Umair Gaines
The history of electric motorcycles is a long and varied one. The first motorcycle was invented by either Louis-Guillame Perreaux or Sylvester H. Roper, with Perreaux's design probably dating back to 1870/1871. The first electric motor, able to do real work, was developed by Thomas Davenport in 1834, and electric motors started to impact the world in the 1870s in the form of trolleys. The first electric motorcycle was patented in 1895 by Ogden Bolton Jr. of Canton, Ohio, with another patent application for an electric bicycle filed by Hosea W. Libbey of Boston in the same year. Electric motorcycles have been experimented with since the early 1900s, with companies such as Humber and Ransome Simms and Jefferies building their own. In 1911, an issue of Popular Mechanics mentioned the introduction of an electric motorcycle with a range of 120-160km per charge. In 1936, the Limelette brothers founded an electric motorcycle company called Socovel in Brussels, and in 1946, Merle Williams of Long Beach, California, invented a two-wheeled electric motorcycle that towed a single-wheeled trailer, leading to the formation of the Marketeer Company. In 1967, Karl Kordesch made a fuel cell/Nickel-cadmium battery hybrid electric motorcycle, and in 1968, Louis-Guillaume Perreaux showed the world one of the first electric motorcycle patents. In 1970, Chopper builder Mike Corbin built a commuter called the City Bike, which could do about 30 mph with a 40-mile range. In 1973, Corbin's streamliner set a land speed record of 165 mph, which stood until 2012. In 1974, Auranthic Corp. produced a small motorcycle called the Charger. In 1994, Honda launched the world's first commercially available electric motorcycle, and in 2011, Yates set the official Guinness record for the fastest electric motorcycle at 196.912 mph. Electric motorcycles have come a long way since their early beginnings, and they continue to evolve and gain popularity.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | The first electric motorcycle was possibly invented in 1869 by Frenchman Joseph Marie, who patented the "Magnetoelectric Velocimeter". However, the idea for the electric motorcycle was first suggested by Louis-Guillame Perreaux, who patented the concept of the motorcycle in 1868, specifying steam power in 1871. |
| Inventor | Joseph Marie, Louis-Guillame Perreaux |
| Location | France |
| Prototype | The first prototype of an electric motorcycle was built by Ransomes, Sims & Jefferies in 1919, with batteries fitted under the seat of a sidecar. |
| Production | Honda launched the world's first commercially available electric motorcycle in 1994. |
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What You'll Learn
The first electric motorcycle patent
The history of electric motorcycles is a little unclear, with several inventors and companies claiming to have created the first electric motorcycle.
The first patent for a motorcycle was filed by Louis-Guillame Perreaux on December 26, 1868. However, he did not specify the power source for his motorcycle until June 15, 1871, when he patented a steam-powered velocipede. Perreaux's patent was for a motorcycle with a small steam engine attached to a Michaux bicycle, the first commercially produced bicycle with pedals.
The first patent for an electric motorcycle was filed by Joseph Marie on April 28, 1869, for a "Vélocipède magnéto-électrique". This is considered by some to be the oldest patent for an engine other than steam to power a motorcycle. Just days later, on May 6, 1869, Emile-Joseph Delaurier and Jules Morin patented their "machine dite vélocipède électrique".
In October 1911, the first electric motorcycle was mentioned in the Popular Mechanics magazine. The motorcycle had a range of 75-100 miles per charge and a three-speed controller. In 1919, Ransomes, Sims & Jefferies created a prototype electric motorcycle with the batteries fitted under the seat of the sidecar. However, it never progressed past the trial stage.
In 1936, the Limelette brothers founded an electric motorcycle company called Socovel in Brussels. They produced electric motorcycles during World War II, taking advantage of fuel rationing to find some success. In 1946, Merle Williams of Long Beach, California, invented a two-wheeled electric motorcycle that towed a single-wheeled trailer. This led to the formation of the Marketeer Company, which still exists today as ParCar Corp.
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Early electric motorcycle prototypes
The early history of electric motorcycles is a little unclear, with various inventors claiming to have created the first model.
One of the earliest recorded instances of an electric motorcycle was in 1895, when Ogden Bolton Jr. of Canton, Ohio, filed a patent application for an "electrical bicycle". That same year, Hosea W. Libbey of Boston filed a similar patent. These early designs may have been inspired by the "Draisiana" bicycle, invented by Karl Drais in 1817, which did not require pedalling.
The first proper electric motor, able to perform real work, was developed by Thomas Davenport in 1834. However, it wasn't until the 1870s that electric motors started to have an impact in the form of trolleys.
The idea for the electric motorcycle was first suggested by Louis-Guillame Perreaux, who patented the concept of the motorcycle in 1868. He specified steam power as the energy source in 1871. Another French inventor, Joseph Marie, developed and registered the patent for the "Magnetoelectric Velocimeter" in 1869, considered the first electric motorcycle model in history.
In the early 1900s, companies such as Humber and Ransomes, Sims & Jefferies built their own electric motorcycles, although neither went into production. The October 1911 issue of Popular Mechanics mentioned the introduction of an electric motorcycle with a range of 75 to 100 miles per charge. In 1919, Ransomes, Sims & Jefferies made a prototype electric motorcycle with the batteries fitted under the seat of the sidecar.
In 1936, the Limelette brothers founded an electric motorcycle company called Socovel in Brussels, producing motorcycles during the German occupation due to fuel rationing. In 1946, Merle Williams of Long Beach, California, invented a two-wheeled electric motorcycle that towed a single-wheeled trailer, leading to the formation of the Marketeer Company. In 1967, Karl Kordesch, working for Union Carbide, made a fuel cell/Nickel–cadmium battery hybrid electric motorcycle. That same year, the Indian Motorcycle Company built a prototype electric motorcycle called the Papoose.
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The electric motorcycle market
Electric motorcycles have come a long way since their early beginnings in the late 19th century. The first electric motorcycle patent was filed by French inventor Joseph Marie in 1869, and the idea of electric motorcycles has been evolving ever since. The development of electric motorcycles can be divided into several key periods, each with its own advancements and challenges.
Early Experiments and Prototypes (Late 19th Century to 1930s)
The late 19th century saw the emergence of electric trams, trains, and vehicles that resembled horse-drawn carriages without horses. During this period, inventors such as Louis-Guillame Perreaux, Sylvester H. Roper, and Joseph Marie contributed to the development of early motorcycles, with Perreaux patenting the idea of a motorcycle in 1868 and specifying steam power for his velocipede in 1871. The first electric bicycle patents were filed in 1895 by Ogden Bolton Jr. and Hosea W. Libbey. In the early 1900s, companies like Humber and Ransome Simms and Jefferies built their own electric motorcycles, but they never entered production. The October 1911 issue of *Popular Mechanics* mentioned an electric motorcycle with a claimed range of 75 to 100 miles per charge.
World War II and Post-War Years (1940s to 1960s)
During World War II, fuel rationing in the United States and Belgium led to the development of electric motorcycles. Merle Williams of Long Beach, California, invented a two-wheeled electric motorcycle with a trailer, and in Belgium, Socovel (1938-1948) produced electric motorcycles. After the war, in 1946, the Marketeer Company was formed. In 1967, Karl Kordesch created a fuel cell/Nickel-cadmium battery hybrid electric motorcycle, and the Indian Motorcycle Company built a prototype called the Papoose.
Growth and Setbacks (1970s to 1990s)
The 1970s saw an increase in interest in electric motorcycles due to the Arab oil embargoes. Chopper builder Mike Corbin developed the City Bike, a street-legal prototype, and set a land speed record with his streamliner motorcycle. In 1978, Transitron Electric Corporation created a prototype using a Harley-Davidson Sportster frame. However, the mass production of cars and the discovery of large oil reserves made petrol-powered vehicles more accessible and affordable, leading to setbacks for electric motorcycle development.
Modern Advancements and Increasing Popularity (2000s-present)
The turn of the millennium brought a resurgence in electric motorcycle manufacturers and advancements in technology. Honda launched the world's first commercially available electric motorcycle in 1994 and has remained a leader in the field. In recent years, companies like VinFast, Bobfleet, and OLA have introduced new electric motorcycle models, and Honda continues to address issues related to cruising range and charging time. Electric motorcycles offer environmental benefits, practicality, and affordability, making them an attractive option for commuters and enthusiasts worldwide.
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Electric motorcycle manufacturers
The history of the electric motorcycle dates back to the late 19th century, with the first electric motorcycle patent possibly originating in 1869. Over the years, numerous companies and individuals have contributed to the development and manufacturing of electric motorcycles. Here is an overview of some notable electric motorcycle manufacturers:
Socovel (Société pour l'étude et la Construction de Véhicules Electriques)
Founded in 1936 by the Limelette brothers in Brussels, Socovel produced electric motorcycles, particularly during World War II due to fuel rationing. Their production continued during the German occupation, and they found some success during this period.
Marketeer Company (now ParCar Corp.)
Merle Williams of Long Beach, California, invented a two-wheeled electric motorcycle during World War II, which led to the formation of the Marketeer Company in 1946. The company continues today as ParCar Corp.
Indian Motorcycle Company
The Indian Motorcycle Company is a well-known name in the motorcycle industry. In 1967, they built a prototype electric motorcycle called the Papoose under the direction of Floyd Clymer. The company also stood out for its marketing and distribution of motorcycles to the United States armed forces.
Auranthic Corp.
Based in California, Auranthic Corp. produced a small electric motorcycle called the Charger in 1974.
Electro Force Cycles
Electro Force Cycles were introduced in 2012 as commuter cycles. They were built by Jennifer Northern of Issaquah, Washington, making her the first woman to develop and manufacture an electric vehicle in the US. The cycles had a maximum speed of 137 km/h (85 mph) and could reach 97 km/h (60 mph) in 6 seconds.
VinFast of VinGroup
VinFast of VinGroup from Vietnam introduced two new electric motorcycle models in 2022: the Theon S and Feliz S.
Bobfleet
Bobfleet introduced its next-generation model, the Model X gen2, in 2023.
Other notable mentions include English Electric Motor Co., a dealership that does not manufacture motorcycles, and Ryvid, a company that produces aerospace-inspired electric motorcycles in the USA. Additionally, companies like Harley-Davidson and various Japanese brands have also ventured into the electric motorcycle market, contributing to its growth and popularity.
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Electric motorcycle popularity
The popularity of electric motorcycles has been growing since their invention, with interest in these vehicles increasing over time. The first electric motorcycle was invented in the late 1800s by either Louis-Guillame Perreaux or Sylvester H. Roper, though the exact date is unclear. Perreaux patented the idea of a motorcycle in 1868 but did not specify the power source until 1871 when he specified steam power. Roper never patented his motorcycle but rode it extensively. The first electric motorcycle to be commercially available was launched by Honda in 1994, and the company has been the world leader in electric motorcycles since.
The popularity of electric motorcycles can be attributed to various factors, including their environmental benefits, ease of use, and affordability. Electric motorcycles are clean, silent, and maintenance-free, offering a fun and cost-effective alternative to gasoline-burning motorcycles. They are also more affordable than cars and provide visibility through large competitions such as the "GP Moto" and the "World Superbike Championship." The development of systems that use electricity to power transport has been a long and ongoing process, with the first electric motor invented by Michael Faraday in 1821 and the first practical electric vehicles appearing towards the end of the 19th century.
The popularity of electric motorcycles has also been influenced by historical events and fuel shortages. During World War II, Merle Williams of Long Beach, California, invented a two-wheeled electric motorcycle due to fuel rationing in the United States. In 1938, the Socovel Electric Motorcycle company was founded in Belgium in response to fuel shortages during World War II. The Arab oil embargoes of the 1970s also spurred interest in electric motorcycles, with a spate of electric minibikes with deep-cycle marine batteries.
In recent years, the presence of electric motorcycle manufacturers has increased, and the number of products available to consumers has accelerated. Improvements in battery and charging technologies have also contributed to the growing popularity of electric motorcycles. Honda, for example, has been addressing issues related to cruising range and charging time with its "Mobile Power Pack," a replaceable battery. Other companies, such as VinFast from Vietnam and Bobfleet, have also introduced new electric motorcycle models in recent years.
Despite the growing popularity of electric motorcycles, there are still some challenges to their widespread adoption. Aerodynamics, cost, and weight are the main factors preventing electric motorcycles from dominating the long-range, heavyweight market. Most riders in the United States and Europe desire greater ranges, faster recharge times, and prices comparable to ICE bikes. However, as battery and charging technologies continue to improve, it is expected that the uptake of electric motorcycles will naturally increase.
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Frequently asked questions
The first electric motorcycle was invented sometime in the early 1900s, with companies such as Humber and Ransomes, Sims & Jefferies building their own electric motorcycles. However, the history of electric motorcycles is somewhat unclear, with some sources claiming that the first patent for an electric motorcycle was filed in 1895 by Ogden Bolton Jr. of Canton, Ohio.
The first electric motorcycle was invented by either Humber, a bicycle manufacturer, or Ransomes, Sims & Jefferies, an agricultural equipment maker.
The first electric motorcycle was called the Socovel Electric Motorcycle, created in Belgium in response to fuel shortages during World War II.
Honda launched the world's first commercially available electric motorcycle in 1994 and has been the world leader in electric motorcycles ever since.
Electric motorcycles are clean, silent, and maintenance-free vehicles that offer the fun and freedom of gasoline-burning motorcycles without the high fuel costs. They are also more affordable than cars and have given visibility to motorcycle racing competitions.
