Issue link: https://cp.revolio.com/i/1504291
6 | WheelsOfGrace.com | #68 You've probably noticed more and more electric cars breaking into the market over the past ten years. But have you ever considered owning an electric motorcycle? Motorcycle manufacturers like Harley-Davidson, Honda and Zero are producing electric motorcycles that run on a battery charge instead of gas. But you may be wondering: are electric motorcycles any good? And how do they compare to traditional motorcycles? How Do Electric Motorcycles Work? Electric motorcycles operate similarly to standard motorcycles. However, instead of using gas to produce power, these motorcycles use electricity. They store the electricity in rechargeable batteries. It is believed that electricity is a cleaner, more environmentally friendly form of energy than gas, which is a non-renewable resource. Additionally, because batteries do not require a burning process to create power, the components within the engine do not wear down as quickly. Instead of fueling up your motorcycle at a gas station, you'll need to charge the battery of an electric motorcycle before using it. Some (not all) electric motorcycles can typically charge with a standard electrical outlet. When your motorcycle is partially or entirely charged, you can turn the key to start the ignition. The power will flow from the battery to keep the motorcycle running. You can accelerate by holding the throttle, delivering more power. But can you imagine plugging in your electric motorcycle at night and for whatever reason (not plugged in properly, power outage, etc.) you wake up and get ready to go on a ride only to realize that your motorcycle did not charge all night? **** Pros and Cons of Electric Motorcycles Electric motorcycles have both pros and cons. While some motorcyclists have become electric bike fans, others refuse to try these electric options. We lean towards the latter; we are not convinced of this new technology. Here are a few advantages of electric motorcycles: • Long-term affordability: Charging your motorcycle battery is more affordable than purchasing gas. * • Eco-friendliness: Electric motorcycles are better for the environment than traditional ones. ** • Acceleration: Electric motorcycles can typically accelerate faster than traditional motorcycles. • Easier maintenance: You won't need to change the oil, adjust the valves, or sync the throttle bodies on your electric motorcycle. The most maintenance these bikes need is new tires and brake pads. But they will need a new battery that can be quiet costly. In addition, experts say that an electric motorcycle battery will last 500-800 charging cycles, 25,000 miles or 3-5 years. • Quiet running: Electric motorcycles are quiet. *** • Tax incentives: You may be able to receive tax benefits when you purchase an electric motorcycle. Although, just like the electric automobiles those incentives will probably slowly go away. Meanwhile, here are a few disadvantages of electric motorcycles: • Steep upfront investment: Many electric motorcycles are more or much more expensive to buy than traditional motorcycles. • Eco-non-friendliness: Many think we will subsidize our way to renewables, but we won't, for inherently physical reasons. Sunlight and wind are too energy dilute. Solar/wind projects need ~300x more land, 300% more copper, and 700% more rare earths than fossil fuels, making them prohibitively expensive. • Lower range: One of the most significant downsides of electric motorcycles is their range (90-110 miles per charge… ARE YOU KIDDING ME?). With a traditional bike, you can stop at a gas station and fuel up whenever you start to run low. With a traditional motorcycle you will get 100- 400 miles per tank. **** • Where will you stop to charge it? You will have to plan your riding-day or your motorcycle trip very well to know exactly where you will charge the electric motorcycle and have a backup plan just in case. • Charging time: You'll need to wait for your motorcycle to charge between rides. Charging time can vary on average from two to ten hours, depending on your motorcycle and the charging source. As a result, these motorcycles may not be as convenient for road trips. **** • Weight: Electric motorcycles weigh more than their non-electric counterparts. They need to contain heavy batteries to deliver enough power for the average ride. • Lack of DIY maintenance opportunities: While the low-maintenance nature of electric motorcycles may be appealing, riders who enjoy tinkering in the garage may find these motorcycles VERY boring. * In Illinois scientists have developed Negative Carbon Gasoline that burns at net-zero. If you own an electric automobile, you know the substantial increase on the monthly electric bill. ** Many disagree as the cost to fabricate an electric battery is high and the pollution of its fabrication is harmful for the environment. In addition, they have yet to resolve the issue of disposing of such batteries. *** Some prefer the rumble; loud pipes save lives. **** It is worth watching the documentary Long Way Up to see how little range electric motorcycles get and how long they take to charge. On a full battery max range is 130 miles, if there is wind and hills that range can drop down to 90 miles per full charge. Just like electric automobiles, the range significantly drops when the vehicle has more than one passenger, is loaded with luggage or other and is travelling through hills and valleys. Editor's Notes: Electric motorcycles cannot replace gas powered motorcycles. If you have the money and want a fast, short-range toy, go for it; but that is all it will be! Have you signed up for your free Law Tigers Rider's Benefit Package yet? If not, you really should. And if you're ever injured in a motorcycle accident, Law Tigers represents riders all across the USA with accident injury legal representation. By Law Tigers & Peter Kaye Are the New Electric Motorcycles Legit? Are the New Electric Motorcycles Legit? LawTigers.com 1-800-LawTigers