Electric motorcycles always seem to split opinion. Some riders are excited by the tech and the fresh approach, while others have plenty of reservations about everything from range and charging to safety and performance. While I was at Motorcycle Live at the Birmingham NEC, I sat down with electric racing driver Ellis Spiezia to put these concerns to someone who works with the technology every day.
Watch the full video here:
Ellis, whose experience spans electric karting, Formula 3, touring cars, rallycross and now electric motorcycles, offered an informed and grounded perspective on the most common myths surrounding EV riding.
Myth 1: Electric Vehicles Only Work in Cities
Many riders insist that electric motorcycles are viable only for short city trips. Ellis, who lives on the outskirts of Austin, Texas, contests this assumption through daily experience. He frequently travels on high-speed highways, maintaining 60–70 mph without significant range loss.
He’s the first to admit that all-day, cross-country trips aren’t where electric bikes shine just yet, but anything under that is well within reach. For everyday riding – town, countryside, and everything in between – the current bikes have more than enough punch. They pull hard at any speed and handle traffic without fuss, which makes them far more usable than many people give them credit for.
Myth 2: Electric Motorcycles Are Slower
One of the more persistent misconceptions is that electric motorcycles lack performance. Ellis offers a clear rebuttal. With a 0-60 mph time of around 3.8 seconds, the bike he rides accelerates on par with many super sports bikes.
He highlights the instant torque delivery of electric motors—no revving, no gear changes, no delay. From a stoplight, it is often the quickest vehicle on the road. Riders accustomed to chasing high RPMs on four-cylinder engines may find the immediate power of an EV startlingly effective.
Myth 3: EVs Are More Dangerous
Some riders fear that the battery and electrical systems introduce additional risk, especially during collisions. Ellis emphasises that modern electric motorcycles undergo rigorous certification and safety testing.
Crucially, today’s EV bikes often weigh no more than comparable combustion models, meaning they do not carry significantly more momentum in a crash.
Furthermore, electric bikes often feature advanced rider-assistance systems, such as traction control and ABS, which contribute to a safer riding experience, particularly in poor conditions like rain or loose gravel.
Myth 4: EVs Are Not “Real” Motorcycles
While he admits that big cross-country trips still aren’t their strong point, he’s quick to point out that day-to-day riding is something electric bikes handle really well. With plenty of punch at any speed and the ability to slip through traffic without fuss, they’re proving themselves far more useful outside the city than many riders give them credit for.
In racing, when everyone’s running the same kind of powertrain, you can’t rely on a trick engine or some mechanical edge; it all comes down to the rider. Ellis points out that it’s normal for people to feel unsure about new tech, but digging your heels in only holds you back. The bikes are moving forward, and riders need to keep up.
Myth 5: EVs Randomly Combust
Historical incidents of battery fires have created lingering anxiety among the public. Ellis explains that the extreme testing performed in motorsport environments pushes batteries far beyond what a typical rider would ever demand.
Modern systems are equipped with extensive fail-safes that shut down at the first sign of irregularity. Charging, thermal management and internal monitoring have all advanced considerably. If a battery can survive race conditions, it can certainly handle sitting in a home garage.
Myth 6: There Is No Unified Charging System
In the United Kingdom, inconsistent charging ports have frustrated many early adopters. Ellis notes that the situation varies internationally and is improving over time.
Ellis points out that Can-Am’s electric bikes have a simple backup option; you can plug them into a standard household socket with the correct adaptor, and it’s small enough to throw in a backpack. Fast chargers can still be hit-and-miss, but being able to top up pretty much anywhere makes everyday charging far less of a headache than people assume.
Myth 7: EVs Are More Expensive
Upfront costs for electric motorcycles do tend to be higher than for combustion models. However, Ellis points out that manufacturers are already lowering prices; some recent models in the United States have dropped below $10,000.
Beyond purchase price, the long-term savings are significant:
- minimal servicing,
- no oil changes,
- fewer mechanical components,
- automated chain management,
- and extremely low charging costs (approximately $2 for a full charge in Ellis’s case).
As technology matures, prices are expected to continue to decrease, making EVs increasingly competitive.
A Final Word for Hesitant Riders
Ellis encourages riders to try an electric motorcycle before forming a judgment. Whether coming from lightweight electric bicycles or high-capacity supersports, most riders discover that EVs offer a distinctive and enjoyable experience.
As demo fleets become more common worldwide, opportunities to test-ride electric bikes are expanding rapidly. Curiosity, rather than resistance, may be the key to discovering a new kind of motorcycling enjoyment.
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