Electric motorcycles are becoming more popular every day. And like electric vehicles, they’re disrupting the industry and challenging traditional manufacturers to produce a better bike. With more electric sport bikes entering the market annually, newcomers are starting to draw serious attention.

And conventional bikers are taking notice. From saving on gas bills to riding a smarter bike, old-school motorcyclists find dependability and decreased maintenance costs a major driver as well. A few manufacturers have electric bikes that have been on the market for about a decade. And others are following this trend — with the new rides rolling off the production line soon. Take a look where the market is at, and where it’s headed, with our primer on electric motorcycles.

Extended Riding-range for Battery Powered Motorcycles

Manufacturers are plugging new tech into their electric bikes, scooters and motorcycles. Lithium ion battery R & D continues to produce more energy efficient ways to ride. Here are a few ways these powerful batteries are charging the industry.

Better mileage

Many manufacturers have pushed the range that their bikes can travel before running out of a charge with their latest offering.

Fast charging

New quick-charging battery systems keep your downtime to a minimum. A few producers are currently promoting a charging pack that’s 50% quicker than previous models. The most aggressive of these charging systems boast a 100% charge in just 60 minutes.

Battery guarantees

Some groups are offering unlimited battery warranties that extend for five years.

Regenerative braking capability

One big benefit of electric motorcycles is their ability to re-capture energy. By converting braking and coasting momentum into a real-time recharge, that energy is used over and over again.

Electric motorcycles vs. gas

When compared to the range that a conventional 1000cc sports bike gets, some e-motorcycles travel just as far on a full charge as they would on a full tank of gas.

E-motorcycles Accelerate Faster

One of the coolest things about electric motorcycles is the immediate torque and acceleration they have. By not depending on a clutch or a multi-speed transmission, these rides really move. There’s an electric motorcycle for every kind of rider. Whatever bike you choose, remember to leverage a motorcycle insurance discount with our suite of motorcycle safety course options.

Motorbikes, race bikes, superbikes — these are the kinds of electric motorcycles you might have already seen on the market. But if you’re more of a cruiser or a tour bike fan, don’t be discouraged. You’ll find there’s perfect ride out there to fit your needs. And best the best part? They’re all lightning fast off the line.

220 mph, zero to 60 in 2.0 seconds

The heavyweights on the market can hit 60 mph in two seconds flat with a top speeds around 220 mph. Now that’s cooking!

Peak performance via onboard energy management

Newer battery-controlling software allows you to ride like you would with a normal bike. And you won’t have to worry about burning through your battery.

Hydraulic brakes helps you stop on a dime

Folding in automatic breaking systems (ABS) technology, these fast bikes come equipped to slow down smartly — and quickly. And American Family’s advanced riding course can help seasoned bikers up their game, which is even smarter.

Electric Bikes Require Less Maintenance

One big win for e-motorcycles is that there are fewer moving parts. And that translates to lighter, less-expensive maintenance schedules. It’s true, some of the electronic motorcycles have a higher initial price tag. But the money saved across the life of the bike can help to offset that up-front investment. Here are a few other important electronic motorcycle maintenance details:

No oil means no oil changing

Owning an electric motorcycle is just plain easier. No checking and changing the oil or filter.

Tune ups are a breeze

No spark plugs, clutch or timing belt to replace. No fuel filter to change. In the long run, less maintenance helps to justify the higher price tag.

Less moving parts

Because e-motorcycles are really just an electric motor and drive train, there’s less worry. You won’t have to keep an internal combustion engine up and running.

Smarter ebike tech

Bluetooth-enabled smart phones can hook into many of the e-motorcycle’s stats. A sampling includes maps to known charging stations, carbon footprint data and financial comparisons of money saved over conventional gas-powered bikes.

Electric Scooters Are Gaining Momentum

With some scooters reaching top speeds around 50 mph, e-scooters are also gaining popularity. The Super Soco is targeting more aggressive riders with their TC MAX, which push above 60 mph. The Vespa Elettrica is made for urban commuting with a more conservative 30 mph limit. Like e-motorcycles, these models also come equipped with an app. You’ll get a wide array of data and stats that inform your ride.

Do You Need Insurance for an Electric Motorcycle?

Yes, you should take a look at your motorcycle coverage options to best protect your ride, and remember to check in with your American Family Insurance agent. Reducing your carbon footprint can help you contribute to a greener world, and getting an electric motorcycle might be the way to go. With it, you’ll enjoy performance, convenience, versatility and all the other cool benefits that are part of being a biker. Ride on!

This article is for informational purposes only and includes information widely available through different sources.

This article does not afford or guarantee coverage.

Whether cruising to class, work or out for a leisurely ride, a moped or scooter is a convenient way to get from point A to point B — plus, they’re great on gas!

When you hit the road, you have your helmet and other riding gear ready to go, but you’ll want to make sure you have that extra layer of protection in place — motorcycle insurance.

Is it required to have insurance for a moped or scooter? Let’s find out.

So, you’ve decided to buy a used motorcycle. Good for you! You’ll probably save money on the bike itself, and you can reap additional savings by avoiding setup, delivery and dealer fees if you’re buying from a private seller. The last thing you want though is for your used bike to break down or have surprise damage and problems.

When the snow finally melts, winter says its goodbyes and you welcome the arrival of spring, there’s one thing on your mind: getting your motorcycle back on the road. While you give your motorcycle regular maintenance during the warmer months, it likely needs a little bit more love after hibernating all winter. That’s why we put together a list of motorcycle maintenance tips to get you ready for the spring.

Motorcycle Tire Maintenance

Start where your bike meets the road and give the tires a thorough check before you start the engine. Here’s how you can make sure your motorcycle’s wheels are ready for spring:

Check the tire pressure. You always want to check your motorcycle's tire pressure when your tires are cold, which shouldn’t be a problem since it’s been in your garage since last fall. Grab a tire pressure gauge and your motorcycle’s manual and see if they’re within the recommended range. Underinflated tires will cut down on your gas mileage and overinflated tires will be more susceptible to wear and other damage. Plus, they’re both much more dangerous to drive on.

Give them a closer look. Take the time to look closely at both tires and spot any cracking or other signs of a leak like punctures. If you notice wear, swap out the tires as soon as possible. Driving on a damaged tire is never worth the risk.

Know your tires’ story. Different styles, brands and types of tires will have different lifespans and fare better in certain conditions. If you bought your bike used, you should have gotten details on how long the tires have been used, mileage and where it was driven. Research the specific tire model, its lifespan and find its date code on the actual tire. If you’re not sure, take your bike to a repair shop or dealer to get more info and an inspection.

Check Your Motorcycle’s Brakes

The brake system is probably the most ignored part of your motorcycle. When it works, you don’t think about it — and when you notice something wrong, you need to take it in right away. Avoid an expensive and potentially dangerous problem by checking these parts of your brakes:

Check the brake fluid. Motorcycle manufacturers’ recommendations will vary, but the general rule of thumb is that you should change your brake fluid at least once every two years. Refer to your owner’s manual and manufacturer tutorials if you want to do it yourself, or hand the job off to a pro.

Making sure your brake fluid is within the recommended range, however, is something you can do every time you hop on your bike. Make sure it’s at its maximum level at the start of spring by checking the gauge usually located near your handlebars for your front brake and near the back tire for the rear brake. If it’s low, fill it with manufacturer-recommended brake fluid.

Peek at the brake pads. When brake pads wear down and aren’t replaced on time, your bike could suffer some seriously damaging and expensive consequences. Most brake pads will have an indicator visible without having to take your bike apart, so make sure you understand how it works and how it indicates that a change is necessary. And if you’re not comfortable handling the job yourself, it’s not all that expensive to outsource it to a mechanic.

Inspect the Interior of the Motorcycle

Once you’ve checked the parts of your bike that keep you on the road and stop you when you need to, it’s time to check out some of the parts not visible to the naked eye:

Check the oil. You may have changed your oil and replaced the filter when you winterized your bike, but if not, you’ll want to do that now — it’s good to give it a healthy start to the riding season.

Test your battery. When your motorcycle sits still for months at a time, especially in less-than-ideal weather, your bike’s battery’s life can be shortened. It’s smart to charge it occasionally throughout the winter months, but if you forgot to do so, it may need replacing. If you’re having trouble getting your battery to work, remove it and take it to a local hardware store that offers battery testing.

Look at the fuel filter. Your motorcycle’s fuel filter is crucial to the health of your engine. Give your bike a clean start by replacing the fuel filter and filling it up with a fresh tank of gas before you take it out for a long ride.

Check the bike’s spark plugs. Most manufacturers will recommend that you check your spark plugs every 4,000 to 5,000 miles, but even if you didn’t ride your bike that much last year, you should still inspect them. Take a look at each one individually and keep an eye out for oil leakage, ash deposits or overall wear and tear. If you notice wear and tear or are concerned about their condition, replace them — they’re a small price to pay for a clean-running ride.

Inspect other often-ignored moving parts. The chain, kickstand, throttle shifter — all these parts can get dried out and even rusty while in storage. And while they’re considered minor when compared to your tires, brakes and engine, they’re still important! Lubricate where you need to and avoid having to make a frustrating fix early in the season.

Once you’ve inspected and tested your motorcycle, clean and shine it up make sure you're ready to ride with proper etiquette before you take it out on the road — then, make sure you’re protected from the unexpected with the right motorcycle insurance. Your American Family Insurance agent is dedicated to making sure your coverage is customized to fit your specific needs. Get in touch today and get the peace of mind you deserve.