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Public authorities are gradually attempting to reduce the impact of transport on pollutant emissions, in particular by promoting electric engines. While the adoption of electric engines is still limited due to the relative youth of the segment, particularly in the two-wheeler segment, the technology is making great strides, both in terms of pure performance and in terms of energy efficiency.autonomy.
If electric motors are very different from combustion engines in the way they work, but they offer far superior performance, particularly with maximum torque available immediately, so much so that we may well wonder how far electric motorbikes will go when the technology reaches maturity.
Today, a good number of motorcycles are no longer ashamed of the comparison with their petrol-powered equivalents, and we're not talking about prototypes specially designed for competition or speed records, but motorbikes that have been or are being produced in series, even limited series.
In terms of sales, it's not just cars and bicycles that are doing well. Market figures for electric motorbikes and scooters are also showing good momentum. According to ACEMIn the first half of 2019, the two segments together registered 34,389 units, a large proportion of them electric scooters (28,577 units). With 5,812 units sold, the electric motorbike segment also recorded strong growth: +82.7 % compared with the first half of 2018.
However, we have to put this into perspective, as volumes remain low, although we can see that electric motorbikes and scooters are gaining market share, and that at this rate their sales will soon no longer be able to be described as "confidential".
The difference between scooters and motorbikes
Between a motorbike and scooterWith the exception of maxi-scooters, scooters are mainly used in urban environments, whereas motorbikes are more at home in non-urban areas.
However, the differences between a motorbike and a scooter are mainly mechanical, affecting the way they are ridden:
Speeds : A scooter is fitted with an automatic gearbox based on a variator, while a motorbike has a mechanical gearbox.
Wheels : The wheels of a scooter are generally smaller in diameter than those of a motorbike, so the scooter's centre of gravity is automatically lower. It is this feature that gives scooters their legendary manoeuvrability, to the detriment of poorer roadholding than a motorbike at higher speeds.
The drive : it is also smoother for the scooter rider, but with less control when faced with an unexpected situation. For the same amount of power, a scooter will be less lively than a motorbike, as the automatic gearbox does not offer the responsiveness of a mechanical gearbox controlled by the rider.
Weight: Scooters generally have better fairings than motorbikes, and more storage space, but are heavier and therefore more inertial. On the other hand, the fairing provides better protection for the rider, and is often more comfortable.
The price : The price of a scooter versus a motorbike is also an important factor to consider. Motorbikes are more expensive than scooters.
Insurance : the cost of insurance can also be a decisive criterion when comparing motorbikes and scooters.
- Compared with motorbikes, scooters are considered more dangerous by insurance companies. Because they have to make their way through city traffic, and are often driven by a young rider, they are frequently the subject of claims. What's more, they are more attractive to thieves, so it's a good idea to make sure you have a scooter.insuring your scooter accordingly.
- However, if you travel long distances by motorbike, you are not safe from an accident, the consequences of which are likely to be more serious than a simple fender-bender on a scooter in town. What's more, a motorbike is harder to steal than a scooter, but its value is also higher. So it's all the more important to take out more cover.
How to use : It all depends on your requirements and how you intend to use your electric motor.
- Choose a scooter if you appreciate the ease of use and manoeuvrability of a two-wheeler.
- Choose a motorbike if you're looking for good roadholding, comfort in the saddle and riding pleasure.
Electric scooter licence
- Most of the current electric scooters can be driven without a licence: 50cc equivalents can be driven without a licence from the age of 14 (BSR)
- Electric scooters with a 125cc equivalent can be accessed in a number of ways, such as with an A, A1 or A2 motorbike licence.
- Electric scooters over 125 cm³ require an A2 motorbike licence.
Electric motorbike licence
- Electric vehicles of less than 11 kW (125cm³) are available from the age of 16 with an A1 motorbike licence, or from the age of 20 with a B licence and 7 hours' training. For more powerful models, up to 35 kW rated power, an A2 licence is required. An A motorbike licence would be required for electric motorbikes with a power rating of over 35 kW.
Why buy an electric motorbike?
First and foremost, it's important to know that electric motorbikes are designed for all urban users, who use motorbikes on a daily basis to get to work, for example.
Electric motorbikes have many advantages, but there are also a few disadvantages to consider if you want one.
Benefits
- Financial aspect : lhe most important advantage is undoubtedly the economic aspect: as you've probably noticed, the price of fuel is rising all the time. In the long term, therefore, you'll save on petrol, and you should also know that an electric motorbike has a low energy cost, with a charge of €2/100 km.
- Pollution : is also a subject that needs to be taken very seriously at the moment, whether it's atmospheric or noise-related! So it's with this in mind that the electric motorbike offers other advantages, emitting no gases, no atmospheric pollution and little or no noise, depending on the manufacturer. This is the most important point when thinking about the future.
- Mechanical level : the electric motorbike also scores a plus point, since there is neither beltor engine oil, etc. It's also worth noting that research into innovation and technology is also becoming increasingly advanced, with the aim of offering more high-performance motorbikes.
Disadvantages
- The price :When you list all the advantages of an electric motorbike, you quickly realise that they are indisputable, especially if you take a long-term view. On the other hand, if you've taken any interest at all in electric motorbikes, you're bound to have noticed the difference in price between an electric motorbike and a combustion engine motorbike. An electric motorbike is indeed much more expensive to buy, a cost that can be recouped in the long term when you consider the current price of petrol.
- The autonomy of the battery : is its second weak point: battery life varies according to each model of motorbike, and this requires a certain amount of planning before you set off. You'll need to find out how long your battery will last, and you should also be aware that some motorbikes are equipped with a "rechargeable battery". removable batterysomething very practical.
- A possible danger: Finally, some electric motorbikes are silent. And this can be a danger, because without noise it's difficult for a biker to announce his presence. Motorcyclists will in fact be silent and their presence will therefore be much more discreet, perhaps too much so? Nonetheless, some manufacturers have installed a dummy noise inside their motorbikes, giving riders a better feel for the ride.
How do I recharge an electric motorbike?
Electric motorbikes can be recharged using a simple 220 V socket for a so-called "slow" charge. There is also a retractable battery that can be taken home for scooters and motorbikes weighing between 10 and 20 kg and two-wheelers with an integrated battery. For fast recharging, depending on the model, you can use a special charger, or plug into certain public charging points. Finally, some electric motorbikes have removable batteries which can then be recharged in the comfort of your own home, without the hassle of running wires to the vehicle. On average, it takes between 6 and 8 hours to charge using a domestic socket, and between 1 and 4 hours using a supercharger.
Support for the purchase of an electric motorbike in 2022
In order to speed up the ecological transitionThe government is renewing the system of grants and bonuses for the purchase of electric vehicles, including plug-in hybrids.
Up to €2,100 in state aid
- Buying an electric two-wheelerThis starts with the government's ecological bonus, which amounts to 900 euros for the purchase of a new two-wheeled vehicle (or tricycle or quadricycle) with an electric motor and a maximum net power output of at least 2 kW or 3 kW, up to a limit of 27% of the acquisition cost including VAT, plus the cost of the battery if it is leased. The calculation is based on 250 euros per whole kWh of energy capacity of the on-board battery.
- Please note: if the power of the two-wheeler in question is less than the limits indicated, then the eco-bonus drops to 100 euros, without ever exceeding 20 % of the purchase cost.
- And that's not all: If you are buying a new electric two-wheeler to scrap a diesel vehicle registered before 01/01/2001 or an old petrol car registered before 01/01/1997, then you will be eligible for the conversion premium. That's an extra 100 euros for the purchase of a two-wheeler (or tricycle and quadricycle) with a maximum net power of at least 2 kW (EU regulation 168/2013) or 3 kW (directive 2002/24/EC).
- Another one? if you are not taxable, there is still money in your pocket: 1.100 for the purchase of a new two-wheeled vehicle (or tricycle or quadricycle) with an electric motor and a maximum net power output of at least 2 kW or 3 kW, up to the cost of acquisition and battery hire less the bonus granted, with possible exemptions if your tax household income is less than or equal to €6,300 or your home/work journey is more than 30 kilometres, or your annual mileage to work exceeds 12,000 kilometres.
- Local aid : Electric motorbikes are quite expensive, but there are some major cities, such as Paris, which offer purchase incentives to reduce the investment.
Top 5 : The best electric motorbikes in 2022
Zero DSR Design Black Forest 2020
Zero Motorcycles has unveiled its 2020 range of electric motorbikes, and the big news is the addition of the DS sport double model. In its top-of-the-range Black Forest edition, the DSR can take you and much of your gear up to 112km into the great outdoors. The Zero DSR Black Forest Design is a true adventurer's bike.
- Range: 262 km (WLTP)
- Price : 21 880 €(excluding environmental bonus)
- Slow recharge (0 to 100%): 6h
- Fast recharge (0 to 80%): 2 h 45
- Availability: 2020
Energica Eva Ribelle 2020
Italy is no stranger to electricity, as Energica has shown by becoming the official manufacturer of the first electric world championship FIM MotoE. For the road, the transalpine brand has a real EVA roadster developing 145 bhp and 200 Nm for a top speed limited to 200 km/h.
- Range: 200 km (WLTP)
- Price : 22 943 €(excluding environmental bonus)
- Slow recharge (0 to 100%): Mode 2 or 3: 67 km/h
- Fast recharge (0 to 80%): 40 min
- Availability: 2020
Zero Motorcycle SR/F
The SR/F is a true StreetFighter. Zero Motorcycles has gone one step further with a machine that is ever more powerful and manoeuvrable, and now capable of reaching a top speed of 200 km/h, limited by electronics, thanks to its 110 hp engine and 190 Nm of torque.
- Range: 320 km (WLTP)
- Price: €23,190 (excluding environmental bonus)
- Slow recharge (0 to 100%) : 4h30
- Fast recharge (0 to 80%) : 2h30
- Availability: Immediate
Verge TS 2020
Goodbye RMK, hello Verge! While the brand name may not be the most appropriate for France, the Finnish manufacturer is taking advantage of its presence at EICMA to complete its transformation, two years after the presentation of the RMK E2 concept.
Presented as the first mass-produced electric motorbike from the Finnish manufacturer, the Verge TS is aesthetically very close to the initial concept, but goes further on the technical side. While the RMK E2 promised 50 kW of power, the Verge TS boasts 80 kW (107 hp) and up to 1000 Nm of torque. Enough to enable it to take on the Zero SR/F in the premium segment.
- Range: 158 km city (WLTP)
- Price : 24 990 € (excluding environmental bonus)
- Slow recharge (0 to 100%): 4h
- Fast recharge (0 to 80%) : 2h45
- Availability: 2020
Harley Davidson LiveWire
Largely inspired by eponymous prototype revealed by the American brand in 2014, the Harley-Davidson LiveWire features a 105hp (78kW) electric motor. The American brand has adopted the typical styling of other internal combustion models for its electric model.
In terms of acceleration, the manufacturer claims a 0-100 kph time of 3 seconds, and acceleration from 100 to 130 kph in 1.9 seconds.
- Range: 449 km (WLTP)
- Price: €33,900 (excluding environmental bonus)
- Slow recharge (0 to 100%): 5h
- Fast recharge (0 to 80%): 40 min
- Availability: Immediate
Today, there are more and more electric vehicles on the road, and the number is set to increase over the next few years. If you thought the electric world was just about cars and bikes, you'd be wrong. There are plenty of electric motorbikes to suit all tastes, so all you have to do is make your choice.
Bonus
Voxan Motors
La Wattman is Voxan's first high-performance electric motorbike, dedicated to world speed record attempts. In July 2021, the Voxan Wattman will attempt to set a new world speed record on the Salar d'Uyuni in Bolivia. At the wheel of this exceptional machine will be six-time world motorbike champion Max Biaggi. The previous record having been set by Ryuji Tsuruta in 2019 with a speed of 329 km/h on the Mobitec EV-02A, Voxan will attempt to homologate 330 km/h on the Salar d'Uyuni, the largest salt desert in the world, in Bolivia.
This Wattman has a number of little secrets to help it perform so well. Firstly, the bike weighs just 300 kg (140 kg of which is for the battery alone). Secondly, to avoid overheating, Voxan Motors has chosen to use carbon dioxide to cool the 15.9 kWh battery when the powertrain is at full throttle. This system enables the engine to deliver 270 kW, or around 362 bhp, and 970 nm of torque.
Today, there are more and more electric vehicles on the road, and the number is set to increase over the next few years. If you thought the electric world was just about cars and bikes, you'd be wrong. There are plenty of electric motorbikes to suit all tastes, so all you have to do is make your choice.
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