Learn more about the costs associated with electric motorcycles and how they compare to their gas-powered counterparts.
How Much Does an Electric Motorcycle Cost?
Electric vehicles have been making inroads with traditional consumers for years, but they haven’t been as popular with motorcycle enthusiasts – until now. Many manufacturers have created their own line of electric motorcycles to appeal to more environmentally conscious consumers.
Considering these vehicles have only been on the market for a few years, they tend to be much more expensive than their gas-powered counterparts. Beginner electric bikes and motorcycles can go for just a few thousand dollars, while electric motorcycles from Harley Davidson and Zero usually start at around $20,000 or a few thousand more. Davidson recently lowered the price of its flagship Livewire electric motorcycle from just under $30,000 to $22,000.
Compare with the average price of a gas-powered motorcycle. Beginner bikes usually go for around $5,000 to $10,000, while more experienced riders usually go for bikes in the $10,000 to $15,000 range. However, high-end gas-powered bikes can go for as much as $30,000 or more.
Going electric may be about the same or more than buying a gas-powered motorcycle depending on your budget and preferences. You can also easily find a used gas-powered motorcycle, which can help you save more upfront. Finding a used electric motorcycle is rare, as they are usually just a few years old. Prices for electric motorcycles will likely come down in the years to come as this technology becomes more popular.
So, why are electric motorcycles so much more expensive than gas motorcycles?
While electric motorcycles don’t have a clutch, gearbox, drivetrain, oil, spark plugs and other components needed for combustion, they need other components to hold a charge, some of which can be quite expensive. Electric motorcycles need a battery, battery charger, motor, motor controller and other various components to store electricity.
Because they are powered with electricity, these bikes also have to be waterproofed to prevent electrocution and battery failure.
The gear is generally the same for both types of motorcycles. You can use the same type of gloves, boots, and helmet as you would on a gas motorcycle. Use a motorcycle Bluetooth helmet to access your phone hands-free while riding.
Use a Motorcycle Bluetooth Headset on Your Electric Motorcycle
Repair Costs for an Electric Motorcycle
The good news is that electric motorcycles cost much less to repair than gas-powered bikes. They do not have to combust air and fuel to generate power, which reduces the chances of mechanical failure. Just like your phone or some other appliance, all you have to do is charge the battery and turn the bike on. It’s just that simple.
Gas-powered motorcycles usually cost around $1,000 to repair per year. All that oil and fuel will wear away at the internal parts over time. There’s also the chance the combustion chamber could overheat, which could lead to parts fusing together. This increases the risk of accidents. Wear a Bluetooth motorcycle helmet to give yourself more peace of mind.
You won’t have to pay nearly that much to repair your electric motorcycle. They generally cost less than $100 to repair each year, which is about as much as you would pay to repair a traditional push bike.
Find a Bluetooth Motorcycle Communication Device for Your First Ride
Fuel Costs for an Electric Motorcycle
The price of gasoline will continue to change on a dime, making your fuel costs hard to predict. Gas-powered motorcycles usually cost around $20 to $30 to refuel, depending on the size of the tank.
Electric motorcycles just need access to electricity, usually the same electricity that powers your home. Even if it takes eight or more hours to charge the battery, it will usually cost less than a dollar. Most people charge the battery on their electric bike overnight during off-peak hours. This is the cheapest time to use electricity.
If you generate your own source of electricity using solar or wind energy, you won’t have to pay anything to recharge the battery on your electric motorcycle. The utility company may even pay you to pump excess electricity into the grid.
While electric motorcycles cost more upfront compared to gas-powered motorcycles, they will help you save money overtime. Regardless of which type you choose, use Bluetooth motorcycle speakers to keep in touch with your loved ones.
