Electric motorcycles, are they a great deal?

Question

In br. (sorry for my not so good english,ok?) they are selling electric-electronic motorcycles. Its speed can reach 40km (max) - what is suitable for my necessities and skills. They affirm that the thin tyres on it are proper to that speed... do you think it is safe?; each 40km of use you have to "put some gas on it", as to say, a new 220w charge... don´t you think that will "overload" the battery soon? (everything is electrical on this moto!) . This kind of vehicle is very much correct for the enviroment, I agree, but I'm worried about its "long life maintenance" after buying it, do you have similars in your country? Is it a great deal? Could I change the battery myself?How long have you had it? Thank you for your attention and advice. (I'll live the best answer to be voted by the community, is it right?). "tchiao"

By the way...

Lots of luck and "criteria" on your choice for your new USA President! I take my time to have a look on your newspapers...

Answer 1

I like the electric motorcycles, where I live they are much cheaper to operate than the gas powered ones,

they also require less maintenance, and the small tires cause less drag on the road so that they use less power to operate.

as far as the battery goes, you have to replace the battery on gas powered vehicles also.

and while the electric cycles battery might need to be replaced more often, the saving on fuel cost more than makes up for the added expense of the battery replacement.

Answer 2

We actually call what you're talking about a "moped" rather than a "motorcycle".

I currently own two of these electric mopeds (I'm in the process of selling the first one).  The first one I bought has a top speed of 20 mph (32 kph) and the second goes 50 mph (80 kph).  I owned the first one for about a year and just recently bought the faster one.

How long the battery lasts depends on what type it is.  Most batteries are currently lead acid.  They last for approximately 300 cycles (discharges and recharges), or for about 2 years.  If you recharge the battery immediately after you use the moped every time, the battery will last longer.

If you know where to buy a replacement battery, you could probably replace it yourself.

Personally I think electric mopeds are great.  They're quiet, cheap and easy to recharge, fun to ride, very low maintenance, and environmentally friendly.

Answer 3

Whether they are a 'great deal' depends on whether they fit your needs or not.  (In my case, since I live in a rural area and have to haul feed for livestock, they are NOT useful.)

I would also look into the cost of replacement batteries as some types are VERY expensive. (Especially the newer types used in some vehicle applications.)

Usually, a person who is 'mechanically inclined' can change the batteries.

By the way, your english is better than a lot I see on here!!

Answer 4

motorcycles already get great gas mileage.