Most motorcycle owners are in it for the feel of the thing. Wind in your hair, sun in your face, engine moving under you, all that. However, there's now an emerging alternative: electric motorcycles. EV bikes have many upsides, and in many more ways, capitalize on what makes bikes so consumer-friendly. So, the real question is, why not enjoy all the upsides of an EV with the perks of motorcycle ownership on top of it?
Now, an electric motorcycle isn't for everyone. Just like with car enthusiasts, there will always be a dedicated camp of bike guys and girls who won't ride anything with a gas-powered motor under them. That's fine, but an EV bike may be for you if you'd like to try something a little different. For starters, like cars, electric bikes offer a wholly different aesthetic than their gas-powered counterparts.
Often, electric motorcycle design restrictions are lifted simply because the packaging of an electric motor can be smaller than that of a bike engine and transmission. Take a look at the Sondors Metacycle, which looks like something out of Blade Runner. Additonally, the range of electric bikes is roughly equivalent to their gas sibling. For example, a Harley-Davidson Livewire will do about 140 miles on a charge, and a new Ducati Monster will do about the same.
Aside from the motor, the sensations of riding remain unchanged, unlike in an electric car versus a gas car. You still get the wind in your hair, sun in face experience, just a little quiter. Arguably, this makes an electric motorcycle better for commuting than the gas-powered equivalent. Additonally, an electric motorcycle is a significantly easier lifestyle switch to make compared to EV ownership. The Sondors Metacycle can be charged on a regular old home outlet no problem.
Moreover, the same can be said for the Harley-Davison Livewire, though the brand recommends a legit “Level 2” charger for added ease of use. There's also some money to be saved, just like an EV car. An electric motorcycle will take far less energy to charge, keeping your utility bill low. Honestly, with the way gas prices are right now, the concept of owning an electric bike is even more enticing.
So, there you have it. Owning an electric motorcycle offers an interesting change from the norm at little real-world expense. However, it has to be said that a gas-powered bike is still a better choice for novices. There isn’t really a market for used electric motorcycles right now, and it’s best to have something you can fall over on first. That said, you can be sure you’ll get your fair share of curious glances when you glide up silently to work in the morning.
Insurance for electric scooters
Apologies to those of you who have contacted us through the comments section to ask for scooter insurance cover. Sadly this is not something that we offer at this time. We have chosen not to publish many of these comments due to the sensitive data that some of them contain.
Despite concerns surrounding their legality, more and more people are turning to electric scooters as a new and sustainable mode of transport. Reaching substantial speeds and conveniently compact, e-scooters make the ultimate vehicle for commuters and thrill seekers alike across the world.
However, partly due to their legal status in the UK, some riders may find themselves confused as to whether their electric scooter requires insurance.
Owning an electric scooter is not against the law. However, it is illegal to ride an electric scooter on the public highway, i.e. publicly owned roads and pavements.
There have been reports in the media which suggest e-scooter riders who have been apprehended by the police for breaking the law have also been reprimanded for not having insurance. According to The Telegraph, London’s Metropolitan Police force insists electric scooters do require the same insurance as any other road vehicles – despite it being illegal to ride an e-scooter on the road. Officers have cited the Road Traffic Act as grounds for this action. Under the RTA, individuals can be charged for not having insurance, a licence, a number plate, a helmet or valid MOT for their vehicle.
Technically, an electric scooter does not require vehicle insurance. Due to their classification as Personal Light Electric Vehicles (PLEVs), they cannot be ridden in public at all, meaning insurance is not necessary.
It is, however, perfectly legal for an electric scooter to be ridden on private property, such as at your home or in your garden. When riding your e-scooter in private you do not need insurance.
The confusion surrounding the legality and restrictions surrounding electric scooter use can result in people breaking the law by accident. Essentially, riding an electric scooter is illegal in public – but if, in theory, you were to ride on the roads, you would need cover equivalent to that of car or motorised bike insurance.
If you ride in private (as the law dictates you must), vehicle insurance is not a legal requirement.
How far can I go on a single charge?
We hear this question a lot! And, honestly, it’s one of the most important factors in deciding which e-bike to purchase. Finding an e-bike's exact range is complicated and difficult to distill down to one single number. It can be difficult to compare bike models, but you can absolutely expect a longer, farther riding range from a battery with higher volts and amp hours.