Just as the Titanic overturned 20th-century shipping, electric motorbikes represent revolutionary titans redefining today's industry. Where the Titanic impressed with ornate decor, electric motorcycles make their mark with lightning-fast acceleration and sustainability cred. An electric revolution stirs - with e-bikes positioned to lead the charge into the new era.
Here's a fact underscoring the power at play: electric motorcycles can reach 60mph in under five seconds thanks to instant torque. This electric shakeup packs performance potency alongside its greener credentials! So, gear up to witness the imminent transformation as convention gives way.
But First, What Is An Electric Motorbike?
Simply put, an electric motorbike replaces the standard petrol engine with an electric motor and uses a rechargeable lithium battery instead of petrol. But aside from those power and fuel source differences, electric motorbikes operate similarly to conventional motorcycles.
Electric motorbikes come in endless shapes, sizes and styles from various manufacturers today. But whether it's a small commuter or big cruiser bike, legally riding one on public roads still requires getting a motorcycle license and insurance, registering the vehicle properly, etc - standard motorbike protocols, in other words.
Electric Bike Features To Consider Before Buying
With so many best electric motorbikes vying for your attention, choosing the right one can take time and effort. So, we're here to help you find the perfect ride for your needs.
1- Range
When selecting an electric motorcycle, consider what typical range you'll need between charges. Are you buying it primarily for short daily urban commutes less than 20 miles? Or do you see yourself going on longer weekend rides of 100+ miles roundtrip?
Compare the real-world max ranges different models can deliver on a single full charge, which can be anywhere from 60 miles on the low end to 250 miles for premium long-range bikes. Factors such as hilly terrain or riding in adverse conditions will also reduce operational range. Carefully match the range to your needs.
1. Power & Performance
Additionally, scrutinise the engine torque and maximum power specifications. Higher torque translates into quicker acceleration from a standstill at traffic lights. It makes it more fun! And ample engine power ensures higher sustained speeds, such as confidently passing on highways. It also enables tackling steep uphills without losing momentum. So, pay attention to both torque and power numbers.
2. Battery Life & Charging Time
When it comes to batteries, higher capacity and lithium chemistry are essential. Lithium batteries deliver maximised range and performance pound-for-pound compared to older nickel or lead alternatives. An electric motorcycle battery typically has a lifespan of three to ten years, although with the proper maintenance, some batteries can last even longer. Remember that an e-motorcycle that recharges fast when you're on the go is usually best. Ensure that whatever electric motorcycle you opt for has a battery capacity adequate for your typical daily riding needs, with some spare. Also, consider peak power capabilities.
4- Type Of Brakes
Another essential element is the braking system of the electric motorbike. Its suitability varies depending on riding usage. Drum brakes are simpler and cheaper but have a weaker braking effect and are more prone to overheating. Disc brakes are the most common type, offering good heat dissipation and quick braking, but they may only be ideal for short periods of use.
But for riders who plan to go off-road on trails or need aggressive braking performance, upgraded ABS disc brakes are highly recommended for safety. By preventing the front wheel from locking, ABS can help reduce the risk of skidding. Thus, you feel more secure when riding.
5- Motorcycle Height & Weight
Bike dimensions like seat height, reach to the handlebars, etc., and overall weight also matter for rider confidence and control while manoeuvring. Signs of a bad fit feel like needing to stand on your tiptoes at a stop, difficulty reaching the controls, and straining to reach the ground or handlebars. Sit on it for a trial to ensure you're getting the right motorcycle. This is the most crucial step. Get a feel for the weight distribution, reach for the controls, and see if you can comfortably touch the ground with both feet. You can also try ergonomic simulators online; those tools allow you to input your height and inseam to see how you would fit on a particular motorcycle.
Ensure the electric motorcycle model you choose fits your body type, strength and general riding capabilities to feel most in control. Take your time trying out different motorcycles until you find one that fits you well. Don't settle for "good enough" - finding the right fit is essential for a safe and enjoyable riding experience.
6- Warranty
When it comes to warranties protecting against manufacturing defects, research what coverage each manufacturer offers before deciding. Particularly consider length in years, inclusions like brake pads and tyres or exclusions like rider damage. Know what you are getting for your investment.
7- Budget Constraints
Ultimately, carefully balance your must-have range, speed capabilities, comfort and warranty needs against budget restrictions. However, an e-motorcycle can cost less than $5,000 - as much as you can afford. Charging costs just around a few dollars per 300-400 miles, offering significant savings compared to gas-powered vehicles.
Take your time deciding what's best for you. Don't break the bank, but don't compromise either; plenty of options are available to compare and find your perfect fit. While there are additional expenses like charging and occasional repairs, they typically stay within a reasonable range of $100 to $300.
With key purchasing considerations covered, let's examine the ownership costs of electric motorbikes.
Cost of Owning an Electric Motorcycle
What does an electric motorbike cost? Well, there are options across budgets. But e-bikes generally cost more than petrol bikes since choices are currently more limited. You get what you pay for, as the saying goes.
On the affordable end, basic electric commuters like the CSC City Slicker start around $2,500. It still goes nearly 50 miles per hour with a 60+ mile range - all right! Or the zippy Segway Dirt eBike is $3,500.
E-Ozzie offers electric motorbikes such as the Surron Ultra Bee and Kollter RS1/TINBOT for those seeking mid-range options priced between $10,000 and $15,000. These models provide a perfect blend of performance and affordability.
High-performance electric bikes like Harley Davidson's stunning Livewire command premium pricing of $30,000 out the door. But you get a 150-mile range and a governed 110mph top-end speed. Exotics like the Arc Vector will set you back six figures even!
Yes, electric motorbikes often carry higher price tags than equivalent gas bikes. The battery tech is still expensive. But with less maintenance over time, cost savings accumulate.
As with any vehicle purchase, inspect the range, power and specs closely to ensure you get what you pay for with an e-motorbike!
Top Electric Motorcycle Brands in Australia
Discover the leading names in battery-powered motorcycles with our list of the Top Electric Motorcycle Brands in Australia, offering the best electric bike features.
1- Denzel
Based in Chongqing, China, Denzel Electric Bikes pioneered electric mobility, blending retro charm with cutting-edge speed. Their flagship product, the Electric Cafe Racer, is celebrated for its performance and aesthetics.
Visit Denzel Electric Bikes to explore the perfect blend of vintage style and futuristic technology in our e-bikes.
2- Savic Motorcycles
Savic crafts innovative Australian e-bikes that fuse old-world style with future-ready speed. This award-winning brand makes electric motorcycles hailed for performance and aesthetics.
Visit Savic Motorcycles to discover Savic's perfect fusion of heritage looks and next-gen technology e-bikes.
3- Kollter
Kollter Electric Motorcycles is at the forefront of electric mobility innovation. Based in Southern California and led by CEO John Calicchio, a veteran with over 50 years of motorcycle riding, racing, design, and engineering experience, Kollter USA is recognised for its state-of-the-art, high-quality machines.
Visit Kollter to experience the excellent technology and superior craftsmanship of Kollter motorcycles.
4- Braaap
Braaap shakes up motorbikes as a 4x industry award-winning Australian family business. From R&D to production, Braaap locally engineers quality e-bikes backed by a lifetime warranty.
Check out Braaap Motorcycles to explore their Australian-made motorcycles with raving fan reviews.
5- Surron
Surron is a trailblazer in the world of electric motorcycles, offering a fusion of rugged off-road capability with innovative electric speed. This globally recognised brand produces electric motorcycles celebrated for their performance and durability.
Visit Surron Global to discover Surron's perfect combination of off-road resilience and advanced technology in their e-bikes.
6- Australian Electric Motor Co.
With a passion for electric motorbikes, Australian Electric Motor Co. leads the way down under as pioneers.
Based in Burleigh Heads, this dealership brings Aussie riders the latest electric motorcycle technology.
Go to Australian Electric Motor Co. to discover the future of eco-friendly biking.
7- Fonz
FONZ makes effortlessly stylish, high-performance electric motorbikes as carbon-neutral pioneers. Their distinctive Australian e-bikes set world motorbike speed records thanks to groundbreaking innovation.
Head to Fonz Moto and explore their zero-emission custom rides, making green biking exciting.
Electric Bike Maintenance Tips
Here are some essential points to consider when it comes to maintaining your electric bike for optimal performance
1- Check tyre Pressure
Keep tyres properly inflated for stability, traction and easier pedalling.
2- Test Battery Level
Check the charge level before every ride to avoid being stranded mid-trip.
3- Inspect Brake Pads
Look for wear after a few rides to maintain safe stopping ability.
4- Grease Bearings
Apply grease to reduce noise and friction that hampers smooth operation.
5- Monitor Connections
Check for water damage that can cut motor power and cause shutdowns.
6- Clean Drivetrain
Wipe debris off chains, gears, etc., so pedalling and shifting remain efficient.
7- Check Motor Temperature
Excess heat can overwork motors, so diagnose causes like dirt buildup.
8- Lube Bike Chain
Inspect and lubricate the chain often to prevent breakage and corrosion.
9- Test Suspension
Address abnormal bumpiness by having shock absorbers professionally examined.
10- Fix Loose Parts
Check screws, levers etc., weekly and replace them if needed to avoid more significant issues.
With electric bike care basics addressed, let's turn our lens to the best electric motorbikes in the Australian market!
Best Electric Motorbikes: Top Picks!
Here's a brief compilation of the best electric bikes handpicked just for you. Experience your ride with advanced technology and eco-friendly performance.
1- Denzel Samurai Electric Motorcycle
It's rugged, powerful, and currently available at a discounted price, saving you $990.00 if you order from E-Ozzie immediately.
BUY NOW
$7,980.00 $6,990.00
2- Kollter ES1-PRO Electric Motorcycle
This high-speed, powerful bike is a valuable investment, and you can save $710.00 when purchasing it from E-Ozzie.
BUY NOW
$8,100.00 $7,390.00
3- Kollter RS1/Tinbot Electric Motorcycle
This high-powered beast is worth every penny. Check it out on E-Ozzie, which is available in stunning red and blue colours.
BUY NOW
$14,990.00
Wrapping Up
Buying an electric motorbike costs a pretty penny. So, pick the right one from the get-go that fits how you plan to use it. Hopefully, this guide matches your needs when deciding.
Considering several key factors such as speed, range, and charging time is crucial in securing the ideal electric motorcycle.
Check out
Buy Electric Dirtbikes | Electric Motorbikes Australia - E
-Ozzie for quality electric motorbikes if you're still deciding. We're confident you'll discover your ideal ride, perfectly matching performance hopes and wallet!
Posted on May 31, 2016 by Rob McBroom
In China, there are three types of two-wheel machines available: motorbikes, scooters, or e-bikes, and you are going to want to first consider what type of bike you want to buy. Between our staff in our Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Beijing offices there are riders of each type of bike. Here are their recommendations.
In a paper published by the UN's Sustainable Development branch, it was found that "China, as the world's largest electric two-wheeler manufacturer and exporter, accounts for 92 percentage of the global market in 2012." This makes E-bikes (bikes powered by batteries) the most popular two-wheeled vehicle in China, with an estimated 200 million plus e-bikes on the road (as of 2014).
These machines are generally affordable, easy to ride, can be charged easily via a power plug, and can be purchased from stores (including stores like Carrefour or Walmart) in pretty much every city and town. Our staff use these bikes to get around their neighborhood e.g., getting groceries, going to the mall, or even commuting to and from work.
When looking for an e-bike, you will come across two main types that you will need to consider:
Bicycle Style Electric Bikes - Essentially a bicycle with an electric battery added to it. These bikes have pedals that are fully functional and have been deemed by the government as bicycles. As such, they have a limited speed - usually 20 km/hour and will usually be fairly cheap.
Scooter Style Electric Bikes - These often represent more of a scooter in looks than a bicycle (they don't have working pedals), and are powered fully by batteries. In cities like Shanghai and Beijing, these bikes are the most popular among expats and locals alike as they can go faster than the bicycle style ones and many can go a considerable distance on a single charge. Some models even feature removable batteries that can be charged at home or at the office.
One important thing to note here is that not every city allows e-bikes. For example, Guangzhou and Shenzhen both have banned scooter style e-bikes from certain roads though pedal e-bikes are still legal. That said, most e-bikes are treated by the police as bicycles so enforcement of bans is usually spotty at best.
The popular workhorse of South East Asia is commonly seen in many cities around China as well. While similar to e-bikes, scooters (or mopeds) run on petrol and tend to have bigger engines which means they go faster than many e-bikes. They also tend to be slightly more expensive as well.
One of the other main differences between scooters and e-bikes is that you are required to have a driver's license in order to drive a scooter in China.
Like E-bikes, some cities have actually banned scooters on certain roads, so it is important to ask around when considering a scooter as you may live near a road where they are banned.
Larger motorcycles are increasingly popular in China, especially among expats and locals who need to travel longer distances for work. While a variety of bikes are available, you may struggle to find motorcycles with engines larger than 150 ccs, as the vast majority of motorcycles sold in China are 125 CC.
If you are considering purchasing a motorbike in China it is important to note that you are required to have a valid driver's license and insurance. Beyond that, many cities have banned motorbikes from freeways and the downtown cores of many cities.
According to Bloomberg, "A study conducted by researchers at Peking University and other institutions from October 2010 to April 2011 found that e-bikes were involved in 57 percent of serious non-fatal road accidents in a rural hospital in Suzhou. Traumatic brain injuries were sustained by 36 percent of injured riders."
While this may seem high, anyone who has spent time on the road in China would see they could make sense. Drivers in China simply ignore road rules, and it is common to see e-bike or scooter riders often cutting in front of turning cars, failing to stop at red lights, or simply driving too fast for the conditions.
Combine this with the fact that the vast majority of scooter drivers don't wear helmets and protective gear like jackets or even appropriate pants, and it is clear to see that you are at risk if you ride a scooter in China.
This varies by city. In many of the larger cities like Shenzhen and Shanghai, it is mandatory for owners of scooters and motorbikes to register their bike with the police and to obtain a legitimate license plate along with the appropriate driver's license and insurance.
In larger cities like Shenzhen and Shanghai, it is now mandatory for people who own a scooter style e-bike to register it with the police. For example, according to Time Out Shanghai, you need to go to a specific office to register your e-bike. This is free of charge, and in some cases, the store you bought the bike from may help you with the process. If you are considering an e-bike it would be a good idea to check with the local authorities whether you need to register it or not.
There are a number of things you can do to minimize the risks of riding a scooter in China. First and foremost, it is highly recommended that you purchase a helmet. Most of our staff have purchased motorcycle helmets from respected stores in Shanghai or Beijing and wear them whenever they are on the bike. It is important here not to purchase a bicycle helmet as these will not provide enough protection. If you are curious as to where to procure a helmet, try talking with your colleagues. It is also equally important that if you are going to purchase a more powerful motorcycle you also get the right equipment e.g., leather riding jacket, boots, long pants etc. If you are wondering whether these provide protection or not, just ask anyone who has been in a motorcycle accident and they will all likely agree that they are.
Another way to mitigate the risk is to be aware of the hazards of driving on the road. First off, pay constant attention to the other drivers and pedestrians around you, they can do anything at any time so paying attention could help you avoid any collisions. Secondly, pay attention to the quality of the road. For example, the paint used to demarcate lines on the road is extremely slippery when the road is wet. Turning, speeding up, or slowing down while your tires are on these lines could result in a crash. If there is fresh snow on the roads, then it would be advisable to avoid riding your scooter as they lack the traction of four-wheel cars. Again, asking your colleagues for other tips can be beneficial.
Finally, it is important to secure the right type of insurance. As we noted above, if you have a motorcycle or gas scooter you are likely going to have to secure motorcycle insurance. Beyond that, it would also be a good idea to ensure you have a robust health insurance plan. Should you be in an accident, your health insurance can provide coverage for any medical issues that arise from riding a motorcycle. One thing to be aware of here, however, is that many health insurance plans exclude care related to motorcycle accidents that occurred while you were speeding or racing.
To help find the best health insurance plan on the market, visit Pacific Prime's online quotation system for a free quote. We can help recommend a plan that will provide coverage for all of your daily activities.