Report: Electric Motorcycles Gaining Popularity

In the
world of motorcycle manufacturing, like any industry, bike
producers are scrambling to meet the needs of a younger generation
and more importantly, Millennials. Providing a motorcycle that fits
with everything a younger person would want in a motorcycle is no
easy task, but the transition is starting to show that electric
motorcycles could be the future.
Recently, a report from Navigant Research estimated total global
electric scooters and motorcycle sales would reach more than 55
million within the next nine years. For the industry, that's a
large portion of sales that are estimated to be either completely
gasoline-free or at least mostly gas-free.
Currently,
electric motorcycle sales are on the rise, but still have not
dominated the market. According to the report, major motorcycle
manufacturers like Harley-Davidson and Yamaha are moving toward
electric motorcycle models because of the increasing interest as
well as the decreasing costs for motorcycle batteries, Ryan Citron,
a researcher for Navigant, explained.
"In terms of battery costs, units that would have cost more than
$1,000/kWh just a few years ago can now be had for about one-third
of the price, and the cost of lithium ion (Li-ion) batteries is
expected to continue to decline throughout the forecast period,"
Citron added.
Zero Motorcycles On The Rise
[caption id="attachment_46655" align="alignright"
width="300"] 2015 Zero
SR[/caption]
Another manufacturer making it big in the electric motorcycle
market is the California-based
Zero Motorcycles. According to The Los Angeles Times, the
company built more than 3,100 high-end electric motorcycles in the
last two years, with more than half already produced this year.
However, giants such as Harley-Davidson have begun to splash into
the market with their newest electric bike called the LiveWire.
According to the source, Zero actually welcomes the competition and
understands that these other major motorcycle companies are doing
what they've always done to be successful.
Richard Walker, CEO of Zero, explained while other manufacturers
bring challenges, they also add a lot of attention to the electric
motorcycle market, which is Zero's sole-focus as of right now, the
source stated.
"We were thrilled by [Harley-Davidson's] LiveWire, and Polaris
coming in is good too," said Walker. "This validates what we're
doing. When the big boys come in, it helps."
Motorcyclists Worried About Too Much Stealth And Silence
[caption id="attachment_46657" align="alignright"
width="300"] 2015
Zero FX Police[/caption]
Two of the biggest issues most motorcyclists have with electric
motorcycles are the current limits on range of a charge and the
lack of sound. Many feel that they are solely for stealth riding
and for those who want a silent bike. The Zero SR gives a lot more
zip and gusto than what most motorcyclists would imagine, and still
keeps the feel every rider craves when they get on their bike -
despite it's lack of internal combustion engine. The SR gives a
straight-line feel and works much more like a computer than
machine. However, it does not forget to pack a punch that gives
adrenaline junkie riders the fix they need.
For police and security agencies, however, the lack of sound isn't
a liability - it is a strong selling feature. A core part of Zero's
business is selling fleet motorcycles to police departments and
security firms around the world. They appreciate the ease of
maintenance, energy savings, and stealth capacity that electric
motorcycles have to offer.
Why Is The Market Shifting This Way?

There are plenty of
analysts that wonder what makes electric motorcycles so appealing
to certain riders. Some believe that younger generations are
energy-conscious and want a ride that isn't dependent on
gasoline.
Additionally, Millennials and other groups of budding adults
crave technology and embrace it in every aspect. This has bled
over into the motorcycle industry significantly as many bikes now
feature plenty of automation and tech-based features with the
ride.
The future of motorcycles could significantly shift toward electric
bikes, but there certainly will not be a lack of interest in
gasoline-powered motorcycles anytime in the near future. For now,
many riders wait to see what new products will come out by their
favorite motorcycle manufacturer.