What Is the Difference Between an Electric Bike And Motorcycle？ (2024)

FAQs

What Is the Difference Between an Electric Bike And Motorcycle？? ›

An e-bike is an electrically assisted pedal cycle (EAPC) which is equipped with an electric motor to assist a rider when they are pedalling. By law it cannot propel the rider on its own - if it does, it is classed as a motorcycle or moped.

Cons of E-bikes

Heavy Without Motor Support: When the battery is depleted or turned off, e-bikes can be significantly heavier to pedal than a regular bicycle. More Sought After and Vulnerable to Theft: E-bikes are more sought after by thieves because of their higher resale value, making them more susceptible to theft.

Electric motorcycles can generally travel between 25 mph to 40 mph; however, they can reach higher speeds with greater speed capabilities.

With the debut of California AB 2989, only riders under the age of 18 are required to wear a helmet.

Electric motorcycles are far superior when it comes to maintenance. Because there are fewer parts in the construction, there are also fewer maintenance requirements. For instance, you never have to worry about oil changes.

One of the most common ebike problems people encounter is a punctured or damaged rear whee l. The rear wheel drives the bike and can be a major inconvenience once it stops working, preventing you from riding your e-bike until the problem is fixed.

The spike in popularity of e-bikes in New York City – which use batteries that contain far more stored energy than those used in electronics – created a perfect storm. Batteries can overheat or malfunction and ignite with little to no warning, violently spewing projectiles and toxic gas.

According to Electrek's report, NREL's hardline approach towards e-mobility devices stems from safety issues, more specifically, fires. Indeed, e-bike fires have proven to be deadly and difficult to control due to the chemicals and elements found in their batteries, so NREL's concerns aren't a 100% unfounded.

What is the lifespan of an electric motorcycle? ›

Generally, the average lifespan of an electric motorcycle battery ranges from 3 to 10 years, but some batteries can last even longer with proper care.

Speed: Electric bikes have a maximum speed of around 30 mph, while motorcycles can reach much higher speeds, some up to 200 mph. Electric bikes are designed to assist the rider's pedaling, whereas motorcycles rely solely on their engine to propel the vehicle.

Currently, only three U.S. states don't have motorcycle helmet laws. The states not requiring motorcycle helmets are Illinois, Iowa, and New Hampshire. Nineteen states and the District of Columbia have universal helmet laws. The remaining 28 states have helmet laws that vary by age and/or experience.

Class 3 ebikes are still considered bicycles and do not require a driver's license or license plate. However, they do require you to be 17 or older and wear a helmet by law. Class 3 ebikes provide pedal assist, just like Class 1 ebikes, but they can reach higher speeds.

You need a motorcycle license to ride any electric motorcycle. However, the same does not apply to electric bikes. Electric bikes don't require a license. However, the laws around them vary from state-to-state.

Electric motorcycle maintenance is far simpler.

Electric two-wheelers have fewer parts that need regular servicing, but they still need some occasional check-ups to run at their best. Basic checks, like brake, tire, and battery inspections, can be done without much cost or professional help.

Since e-motorcycles do not produce emissions, they do not contribute to pollution in the atmosphere. Remember, harmful gases and pollutants in the air can cause respiratory and other health issues, not to mention the depletion of the earth's ozone layer.

However, we have a template that can guide you. An electric motorcycle typically has a range of at least 40 miles while some can reach 100 miles. But, this depends on the capacity of the battery in your e-motorbike and several more variables.