Electric motorcycles FAQs answered

Electric motorcycles or e-motorcycles are still relatively new technology. While they’re not as prevalent in the Philippines as in Taiwan or in European countries, it is not completely uncommon to see an e-motorcycle or two here and there. E-motorcycles in other countries are a popular mode of commuting, with e-motorcycles rentals and sharing outlets dispersed within busy cities. They’re not initially noticeable because, compared to petrol-based motorcycles, e-motorcycles are completely silent.

The beauty of an electric motorcycle is that, not only does it produce fewer emissions, but it’s more affordable to maintain. 

For those who encounter an e-motorcycle for the first time, it can raise various questions. What makes an e-motorcycle so special in the first place? This is why we compiled a list of all the e-motorcycle questions you’ve probably already Googled and given them some answers.

What is an e-motorcycle?

An e-motorcycle is essentially a motorbike outfitted with an electric motor and a battery. It has more or less the same parts of a regular motorcycle, with a throttle, brake lever, and controller box. The most notable feature on an e-motorcycle is that it is completely silent. On top of that, the beauty of an e-motorcycle is that its battery has a longer lifespan compared to a petrol engine. Due to that, it can be cheaper to maintain. 

A general misconception is that, since this technically involves advanced technology, the upkeep will be more pricey. However, an e-motorcycle is actually generally service-free. At the most, your e-motorcycle would just have to undergo regular safety checks for parts such as your brakes.

How fast can an e-motorcycle go?

Some models have a range as large as 346 kmph, which is actually faster than most petrol motorbikes. While they don’t have the crazy top speeds which petrol motorbikes offer, it is still possible to hit them with an electric motorcycle.

In the Philippines, there are still no existing advisories from the Land Transportation Office (LTO) on speed limits for e-motorcycles. However, since they do function similarly to a regular motorcycle, it is more or less assumed to be the same.

How far can an e-motorcycle go on a single charge?

Most models on the market right now can go 25 to 60 kilometers on a single charge. Obviously, this can still vary depending on the conditions of your battery as well as how much you throttle. Other factors include rider weight, overall load, tire pressure, and terrain. As a general rule, e-motorcycles aren’t the best for hilly and steep terrains.

How long does the battery take to charge?

While this can depend on the type of battery and charger you have onhand, charging can generally take approximately 7 to 8 hours. Fast chargers can cut this down to only 1 hour of charging.

What is an e-motorcycle battery’s typical lifespan?

Compared to petrol motorbikes, the e-motorcycle's battery is consumable and needs to be replaced regularly. Most e-motorcycle batteries can last for around 570,000 kilometers. This can still vary depending on your e-motorcycle model and battery type.

Is an e-motorcycle more expensive than a petrol motorcycle?

Generally, yes — the initial cost of an electric motorbike is more as compared to a petrol motorcycle. However, the good thing about e-motorcycles is that they are cheap to own since they require incredibly minimal maintenance. Not only that, you’d receive major fuel savings since you only need to replace the battery a few times.

Verdict

While e-motorcycles are still a pretty new addition to the auto world, they’ve made an impact as an alternative to petrol-based models. Besides offering fuel savings and a silent ride, it’s also an environmentally-friendly alternative. In addition to that, it has very minimal running costs and can be more efficient compared to its petrol sibling as e-motorcycles generally don’t incur any engine wear.

As the segment continues to gain attention, more questions, as well as innovations, will take place. For now, these are all you need to know about electric motorcycles.

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Also read: Top electric motorcycles for sale in the Philippines