Electric Motorcycles, An Exciting Way to Save the Environment and your Checkbook

Electric Motorcycles, An Exciting Way to Save the Environment and your Checkbook

With gas prices rising, electric motorcycles are becoming a very attractive solution to managing gasoline prices. With advantages like silent operation and zero-emission motors, electric bikes can be a great option for enthusiasts on a budget, or just those looking to try something new. Unfortunately, because of battery limitations, electrically-powered bikes have lower top speeds, display inferior torque, and also suffer from range-limitations when compared to their gasoline-powered alternatives.

Electric motorcycles can be purchased as parts for you to assemble, and there are also many guides for converting traditional gasoline-powered bikes into electric bikes. This gives you the flexibility of choosing a battery that fits your life style. It is also a relatively cheap operation that can be completed with simple hand tools without any welding or need for professional assistance. If you are more interested in the safe route or just want to get out on the road sooner, there are many electric motorcycles that come off the lot ready to eat up the road, for example the Razor Motorcycle.

Some electric batteries can last over 40 miles on a single charge while others can reach well over 65 miles per hour. While these speeds are highway ready and many of the bikes are legally highway-approved, distance limitations might make the electric bike a better in-city commuter as opposed to a bike you would take on long trips. You can help your bike extend its battery life beyond a meager 40 miles when you need to by practicing economical habits like accelerating slowly, traveling lightly, and avoiding speeds that push the limits of the bike’s battery.

So what do these bikes go for? Right now there a few great options that are really hogging most of the attention. The Vectrix-VX1 is a slick option being offered by Vectrix for just under 10,000 dollars though there are other options for a few grand less. The Vectrix has sporty styling combined with peak performance in its class, and a optional second seat in the rear, making it a great choice for motorcycle enthusiasts as well as for the police, who have widely embraced this motorcycle as a means of transportation for officers.

If you are still worried about limited trip distance, you should keep in mind that charging electric bikes to full capacity takes only a few hours. On top of that, charging only requires access to a simple outlet that can be reached through a cord that extends out of the bike. If that is not enough to sway you, the government is offering tax breaks and incentives that can get close to a thousand dollars for people who go electric. Not only do you bring your gas costs down to a single cent per mile, but you get money from the government too!

If after all this you are still on the fence about electric motorcycles, it might be worthwhile to wait a little longer. There is a lot of research going on into the development of more effective batteries and it is likely that in the future, electric bikes will be able to go further and go faster than they can right now.

Electric Mini Bikes Top The List

Electric Mini Bikes Top The List

It may very well be true that many young boys and girls have an electric mini bike near the top of their Christmas lists. In recent years, many manufacturers have geared up production of electric mini bikes featuring models that have the kids drooling. The newest models are high-style replicas of full size racing cycles.

China is the leading supplier of electric mini bikes. The selection is staggering. Models range from small capacity battery models that clip along at 2-3 miles per hour to the ultra deluxe versions powered by lithium batteries and can reach speeds of up to 35 miles per hour. In theory, these machines can be street legal if appropriate brakes and lights are installed. Street legal electric mini bikes require appropriate licensing of the bike and the driver.

The fact that they are electric has been one reason why they have gained favor with parents. They have no exposed danger spots as might be found on a gas-powered version. The Razor pocket rocket miniature electric bike has a rechargeable battery with a range of several miles before recharging is needed.

Even though top speeds are limited for the bikes, the driver of an electric mini bike must wear protective head-gear and understand what rules of the road will apply to him. Younger children should be closely supervised. Once properly instructed and monitored a child can have a lot of fun, especially when driving the bike in a traffic-free area away from pedestrians and other obstacles.

The beginner versions of these vehicles are made to be easy for a youngster to operate. They have a 3 or 4 wheel system for easy balance. By contrast, the more sophisticated and powerful bikes are driven on two wheels just like a motor cycle and require more skill, strength and stability. These are the models that can reach speeds of 30-35 miles per hour, and best reserved for older children or teen-agers.

Some versions of electric mini bikes are considered to be hybrids as they have both an electric motor and standard bicycle peddles that can be used. This type of bike is allowed on the street without a license because it does have a pedal power option.

The Internet is a popular place to research and purchase a mini-bike. Some buyers prefer to buy from local dealers who can maintain and repair the units. Specialty stores and even some bicycle shops sell these bikes. It is always an excellent idea to get some face to face advice from a store that is familiar with the product. If you are confident about making your own decisions, the Internet offers a greater number of selections and can be extremely price competitive.

In some cases, you may even be able to obtain an electric mini bike direct from the Chinese exporter’s website. Before you do, make certain the supplier is trustworthy and has been around for a time. Check on parts availability and a stateside service network.