Are you ready for electric bikes?

I have been in this industry for many decades and I have seen a lot of things come and go. Last October I was at the AIMEXpo in Orlando and was shocked by the number of company jumping into the development of … electric bikes!

More than half a dozen companies were there showing their latest technology and applications to the motorcycling world, most of them from California (I wonder why?)

Remember about 2 decades ago when the auto industry was introducing electric/hybrid cars? We thought they were aliens and that nobody would ever want that. Well that’s another story today and you can see how many electric/hybrid car we see on today’s highways.

Well let me tell you that it will not be that long for electric motorcycles to be mass produced by major manufacturers. In fact it’s already started; Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki, KTM, Harley Davidson have all shown their concept bikes at international shows.

But my big questions is; will we buy into this e-world?

Motorcycling is all about passion and freedom. The sound, the smell and the engine vibration are all part of thrill in riding a motorcycle, whether it’s a road or dirt bike. A motorcycle is a «want» thing.

The automobile is a «need» thing. We all need a car to go to work, transport things and travel. So getting an e-car makes sense to save on fuel cost, and many other thing, not even talking about pollution here…

There would be good reasons to get an e-bike too. Save on fuel cost, maintenance (no oil change, valve adjustments, clutch replacements, etc), no need for earplugs. Imagine yourself at a motocross race with no bike sounds!…pretty weird.

One thing is for sure; Our industry is at the crossroads of major changes. We have seen many new products being introduced in the last few years (Can-Am Spyder, Polaris slingshot, 4 & 6 seater side by sides, etc) but there are many more coming and you will see electric bikes/atvs and side by sides in your dealer’s showroom floor very soon!

Are you ready for a change?