Thoughts about an Electric Motorcycle
I have thing about motorcycles. In fact, I would call it a passion. It really does not matter if it is Old School, Ultra Modern or something in between. What calls out to me about motorcycling is the freedom that one feels on a bike. It is a lifestyle! With that lifestyle comes a heightened level of sensation. You can see the road, smell the air, feel machine and hear the sounds of the engine. This is the passion that binds many riders together.
I had never been interested in Electric Motorcycles. They just lacked a certain level of grunt that I expect with a bike. I want range, speed, practicality and great handling at a price I can afford. I also don't want to wait forever to recharge my bike. Over the past years, there has been a lot of focus on electric motorcycles. Major traditional motorcycle companies such as Harley Davidson,Triumph and BMW have all shown interest in this emerging market. Other companies, such as Zero Motorcycles, Engerica, and Super Soco have been developing them for years. In fact, Zero Motorcycles has been around since 2007.
The Electric Motorcycle market around the world is heating up. The technologies are getting better. Faster charging times, extended battery ranges and also the overall improved looks. In the early days, many electric bike had real skinny tires and looked like very light weight motorcycles/bicycles. All that has changed since the introduction of new bikes such as the Zero SR/ F, DSR, Harley Livewire and Engerica Ego. There is even a MotoE racing series. Also consider that many European countries have voted to ban the internal combustion engine by 2030, and the UK Government is under pressure to bring its ban on the sales of new petrol and diesel cars and vans forward from 2040 to 2032. Scotland's ban should go into effect in 2030.
So the time has come to take electric motorbikes seriously.
I recently rode the Zero SR/F. I have to say that it changed my mind. I was absolutely blown away by this bike. It is a game changer. I looks and handles like any Liter Sportbike. I would say it accelerates faster too. In a matter of seconds you are going from a standstill to over 60, 70, 80 miles per hour. BUT - There is no shifting, loud engine exhaust sounds, just twist the handle and listen to the sounds of the electric motor and the road. After doing the small test loop at the dealership, I was climbing off the bike with a grin from ear to ear. I can foresee an Electric Motorcycle in my future. If you are interested in EV vehicles, especially motorcycles, I highly recommend looking at what is currently on the market. If you live in Northern Virginia and would like to demo a Zero Motorcycle, please contact me. I would be very happy to assist you.
Check out the Zero Motorcycles Events web page for more details on scheduling a ride near you. https://www.zeromotorcycles.com/events.php