Beatrice Lang
Electric motorcycles are becoming increasingly popular, with some vendors selling them exclusively. They are easier to ride than standard gas-powered bikes, have less complicated designs, and are more environmentally friendly. However, they also have some drawbacks, such as the need for frequent charging and the absence of a clutch and gears. When taking an electric motorcycle to the track, there are a few things to consider, such as the range of the bike, the charging infrastructure at the track, and the riding experience, which differs from that of a gas-powered bike due to the lack of mechanical cues and engine braking.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ease of riding | Electric motorcycles are easier to ride than standard gas-powered bikes due to less internal friction and more straightforward designs. |
| Speed | Electric motorcycles accelerate faster than gas-powered bikes. |
| Sound | Electric motorcycles are quieter than gas-powered bikes, producing only a gentle buzz when accelerating. |
| Display | Riders need to keep an eye on the bike display to track their riding situation, as there are no mechanical cues or acoustic sounds associated with acceleration, gear changes, or maximum speed. |
| Braking | There is minimal engine braking in electric motorcycles, so riders should go easy on the throttle until they can safely handle the bike's speed. |
| Charging | Charging infrastructure at tracks is currently insufficient for electric motorcycles, which require high energy demand. |
| Track design | The CAKE track concept is designed specifically for lightweight electric motorbikes, with a blend of motocross and bicycle pump track features for jumps and turns. |
| Sustainability | Electric motorcycle racing, such as MotoE, is gaining traction among sustainability-conscious spectators. |
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What You'll Learn
Track infrastructure
Electric motorcycles require their own dedicated space and infrastructure. The CAKE track concept, for example, is designed specifically for lightweight electric motorbikes, with a shape that brings out the best in them. The track is flat, with a top layer of rock flour that provides a hard yet workable surface for adjustments and minimal maintenance.
The tracks can be built in a variety of locations, including backyards, empty lots, warehouses, and rooftops, as well as other urban, public, or private spaces. This is because electric motorcycles are quiet and do not produce emissions, so they can be used in areas where traditional motorcycles may not be suitable due to noise or pollution concerns.
The design of the CAKE track is influenced by the handling and acceleration characteristics of lightweight electric motorbikes, which are more similar to DH bikes with 250cc acceleration. The jumps and turns are designed to be similar to those of a modern bicycle pump track, and while the track is not made for head-to-head racing, it can still be enjoyable for groups of riders.
It is important to establish a separate infrastructure for electric motorbikes, with trails specifically allocated for their use. This is because electric motorbikes have different characteristics from both MX and MTB bikes, and sharing a track with these types of bikes may not be safe or practical.
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Charging
Firstly, it is important to note that electric motorcycles use rechargeable batteries, which are environmentally friendly and offer lower operating costs due to their high efficiency and low maintenance requirements. The battery itself is charged by a generator driven by the engine, and as long as the engine is running, there will be a current flowing through the battery. The no-load voltage of a fully charged battery is about 13 Vdc, and for charging, the system should provide a constant voltage of about 14.4 Vdc at all engine speeds. The generator is usually located in or on the engine, and most bikes have a separate regulator-rectifier unit located on the frame. This is because motorcycles typically have a three-phase AC generator, while the bike's electrical system is DC. The three-phase AC output is then led through a rectifier to convert it to DC for charging the battery.
When charging an electric motorcycle, you can use a standard three-pin socket at home, which is known as a Level 1 charger. For faster charging, a Level 2 charger can be installed by a specialist electrician. Similarly, at work, you can use any three-pin socket unless a Level 2 charging station is available. If you are out and about, you can use portable charging equipment, such as Level 2 EVSE charging stations, but adapters may be required as motorcycle plugs are not always compatible.
Public charging stations are available at major service stations and shopping centres, and electric motorcycle brands often have smartphone apps that can direct you to the closest charging station. As of November 2021, there were around 3,000 public chargers in Australia, and this number is expected to grow. Additionally, by 2040, electric vehicles are projected to make up a significant portion of new vehicle sales in Australia, so a massive network of fast-charging stations is currently being developed to accommodate this change.
It is important to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for charging, including using the correct equipment and avoiding extreme charging levels. Overcharging or completely depleting the battery can reduce its lifespan, and extreme temperatures can also impact the battery's performance and lifespan. Proper temperature management is crucial, and high-quality electric motorcycles have advanced cooling systems to help with this.
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Safety
Electric motorcycles are considerably easier to ride than standard gas-powered bikes, but there are still some safety considerations to keep in mind when taking your electric motorcycle to the track. Firstly, it is important to be aware of the differences in the riding experience between electric and gas-powered motorcycles. Electric motorcycles have less internal friction, which results in faster acceleration. Therefore, it is crucial to be cautious with the throttle and get a feel for the bike's speed before fully opening it up. Additionally, electric motorcycles lack the mechanical cues associated with gas-powered bikes, such as acoustic sounds during acceleration, gear changes, or when reaching maximum speed. Instead, electric motorcycles produce a gentle buzz when accelerating, and there is minimal engine braking. As a result, riders must pay closer attention to their bike's display to monitor their speed and other critical information.
Another safety consideration is the availability of charging infrastructure at the track. Electric motorcycles require charging between sessions, and the charging process can take a significant amount of time. It is important to plan your charging strategy and ensure that the track has the necessary infrastructure to support electric vehicles. Some tracks may not have fast chargers or may prohibit charging to avoid overloading their electrical systems. In such cases, portable generators can be a solution, but it is essential to plan ahead and ensure you have the necessary equipment.
The weight of electric motorcycles is also a safety factor to consider. While electric bikes can be heavier than their gas-powered counterparts, weight is still an important consideration for handling and overall performance on the track. It is worth noting that the technology for electric motorcycles is still evolving, and the weight can impact the fun factor and riding experience. Additionally, some organizations and tracks may not allow electric motorcycles due to the potential fire hazards they pose. It is crucial to check with the relevant organizations and tracks before bringing your electric motorcycle to the track.
Finally, it is important to follow general safety practices for any motorcycle riding. This includes wearing proper safety gear, such as a helmet, protective clothing, and gloves. Additionally, staying focused and attentive to your surroundings, including other riders and pedestrians, is crucial. Remember to ride within your limits and gradually build up your skills and confidence on the track. By following these safety guidelines and staying vigilant, you can enjoy the excitement and performance of electric motorcycle racing while minimizing risks.
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Performance
Electric motorcycles are considerably easier to ride than standard gas-powered bikes, but there is still a learning curve. If you can already ride a gas-powered motorcycle, you'll likely pick up riding an electric motorcycle much faster than the average person. However, there are some critical differences to be aware of. Firstly, electric motorcycles will accelerate much faster than gas-powered bikes due to less internal friction. This means you'll need to be ready for the speed and go easy on the throttle until you can safely handle your bike's acceleration. Additionally, electric motorcycles lack the mechanical cues of gas-powered bikes; you won't hear the usual acoustic sounds associated with acceleration, changing gears, or reaching maximum speed. Instead, you'll only hear a gentle buzz when accelerating, allowing you to enjoy your ride in silence. But this also means you'll need to keep an eye on your bike display to monitor your speed and riding situation.
Another notable difference is the absence of a clutch and gears on electric motorcycles. This will take some time to get used to, but with practice, you'll eventually get the hang of it. Electric motorcycles also have less complicated designs, which makes learning to ride them much more straightforward, even if you don't have a history of riding gas-powered bikes.
When it comes to performance on a track, electric motorcycles have their advantages and disadvantages. On the one hand, electric motorcycles are ungodly powerful out of corners with instant torque. They can be extremely quick out of slow corners. However, weight is still an important factor, and the technology for lightweight electric motorcycles is still developing. Additionally, the charging infrastructure at tracks can be a challenge, as most tracks don't have fast chargers, and charging multiple electric bikes simultaneously can be demanding on the electrical infrastructure. Some organisations even prohibit electric motorcycles due to the fire risk they pose if they catch fire.
To address the charging issue, some tracks have implemented solutions such as portable generators and battery-storage solutions to provide on-demand power to racing teams. The use of electric motorcycles in motorsport is still a growing discipline, and organisations like MotoE are leading the way in incorporating electric motorcycles into traditional racing scenes, offering spectators a 15-minute burst of excitement from fully charged electric bikes.
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Rider experience
Electric motorcycles are considerably easier to ride than standard gas-powered bikes. They are also quieter and do not produce any emissions, which means they can be ridden in a wider variety of spaces. For example, the CAKE track concept is designed specifically for lightweight electric motorbikes, with tracks that can be built in backyards, empty lots, warehouses, or even on rooftops.
However, there is a learning curve associated with riding an electric motorcycle, and there are several critical differences that riders should be aware of. Firstly, electric motorcycles accelerate much faster than gas-powered bikes due to less internal friction. This means that riders need to be cautious and go easy on the throttle until they can safely handle the bike's speed. Secondly, electric motorcycles do not have a clutch or gears, which can take some time to get used to. Additionally, electric motorcycles lack the mechanical cues associated with gas-powered bikes, such as the acoustic sounds of acceleration, gear changes, or maximum speed. Instead, riders will only hear a gentle buzz when accelerating and will need to keep an eye on their bike display to track their riding situation.
Another difference is the charging requirements of electric motorcycles. Riders need to remember to charge their bikes regularly, as running out of battery power during a ride can be inconvenient and frustrating. While some tracks may have charging stations, the electrical infrastructure at many tracks may not be able to cope with the high energy demands of electric motorcycles. As a result, riders may need to bring their own portable generators to ensure they can charge their bikes between sessions.
Despite these differences, electric motorcycles offer a fun and enjoyable riding experience. They are also low-maintenance and produce fewer emissions, making them a more sustainable option for riders. With time and practice, riders can master the unique characteristics of electric motorcycles and enjoy the thrill of riding on the track.
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Frequently asked questions
Electric motorcycles are considerably easier to ride than standard gas-powered bikes, but there is a learning curve. They accelerate much faster than gas-powered bikes due to less internal friction, so you need to be ready for that. They are also much quieter, so you won't hear any acoustic sounds associated with acceleration, changing gears, or reaching maximum speed.
One of the main challenges is the lack of charging infrastructure at many tracks. Electric motorcycles require access to charging stations, and the high energy demand of electric motorsport can be difficult to manage. Additionally, some organisations and tracks do not allow electric motorcycles due to the dangers they pose if they catch fire.
The Zero motorcycle has been seen at tracks and has a strong market presence. The Ducati electric motorcycle is also a well-known brand in racing, and they are developing their know-how to put electric bikes on the market in the short term.
Yes, the CAKE track concept is designed specifically for lightweight electric motorbikes. The track is shaped to get the best out of these bikes, with jumps and turns inspired by classic motocross tracks and modern bicycle pump tracks.
