alt Hacker NewsEV motorcycles are a huge struggle! I have been riding motorcycles pretty much my whole adult life, but after trying electric bikes a few times while in the EU, I felt they were like toys. Honestly, how can you ride a motorcycle that sounds like a kitchen blender? FYI: I understand they are more efficient and faster, but a motorcycle is not about efficiency; it's more about a hobby, fun. In the EU market, it is mostly deliveries because cities are built for them.
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> a motorcycle is not about efficiency; it's more about a hobby, fun.
It's also about fun, but for me, it's definitely about efficiency. My 600cc gets 50mpg versus 31 for my Honda Fit.
98% of my 30k+ miles on my bike are commuting miles. Bonus efficiencies: better parking, HOV lanes.
I like when my vehicles take me from A to B safely. If they are also quiet, offer a smooth ride, and are easy to refill/recharge, then even better.
In Brazil it's for deliveries but also to avoid traffic, and a cheaper way to get around in more remote areas (people traded their horses for motorcycles!). Only rich people buy motorcycles because it's fun.
That's a response to any innovation - it's not like the old thing. There are always trade-offs that someone can point to. At the slowest adoption rate, over time people will grow up using the new thing, which becomes their old thing (until they say the same thing about something else 30 years from now).
> Honestly, how can you ride a motorcycle that sounds like a kitchen blender?
All the more reason to aggressively ban gas motorcycles.
FWIW: Harley designed a "loud" drivetrain for electric motorcycles so they can have a distinctive sound when they switch over.
For many it's about traffic and parking. At least for the moped / scooter riders.
On the other hand, I would never ever consider a traditional motocycle (partly becuase they are so noisy). But an EV one is very appealing. Exactly because it's more efficient and practical.
> ...after trying electric bikes... I felt they were like toys.
> ...a motorcycle...it's more about a hobby, fun.
I don't think you have successfully articulated why EV motorcycles are a struggle. If anything you've created further confusion.
Are they faster? I guess at some point it comes down to gearing, but a liter bike is hitting 300km/h and has more than enough torque to loop you from standing still. I'm not sure what an electric motor adds here for hobbyists or speed demons.
They shine best I think as alternatives to the 50cc segment; 60kph max with round trip taking 5km to 10km. At that point the limitations aren't a big deal. Anything beyond that's... iffy.
> but a motorcycle is not about efficiency; it's more about a hobby, fun.
Torque is fun
EBikes are quiet and awesome. People who like loud bikes and loud cars are, thankfully an extreme minority where I live.