on services, repairs and maintenance. There is no reason not to buy an electric motorcycle today. Our online electric bike store can help you find the perfect motorcycle for your needs.

Other benefits of an electric motorcycle

By using electric motorcycles instead of gas motorcycles, you’re not only benefiting yourself. You’re also helping your immediate community. Electric motorcycles:

Reduce the collective carbon footprint.
Lowers Carbon dioxide emissions caused by road traffic.
Reduces noise pollution and allows you to ride your bike first thing in the morning without waking the neighbourhood.

Even though there are fewer motorcycles on the road, they still produce 16% more smog than cars according to emissions inventory research. This is because motorcycle engines are mostly unregulated. The last time there was an attempt to regulate motorcycle engines was in 2008 when the recession hit. While cars, over the previous 25 years, have been heavily regulated and so, have become much cleaner.

Conclusion

Generally, electric motorcycles are the latest means of transportation in Canada today. Most electric motorcycle stores now sell more compared to a few years back when gas motorcycles were the standard. Electric bikes offer so much more innovation, convenience and ease of use. They also help you to save money. A great combination, right? Get one today. Contact us to help choose the best electric motorcycle for you!