# Electric Motorcycle: Who’s Holding It Back?

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/05/electric-motorcycle-industry-whos-holding-it-back/
- Published: 2011-05-02T17:09:06-04:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

Electric motorcycles [have been around](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/04/bmw-builds-their-own-electric-motorcycle/)
for quite some time.  Yet they haven’t gained the [popularity](https://greenlivingguy.com/2007/08/vectrixc-electric-scooter-hits-the-market/)
they deserve. Moreover, the technology is there.  In addition, the benefits are 
clear.  However, the adoption rate is slower than expected. This article also explores
the reasons behind the slow [growth](https://greenlivingguy.com/2007/08/motorcycle-electric-zero-x-fast-silent-green/)
of the industry.

## Government’s Role in electric motorcycle industry

One of the main reasons for the slow growth of the [electric motorcycle industry](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/11/why-you-should-switch-to-organic-coffee-the-benefits-of-going-pesticide-free/)
is the government’s lack of support. The government’s regulations, subsidies, and
incentives have a significant impact on the adoption rate of electric vehicles. 
According to a study published by the [International Council on Clean Transportation](https://theicct.org/),“
government incentives and regulations play a key role in shaping the electric vehicle
market.” However, most governments focus on electric cars and overlook the electric
motorcycle industry, which limits the industry’s potential growth.

![Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/
uploads/2009/07/image1-e1579412060613.jpg?resize=140%2C174&quality=52&ssl=1)

Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle

### Lack of Charging Infrastructure

Another challenge facing the electric motorcycle industry is more importantly the
lack of charging infrastructure. Electric motorcycles have a shorter range. Especially
compared to their gasoline-powered counterparts.  Therefore, riders need to stop
and also recharge more frequently. However, the availability of charging stations
is limited. So this poses a significant challenge to the industry’s growth. According
to a report by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, “range anxiety and the 
lack of charging infrastructure remain major barriers to the adoption of electric
motorcycles.”

![NYPD electric scooters vectrix](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/
uploads/2007/12/3483F3E0-4B00-49E2-8364-E7749D211AB4-300x223.jpeg?resize=300%2C223&
quality=52&ssl=1)

#### Perception of Motorcycles

The perception of motorcycles also plays a role in the slow growth of the electric
motorcycle industry. Motorcycles are often associated with loud noise, gas fumes,
and a rebellious lifestyle. The electric motorcycle industry challenges these perceptions,
and this may be a barrier to adoption for some riders. According to Melissa Holbrook
Pierson, the author of “The Perfect Vehicle: What It Is About Motorcycles,” “Motorcycles
have always been about rebellion, about doing something your mother wouldn’t approve
of. And electric motorcycles aren’t rebellious.”

#### Conclusion

The electric motorcycle industry has the potential to revolutionize the transportation
industry. However, the lack of government support, charging infrastructure, and 
the perception of motorcycles as rebellious machines are holding the industry back.
To overcome these challenges, the industry needs to educate consumers, develop more
efficient batteries, and work closely with governments to create policies that support
the adoption of electric motorcycles.

#### Sources:

 1. International Council on Clean Transportation. “Electric Vehicle Incentives: A 
    Global Review.” (2019).
 2. National Renewable Energy Laboratory. “Electric Motorcycles: A Guide to Clean and
    Quiet Two-Wheeled Transportation.” (2012).
 3. Pierson, Melissa Holbrook. “The Perfect Vehicle: What It Is About Motorcycles.”(
    1997).

![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/df91669667126e1290c21ee0342c386e2da19d588d4d9ca6560bd82ed59a9641?
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 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author,
Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The
Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides
and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant
and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric
Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green
Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For 
Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke #
Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power
System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow.

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