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Mastering The Thrills: How to Ride An Electric Motorcycle

Last Update: 8 October 2023

How to Ride An Electric Motorcycle - MOTORESS by Vicki Gray

Mastering the Thrills: How to Ride An Electric MotorcycleAmidst the dynamic surge of electric motorcycles flooding the market and the rapid strides in the realm of fuel-free bike innovation, the road ahead looks incredibly charged for rechargeable motorcycles!  Venturing into the world of electric motorcycles presents an exhilarating and environmentally mindful approach to embracing the open road.  Within this context, I’ve assembled a set of guidelines to illuminate the path on how to ride an electric motorcycle, aiding you in conquering the fundamentals of this revolutionary ride. Riding an electric motorcycle ushers in a unique experience, necessitating some adjustments to your customary riding techniques.

You’ll Notice The Silence

Upon your initial encounter with an electric motorcycle, its striking silence immediately captures your attention – a hallmark shared by all electric vehicles. Engaging in a ride enveloped in this hush can evoke a truly hypnotic sensation. Gone are the vibrations stemming from a traditional motor; instead, you’re greeted with a serene absence of transmission noise and the rumble of exhaust. As you glide at a comfortable cruising speed, it becomes a symphony of you, the whispering wind, a subtle engine hum, and the gentle murmur of your tires caressing the pavement.

The silence however, is not without risk and may be a notable shortcoming. Similar to electric automobiles you can’t hear them coming. On a motorcycle we ride with the defensive mindset of being invisible and without any sound this accentuates the fact. Being invisible and silent means you’ll have to be even more vigilant.

Hang On – It Goes!

With regard to performance, a quick twist of the throttle effects instant acceleration and with an average of 68 pound-feet of torque available at any speed you are always good to go! Additionally removing timing and gear shifter means you’ll here is no longer a starting off gear, first gear, which has a maximum low speed output, generally. You’ll be shooting up on-ramps and making passes easier than ever before. Like riding a scooter, an electric motorcycle is super fun – just aim and shoot – rolling on and off the throttle.

What To Expect When You Ride An Electric Motorcycle

  • Twist and Go! Firstly, it’s like riding a scooter; there’s no clutch or gearbox – just twist the throttle and off you go.
  • Armed and Silent. When switched on and ‘armed’ the bike is totally silent. You will need to be careful not to accidentally twist the throttle or else the bike will move off without you. This again can be compared to riding a scooter.
  • 100% torque instantly! You have to bear in mind that the second you pull away the electric motor will give you 100% torque instantly, unlike a petrol engine, which takes time to get going. After this instant surge of acceleration when moving off, the power is wonderfully controllable and linear as you would expect from an electric motor.
  • No Engine Braking. There’s next to zero engine braking on a standard electric motorcycle – this will take some adjustment again, like riding a scooter. Although regeneration systems are being developed to act as an engine brake, which are intended to also recharge the battery.
  • Downhill speeds increase. Similar to the variable transmission on a scooter, your downhill speed will increase. It will feel like riding a pedal bike downhill. You’ll need to pay attention as before you know it, silently, you’ll be travelling much faster than you feel.
  • Absence of mechanical cues. The next biggest thing to get used to is the absence of lack of the usual acoustic and physical cues of riding such as rev sounds indicating gears or engaging moves of gear shift points.
  • Stress free. The lack of vibes and the roar of a petrol engine, the silent ride- except for wind and tire noise is de-stressing and oh so relaxing!

How To Ride An Electric Motorcycle - MOTORESS

As you glide at a comfortable cruising speed, it becomes a symphony of you, the whispering wind, a subtle engine hum, and the gentle murmur of your tires caressing the pavement.

Follow These Guidelines

Understanding the Basics: Begin by familiarising yourself with the motorcycle’s controls and features. Electric motorcycles typically have fewer mechanical parts, resulting in a simpler interface. Locate the power button, throttle, brake levers, and any additional settings unique to your model.

Safety First: Prioritise safety by wearing appropriate riding gear – helmet, gloves, armoured jacket, pants, and riding boots. As electric motorcycles are known for their instant torque, practising proper throttle control is essential to prevent jerky starts. Gently roll on the throttle to smoothly accelerate.

Mastering Braking Techniques: Electric motorcycles often feature regenerative braking, which generates power when you decelerate. Familiarise yourself with this unique braking system to maximise energy efficiency and improve your riding experience. Practice braking smoothly to avoid sudden jolts.

Gone are the vibrations stemming from a traditional motor; instead, you’re greeted with a serene absence of transmission noise and the rumble of exhaust.

Range Awareness:  Unlike traditional motorcycles, electric ones have a limited range due to battery capacity. Plan your rides with this in mind, considering available charging stations along your route. Becoming adept at estimating your bike’s range empowers you to make informed decisions during longer rides.

Charging Etiquette:  Embrace charging as part of the electric motorcycle experience. Research charging station locations and understand the charging process for your model. Always carry necessary cables and adaptors. Charging times can vary, so use this time for a quick break or to explore nearby attractions.

Quiet Power One unique aspect of electric motorcycles is their near-silent operation. While this contributes to a serene riding experience, it’s crucial to be aware of your surroundings. Pedestrians, cyclists, and other motorists might not hear you approaching, so exercise caution and use visual signals when needed.

Maintenance and Care:  Electric motorcycles require less maintenance than their gas-powered counterparts, but they still need periodic attention. Keep the battery charged, maintain proper tire pressure, and follow manufacturer-recommended service schedules.

Continuous Learning:  Riding any motorcycle demands ongoing skill development. Enrol in advanced riding courses specific to electric motorcycles, if available. These courses can enhance your riding technique, safety awareness, and overall confidence on the road.

How To Ride An Electric Motorcycle - MOTORESS
Plug in, recharge and go!

Things You’ll Never Do Again:

  • Oil & Filter Changes: Bid farewell to the regular oil changes required for a gas-powered motorcycle. With an electric motorcycle, there’s no internal combustion engine that demands fresh oil to lubricate its moving parts.
  • Tune-Ups for Carburettors: You can say goodbye to the complex task of tuning carburettors to achieve optimal air-fuel mixture. Electric motorcycles rely on electronic controls for power delivery, eliminating the need for carburettor adjustments.
  • Dealing with Clutch Maintenance:  Electric motorcycles often feature direct-drive systems, eliminating the need for clutch adjustments or replacements that are common in traditional motorcycles.
  • Spark Plug Replacements:  Forget about swapping out spark plugs periodically. Electric motorcycles don’t require these ignition components, reducing maintenance complexity.
  • Exhaust System Checks:  With no exhaust system or muffler, you’ll never have to worry about exhaust leaks, rust, or muffler replacements on an electric motorcycle.
  • Gear Shifting:  Electric motorcycles often have a single-speed transmission or no transmission at all, removing the need for frequent gear shifts and clutch engagement.
  • Cold Starts and Warm-Ups:  Electric motorcycles don’t need to warm up like their gas-powered counterparts. Say goodbye to idling and waiting for the engine to reach operating temperature before hitting the road.
  • Visiting Fuel Stations:  As the name suggests, electric motorcycles run on electricity, so you’ll never have to make a trip to the gas station for refuelling. Charging at home or using public charging stations becomes the norm.
  • Dealing with Carburettor Icing:  Farewell to concerns about carburettor icing in colder weather. Electric motorcycles aren’t affected by this phenomenon since they lack carburettors altogether.
  • Changing Transmission Fluid:  With electric motorcycles typically having simpler drivetrains, the chore of changing transmission fluid becomes a thing of the past.
  • Experiencing Engine Knock:  Electric motorcycles don’t suffer from engine knock, which can occur in internal combustion engines due to improper fuel combustion.
  • Valve Adjustments:  The absence of an internal combustion engine eliminates the need for valve adjustments, saving you time and money on maintenance.

Setting out on the electric motorcycle journey opens up a tantalising view into the future of two-wheeled travel. Embracing the world of electric motorcycles means shedding the traditional maintenance tasks associated with gas-powered bikes. By understanding the fundamentals, practising safe riding habits, and embracing the unique characteristics of these machines, you’ll embark on journeys that seamlessly blend technology, adventure, and environmental responsibility.

Sure, electric motorcycles still need some love and care, but the shift to these new dynamics brings a refreshing sense of simplicity to your riding experience.

Enjoy the ride!

Check Out These Electric Motorcycle Manufacturers

Zero Motorcycles
Harley-Davidson LiveWire
Brammo (Electrek Co.)
BMW C Evolution Scooter

 


2024 Kawasaki Ninja e-1

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2 comments

Underbridge 26 August 2023 at 23:40

I’ve been riding petrol bikes for several decades.

My electric is a basic model, and lacks auto hill-hold. In common with many electrics, the motor is disconnected as soon as you apply the brake.

So what’s the best technique for hill-start – ie going from holding it stationary on the brake to moving forwards, without slipping backwards as you release the brake?

Reply
MOTORESS 30 August 2023 at 11:23

Hi Dave. Yes, this represents the same challenge for scooter riders – equally if you stop and park on a hill. For hill starts and as a default stance on any motorcycle it’s left foot on the ground and right foot always holding the rear brake. As you move off you elevate the throttle while dragging the rear brake (via the rear brake lever) only. Stay away from the front brake. As you begin to move, slowly release the rear brake. Hope that helps and if you require finessing of this technique, seek training from an expert. Thanks for stopping by and congrats on your new electric motorcycle! ///Vicki

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