Electric motorcycle: revolution underway or just a fad?

The electric motorcycle is not a 21st-century creation. We have to go back to the very end of the 19th century to find the first attempts at electric propulsion on two wheels. Patents were filed, prototypes were created... then they disappeared into the shadow of the internal combustion engine, which was considered more practical, more powerful, and above all, more attractive at the time.

But in recent years, the electric motorcycle has emerged from the shadows. Driven by the climate crisis, traffic restrictions, and changing attitudes, it's experiencing a real surge in popularity. Iconic brands like Harley-Davidson, BMW, and Honda are investing heavily in the sector. And new all-electric companies, like Zero Motorcycles and Energica, are redefining the rules.

The advantages that make the difference

Saddle up, press the button, and ride silently. That's the promise of the electric motorcycle. No more vibrations or gear changes. This silence, initially disconcerting, quickly becomes addictive. In the city, it's a true joy.

Maintenance is also simpler. No oil, no chain to grease (on some models), no oil change... Just a battery to recharge and brake pads to check. And if you're worried about acceleration, know that a good electric motor delivers power instantly. The result: lightning-fast starts, which sometimes leave combustion-powered motorcycles far behind.

It's also a more environmentally friendly choice. While battery manufacturing remains a downside, the lack of local emissions and the silence make driving much easier on the environment... and on your ears, too.

But everything is not yet perfect

For an electric motorcycle, range remains the Achilles heel. While some urban models perform very well for daily commutes, long rides remain complicated. Recharging a battery can take several hours, and charging stations suitable for motorcycles are still too rare, especially outside of major cities.

Price is also a barrier. Even though entry-level models are becoming more popular, an electric motorcycle often still costs more than an equivalent internal combustion engine. This is a barrier for young motorcyclists or those looking for an affordable two-wheeler.

And then there's the emotional dimension: the roar of the engine, the smell of gasoline, the mechanical sensations... so many elements that some purists still miss. Motorcycles aren't just a means of transportation, they're also a matter of passion, and electric vehicles still have a long way to go to win everyone's hearts.

Towards a cohabitation of energies?

So, is this a revolution or just a passing fad? Neither, perhaps. The electric motorcycle seems destined to stay in place for the long haul, but not to completely replace the combustion engine anytime soon. It appeals to city dwellers, the curious, and those convinced of change. It also unsettles purists, long-distance travelers, and those passionate about the roar of the motorbike.

In reality, the two worlds will have to coexist for a while yet. The future will likely be hybrid, with electric vehicles for everyday commutes and combustion engines for long-distance getaways... unless batteries eventually catch up.