Which is more durable and reliable- an electric motorcycle or a gas motorcycle?

Question

Which one will I spend more money on for repairs, replacements, and scheduled maintenance? Specifically, how much more will I spend every 10,000 miles?

Answer 1

Which is more durable and reliable: a quality Japanese gas powered motorcycle, such a Honda, Suzuki, or Yamaha.  They have been doing this for many years now, and use some of the best and most reliable technologies in their engines.  A lot of these are derived from technologies that were developed for the racing word, and have had tons of funding thrown into their development.  That combined with the fact that they are so common, they essentially have had significant amounts field testing to ensure their near and long term reliably.  Having owned several, I can tell you they can take years of abuse and improper maintenance and still run perfectly.  

Electric motorcycles on the other hand aren't nearly as common, and haven't had the years of testing and the large amounts of funding towards their development like gas motorcycles.  While an electric motor is simpler and usually more reliable than a gas engine, its actual reliability when used to power a motorcycle in a wide range of potential harsh conditions is uncertain.  I personally feel the biggest concern would be the reliability of the rest of the bike.

As for cost of maintenance, it can really go either way.  The gross majority of maintenance costs for both bikes will be for standard maintenance in terms of tires, brakes, chain, etc.  If you're not accustomed to motorcycles, you should take note that most motorcycle tires will last you less than 10,000 miles, and the cost to replace 2 motorcycle tires is usually more than you'd spend to replace 4 tires on a car.  Also, if a chain is used to drive the rear tire, you will need to clean, lubricate, and possibly tighten it every 600 miles.  They will both also require regular tightening of fasteners, lubrication of various points, and other minor adjustments that are normally taken for granted in cars.

For the gas powered, you will need more scheduled maintenance in terms of oil changes and valve clearance checks.  Depending on the bike, an oil change can cost you anywhere from $30 to over $100, or you could easily do it yourself for under $15.  A valve clearance check, which most modern bikes need performed every 10k-20k miles, will probably run you several hundred dollars depending on the bike.  While this is usually a little more involved than an oil change, you can still do it yourself for free if you already have a decent set of mechanics tools.

As for electric bikes, the actual electric motor probably requires very little regular maintenance, aside from perhaps occasionally having to change the motor brushes.  If they are in fact powered by a lead acid battery, the battery will require some maintenance.  If it's not a sealed battery, you will need to regularly check its fluid level and top it off if needed.  In either case, the battery will probably need to be replaced occasionally, depending on how many charge/discharge cycles you put it through.  Seeing as it is probably a very specialized battery, I wouldn't be surprised if a new battery costs hundreds of dollars.  The biggest problem I can see with an electric bike is that it would be considered a specialty item, and the most basic parts and accessories for such things are often hard to find and/or very expensive.

Also, don't forget you need to charge the electric bike, which will probably take several hours per change and only get you a couple hundred miles.  

IMHO, electric bikes are still a novelty item for the environmentally conscience person with a few extra bucks to spend.  If you're just going to use it for riding around on the weekend when the weather is nice, then it will be fine, but I would not depend on it for transportation.  If you need a bike for getting you to and from work or school, get something like a Suzuki GS500; it's a tried and true super reliable bike that will easily get well over 50 mpg with relatively low maintenance costs.

Answer 2

In general electric vehicles require less maintenance than gas powered vehicles, because an electric engine has fewer moving parts than an internal combustion engine.

I'm considering buying an electric scooter, and in my research have found that they require very little maintenance.  However, you do have to replace the battery.  A sealed lead acid battery will need to be replaced after about a year, maybe a little longer.  The one I'm looking at has a $250 replacement cost.

So a gas version will have a lower initial cost but certainly require more maintenance.  The electric version will be far more environmentally friendly, but require a battery replacement relatively frequently (but the batteries will also be recyclable).

Answer 3

I totally have to agree with everything Limaxray said.

For durablilty and reliablity gas would win hands down.  As far as cost...  I think it would be very close.  Depending on the specific model you buy your initial cost could vary greatly.  You can buy expensive models of both and you can get less expensive models of both.  You can however get used gas models that run perfect for very cheap.  If we cancel out all of the things that both types will need to replace like tires, brakes, chains, etc...  Then the only differences are your initial cost, batteries, and fluids.

Gas models.................Electric models

Lower initial cost...........higher initial cost

Fuel price (50 mpg).......Battery Cost (? years)

Engine Oil (5000 mile)

So I think in the end it comes down to how long you plan to use it, how many miles you plan to go, and other things like do you need power and longer range?  And really what it comes down to is the price of gas and the initial cost difference.

Example...

If you buy a gas model like mine...

2002 Suzuki bandit600 - $3500

at 50 mpg... 5000 miles/year gas at $3.00 = $300/yr.

oil change every 5000 miles = $45 at local dealership

Total = 3845 ~ $4000 for first year + $350 each after.

vs.

electric

$11,000 new (http://www.enertiabike.com/)

6 x lithium Phosphate batteries (? cycles/year)

= total of $11,000

or if you go with a scooter

XM-2000 electric moped = ~$2000

5 x 12 volt Lead Acid (car type) batteries $35/per battery average life 1-2 years = $175/year

Total = $2000 first year + $175 each year after

If you used each type for 5 years...

Gas = $5,400

Electric Motorcycle = $11,000

Eelctric Scooter = $2,700

But the downside to both electric types... is you only have a range of 30-50 miles (with 3 hour 0-full charge time) and top speeds around 50mph.  The gas bike has a top speed around 140 mph and a range of ~150-200 miles.

Answer 4

There are not as many comercial electric bikes around, so getting one to meet your need may be tricky.

One like this will be high maintenance,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDHJNG2Pn...

but not more than a comparable fueler version.

eelctric motors are much simpler, and the transmission should be less complicated too. Modern batteries can have a very long life, and refuel at home or work

Answer 5

Not a lot of difference.  Chassis, brakes, etc. are the same.  The electric motor is more reliable than a gas motor, but the batteries need replacement after some years.

Answer 6

I think the electric motor would be better.