Would you make the switch to an electric motorcycle?
Government announces subsidies for zero emission bikes
The government has recently announced it will provide a subsidy to those who buy an electric motorcycle. This comes five years after the electric car subsidy, which came into play in 2011.
The Office for Low Emission Vehicles says it should "open the door" to zero emission transport for those who can't afford an electric car. This comes as part of a £35 million boost for ultra low emission vehicles.
Electric motorcycles will be reduced in price by £1,500 or 20% of the total cost price, whichever is the smallest. The bikes will have to meet
certain criteria, as laid out by the government.
It's a positive step for our environment, and we're bound to see many more electric vehicles on the road in the future. But there are drawbacks which put petrol-powered motorcycle riders off.
Battery life and mileage
This is not a problem for those who live and ride predominantly in a city or small area, and battery technology is improving all the time. But, even so, it's likely to put off riders who regularly use their bikes for longer journeys.
Price
Even with a subsidy, electric motorcycles aren't cheap. That said, one you've got one, you won't have so many parts to replace as with a traditional bike.
Enjoyable riding
This is the one that a lot of motorcyclists can't get their heads around. The lack of the rumbling and vibrations of the engine. Would riding be as enjoyable without it? Read articles about people who've tested or switched to riding electric bikes and they'll tell you it's great. But many remain unconvinced.
Weight
Electric motorcycles are also heavier than petrol-powered motorcycles. Not all the time, but a lot of the time.
This isn't to say that electric bikes aren't the way forward. But a sudden surge of electric bike owners against petrol-powered doesn't seem likely. Perhaps this subsidy might inspire some, but we'll more likely see a gradual, slow change over time instead.
Have you ridden or owned and electric motorcycle? Does the new subsidy make you any more likely to buy one? Let us know at
[email protected].
Comments
08/11/16 - Doubt it. Especially if it couldnt match my zzr1100 in every way.
08/11/16 - If i could attach a speaker and make it sound like a R6 then aye
08/11/16 - As it would have to live in the street I don't think the cooncil would be awfy happy if I plugged it in to a lamp post...
09/11/16 - in the future plug in points will be in many lamp posts i think.
10/11/16 - Not here,they can't even fix the roads...
08/11/16 - Still not an economic prospect for me. 120mile range would do me a week of commuting and it is all 20-50 limits. But still the difference in running cost wouldn't make back the outlay on initial cost even with a subsidy.
08/11/16 - For commuting, why not? I have a long commute and most e-bikes don't have enough range. Buy if there was a charger at work, I could do that. They seem to have a marvelous torque and acceleration, so who knows, they might be fun as well?
08/11/16 - with a 20 mile journey to work, and the opportunity to plug it in when I'm there , it's a no brainer. Also, without a garage or driveway, an electric bike could be charged at home, but an electric car is out of bounds. Trouble is, they all look rubbish. Where's the Brammo Empulse gone, eh?
08/11/16 - If Honda want to give me the mugen bike from tt, that will be just fine
08/11/16 - Im stressed out enough with everything else i have to charge up these days...my bike is to take me away from all that!
08/11/16 - Would love to, let me know when it will do 200+ miles in a day off a single charge of a couple hours. And when there's free sockets around towns.
08/11/16 - I'd certainly consider it
Would need a 40mile+ real range at a minimum and I'd want a fairing as I commute all year round.
I'd also want it to look like a normal bike, not a space ship
08/11/16 - Not enough range.. very expensive to buy and takes a long time to "fill the tank"... tech is not really close enough yet... same with electric cars that's why they still put an engine in with the electrics! ! (mostly)....
08/11/16 - For me electric vehicles all fail for the same points, 1 not enough range, 2 the time it takes to recharge 3 the cost of replacement battries also not interested in renting battries as the vehicle is not truely yours. solve these and I would be more than happy to buy one, smooth motor with maximum torque available instantly almost zero maintainance and clean
08/11/16 - Just like that w**ker Brown encouraged everyone to go diesel !
09/11/16 - Yes if they had the range and the cost was massively lower than it is now. Have one that can reach 110mph and run for at least 160 miles or more per tank and not take hours upon hours to charge for ~£6000 then I'd likely buy one.
09/11/16 - They are s**t like electric cars, what's up with the goverment until there's a break through with battery life they are only good for in city's
09/11/16 - Nope
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