Explore Technology: Electric Motorcycles and Scooters?

Answer 1

Electric powered motorcycles and scooters are vehicles with two or three wheels that runs partially or entirely on electric power.

The first electric motorcycle was patented in the late 1860s, and was finally made available in 1911. Today, electric battery powered motorcycles can reach speeds of nearly 200 mph.

The power source for electric motors has typically been lithium ion batteries. However, in recent years, fuel cells have been developed to power electric scooters and motorcycles.

The demand for electric vehicles has steeply risen over the past decade due to the growing cost of gasoline. To meet these demands, researchers have fast developed technology to improve battery power.

Some of the advantages electric scooters and motorcycles have over traditional gasoline powered vehicles are

• Fuel efficiency at about ¼ the cost of gasoline powered engines.

• Electric motors are typically a great deal quieter than internal combustion ones.

• Batteries for electric scooters and motorcycles are often removable and rechargeable in any 120v outlet, so you can skip the pump altogether.

• Electric vehicles are environmentally friendly, emitting no exhaust whatsoever.

• Many countries offer tax breaks for green vehicles such as electric scooters and motorcycles.

• Electric vehicles require less maintenance than combustion vehicles, and typically save users a lot of money in the long run.

• They are typically compact enough to be stored, and even ridden on, indoors.

• Electric powered scooters and motorcycles are much more cost effective than electric cars.

Electric scooters and motorcycles can be found in a variety of styles, including

• Two-wheeled Vespa-style scooters, with speeds up to 60 mph.

• Slower stand-up scooters, or kick scooters, that reach speeds of 25 mph.

• The side-by-side, two-wheeled stand-up scooters manufactured by Segway PT. These are typically slower than other scooters, reaching speeds of 12 mph. Segways are great for city sidewalk travel.

• Three- and four-wheeled Mobility scooters designed for disabled riders.

For electric motorcycles, available varieties include

• Two-wheeled electric motorcycles, which can have speeds far over 30 mph.

• Three-wheeled motorcycles that can travel as fast as two-wheeled cycles, and sometimes include an enclosed cabin, or cockpit, for the driver.