Electric motorcycles and scooters

{{Short description|Plug-in electric vehicles with two or three wheels}} {{About|two- or three-wheeled electric vehicles |single-person, three- or four-wheeled mobility aid scooters|Mobility scooter|electric-powered bicycles|Electric bicycle|stand-up scooters with a small gasoline engine or electric motor|Motorized scooter}} {{Use dmy dates|date=April 2023}}

'''Electric motorcycles and scooters''' are [[plug-in electric vehicle]]s with two or three wheels. Power is supplied by a [[rechargeable battery]] that drives one or more [[electric motor]]s. Electric [[Scooter (motorcycle)|scooters]] are distinguished from [[motorcycle]]s by having a [[step-through frame]], instead of being straddled. [[Electric bicycle]]s are similar vehicles, distinguished by retaining the ability to be propelled by the rider pedaling in addition to battery propulsion.

Electric scooters with the rider standing are known as [[e-scooter]]s.

==History== {{See also|History of the electric vehicle|History of the motorcycle|Scooter (motorcycle)#History|Electric car#History|Electric bicycle#History}}

{|border="1" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" style="float:centre; margin:0.5em 0 1em 1em; background:#F3FFFF; border:1px #aaa solid; border-collapse:collapse; font-size:95%; width:100%" |- ! colspan="2" style="background:#D7F2ED; text-align:center;"|Timeline |- |style="font-size:90%; text-align:center;"|1895 |style="font-size:90%;"|Earliest known electric motorcycle patent. |- |style="font-size:90%; text-align:center;"|1911 |style="font-size:90%;"|''[[Popular Mechanics]]'' article introduces an electric motorcycle. |- |style="font-size:90%; text-align:center;"|1919 |style="font-size:90%;"|[[Ransomes, Sims & Jefferies]] make an electric motorcycle prototype. |- |style="font-size:90%; text-align:center;"|1936 |style="font-size:90%;"|Socovel electric motorcycle company founded. |- |style="font-size:90%; text-align:center;"|1940 |style="font-size:90%;"|Norwegian motorcycle company "Tempo" produced the Tempo Electro Transportsykkel |- |style="font-size:90%; text-align:center;"|1946 |style="font-size:90%;"|Marketeer company founded, based on an electric motorcycle made by Merle Williams. |- |style="font-size:90%; text-align:center;"|1967 |style="font-size:90%;"|[[Karl Kordesch]] makes a hydrazine fuel cell motorcycle |- |style="font-size:90%; text-align:center;"|1974 |style="font-size:90%;"|Mike Corbin's motorcycle Quick Silver sets electric motorcycle speed record of {{cvt|165.387|mph|abbr=on}} |- |style="font-size:90%; text-align:center;"|1996 |style="font-size:90%;"| First mass-produced electric scooter, Peugeot Scoot'Elec, released |- |style="font-size:90%; text-align:center;"|2011 |style="font-size:90%;"|[[Chip Yates]] sets Guinness record of fastest electric motorcycle with {{cvt|316.899|km/h|abbr=on}} |- |style="font-size:90%; text-align:center;"|2013 |style="font-size:90%;"|First [[FIM eRoad Racing World Cup]] |}

=== Selected electric motorcycles and scooters === <gallery mode="packed" caption=""> File:Zero DS 2011 Aktion.jpg|Zero DS (motorcycle) File:ZEV Electric 10 kw LRC motor scooter, front.jpg|ZEV LRC (scooter) File:20160801 E-bike Bagan 6616.jpg|Electric scooter on the field on Bagan Plain in Myanmar File:KTM, electric off-road motorcycles.jpg|KTM, electric off-road motorcycles </gallery>

===1895 to 1950=== [[File:Patent Electric Bicycle.png|thumb|right|Patent drawing for an "Electric Bicycle" (1895)]]

The early history of electric motorcycles is somewhat unclear. On 19 September 1895, a patent application for an "electrical bicycle" was filed by Ogden Bolton Jr. of Canton Ohio.<ref name=patent1>{{cite web|title=Patent number: 552271|url=https://patents.google.com/patent/US552271|publisher=Google Patents|access-date=26 August 2013}}</ref> On 8 November of the same year, another patent application for an "electric bicycle" was filed by Hosea W. Libbey of Boston.<ref name=patent2>{{cite web|title=Patent number: 596272|url=https://patents.google.com/patent/US596272|publisher=[[Google Patents]]|access-date=26 August 2013}}</ref>

At the [[Stanley Cycle Show]] in 1896 in London, England, bicycle manufacturer [[Humber motorcycles|Humber]] exhibited an electric tandem bicycle. Powered by a bank of storage batteries, the motor was placed in front of the rear wheel. Speed control was by a resistance placed across the handlebars. This electric bicycle was mainly intended for racetrack use.<ref name=Partridge11>{{Citation |last= Partridge |first= Michael |year= 1976 |title= Motorcycle Pioneers: The Men, the Machines, the Events 1860-1930 |publisher= David & Charles (Publishers) |isbn= 978-0668040358 |page= 11 |chapter= Introduction}}</ref>

The October 1911 issue of ''[[Popular Mechanics]]'' mentioned the introduction of an electric motorcycle. It claimed to have a range of {{convert|75|miles|km|abbr=in|order=flip|round=5}} to {{convert|100|miles|km|abbr=in|order=flip|round=5}} per charge. The motorcycle had a three-speed controller, with speeds of {{cvt|4|,|15|and|35|mph|km/h|order=flip|0}}.<ref name="Magazines1911">{{cite journal|title=Popular Mechanics|journal=Popular Mechanics Magazine |url=https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_P94DAAAAMBAJ|access-date=27 August 2013|date=October 1911|publisher=Hearst Magazines|pages=[https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_P94DAAAAMBAJ/page/n137 560]–|issn=0032-4558}}</ref>

In 1919, [[Ransomes, Sims & Jefferies]] made a prototype electric motorcycle in which the batteries were fitted under the seat of the [[sidecar]]. Even though the vehicle was registered for road use, it never went past the trial stage.<ref name=ransomes>{{cite web|title=Ransomes, Sims and Jefferies: Motorcycles|url=https://www.gracesguide.co.uk/Ransomes,_Sims_and_Jefferies:_Motorcycles|publisher=Grace's Guide|access-date=26 August 2013}}</ref>

In 1936, the Limelette brothers founded an electric motorcycle company called Socovel ('''So'''ciété pour l’étude et la '''Co'''nstruction de '''V'''éhicules '''El'''ectriques or Company for research and manufacture of electric vehicles) in Brussels. They continued production during the German occupation with their permission. Due to fuel rationing, they found some degree of success. But after the war, they switched to conventional models. The electric models remained available until 1948.<ref name=socovel1>{{cite book|title=Alle Motorräder 1894-1981: Eine Typengeschichte. 2500 Marken aus 30 Ländern|year=1997|isbn=978-3-87943-410-7|author=Erwin Tragatsch|publisher=Motorbuch-Verlag }}</ref><ref name =socovel2>{{cite book|title=The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Motorcycles|year=1985|isbn=978-0890098684|author=Erwin Tragatsch|publisher=Chartwell Books }}</ref><ref name=socovel3>{{cite book|title=A-Z der Belgische motoren|year=2008|isbn=978-907734-6105|author=Egon Duchateau|author2=Geert Huylebroeck|author3=Nick Jonkheere|author4=Rick van Eycken|author5=Luc Freson |publisher=Motorboeken Uitgeverij Freson }}</ref>

During the [[World War II]], compelled by fuel rationing in the United States, Merle Williams of Long Beach, California, invented a two-wheeled electric motorcycle that towed a single-wheeled trailer. Due to the popularity of the vehicle, Williams started making more such vehicles in his garage. In 1946, it led to the formation of the Marketeer Company (current-day ParCar Corp.).<ref name=parcar>{{cite web|title=Our History: The First Manufacturer of Industrial and Commercial Electric Vehicles|publisher=Columbia ParCar Corp.|access-date=26 August 2013|url=http://www.parcar.com/legend/history.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040225165208/http://www.parcar.com/legend/history.htm|archive-date=25 February 2004}}</ref>

===1950 to 1980=== In 1967, [[Karl Kordesch]], working for [[Union Carbide]], made a [[fuel cell]]/[[Nickel–cadmium battery]] hybrid electric motorcycle. It was later replaced with a [[hydrazine]] fuel cell, giving it a range of {{cvt|200|mpgus|mpgimp L/km}} and a top speed of {{cvt|25|mph|abbr=on}}.<ref name=Karl>{{cite web|title=Alkali Fuel Cell History|url=http://americanhistory.si.edu/fuelcells/alk/alk2.htm|publisher=[[Smithsonian Institution]]|access-date=2 September 2013}}</ref><ref name=Karl2>{{cite web|title=Karl Kordesch, PhD|url=https://www.globalenergysys.net/bios/KarlKordeschPhD.pdf|publisher=Global Energy Systems|access-date=2 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121030065831/http://www.globalenergysys.net/bios/KarlKordeschPhD.pdf|archive-date=30 October 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In the same year, a prototype electric motorcycle called the Papoose, was built by the [[Indian Motorcycle]] Company under the direction of Floyd Clymer.<ref name=papoose>{{cite web |title=Post 1953 Indian Motocycle History |url=http://www.cycletownusa.com/post1953.html |access-date=2 September 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070704104051/http://www.cycletownusa.com/post1953.html |archive-date=4 July 2007 }}</ref>

In 1974, Auranthic Corp., a small manufacturer in California, produced a small motorcycle called the Charger. It had a {{cvt|30|mph|abbr=on}} top speed and an {{convert|50|miles|km|abbr=in|order=flip|round=5}} range on a full charge.<ref name="Charger">{{cite journal|title=Popular Mechanics| journal=Popular Mechanics Magazine |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=odQDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA83|access-date=3 September 2013|date=April 1974|page=83|issn=0032-4558|publisher = Hearst Magazines}}</ref>

In the early 1970s, Mike Corbin built a street-legal commuter electric motorcycle called the Corbin Electric. Later in 1974, Corbin, riding a motorcycle called the Quick Silver, set the electric motorcycle speed world record at {{cvt|165.387|mph|abbr=on}}. The motorcycle used a 24 volt electric [[starter motor]] from a [[Douglas A-4B Skyhawk|Douglas A-4B]] fighter plane.<ref name=MikeCorbin>{{cite book|title=Cycle World |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=eToxUA1LZbsC&pg=RA4-PA1-IA1 |access-date=3 September 2013 |date=April 1992 |pages=108–111 |issn=0011-4286}}</ref> In 1975, Corbin built a battery-powered prototype street motorcycle called the City Bike. This motorcycle used a battery manufactured by Yardney Electric.<ref name=MikeCorbin2>{{cite web|title=AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame: Mike Corbin|url=http://www.motorcyclemuseum.org/halloffame/detail.aspx?RacerID=333|access-date=2 September 2013}}</ref>

In June 1975, the first Annual Alternative Vehicle Regatta was held at [[Mount Washington (New Hampshire)|Mt. Washington]], [[New Hampshire]]. The event was created and promoted by Charles McArthur, an [[environmentalist]]. On June 17, Corbin's motorcycle completed the {{convert|8|miles|abbr=in|order=flip|0}} uphill course in 26 minutes.<ref name=MtWashington>{{cite web|title=Corbin Yardney Motorcycle on top of Mt. Washington|url=https://libwww.freelibrary.org/digital/item/arcd02982|access-date=2 September 2013}}</ref>

===1980s to 2000s=== In 1988, Ed Rannberg, who founded Eyeball Engineering, tested his electric drag motorcycle in [[Bonneville Salt Flats|Bonneville]].<ref name="Bonneville">{{cite book|author=Louise Ann Noeth|title=Bonneville: The Fastest Place on Earth|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Jyezo0glOaYC&pg=PA136|access-date=3 September 2013|date=May 2002|publisher=MotorBooks International|isbn=978-0-7603-1372-5|page=136}}{{Dead link|date=March 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> In 1992, the January issue of [[Cycle World]] carried an article about Ed Rannberg's bike called the KawaSHOCKI. It could complete {{convert|1/4|miles|m|abbr=in|order=flip|round=5}} in 11–12 seconds.<ref name=MikeCorbin/>

In 1995, Electric Motorbike Inc. was founded by Scott Cronk and Rick Whisman in Santa Rosa, California. In 1996, EMB Lectra was built by Electric Motorbike Inc., which used a [[Reluctance motor|variable reluctance motor]].<ref name=emb>{{cite web|title=Electric MotorBike Inc: About Us|url=http://www.electricmotorbike.org/index.php?page=emb|publisher=Electric MotorBike Inc.|access-date=2 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171205143540/http://www.electricmotorbike.org/index.php?page=emb|archive-date=5 December 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> It had a top speed of about {{cvt|45|mph|abbr=on}} and a range of {{convert|35|miles|km|abbr=in|order=flip|round=5}}. About 100 of these were built.<ref name=lectra>{{cite web|title=Lectra VR24|url=http://www.greenspeed.us/classic_electric_bikes_lectra_vr24.html|publisher=Green Speed|access-date=2 September 2013|archive-date=9 August 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130809065556/http://www.greenspeed.us/classic_electric_bikes_lectra_vr24.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In 1996, the first mass-produced electric scooter, [[Peugeot Scoot'Elec]], was released. It used Nickel-Cadmium batteries and a range of {{convert|40|km|miles|abbr=in}}.<ref name=Peugeot>{{cite news|title=Peugeot's incredibly frugal electric E-Vivacity scooter|url=https://newatlas.com/peugeots-incredibly-frugal-electric-e-vivacity-scooter/13967/|access-date=2 September 2013|newspaper=GizMag|date=25 January 2010}}</ref>

===2000s===

On 26 August 2000, [[Killacycle]] established a drag racing record of completing a {{convert|1/4|mile|m|abbr=in|order=flip|0}} in 9.450 seconds on the Woodburn track in [[Oregon]]. Killacycle used [[Lead acid battery|lead acid batteries]] at a speed of {{cvt|152.07|mph|abbr=on}}.<ref name=Killacycle>{{cite web|title=The Roger Hedlund 150 mph Club|url=http://www.nedra.com/150mph_club.html#killacycle|publisher=US National Electric Drag Racing Association|access-date=2 September 2013}}</ref> Later, Killacycle using [[A123 Systems]] [[Lithium-Ion|Li-ion nano-phosphate]] cells set a new quarter mile record of 7.824 seconds breaking the 8 seconds barrier at {{cvt|168|mph}} in Phoenix, [[Arizona]], at the All Harley Drag Racing Association (AHDRA) 2007, on 10 November 2007.<ref name=Killacycle2>{{cite web|title=7.824 @168 MPH !!!!!! at Pomona AHDRA Nov 10th|url=http://www.killacycle.com/2007/11/11/7824-168-mph-at-pomona-ahdra-nov-10th/|publisher=Killacycle.com|access-date=3 September 2013}}</ref>

In 2006, [[Vectrix]] introduced the first commercially available high performance electric scooter, the VX-1. Following insolvency and initial bankruptcy reorganization, the Gold Peak battery group purchased the company in 2009. Vectrix expanded product lines, offering the VX-2 and the three wheeled VX-3. But Vectrix ceased operations in January 2014 and filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy liquidation, with its remaining assets auctioned off the following June.<ref>{{cite news |title=Vectrix cierra sus puertas |url=http://www.regiondigital.com/noticias/motor/201803-vectrix-cierra-sus-puertas.html |work=Region Digital.com |date=January 4, 2014 |access-date=2014-01-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140203144448/http://www.regiondigital.com/noticias/motor/201803-vectrix-cierra-sus-puertas.html |archive-date=February 3, 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite press release|title=Vectrix Asset Auction Set for June 18 |url=http://www.dealernews.com/dealernews/article/vectrix-asset-auction-set-june-18 |work=DealerNews.com |date=June 10, 2014 |access-date=2014-01-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140616042808/http://www.dealernews.com/dealernews/article/vectrix-asset-auction-set-june-18 |archive-date=June 16, 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

In February 2009, at the TED conference, [[Mission Motors]], a San Francisco startup led by a former Tesla Motors engineer, unveiled the Mission One, an electric motorcycle capable of {{cvt|150|mph|order=flip|round=5}}. If achievable, this would make the Mission One the fastest production electric vehicle in the world.<ref>[https://www.wired.com/2009/02/mission-motors/ Electric Motorcycle Promises 150 MPH | WIRED]</ref>

On April 4–5, 2009, [[Zero Motorcycles]] hosted the "24 Hours of Electricross" event in [[San Jose, California|San Jose]]. It is considered the first all-electric off-road [[Endurance racing (motorsport)|endurance race]].<ref name=ElectricCross>{{cite web|title=24 Hours of Electricross|url=https://www.zeromotorcycles.com/electricross/|access-date=2 September 2013|newspaper=Zero Motorcycles|date=24 March 2009|archive-date=31 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140331074244/http://www.zeromotorcycles.com/electricross/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

On June 14, 2009, the first electric [[Time Trial Xtreme Grand Prix]] (TTXGP) all-electric street motorcycle race took place on the [[2009 Isle of Man TT|Isle of Man]] in which 13 machines took part. [[Rob Barber]] riding a motorcycle built by [[Team Agni]] won the race. He completed the {{convert|37.73|miles|km|abbr=in|order=flip}} course in 25 minutes 53.5 seconds, an average speed of {{cvt|87.434|mph}}.<ref name=TT>{{cite news|title=TTXGP: Rob Barber makes history|url=http://www.iomtoday.co.im/sport/motorcycling/ttxgp-rob-barber-makes-history-1-1793024|access-date=4 September 2013|newspaper=Isle of Man Today|date=14 June 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131115200754/http://www.iomtoday.co.im/sport/motorcycling/ttxgp-rob-barber-makes-history-1-1793024|archive-date=15 November 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In September 2009, product manager Jeremy Cleland of [[Mission Motors]] broke the AMA electric motorcycle land speed record during the BUB Motorcycle Speed Trials at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, US riding the company's Mission One. The bike registered a speed of {{cvt|150.059|mph}}.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.evoqueca.com/blogs/news/discover-the-speed-of-evoque-electric-bike-inspired-by-mission-electric-motorcycle-hits-150-mph |title=Discover the Speed of Evoque Electric Bike Inspired by Mission Electric Motorcycle Hits 150 MPH |author= |work=Evoque |location=Canada |date=9 April 2024 |access-date=10 April 2024}}</ref>

===2010s=== In 2010, ElectroCat, made by [[Eva Håkansson]], set the record time for an electric motorcycle to climb [[Pikes Peak International Hill Climb|Pikes Peak]]. The motorcycle, ridden by John Scollon, completed the {{convert|12|miles|km|abbr=in|order=flip}} course in 16 minutes 55.849 seconds. ElectroCat uses batteries manufactured by A123 Systems.<ref name=electrocat>{{cite news|title=Electrocat Conquers Pikes Peak|url=http://evworld.com/article.cfm?storyid=1888|access-date=3 September 2013|newspaper=EVWorld|date=5 July 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171204223008/http://evworld.com/article.cfm?storyid=1888|archive-date=4 December 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>

On June 26, 2011, [[Chip Yates]] broke ElectroCat's previous record at Pikes Peak. He completed the course in 12 minutes 50.094 seconds.<ref name=ChipPeak>{{cite news|title=SWIGZ.COM Pro Racing's Chip Yates Sets New Pikes Peak Record|url=http://evworld.com/news.cfm?newsid=26016%7Caccess-date=7|access-date=3 September 2013|newspaper=EV World|date=28 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171205143514/http://evworld.com/news.cfm?newsid=26016%7Caccess-date=7|archive-date=5 December 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> On 30 August 2011, Yates riding his prototype SWIGZ.COM electric superbike established the official [[Guinness Book of World Records|Guinness record]] of the fastest electric motorcycle. The motorcycle clocked a speed of {{cvt|316.899|km/h|abbr=on}} at Bonneville.<ref name=Guinness>{{cite web|title=Fastest electric motorcycle (prototype)|work=Guinness World Records |url=https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/fastest-electric-motorcycle/|publisher=[[Guinness Book of World Records]]|access-date=3 September 2013}}</ref>

In 2012, Paul Ernst Thede set an SCTA record run of {{cvt|216.8|mph}} at Bonnevile Salt Flats, Utah, US. This did not qualify as a Guinness World record as it wasn't timed by the FIM timing association.

In 2012, Electro Force cycles made their debut as a commuter cycle for commuters to ride to work or for enjoyment. These cycles were built by Jennifer Northern of [[Issaquah, Washington]], US. She became the first woman to develop and manufacture an electric vehicle in the US. The maximum speed reached was {{cvt|85|mph|km/h|0|order=flip}}, while immediate speeds reached up to {{cvt|60|mph|km/h|0|order=flip}} in 6 seconds, programmable with regenerative braking or on the throttle. Their range was up to 100 miles while maintaining {{cvt|65|mph|km/h|0|order=flip}} in all weather and hills. It was the first of their kind built by a woman in the US.

In 2012, Jim Higgins rode the street-legal Mission Motors' Mission R at the Sonoma Raceway quarter-mile drag strip and set a National Electric Drag Racing Association (NEDRA) street-legal electric motorcycle record for the SMC/A3 class with a time of 10.602 at {{cvt|122.57|mph|km/h|2|order=flip}}.<ref>[http://www.nedra.com/record_holders.html National Electric Drag Racing Association – Record Holders]</ref>

On June 30, 2013, Carlin Dunne riding a Lightning Motorcycle-built electric bike beat conventional motorcycles at Pikes Peak. He clocked a 10 minutes 00.694 seconds at the {{convert|12.42|miles|km|abbr=in|order=flip|1}} course.<ref name=Lighting1>{{cite news|title=Lightning's Electric Motorcycle Dominates Pikes Peak|url=https://www.wired.com/2013/07/lightning-pikes-peak-2013/|access-date=4 September 2013|newspaper=Wired.com|date=1 July 2013}}</ref><ref name=Lighting2>{{cite news|title=Lightning electric motorcycle beats gas bikes in Pikes Peak climb|url=https://www.latimes.com/business/la-xpm-2013-jul-02-la-fi-mo-autos-lightning-electric-motorcycle-pikes-peak-20130701-story.html |access-date=4 September 2013|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|date=2 July 2013}}</ref>

In 2017, [[Scorpio Electric]] announced its scope of business includes manufacturing and assembly of electric motorcycles and scooters.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lam |first=Fiona |date=2020-11-10 |title=Singapore's Scorpio Electric raises US$6.3m to develop electric motorcycle |url=https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/garage/singapores-scorpio-electric-raises-us63m-to-develop-electric-motorcycle |access-date=2022-11-22 |website=www.businesstimes.com.sg}}</ref> On November 20, 2018, [[VinFast]] from [[Vietnam]] introduced two electric scooter models in [[Hanoi]], with 4 model: VinFast Klara A1 ([[Lithium-ion battery]]), VinFast Klara A2 ([[Lead–acid battery]]),<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://xemaydien.vinfast.vn/en/klara |title=Klara - My Love {{!}} Vinfast e scooter |access-date=3 October 2019 |archive-date=27 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210227074030/https://xemaydien.vinfast.vn/en/klara/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> VinFast Ludo and VinFast Impes.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://xemaydien.vinfast.vn/en/ludo-impes |title=Ludo & Impes - Your smart and reliable ally on the road |access-date=3 October 2019 |archive-date=27 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210227055349/https://xemaydien.vinfast.vn/en/ludo-impes/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

In 2019, the [[Lark Streamliner]], a [[streamliner motorcycle]], was built to challenge a land speed record in its class.<ref>{{cite news|title=This Engineer Is Aiming To Create A World Speed Record With His Electric Bike Built From Spare Parts|newspaper=[[India Times]]|author= Sarthak Dogra |date=May 10, 2019|url=https://www.indiatimes.com/auto/current/this-engineer-is-aiming-to-create-a-world-speed-record-with-his-electric-bike-built-from-spare-parts-366958.html}}</ref>

===2020s=== In 2022, [[VinFast]] of [[VinGroup]] from Vietnam introduced 2 new models, the Theon S and Feliz S.<ref>[https://vnexpress.net/theon-flagship-xe-may-dien-moi-cua-vinfast-4226178.html Theon - 'Flagship' xe máy điện mới của VinFast] VnExpress 25/1/2021</ref>{{verify source|date=July 2025}}

In 2023, Bobfleet introduce its next generation model: Model X gen2.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bob Eco Model X Gen2 |url=https://bobfleet.eco |website=Bobfleet Electric Vehicles |access-date=2023-01-27}}</ref>{{Better source needed|date=July 2025}} <gallery mode="packed" heights="150"> File:Ola S1 Purple.jpg|India's OLA S1 Pro Gen 1 Electric Scooter is a market leader and has sold more than 800,000 scooters. File:Ttxgp bikes isle of man tt 2009.jpg|TTXGP bikes at Isle of Man TT 2009 File:ChipYatesWithFlagAtBonnevilleWithElectricMotorcycle.jpg|[[Chip Yates]] at [[Bonneville Salt Flats]] in 2011 File:Newone - VinFast Klara cream.jpg|Cream VinFast Klara electric scooter File:Scooter, Berlin (P1080138).jpg|[[Niu Technologies|Niu]] NQi in Berlin, 2019 File:Newone - VinFast Theon.jpg|VinFast Theon S in 2022 at VinHomes Riverside </gallery>

==Types== <gallery mode="packed" heights="150"> File:Arc-Vector.jpg|Electric motorcycle{{br}}Rider sits astride frame File:Gogoro 1 Plus Blue.jpg|Electric scooter{{br}}Step-through frame with floor panel File:Pedego trail tracker in field.jpg|[[Electric bicycle]]{{br}}Retains pedals; motor used to assist File:Lime-S Scooters.jpg|[[e-scooter]]{{br}}Standing deck

</gallery>

A two- (or sometimes three-) wheeled powered vehicle if ridden with rider astride is termed a motorcycle; if it has a step-through frame with rider seated with feet on a floor panel it is a [[Scooter (motorcycle)|motor scooter]]. A smaller vehicle, typically just a deck to stand on with two (or three) wheels and a handlebar on a vertical stem is also termed a scooter; such scooters if unpowered are termed [[kick scooters]], and [[e-scooters]] if battery powered. E-scooters are made available for hire by several companies in a [[scooter-sharing system]].

==Power source== Since electric motorcycles and scooters have relatively small frames, they typically have short ranges, restricted by the volume available for energy storage.<ref>{{cite news| last=Jolly | first=Jasper | title=EV riders: motorcycle manufacturers making the leap to electric | newspaper=the Guardian | date=3 September 2022 | url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2022/sep/03/ev-riders-motorcycle-manufacturers-making-the-leap-to-electric}}</ref>

Most electric motorcycles and scooters are powered by rechargeable [[Lithium-ion battery|lithium ion batteries]], though some early models used [[Nickel–metal hydride battery|nickel–metal hydride]] batteries.

Alternative types of batteries are available. [[Z Electric Vehicle]] pioneered use of a battery with lead electrodes and an electrolyte of a liquid low sodium silicate compound, a variation on the classic [[lead–acid battery]] invented in 1859 and still used for electrical power in internal-combustion-engine automobiles, that compares favorably with lithium batteries in size, weight, and energy capacity, at considerably less cost.<ref name= "EV World">{{cite web |url=http://evworld.com/news.cfm?newsid=27889 |title=Z Electric Vehicle Introduces New Model 5000 Scooter |author=Billings, Randy |date= May 9, 2012 |publisher= EV World|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120727022901/http://evworld.com/news.cfm?newsid=27889|archive-date=27 July 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=ZEV S-Series | website=Z Electric Vehicles| access-date=3 September 2022| url=https://www.zelectricvehicle.com/S-Series}}</ref>

EGen says its [[Lithium iron phosphate battery|lithium-iron phosphate batteries]] are up to two-thirds lighter than lead-acid batteries and offer the best battery performance for electric vehicles.<ref name = "eGen">{{Cite web|url=https://egenscooters.com/|title=eGen Electric Scooters|website=eGen Electric Scooters|language=en-GB|access-date=2016-10-03}}</ref>

In 2017, the first vehicle in the US to use the new [[Lithium–titanate battery|Lithium Titanium Oxide (LTO) battery]] non-flammable battery technology<ref>{{cite journal|title=The combustion behavior of large scale lithium titanate battery|first1=Peifeng|last1=Huang|first2=Qingsong|last2=Wang|first3=Ke|last3=Li|first4=Ping|last4=Ping|first5=Jinhua|last5=Sun|date=14 January 2015|journal=Scientific Reports|volume=5|issue=1|pages=7788|doi=10.1038/srep07788|pmid=25586064|pmc=4293605|bibcode=2015NatSR...5E7788H }}</ref> was a scooter called The Expresso.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.expressoscooter.com|title=Bike – Site|website=www.expressoscooter.com|access-date=3 November 2017}}</ref> This technology allows a battery to charge in less than 10 minutes, and is capable of 25,000 charges, the equivalent of 70 years of daily charges.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1016546/000101968707000697/altair_10k-123106.htm|title=Altair Nanotechnologies, Inc.|website=www.sec.gov|access-date=3 November 2017}}</ref> The technology, created by [[Altairnano]], is used in China, where over 10,000 urban buses run on these batteries.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://insideevs.com/news/326065/xalt-energy-to-sell-lto-batteries-for-ev-buses-to-hk-group-in-china/|title=XALT Energy To Sell LTO Batteries For EV Buses To HK Group In China|website=insideevs.com|access-date=3 November 2017}}</ref> <gallery mode="packed" heights="150px"> File:Yamaha fc aqel 2007.JPG|Yamaha FC-AQEL (fuel cell prototype) File:Suzuki Burgman Fuel Cell cutaway model 2011 Tokyo Motor Show.jpg|Suzuki Burgman ([[fuel cell]] prototype) </gallery>

===Charging=== All electric scooters and motorcycles provide for recharging by plugging into ordinary wall outlets, usually taking about eight hours to recharge (i.e., overnight). Some manufacturers have designed in, included, or offer as an accessory, the high-power [[CHAdeMO]] level 2 charger, which can charge the batteries up to 95% in an hour.<ref name=Zero2013>{{cite news|title=2013 Zero Motorcycles lineup goes faster and farther, charges with CHAdeMO|url=http://green.autoblog.com/2012/10/03/2013-zero-motorcycles-lineup-faster-farther-chademo/|access-date=3 September 2013|newspaper=AutoBlog|date=3 October 2013}}</ref>

===Battery swapping=== {{multiple images|perrow=1 |image1=TurboAnt e-scooter with Detachable Battery.jpg |caption1=TurboAnt e-scooter with detachable battery on stem |image2=Fuel-Cell Land Glider-Designed by Todd Bank.jpg |caption2=The Fuel-Cell Battery-Swap Land Glider, designed by Todd Bank, at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, 2005 }}

Manufacturers like Zero Motorcycles and recent entrants to the scooter market Nanu EV, Gogoro, Unu, and [[TurboAnt X7 Pro|TurboAnt]] have designed machines which allow quick [[battery swapping]], to allow charging without the vehicle needing to be near a charge point, or, with a spare battery or an available battery network, to allow continued travel after a battery is drained.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.businessinsider.com/gogoro-launches-smart-electric-plugless-scooter-2015-1 |title=Gogoro Launches Smart Electric Plugless Scooter - Business Insider |newspaper=Businessinsider.com |date=January 15, 2015 |author=Taylor Lorenz |access-date= January 19, 2015}}</ref><ref name=Zero2013/><ref>{{cite news |title=Soak up the summer with the unu electric scooter |url=http://www.classicdriver.com/en/article/bikes/soak-summer-unu-electric-scooter |work=Classic Driver |date=2 August 2014 |access-date=2014-08-06 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2015/02/08/reviewed-this-smart-electric-scooter-doesnt-need-to-be-charged/22936687/ |title=This smart electric scooter doesn't need to be charged |newspaper=Usatoday.com |date=February 8, 2015 |author=Tyler Wells Lynch |access-date= February 13, 2015}}</ref>

In the mid-1990s, Personal Electric Transports-Hawaii (formerly Suntera, now P.E.T.) was making a {{cvt|70|mph|km/h|order=flip|0}} capable 3-wheel enclosed-electric motorcycle called the Sunray – designed by noted solar EV pioneer Jonnathan Tennyson. The Sunray's battery cartridge was on rollers and slid out of the front of the vehicle so it could be swapped out for a freshly charged battery at a battery-swap station conveniently located along a highway or in a city. P.E.T. also had a streamlined two-wheel seated motor scooter called Caballito – designed by Budd Steinhilbur, who was a well known designer of the [[Tucker 48]] automobile. Budd's Caballitos were also adapted for battery-swapping at P.E.T.’s future battery-swap stations. In 2000, P.E.T. added light-electric motorcycle and scooter visionary Todd Bank to their team and P.E.T. secured major funding from the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power to design and prototype the first battery-swap station's for light-electric vehicles and NEV's. P.E.T. prototypes and designs are now on display at museums across America.{{citation needed|date=August 2020}}

Battery swapping is popular in India, with Sun Mobility planning modular batteries. "A moped would require one, a rickshaw two and a car four."<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Schmall |first1=Emily |last2=Ewing |first2=Jack |last3=Loke |first3=Atul |date=2022-09-04 |title=India's Electric Vehicle Push Is Riding on Mopeds and Rickshaws |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/09/04/business/energy-environment/india-electric-vehicles-moped-rickshaw.html |access-date=2022-09-04 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>

===Hybrid=== Honda has developed an experimental internal combustion/electric hybrid scooter.<ref name=HondaFC>{{cite news|title=Honda announces fuel cell, hybrid and electric scooters|url=https://newatlas.com/go/3115/|access-date=3 September 2013|newspaper=Gizmag}}</ref> Yamaha has also developed a hybrid concept motorcycle called Gen-Ryu. It uses a 600 cc engine and an additional electric motor.<ref name=YamahaRyu>{{cite news|title=Yamaha unveils hybrid electric motorcycle and limousine scooter|url=http://www.gizmag.com/go/4729/|access-date=3 September 2013|newspaper=Gizmag|date=27 October 2005}}</ref> [[Piaggio MP3]] Hybrid uses a 125 cc engine and an additional 2.4 kW motor.<ref name=MP3>{{cite news|title=Piaggio MP3 Hybrid review|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/scooters/piaggio/6205937/Piaggio-MP3-Hybrid-review.html|access-date=4 September 2013|newspaper=The Telegraph|date=19 September 2009}}</ref>

===Fuel cell=== {{main|Fuel cell}}

There are several experimental prototypes using [[fuel cell]] technology. [[ENV]] developed by [[Intelligent Energy]] is a [[hydrogen fuel cell]] prototype. The motorcycle has a range of {{Convert|100|miles}} and can reach a top speed of {{cvt|50|mph|abbr=on}}.<ref name=ENV>{{cite news|title=Fuel Cell Motorbike to Hit U.S. Streets|url=http://news.nationalgeographic.co.in/news/2005/08/0802_050802_fuelcellcycle.html|access-date=3 September 2013|newspaper=[[National Geographic (magazine)|National Geographic]]|date=2 August 2005|archive-date=21 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121121053514/http://news.nationalgeographic.co.in/news/2005/08/0802_050802_fuelcellcycle.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Suzuki]] has also developed a concept hydrogen fuel cell scooter based on the [[Suzuki Burgman]].<ref name=Burgman>{{cite news|title=Suzuki and Intelligent Energy Debut Fuel Cell Motor Scooter|url=http://evworld.com/news.cfm?newsid=22026|access-date=3 September 2013|newspaper=EV World|date=22 October 2009|archive-date=17 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141217043312/http://evworld.com/news.cfm?newsid=22026|url-status=dead}}</ref> Yamaha has created a hydrogen fuel cell prototype called FC-AQEL, which is considered equivalent to a 125 cc vehicle.<ref name=YahamaFC>{{cite web|title=Announcing the development of the Yamaha hydrogen fueled "FC-AQEL" fuel cell motorcycle|url=http://global.yamaha-motor.com/news/2006/1019/fc-aqel.html|publisher=[[Yamaha Motor Company|Yamaha]]|access-date=3 September 2013}}</ref> [[Honda]] has also developed a hydrogen fuel cell scooter which uses the [[Honda FCX|Honda FC Stack]].<ref name=HondaFC/> {{Clear}}

==Electric vs. gasoline machines==

===Performance=== [[File:Brandon Nozaki Miller at bonneville 2012.jpg|thumb|[[Brandon Nozaki Miller]] on the first production electric motorcycle to break {{cvt|161|km/h|abbr=on}}, a 2012 [[Zero Motorcycles|Zero]] S ZF6 at Bonneville Salt Flats (2012)]]

Electric and gasoline powered motorcycles and scooters of the same size and weight are roughly comparable in performance.<ref name = "Wired-Lavrinc 11.15.13">{{cite magazine |author=Damon Lavrinc |title=Zero's New Electric Motorcycle Boasts Insane Torque, Expandable Range|url=https://www.wired.com/2013/11/2014-zero-sr/|quote=Torque [is] in line with some of the biggest, brashest, and beefiest bikes in the world. But unlike those bruisers and cruisers, the SR tips the scales at a relatively svelte 400 pounds. High grunt and low mass let you hit 60 mph in 3.3 seconds. |magazine= Wired |date=November 5, 2013|access-date=2014-01-21 }}</ref> In August 2013 [[Road & Track]] evaluated a high-end electric motorcycle as faster and better handling than any conventionally powered bike.<ref>{{cite news |author=Wes Siler |title=First Ride: 2014 Mission RS A game-changing electric tour de force|url=https://www.roadandtrack.com/new-cars/first-drives/reviews/a5028/2014-mission-rs-electric-motorcycle-first-ride-review/|work=[[Road & Track]] |date=August 2, 2013|access-date=2014-01-21 }}</ref> Electric machines have better 0 to 60 acceleration, since they develop full torque immediately, and without a clutch the torque is instantly available.<ref name = "Motorcyclist:James Parker 3/31/2011">{{cite news |author=James Parker |title=Torque in an Electric Motorcycle: Drawing the Line|url=http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/features/122_1104_torque_in_electric_motorcycles/|work=Motorcyclist |date=March 31, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=Ryan Pei |title=This San Francisco Company Plans To Become The Tesla Of The Motorcycle World |url=https://www.businessinsider.in/This-San-Francisco-Company-Plans-To-Become-The-Tesla-Of-The-Motorcycle-World/articleshow/29960284.cms |quote=The Mission electric motorcycle runs from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.7 seconds. That's better acceleration than any other commercially-available motorcycle ever built. |work=[[Business Insider]] |date=Feb 6, 2014 |access-date=2020-07-27 |archive-date=27 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727131233/https://www.businessinsider.in/This-San-Francisco-Company-Plans-To-Become-The-Tesla-Of-The-Motorcycle-World/articleshow/29960284.cms |url-status=dead }}</ref>

===Range=== Electric motorcycles and scooters suffer considerable disadvantage in range, since batteries that fit in a motorcycle frame cannot [[Energy density|store as much energy]] as a tank of gasoline. Anything over {{convert|130|miles}} on a single charge is considered an exceptionally long range. Consequently, while electric machines excel for city dwellers traveling relatively short distances, on the open road riders experience inhibiting [[range anxiety]].<ref name = "Wired-Lavrinc 10.04.13">{{cite magazine |author=Damon Lavrinc |title=A Current Affair|url=https://www.wired.com/2013/10/a-current-affair-104/|magazine= Wired |date=October 10, 2013|access-date=2014-01-21 }}</ref> Electric power also [[Trade-off|trades off]] range against speed; for instance according to the manufacturer the long-range ZEV LRC electric scooter can travel {{Convert|225|km|abbr=on}} at {{cvt|88|km/h|abbr=on}}, but the range drops to about {{Convert|129|km|abbr=on}} at {{Convert|112|km/h|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite web | title=ZEV LRC: The world's fastest and longest range electric motor scooter | website=z Electric Vehicles| url=https://www.zelectricvehicle.com/LRC | access-date=3 September 2022}}</ref>

Manufacturers are striving to increase range; as of 2022 a range of {{Convert|161|miles|km|order=flip|abbr=on}} was reported. At the other end of the scale, much shorter ranges such as {{Convert|40|miles|km|order=flip|abbr=on}} were available at very much lower cost.<ref>{{cite news| last=Jolly | first=Jasper | title=EV riders: motorcycle manufacturers making the leap to electric | newspaper=the Guardian | date=3 September 2022 | url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2022/sep/03/ev-riders-motorcycle-manufacturers-making-the-leap-to-electric=}}</ref>

===Maintenance=== Electric scooters and motorcycles need very little maintenance.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-02-22|title=What servicing jobs can I forget about if I swap my petrol bike for an electric? - Bikesure|url=https://www.bikesure.co.uk/bikesureblog/2021/02/what-servicing-jobs-can-i-forget-about-if-i-swap-my-petrol-bike-for-an-electric.html|access-date=2021-03-19|website=Bikesure Blog|language=en-GB}}</ref> As [[Wired (magazine)|Wired]] magazine's transportation editor Damon Lavrinc reported after an experiment of trying to go six months using nothing but a Zero electric motorcycle: "[w]ith only a battery, a motor, and a black box (i.e. the controller) to keep you moving, electric motorcycles are a breeze to maintain compared to a conventional motorcycle, what with all the lubricating and adjusting and tuning you have to do. You basically just worry about consumables: brake pads, tires, maybe a brake fluid flush. That's about it."<ref name = "Wired-Lavrinc 01.17.14">{{cite magazine |author=Damon Lavrinc |title=A Current Affair|url=https://www.wired.com/2014/01/zero-recall/|magazine= [[Wired (magazine)|Wired]] |date=17 January 2014 |access-date=2014-01-21 }}</ref> Electric scooters and motorcycles equipped with [[regenerative braking]] typically have longer brake pad life because a significant portion of braking duty can be performed with the electric motor instead of the mechanical friction brakes.

===Fuel cost=== At between one and two cents per mile (depending on electric rates), electric machines enjoy an enormous fuel cost advantage. Three months and {{Convert|2800|km|abbr=on}} of commuting on an electric motorcycle cost Lavrinc less than $30 for electricity; on a BMW gasoline bike a single trip of {{Convert|650|km|abbr=on}} cost nearly the same. In Australia, UBCO battery Electric Motorbike running cost is 88¢ per 100 km. In India, Ampere Electric Scooter's running cost is at Rs. 0.15 per km.<ref name = "Wired-Lavrinc 10.04.13"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://ev.spacepac.com.au/motorcycles-scooters/ubco-off-road-motorcycle/|title=UBCO Off Road, Battery Electric Motorcycle {{!}} Battery Electric Tugs, Pushers and Pullers|website=ev.spacepac.com.au|access-date=2016-10-25}}</ref> <ref>{{cite news |url=https://amperevehicles.com/faq/ |title=Cost Saving of Electric Scooter vs. Fuel Scooter in India |date=30 December 2019 |work=Ampere Electric Vehicles |access-date=16 February 2020}}</ref>

===Recharging time=== Even with special equipment, charging a battery takes significantly longer than filling a gasoline tank. With the maximum number of accessory chargers, it takes over an hour to charge a Zero S ZF6.5's 6.5 kWh battery to 95% capacity. This refuel time also increases with battery capacity; the Zero S ZF13.0 (which has a 13 kWh battery) takes over 2 hours to charge to 95% capacity using the maximum number of accessory. This affects journeys longer than the single-charge range of a motorcycle.<ref>{{cite web |title=Zero Motorcycles |url=https://www.zeromotorcycles.com/model/zero-s |publisher=Zero Motorcycles |access-date=3 October 2020}}</ref>

===Noise=== Electric vehicles are far quieter than gasoline powered ones, so that they may approach a pedestrian who is not watching unnoticed.<ref name = "BBC-Quiet">{{cite news |author=Chris Neiger |title=Solving electric cars' quiet problem|url=http://www.bbc.com/autos/story/20131015-a-soundtrack-for-electric-cars|quote=[R]ival schools have emerged. The first argues that EVs should remain quiet, void of any added sound. The second believes that these vehicles pose a risk to pedestrians and cyclists because they may creep up, ostensibly unannounced by a gurgling engine. |work= BBC Autos |date=15 October 2013|access-date=2014-01-21 }}</ref> Some are equipped to produce [[Electric vehicle warning sounds|a warning sound]] as they travel and the UK is running trials to see if escooters with artificial noise are safer.<ref>{{Cite web |title=E-scooters with artificial noise to alert pedestrians to be rolled out for the first time |url=https://www.lbc.co.uk/news/noise-to-be-added-to-escooters/ |access-date=2023-06-27 |website=LBC |date=27 June 2023 |language=en}}</ref> [[Popular Mechanics]] called the comparative quiet of electric motorcycles the greatest difference between them and their gasoline counterparts, and a safety bonus because the rider can hear danger approaching.<ref>{{cite news |author=Wes Siler |title=Electric Motorcycles Buyer's Guide|url=https://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/motorcycles/a5692/electric-motorcycles-buyers-guide/|quote=[S]ilence is actually a bonus; you can hear danger approaching and you become more a part of your environment. |date=April 20, 2010|access-date=2014-01-21 }}</ref> Whether a loud motorcycle is safer than a quiet one due to being more noticeable is a matter of dispute.<ref name = "Motorcycle Myths">{{cite news|author=Florin Tibu|title=Most Common Motorcycle Myths Debunked: Part 1|url=http://www.autoevolution.com/news/most-common-motorcycle-myths-debunked-part-1-45969.html/|work=Autoevlution|date=June 8, 2012|access-date=2014-01-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140128091233/http://www.autoevolution.com/news/most-common-motorcycle-myths-debunked-part-1-45969.html|archive-date=January 28, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name = "Loud Pipes">{{cite news |author=Elizabeth Stawiki |title=Loud pipes save lives or risk rights?|url=http://www.mprnews.org/story/2007/05/29/loud_pipes_save_lives_or_risk_rights|quote=[T]the pipes direct the sound backwards.. . . Seventy-seven percent of all motorcycle accident hazards come from the 11 to 1:00 direction, from in front of the motorcycle rider. And people that are 500 feet in front of you that may turn in front of you that will violate your right of way; they can't hear [the motorcycle noise] because it's pointed the other way |work= MPR News |date=June 6, 2007|access-date=2014-01-21 }}</ref> At high speed the whine of a typical electric motorcycle is said to sound "like a spaceship".<ref name = "Mead">{{cite news |author=Derek Mead |title=The Most Advanced Electric Superbike Sounds Like a Spaceship and Hauls Ass |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/mission-motorcyles-electric-superbike-sounds-like-a-spaceship-and-hauls-ass/ |work=Motherboard |date=March 31, 2011 |access-date=2014-01-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140207194728/http://motherboard.vice.com/blog/mission-motorcyles-electric-superbike-sounds-like-a-spaceship-and-hauls-ass |archive-date=February 7, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=Wes Siler |title=First Ride: 2014 Mission RS A game-changing electric tour de force|url=https://www.roadandtrack.com/new-cars/first-drives/reviews/a5028/2014-mission-rs-electric-motorcycle-first-ride-review/|quote=[I]t sounds like a TIE Fighter on an attack run.|work=[[Road & Track]] |date=August 2, 2013|access-date=2014-01-21 }}</ref>

On the other hand, electric vehicles do not add to [[noise pollution]].

==Sales and adoption==

China leads the world in electric scooter sales, comprising 9.4 million of the total 12 million sold worldwide in 2013. As of November 2020, the number of electric scooters in China had reached around 300 million, with annual sales of more than 30 million units.<ref>{{Cite web|title=China boasts 300 mln electric bicycles- China.org.cn|url=http://www.china.org.cn/china/2020-11/23/content_76938034.htm|access-date=2021-06-20|website=www.china.org.cn}}</ref> There were only 31,338 electric scooter sales outside the Asia-Pacific region including Europe. The US market is comparatively small, with an estimated 2,000 sold in 2012.<ref>{{cite news |author=JP Darwin |title=The Electric Scooter Market |url=http://cleanrider.com/electric-scooter-market/ |work=CleanRider.com |date=2 June 2014 |access-date=7 June 2014 |archive-date=14 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714205916/http://cleanrider.com/electric-scooter-market/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

While steadily becoming more practical, high prices and a limited range suited best for commuting have been impediments to electric motorcycles and scooters increasing their market share.<ref>{{cite news |author=Dexter Ford |title=Electricity Reporting for Duty |url= https://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/15/automobiles/electricity-reporting-for-duty.html?hp&_r=0 |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=13 June 2014 |access-date=2014-06-17 }}</ref> In the US at least, cheaper motorcycles that can refuel in minutes at any gasoline station better suit weekend riders, the predominant users.<ref name= "Ford">{{cite news |author=Dexter Ford|title= Electric Motorcycles in Search of a Market |url= https://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/12/automobiles/electric-motorcycle-sales-are-low-despite-hype.html?_r=0 |quote=Electric motorcycle makers like to talk about a rider's daily commuting distance and show how their bike's limited range is just right. The problem is that most real motorcyclists don't commute on their bikes. They commute in air-conditioned cars that keep their hair in place, their smartphones in hand and their clothes insect-free |work = [[The New York Times]] |date=October 11, 2012 |access-date=2014-01-22 }}</ref> According to a market report published in 2013, the sales of electric motorcycles and scooters in expected to rise over 10-fold by 2018 in North America, to about 36,000 by 2018.<ref name=NA2018>{{cite news|title=Annual Sales of Electric Motorcycles and Scooters in North America Will Multiply Nearly Ten-Fold by 2018, Forecasts Navigant Research|url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/annual-sales-electric-motorcycles-scooters-151500465.html|access-date=4 September 2013|newspaper=Yahoo Finance|date=16 May 2013}}</ref>

In India, high costs and power grid problems have contributed to slow sales. In states like [[Tamil Nadu]], where power supply of rationed electricity was reduced, a corresponding drop in sales has been observed by electric scooter manufacturers like Ampere, [[Hero Electric]], [[Ola Electric]] and [[Ather Energy]].<ref name=grid1>{{cite news|title=Grid Problems Curb India's Electric-Vehicle Appetite|url=http://green.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/01/04/grid-problems-curb-indias-electric-vehicle-appetite/|access-date=4 September 2013|newspaper=The New York Times|date=4 January 2013}}</ref> <gallery mode="packed" heights="150"> File:E-Scooter in Berlin.jpg|Electric Scooter in [[Berlin]]. Designed for an app-based sharing system. File:Emmy Sharing Electric Scooters Parking Munich.jpg|E-Scooters of scooter-sharing company Emmy in Munich (2019) </gallery>

==Government promotion and incentives== {{Main|Government incentives for plug-in electric vehicles}}

===India=== In January 2013, the Indian government announced a plan to provide subsidies for hybrid and electric vehicles. The plan will have subsidies up to {{currency|150000|INR}} (approximately {{USD|2,200}}) for cars and {{currency|50000|INR}} for two wheeled vehicles. India aimed to have seven million electric vehicles on the road by 2020. The scheme was launched in April 2019 using the name FAME, or Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid and) Electric vehicles.<ref name=IndiaSubsidy>{{cite news|title=Govt plans subsidy to boost electric, hybrid vehicle sales|url=http://www.livemint.com/Politics/vALP1H7qAiQbZbDJqKEZTJ/Govt-plans-subsidy-to-boost-electric-hybrid-vehicle-sales.html|access-date=4 September 2013|newspaper=Live Mint|date=4 January 2013}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=New Electric Scooter in India 2022 {{!}} Prices, Images and Reviews |url=https://myelectrikbike.com/new-electric-scooter/ |access-date=2022-12-17 |website=myelectrikbike.com}}</ref>

===Indonesia=== The Indonesian government announced in March 2023 that it would allocate a total of {{currency|7|IDR}} trillion ({{USD|455.88 million}}) to incentivize electric motorcycle sales through 2024. These funds will subsidize 800,000 new electric motorcycle sales and 200,000 conversions of existing internal combustion motorcycles to electric.<ref>{{cite news|title=Indonesia sets aside $455 million to subsidise electric motorcycle sales|url=https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/indonesia-sets-aside-455-million-subsidise-electric-motorcycle-sales-2023-03-20/|access-date=30 March 2023|newspaper=Reuters|date=20 March 2023}}</ref> Each new electric motorcycle sale will receive a {{currency|7|IDR}} million subsidy.<ref>{{cite news|title=Indonesia to Offer Incentives for Over 235,000 EVs This Year|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-03-06/indonesia-to-offer-incentives-for-over-235-000-evs-this-year#xj4y7vzkg|access-date=30 March 2023|newspaper=Bloomberg|date=5 March 2023}}</ref>

===Taiwan=== The premier of the [[Republic of China]] (Taiwan) [[Liu Chao-shiuan]] said in 2008 that the government-financed [[Industrial Technology Research Institute]] (ITRI) will help domestic manufacturers mass-produce 100,000 electric motorcycles in four years.<ref>{{cite news|title= Taiwan News Quick Take: Firms to build electric bikes|url=https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2008/08/16/2003420501|access-date=30 March 2023|newspaper=Taipei Times|date=16 August 2008}}</ref>

===Senegal=== In March 2022, Tamir Faye, Director General of ANPEJ, signed an agreement for the creation of 50,000 jobs to provide opportunities for young people by using electric motorcycles to strengthen the transport industry.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Emploi des jeunes : une convention entre l'ANPEJ et BoB Eco prévoit de doter 50 000 motos électriques aux jeunes. |url=https://www.dakaractu.com/Emploi-des-jeunes-une-convention-entre-l-ANPEJ-et-BoB-Eco-prevoit-de-doter-50-000-motos-electriques-aux-jeunes_a216273.html |website=Dakaractu}}</ref>

==Motorsports==

===MotoE World Championship=== {{Main|MotoE World Championship}} The '''FIM [[Enel]] MotoE World Championship''' (formerly known as the '''MotoE World Cup''') is a class of [[motorcycle racing]] that uses only [[electric motorcycle]]s. The series is sanctioned by the [[Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme|FIM]] and the [[2019 MotoE World Cup|inaugural season]] in 2019 was due to support [[MotoGP]] at five of the European circuits.<ref name="MotoE">{{cite web|url=http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2018/02/06/fim-enel-motoe-world-cup-a-new-class-of-competition/249159|title=FIM Enel MotoE™ World Cup: a new class of competition|date=6 February 2018|publisher=motogp.com|access-date=2018-02-07|archive-date=2018-02-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180206183709/http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2018/02/06/fim-enel-motoe-world-cup-a-new-class-of-competition/249159|url-status=live}}</ref>

Having run as a World Cup from {{MGP|2019|MotoE}} until {{MGP|2022|MotoE}}, MotoE officially gained World Championship status starting in {{MGP|2023|MotoE}}.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.motogp.com/en/news/2022/10/18/2023-fim-enel-motoe-world-championship-provisional-calendar/441374|title=2023 FIM Enel MotoE World Championship provisional calendar|date=18 October 2022|access-date=18 October 2022|work=MotoGP.com|publisher=[[Dorna Sports]]|archive-date=18 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221018130053/https://www.motogp.com/en/news/2022/10/18/2023-fim-enel-motoe-world-championship-provisional-calendar/441374|url-status=live}}</ref> The races are for 35 km (approx 8 laps).

===Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC)=== {{Main|PPIHC}}

The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb began in 1916 and is the second oldest motor sports race in the United States. The PPIHC is a long-standing tradition in the Colorado Springs and Pikes Peak Regions. The race takes place on a {{convert|12.42|mile|km|adj=on}} course beginning at an elevation of {{cvt|9390|ft|m}}, containing 156 turns and ending at the {{cvt|14110|ft|m|adj=on}} summit of Pikes Peak. One of the main obstacles of the race is the increasingly thin air that slows reflexes, diminishes muscle strength and reduces the power of internal combustion engines by 30 percent as competitors advance up the peak. The electric motorcycle division has an advantage with the all-electric motorcycles because they do not experience power loss with increased elevation and thinner air.

The [[Lightning Motorcycle]] Super-bike electric motorcycle set the fastest overall time in the motorcycle division, beating all gasoline powered motorcycles in 2013.<ref name=Lighting1 /><ref name=Lighting2 />

===TT Zero=== {{Main|TT Zero}} [[File:TT Zero IMG 01043.jpg|thumb|Mark Miller riding a [[MotoCzysz E1pc]] at [[TT Zero]] (2012)]]

TTXGP was conceived by Azhar Hussain. The first race was held on 30 June 2009 on the Isle of Man in which 13 teams took part.<ref name=TT/> The event was endorsed by the [[Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme]] (FIM).<ref name=suds/> In May 2010, TTXGP started a world championship series.<ref name=suds>{{cite news|title=More Suds In Electric Motorcycle Racing Soap Opera|url=https://www.wired.com/2010/01/isle-of-man-tt-zero/|access-date=4 September 2013|newspaper=Wired.com|date=29 January 2010}}</ref> It went on to organize several races in US, Europe and Australia.<ref name=FIMpartner>{{cite news|title=Electric Motorcycle Racing Just Got Viable Thanks to FIM Partnership|url=https://www.wired.com/2013/03/ttxgp-fim/|access-date=4 September 2013|newspaper=Wired.com|date=5 March 2013}}</ref> In 2010, TT Zero replaced the TTXGP event in the [[Isle of Man TT]] race. Neither TTXGP nor Azhar Hussain were involved in the event. The event followed FIM rules.<ref name=suds/>

===FIM eRoad Racing World Cup=== {{Main|FIM eRoad Racing World Cup}} On 18 November 2010, [[Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme]] (FIM) announced an ePower International Series for electric motorcycles, causing a split between TTXGP promoters and FIM.<ref name=ePower>{{cite news|title=Electric Motorcycle Racing Hits the Big Time|url=https://www.wired.com/2009/11/fim-e-power-series/|access-date=4 September 2013|newspaper=Wired.com|date=23 November 2010}}</ref> FIM, unlike TTXGP, was unable to gather many teams of the series. In March 2011, TTXGP announced it would again collaborate with FIM.<ref name=FIMPeace>{{cite news|title=Signs of Peace In E-Motorcycle Racing Squabble|url=https://www.wired.com/2011/03/signs-of-peace-in-e-motorcycle-racing-squabble/|access-date=4 September 2013|newspaper=Wired.com|date=16 March 2011}}</ref>

In 2013, TTXGP and FIM collaborated to organize the FIM eRoad Racing World Cup with races in US, Europe and a final race in Asia.<ref name=FIMpartner/>

====Motocross====

In 2013, FIM announced an all-electric event, called E-MX, which was held in Belgium during Clean Week 2020 on 2 May.<ref name=e-mx>{{cite web|title=Motocross set to become electric competition|url=http://www.acem.eu/index.php/media-corner/news/environment/148-motocross-set-to-become-electric-motorcycling-competition|publisher=Association des Constructeurs Européens de Motocycles|access-date=4 September 2013}}</ref> MiniMoto SX Energy Crisiscross is a regular event where electric off-road motorcycles are allowed to compete against conventional motorcycles.<ref name=MiniMoto>{{cite news|title=Brammo to challenge other electrics, gassers in MiniMoto SX Energy Crisiscross 2011|url=http://green.autoblog.com/2011/05/03/brammo-challenge-electric-minimoto-sx-energy-crisscross-2011/|access-date=4 September 2013|newspaper=Autoblog|date=3 May 2011}}</ref>

<gallery mode="packed" heights="150"> File:Engage1.jpg|A [[Brammo]] Engage at MiniMoto SX (2011) File:EMotoRacing Roebling Road 2016 Season.jpg|alt=eMotoRacing Roebling Road 2016 Season|[http://eMotoRacing.com eMotoRacing] founder Arthur Kowitz, and Pete Nicolosi, 2016 series points leader (as of race #6), vie for the lead during 2016's 1st race, held at Roebling Road, Georgia, US. </gallery>

====eMotoRacing==== After the TTXGP concluded its 2013 race season, it pulled out of the US, and Arthur Kowitz, who had participated in the FIM eRoad Racing World Cup founded [http://eMotoRacing.com eMotoRacing] to fill the void.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.electricracenews.com/2013/11/official-emotoracing-series.html|title=Official eMotoRacing series announcement, first race in February 2014|language=en-US|access-date=2016-06-26}}</ref> eMotoRacing kicked off its first season in 2014, running in conjunction with [[American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association|AHRMA]] which gave access to ten high-profile tracks around the US. In addition to its regular race season, eMotoRacing held its first annual "Varsity Challenge" on July 11–13, 2014,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.eng.vt.edu/news/college-engineering-student-team-debut-new-electric-motorcycle-new-jersey-race|title=College of Engineering student team to debut new electric motorcycle at New Jersey race {{!}} www.eng.vt.edu|website=www.eng.vt.edu|access-date=2016-06-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160719232638/http://www.eng.vt.edu/news/college-engineering-student-team-debut-new-electric-motorcycle-new-jersey-race|archive-date=2016-07-19|url-status=dead}}</ref> at the New Jersey Motorsports Park, urging engineering teams from universities to race custom-built electric motorcycles. At the start of its third season in 2016, AHRMA announced it had adopted eMotoRacing's "eSuperSport" class as a permanent addition to their roadracing lineup.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://blog.motorcycle.com/2015/10/21/motorcycle-news/emotoracing-esupersport-class-permanent-addition-to-ahrma/|title=eMotoRacing eSuperSport Class Permanent Addition To AHRMA - Motorcycle.com News|last=Motorcycle.com|date=21 October 2015 |access-date=2016-06-26}}</ref>

===FIM E-Xplorer World Cup=== {{main|FIM E-Xplorer World Cup}} In July 2021 the FIM announced a new electric off-road series, the FIM E-Xplorer World Cup. The series was backed by [[Alejandro Agag]] who was involved in [[Extreme E]], [[Formula E]] and the [[E1 Series (boat racing)|E1 Series]]. Teams of two riders, one make and one female, compete against each other in the series.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Pearson |first1=Jon |title=All-electric off-road race series launched by FIM |url=https://enduro21.com/en/racing/latest/all-electric-off-road-race-series-launched-by-fim |website=Enduro21 |access-date=6 May 2026 |language=en-gb |date=6 July 2021}}</ref>

The inaugural [[2023 FIM E-Xplorer World Cup|2023 season]] had rounds in [[Catalonia]], Spain, [[Crans-Montana]] in the [[Swiss Alps]], the French region of [[Auvergne]] and a double header in the sand dunes of [[Sardinia]]. The Sardinia rounds were held in conjunction with the [[Extreme E]] series. Team MIE ([[Sandra Gómez (motorcycle trials rider)|Sandra Gomez]] and Jorge Zaragoza) won the series.<ref>{{cite web |title=Team MIE crowned inaugural Champions of the FIM E-Xplorer World Cup |url=https://www.dirthub.co.uk/team-mie-crowned-inaugural-champions-of-the-fim-e-xplorer-world-cup/ |website=Dirt Hub |access-date=1 May 2026 |date=19 September 2023}}</ref>

==See also== {{Portal|Environment|Ecology}} {{div col|colwidth=23em}} *[[Electric kick scooter]] *[[Electric trike]] *[[Electric vehicle conversion]] *[[Energy density]] *[[Government incentives for plug-in electric vehicles]] *[[List of fastest production motorcycles by acceleration]] *[[List of battery electric vehicles#Motorcycles and scooters|List of battery electric motorcycles and scooters]] *[[Miles per gallon gasoline equivalent]] *[[Mobility scooter]] *[[Plug-in electric vehicle]] *[[Scooter-sharing system]] {{div col end}}

==References== {{Reflist|30em}}

==External links== * {{Commons category-inline|Electric motorcycles}} * {{Commons category-inline|Electric motor scooters}}

{{Motorcycle components}} {{Types of motorcycles}} {{Alternative propulsion}} {{Motorcycles}} {{Micromobility}} {{Electric vehicles}} {{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Electric Motorcycles And Scooters}} [[Category:Three-wheeled motor vehicles| ]] [[Category:Electric motorcycles| ]] [[Category:Electric scooters| ]] [[Category:Motorcycle technology]] [[Category:Motorcycle classifications]]