With the increasing awareness of decreasing fossil fuels and rising gas prices and stricter emission standards in many cities, it make sense that the electronic motorcycle would begin gaining more and more attention. Some riders may wonder why since regular motorcycles already get good fuel economy and have low emissions. While that is true, many scientists feel that it is important to try and look toward the future in a way that will allow them to build and develop a functioning electric motorcycle for that time when gas is in even higher demand world-wide.
The difference between an electric motorcycle and a moped, or an electric scooter, is speed. Electric motorcycles are built to go in excess of thirty miles per hour. This is generally the standard speed by which bikes are considered to be 'street legal', and as such it is what separates the motorcycles from mopeds/electric bikes. However, it has been difficult to market the electronic bikes because many people are continuously comparing them to these other electric vehicles.
In recent years the development of the fuel cell has completely changed the possible future of the electric motorcycle. Now with the ability to create hybrid bikes, consumers can buy fuel efficient bikes until there is a significant jump in electric technology that will allow for smoother and faster rides. There are also electric scooters on the market that will allow for more than one rider at a time. This is becoming more and more popular with small suburban families.
Some examples of electric motorcycles and scooters on the market today are Hero Electric's Optima Plus, the Electrocat, and the Yamaha FC Aqel. There are others, and every year more and more make their appearance on the market as their popularity grows.
