Will electric bicycles lead to increased motorcycle sales?

[willowstreetguzziguy]

Here in south central Pennsylvania, I’m Seeing more and more electric bicycles everywhere. On City streets, country roads, rail trails. Wondering what percentage of those riders might move up to a small motorcycle in the future? Could this lead to the next motorcycle sales boom or not?

[Mayor_of_BBQ]

I think none....  At least as far as ICE motos are concerned.  I do think they will lead a lot of buyers to electric SCOOTERS or electric motorcycles.. 

People are using electric bikes because they are clean, quiet, maintenance free, & easy to store.  All the things a motorcycle is not.

[willowstreetguzziguy]

I think none....  At least as far as ICE motos are concerned.  I do think they will lead a lot of buyers to electric SCOOTERS or electric motorcycles.. 

People are using electric bikes because they are clean, quiet, maintenance free, & easy to store.  All the things a motorcycle is not.

Good point.

[Ncdan]

It’s possible it could even have the opposite effect.
Some people may move from a small ICE motorcycle to an electric bike to prevent the need for gasoline. And the faster and further that can go on a charge will continue to increase this movement.

[TobyJug]

Another factor could be the journey itself.  I find that an ebike ride is a lot less stressful and you can usually ride away from traffic.

[MMRanch]

I can't help but remember all the guys I grew up with riding bicycles who went on to Honda 90's or Suzuki 80's , etc.   
We all learned to love the "Two wheels in the wind" , ya might say !

A good many of those who survived are still riding today - in our 60's + 70's .   

So , Yea - I think the move from a pedal bike to a small motorcycle is more of a "Leep" than from non-pedal bike to small motorcycle.   
The price from high end battery bike to RE-350 is not that big a jump.   

What about these for a midway option ?   Benelli  TNT-135   $3k.   

sloansmotorcycle.co m/Murfreesboro-Tennessee-37129/New-2022-Benelli-TNT135/VDP/4603253c-99df-40d7-aca7-995041645af2
 

[twowheeladdict]

I think none....  At least as far as ICE motos are concerned.  I do think they will lead a lot of buyers to electric SCOOTERS or electric motorcycles.. 

People are using electric bikes because they are clean, quiet, maintenance free, & easy to store.  All the things a motorcycle is not.

I think they are using them because regular bicycles are too much work.   also they are allowed on bike paths, parks, basically anywhere a bicycle is allowed.  They are still too heavy for some to load on the back of the car to take places though. 

I don't think they will lead more to motorcycle than bicycles have.

[MMRanch]

https://www.dhgate.com/product/adult-off-road-racing-electric-motorcycle/698487938.html?utm_source=Criteo&utm_medium=remarketing&utm_campaign=024057008&utm_content=698487938&1&f=bm|Criteo|RMKT|265030||698487938||024057008|US|||2|

Ya just never know whats out there till ya look ! 

[Kiwi_Roy]

I hope not, I dont want to see motorcycles on the footpaths and flying through red lights like the rules dont apply to them, LOL

[drawnverybadly]

Here in NYC the electric motorcycle boom is already happening, electric bikes, skateboards, unicycles, razor type scooters and vespa type scooters have been teeming all over Manhattan and now I see tons of people on electric motorcycles. For sub $2000 you can get a chinese electric motorcycle styled after an R6, Grom or Ducati Monster delivered to your door and ride on NYC streets all without a license.

I personally don't think it will lead to motorcycles sales as the licensing requirements are the biggest hurdle for anyone who does want to jump to a motorized vehicle.

[Aaron D.]

I think e-bikes are supplanting the mopeds and small scooters here.

[twowheeladdict]

I think e-bikes are supplanting the mopeds and small scooters here.

Where is "here"?

I haven't seen a moped in decades.

[DougG]

Hi all,                                                                                                      9-8-21

I don't see E-bikes being a gateway vehicle to motorcycle riding.  However, as was pointed out earlier, I know a number of motorcycle riders (myself included) who have purchased E-bikes.  Barb just couldn't get used to a bulky motorcycle but is very comfortable around town on her E-bike.  Not for long trips, but for grocery shopping, hard tamped trail riding, scenic rides, etc.  We both have E-bikes.  They give is a great way to enjoy the outdoors together.  They are good exercise too, and just plain good for the brain.   

Be well, stay well,
DougG

[blackcat]

Here in NYC the electric motorcycle boom is already happening, electric bikes, skateboards, unicycles, razor type scooters and vespa type scooters have been teeming all over Manhattan and now I see tons of people on electric motorcycles. For sub $2000 you can get a chinese electric motorcycle styled after an R6, Grom or Ducati Monster delivered to your door and ride on NYC streets all without a license.

I personally don't think it will lead to motorcycles sales as the licensing requirements are the biggest hurdle for anyone who does want to jump to a motorized vehicle.

Add in the fact that NYC’s police department is out to ticket and tow all motorcycles. Getting a ticket for having an open visor while an electric scooter runs a red light while you’re dealing with a cop is at best aggravating.

[Moparnut72]

Ticket for open visor? I haven't heard of anyone getting a ticket for no eye protection since the 60's when cops were out to get bikers. Seems to me they would have more important things to do.
kk

[willowstreetguzziguy]

I think some ride electric bicycles because….

1.) It’s faster than my bicycle = 50/50 that they might consider moving up to a motorcycle
2.) I’m helping the environment = “IF” they move up to a motorcycle, it will be definitely be an e-motorcycle… IF
3.) It’s cheaper than driving a car =  This group would be the most open to considering a motorcycle in the future.
4.) It’s way cool = “A motorcycle, no way!”

Any other categories?

[twowheeladdict]

I think some ride electric bicycles because….

1.) It’s faster than my bicycle = 50/50 that they might consider moving up to a motorcycle
2.) I’m helping the environment = “IF” they move up to a motorcycle, it will be definitely be an e-motorcycle… IF
3.) It’s cheaper than driving a car =  This group would be the most open to considering a motorcycle in the future.
4.) It’s way cool = “A motorcycle, no way!”

Any other categories?

Unfortunately, number 3 is really no longer valid since cars are getting 40 mpg, tires last 80,000 miles, cars last 200,000 miles or more, and maintenance intervals are up to 10,000 miles.  My neighbor did the 100 mile round trip commute for 165,000 miles and after adding it all up, went out and bought a used Corolla.  1st bike was totaled by a teenage driver at 80,000 miles and second bike needed a lot of running gear maintenance at 85,000 miles that he didn't want to spend the money on.