When considering the purchase of a motorcycle, it is normal for a multitude of doubts and questions to arise related to the intended use, the available budget, maintenance and technical characteristics. Among the most important decisions to consider, the choice between an electric motorcycle and a traditional internal combustion motorcycle stands out. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, and the right choice will depend on the buyer’s individual needs and priorities.
The Organization of Consumers and Users (OCU) has carried out a comparative study between electric and traditional motorcycles, evaluating key aspects such as price, autonomy and consumption. This report provides valuable guidance for those who are in the process of deciding what type of motorcycle to purchase, offering concrete data on the advantages of electric motorcycles and helping to clarify important aspects of their performance.
The OCU highlights that the trend in recent years shows a significant increase in sales of electric motorcycles and mopeds, with market shares of 7% and 32% respectively, and the implementation of hourly rental systems for electric motorcycles. Therefore, it is quite common to see them circulating. However, as with almost everything in life, electric motorcycles have their advantages over a conventional moped or scooter, but also some drawbacks.
To help undecided users, the consumer organization reviews the main advantages and disadvantages of electric motorcycles.
To prepare the analysis, the OCU has compared two specific models, the Silence S01, which is the best-selling electric motorcycle in Spain, along with the best-selling Honda PCX 125 cm3 scooter, to determine their prices, consumption and total ownership costs.
The Organization of Consumers and Users concludes that the electric motorcycle is a highly recommended option for consumers who are environmentally conscious and concerned about long-term costs.
Regarding the environmental issue, the OCU highlights that electric motorcycles offer a cleaner and more environmentally friendly option compared to internal combustion motorcycles. The absence of CO2 emissions and harmful particles during use directly contributes to the improvement of air quality and the reduction of atmospheric pollution in urban areas and low-emission zones. Likewise, thanks to its silent motor, it also plays a key role in reducing noise pollution.
As for the price, although the Silence S01 costs 3,355 euros more than the Honda, that difference is amortized because the electric energy it uses is much cheaper than gasoline. The OCU has made a calculation of the consumption of both motorcycles, applying a deviation of 15% on the approved electricity or gasoline consumption on a 30 km daily route. This use represents about 525 euros per year in gasoline, or about 100 euros in electricity if you pay for it with the time discrimination rate and charge it at night.
If you take advantage of a Government aid plan, the purchase of an electric motorcycle may be subsidized. For example, with the current Moves plan, an aid of 750 euros is granted, which significantly reduces the price difference with a gasoline motorcycle. Additionally, electric motors are simpler and require fewer servicing, reducing maintenance costs. They can also enjoy lower taxes and other associated costs.
Taking these factors into account, it is estimated that an electric motorcycle pays for itself in less than 100,000 km. Opting for an electric motorcycle can mean savings of around 425 euros every 10,000 km. Over a period of 10 years, this translates into a total saving of 4,250 euros, far exceeding the initial price difference of 3,355 euros between an electric motorcycle and a gasoline one.
