Many motorists are starting to make the switch to electric cars, but what about motorcycles? Motorcyclists have not been making the switch with quite the same enthusiasm so far but this could soon change in the future, especially when the cost benefits are factored in.
Initial Cost
Much like an electric car, it is true that electric motorcycles are usually more expensive than fuel-powered bikes which might put people off. However, you need to factor in the long term savings that you can make (more on this below) as well as the fact that you can benefit from a Government grant which can shave off up to a maximum of £1,500 for an all-electric motorbike which can make a big difference and make the upfront cost easier to manage. This grant is available with the Government trying to encourage motorists to drive low-emission vehicles ahead of the 2035 ban on the sale of petrol and diesel so now is a smart time to switch.
Furthermore, Devitt insurance stated in their blog; “The government have pledged £35 million to help increase the number of ultra-low emission vehicles on the roads, whether it’s a motorcycle or a car, with the aim for all emissions to be gone by 2050.”
Fuel
Fuel costs are where riders can make big savings by switching to all-electric (along with the environmental benefits). Motorcyclists can easily spend £5-£15 on fuel a day at the petrol station compared to between 20p and 50p when charging your bike. It takes on average 8 hours for a full recharge and most electric motorbikes these days have a range of up to 125 miles. One of the leading electric brands, Zero, claims that its city commuter can manage up to 220 miles on a single charge.
If you need to commute say 40-60 miles per day and aren’t keen on using public transport, then a motorcycle is a great way to make the daily trip. Over a few years, the savings on fuel and road tax could claw back the extra cost of buying a battery powered bike vs a petrol machine.
Tax & Maintenance
Additionally, you do not have to pay VED road use tax on an electric motorbike, which is another area where people can make big savings over the course of a year. In terms of maintenance, the bikes can be pretty easy to look after and most still have a 2 or 3-year warranty with 5 years protection for the battery, so the cost of a break-down will be covered initially.
Many cities are following London and declaring ULEZ zones, and although many modern motorcycles meet the Euro4/5 standards, those rules might not apply in future. It could be that in certain cities across the UK ONLY pure electric vehicles will be allowed to use some streets or free parking places.
Insurance
Insurance is another important cost to factor in. This insurance can be more expensive for an electric motorbike, but like any policy, it is always smart to shop around to look for the best deal and to find the right one for your needs. You will want to find a specialist which will help you to find the best deals, flexible cover and fewer exclusions.
As you can see, there are many financial perks to making the switch to an electric motorbike. It is not just the financial perks, though, as there are now many superb electric motorbikes available which can provide a thoroughly enjoyable riding experience. Of course, there are the environmental benefits which are important in a time where people need to find ways to reduce their environmental impact. Switching to a low-emission vehicle is an effective way to do this.
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