Frequently Asked Questions
This depends on 2 things – charging speed and battery size.Â
Energica Motorcycles come with DC fast charge technology, which allows you to fill the 21.5 kWh battery in under an hour.Â
If you can access an AC type 2 charger at home, work or at a public station, you should be able to charge most premium electric motorcycles in 3 – 6 hours. Quick chargers can override the onboard charger limits and cut down charging time.Â
All motorcycle models we stock can be slow-charged from a standard wall outlet. This can take between 2 – 10 hours depending on the motorcycle/scooter model.
If you have more questions about battery charging – check out this article on our blog on electric motorcycle charging
For Energica, Zero and Electric Motion – the batteries are not removable/interchangeable. Currently it is very hard to make a removable battery that has enough power and range for a high-performance motorcycle, that is also easy to remove and not too heavy. Until battery technology for high-performance motorcycles advance, the batteries in these motorcycles are too dense to remove.Â
There are brands that offer electric motorcycles with removable batteries, like Benzina Zero’s range of scooter we stock – these are smaller, more mobile lithium battery packs.Â
Yes, Energica , Electric Motion & Benzina Zero Motorcycles/scooters can be charged from a 240v outlet – the charging times will vary depending on which model you choose.Â
Not officially – Zero stopped exporting motorcycles to Australia in 2015. We have a limited number grey import 2021 Zero Motorcycles available for purchase. We do not have access to 2022 Zero Motorcycles. It is extremely unlikely any 2022 models of Zero Motorcycles will reach Australia or NZ this year.
If you are interested in a Zero Motorcycle please contact us to enquire about what used inventory is available. We have a limited selection of SR/S, SR/F and S models available now.Â
Back in 2015, the distributor for Zero Motorcycles in Australia and NZ went into administration. This meant the supply of Zero Motorcycles to this region stopped. The distributor was not able to support the motorcycles sold to customers. Zero has supported some of these customers remotely from the States.
We would love to see Zero Motorcycles back into the region. They are the largest premium electric motorcycle manufacturers in the world.
With the developing infrastructure, the brand’s technological advancements and government support, Zero is in a great position to come back to the region.
We currently sell Energica, Electric Motion & Benzina Zero electric motorcycles. We are looking to bring other electric motorcycle brands into Australia throughout 2022. We are starting with Energica Motorcycles because they are the best premium electric motorcycle manufacturers globally. We have our eyes on several other emerging brands – Sondors, Pursang, Damon, Stark, Switch, RGNT, Land and Trevor – our goal is to get as many of these through Compliance Approval and other customs hurdles throughout 2022. Stay up to date on our social media, website and email lists as we will be making announcements as the brands become available.Â
All of our models need to be first ADR approved for road-use in Australia. Once this process is complete we can apply for models that are under the LAMs power threshold to be added tot he LAMs list. Â
The following models fall under the LAMs power threshold:
- Zero FX 7.2
- Zero S 14.4
- Electric Motion Escape
- All Benzina Zero models
Long range touring is one of the areas electric motorcycles are limited in for the moment. As technology develops and more access to charging stations become available, we expect this to improve. Our Energica motorcycles manage a 246km combined range (420km city and 198km highway) and can fast charge in 60 minutes. There are thousands of charging stations available across Australia which can be found here or we would also reccomend downloading the Plugshare App which shows your all available charging stations, their current state and compatibility.Â
Going on a long range trip on an electric motorcycle does require some planning – which in our opinion makes it that much more fun. Plugshare is a great app for planning a journey in an EV – it shows you all of the available charging stations on your route and their current status.Â
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We’re seeing some really interesting developments in the battery space. Some experimental solid state batteries are producing 3 X more range and considerably quicker charging speeds in test environments. We see battery technology evolving rapidly in the next 10 years to the point where electric motorcycles will outperform the petrol equivalents in most categories. The Stark Varg is the first bike to do this – there will be many more in the coming years.
You will have to get in touch with our team to discuss which model you are interested in and the aftermarket parts available.Â
We don’t currently have many used premium electric motorcycles in Australia. However, you are welcome to browse second hand electric motorcycles on our UK website and request it be imported for you. www.englishelectricmotorco.com/used-bikesÂ
We anticipate that we will be able to offer used motorcycles in the near future once our first buyers come back to upgrade.
This year we are also looking forward to bringing in cheaper brands of electric motorcycles into Australia after we are able to import and compliance approve our Energica Motorcycles.Â
If you are interested, we are proud to offer finance packages with Allied Credit that bring the price of our motorcycles down to weekly rates as low as $69 – depending on credit applications and approval.
Currently Energica and Zero don’t offer a cruiser in their lineup. Over the next 12 months Energica are working on a lot of new models now they have pulled back from the MotoE series – one of these may include a cruiser but we won’t know until the announcements are made.Â
We are currently looking at importing other brands like Pursang, RGNT, Switch, Damon, Lightning etc. None of which offer a cruiser option. We recommend signing up to our monthly newsletter to keep up to date with product launches as they come out.Â
If you are looking for a motorcycle with a low seat hight, we recommend you look at the Energica Eva Ribelle or Zero SR/F. Both have relatively low seat height at 780mm with more of an upright riding position. You can find out more about the Energica Ribelle here
Yes, electric motorcycles are legal in Australia. The Australian government recognizes electric motorcycles as a legitimate form of transportation and has regulations in place for their use on public roads. Electric motorcycles must meet certain safety standards and requirements, just like their internal combustion engine counterparts. Riders need to adhere to relevant licensing and registration regulations, ensuring compliance with local laws and regulations for operating electric motorcycles in Australia.
The main difference between an e-bike and an electric motorcycle lies in their design, capabilities, and legal classification. E-bikes, or electric bicycles, are typically equipped with pedal-assist systems that provide electric assistance while the rider pedals. They have lower speeds and are subject to specific power and speed limits, varying by jurisdiction. Electric motorcycles, on the other hand, resemble traditional motorcycles and can reach higher speeds. They are designed for higher performance, often have a throttle for propulsion, and require licensing and registration in many countries.
While electric motorcycles offer numerous advantages, there are a few potential disadvantages to consider. Firstly, their limited range can be a concern, especially for long-distance or touring riders. Charging infrastructure is still developing, and finding charging stations may be more challenging compared to traditional fuel stations. Secondly, the initial cost of electric motorcycles can be higher than their internal combustion counterparts, although this gap is narrowing with advancements in technology. Additionally, the weight of electric motorcycle batteries can make the bikes heavier and impact handling, particularly in off-road or sport riding scenarios. Lastly, battery degradation over time is a consideration, as it can lead to reduced range and performance, requiring eventual replacement or refurbishment. However, ongoing advancements in battery technology are addressing these concerns and improving the overall electric motorcycle experience.
Yes, electric motorcycles are generally considered to be low maintenance compared to their internal combustion engine counterparts. They have fewer moving parts, which means there is less mechanical wear and tear. Electric motorcycles do not require oil changes, spark plug replacements, or transmission maintenance. However, regular maintenance tasks such as brake inspections, tire checks, and battery maintenance are still necessary for optimal performance and safety.
For more information check out our article on maintaining an electric motorcycle.Â
Electric motorcycles are known for their reliability. With fewer moving parts and a simpler drivetrain compared to internal combustion engine motorcycles, electric motorcycles have the potential for fewer mechanical failures. Additionally, electric motors have a long lifespan and require less maintenance. However, as with any vehicle, reliability can depend on factors such as the brand, model, and quality of components used. Regular maintenance and proper care are essential to ensure the continued reliability and performance of an electric motorcycle.
In Australia, you generally need a motorcycle license to legally ride any type of motorcycle, including electric motorcycles. A car license (also known as a Class C license) is not sufficient to ride a motorcycle, regardless of whether it is electric or internal combustion. To ride an electric motorcycle legally in Australia, you would need to obtain a specific motorcycle license (such as a Class R license) by completing the required training and testing according to your state or territory’s regulations. It’s important to check with your local licensing authority for the specific requirements in your area.
In Australia, the speed limit for e-bikes is generally set at 25 kilometers per hour (15.5 miles per hour). E-bikes that comply with the Australian legal standards are classified as “pedelecs” or pedal-assisted electric bicycles. These e-bikes provide electric assistance only when the rider is pedaling and automatically cut off the motor assistance once the speed exceeds 25 kilometers per hour. It’s important to note that different states or territories may have variations in their specific regulations, so it’s advisable to consult local authorities or refer to the relevant legislation for accurate and up-to-date information.
The largest electric motorcycle battery available in production models is found in the Energica motorcycles. Energica offer customers a riding experience that is unparalleled. With lightning fast acceleration powered by a 169bhp oil-cooled motor and 22.5kwh battery (the largest available battery for a motorcycle) which produces up to 215 Nm of torque. This large battery capacity allows for an extended range on a single charge and provides ample power for exhilarating performance. However, it’s worth noting that battery technology is continually advancing, and new developments may lead to even larger capacity batteries in the future.
Yes, electric motorcycles typically have keys for security and access control purposes. Just like conventional motorcycles, electric motorcycles are equipped with ignition systems that require a key to start the vehicle. The key is used to activate the electrical systems and unlock the motor, ensuring that only authorized individuals can operate the motorcycle.