Electric Motorcycles 2024｜License Fees and Insurance Costs｜Maintenance Issues｜Driving Tips

The most significant difference between electric motorcycles and gasoline motorcycles is the absence of engines and gearboxes, which are replaced by motors and batteries. When it comes to maintenance, electric motorcycles are indeed simpler, as there’s no need to regularly replace engine oil or gearbox oil. However, due to size constraints, most electric motorcycles are equipped with only one or two batteries, resulting in a shorter range compared to gasoline motorcycles.

Nevertheless, many electric motorcycles adopt removable batteries that can be taken home for charging, eliminating the need to rely on charging stations like electric cars. This adds convenience. Moreover, with Hong Kong’s compact size, unless you’re a professional driver, the range of most electric motorcycles is sufficient for local road conditions.

Kwiksure offers motorcycle insurance for full licenses, learner permits, P-plates, food delivery bikes, and scooters starting from HK$888. Get a quote now!

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EasyCool is a motorcycle brand from Zhejiang, China, that produces both gasoline and electric motorcycles. Their electric motorcycles mainly target the European and American markets. The E-XDV, available in Hong Kong, features a trendy off-road scooter design with front and rear cameras and a large digital dashboard.

The E-XDV is equipped with dual batteries, delivering a power output of 6 kW (peak power: 15 kW). It offers three driving modes:

• Mode 1: Speed limit of 50 km/h
• Mode 2: Speed limit of 80 km/h
• Mode 3: Speed limit of 110 km/h

For Hong Kong roads, modes 2 and 3 are more suitable. The maximum range is approximately 170 km, depending on the driving mode.

Owned by Xiaomi, Segway-Ninebot leverages its electric balance bike technology to produce various electric motorcycles. Among them, the E200P ONE is available in Hong Kong. It features a removable battery, with a maximum power output of 10 kW, a top speed of 100 km/h, and a maximum range of 150 km. Although it requires 6–8 hours to fully charge, the removable battery adds convenience.

Energica Experia

From Italy, Energica specializes in unique high-performance electric motorcycles. The Experia stands out with its adventure touring design and an imposing seat height of 847 mm.

Although it comes at a high price, the Experia boasts a maximum range of 246 km, with an urban range of 420 km.

Equipped with a 22.5 kWh battery, 75 kW of power, and a 0–100 km/h acceleration time of 3.5 seconds, the Experia has a top speed of 180 km/h. It also offers advanced features like four driving modes (Eco, Urban, Rain, Sport), regenerative braking, cruise control, traction control, and cornering ABS.

Founded in 2014 by former Baidu CTO Li Yinan and ex-Microsoft staff, NIU specializes in electric motorcycles. In Hong Kong, the main model available is the NQi GTS, which uses NIU’s new-generation V motor. This motor reportedly increases torque by 20% and reduces heat generation.

The NQi GTS features dual batteries, providing a range of 180 km and a top speed of 90 km/h. It includes Bluetooth and NFC smart ignition functions and a mobile app to check vehicle status. The seat storage offers 20 liters of space.

BMW’s CE 04 stands out as one of the few electric motorcycles developed by a traditional car manufacturer. Its futuristic design is complemented by an 8.9 kWh battery. Using the same charging technology as BMW’s iX and i4 electric vehicles, it charges from 0% to 80% in just 65 minutes.

Originally an engine manufacturer, Bicose partnered with BMW in 2005. The Real 5T Pro is the only model available in Hong Kong, offering a mid-sized scooter with a light 150 kg weight. It has a large 33-liter storage space and an 8-inch digital dashboard displaying speed, range, and navigation.

The electric vehicle wave has swept across the globe, with many traditional gasoline car brands transitioning to electric models. In the world of motorcycles, there are also many options. However, unlike cars, most electric motorcycles today are not from traditional gasoline motorcycle brands. This time, Kwiksure will review 6 electric motorcycles and examine their features. If you’re considering getting an electric motorcycle, this is a must-read!

Although electric motorcycles are easier to maintain compared to gasoline motorcycles, there are still points to watch:

• Tires and braking systems: These components may wear out depending on usage frequency.
• Battery care: Avoid overcharging or over-discharging the battery. For instance, leaving the battery fully charged without use for an extended time or allowing it to drain completely without recharging can shorten its lifespan.

One of the most notable features of electric vehicles is regenerative braking technology, which uses the vehicle’s descent or braking to recover energy and save power. However, the regenerative braking performance of electric motorcycles is not as pronounced as that of electric cars. Drivers should avoid waiting until the battery is nearly depleted before charging.

Additionally, compared to gasoline engines, electric motors deliver power more suddenly and forcefully. When driving an electric motorcycle for the first time, you should adapt gradually and avoid sudden operations.