A new study suggests that electric motorcycles will provide a lucrative market for manufacturers in coming years. Steadily rising fuel prices and tougher environmental constraints in many countries will encourage customers to invest in electric motorcycles, particularly for commuting. This segment looks set to outstrip demand for e-bikes, electric cars or electric buses according to the study, carried out by IDTechEx. Another electric vehicle segment looking to grow fast is for MicroEVs. IDTechEx has analys
August 15, 2014
Read time: 2 mins
Chinese manufacturers already produce large numbers of low-cost electric scooters, which are very popular in the country for urban commuting due to their low running costs
A new study suggests that electric motorcycles will provide a lucrative market for manufacturers in coming years. Steadily rising fuel prices and tougher environmental constraints in many countries will encourage customers to invest in electric motorcycles, particularly for commuting. This segment looks set to outstrip demand for e-bikes, electric cars or electric buses according to the study, carried out by IDTechEx. Another electric vehicle segment looking to grow fast is for MicroEVs. IDTechEx has analysed the various electric vehicle sectors in its new report, "Electric Motorcycles and Three Wheel Electric Vehicles 2015-2025" %$Linker: 2External<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-16"?><dictionary />000oLinkExternalwww.IDTechEx.com/bikesVisit: www.IDTechEx.com/bikesfalsehttp://www.idtechex.com/bikesfalsefalse%>. According to the report, the global market value of over $12 billion for electric motorcycles (including e-scooters and maxi scooters) in 2025 will exceed US$12 billion. MicroEVs are being aimed primarily at emerging nations, with a massive potential for growth according to the report. While firms making electric motor cycles and three wheelers are smaller businesses than those building electric cars, these niche segments are capable of generating higher percentage profits. The same is true of those making components and systems. Yamaha and 1233 BMW are planning on entering the electric motorcycle/scooter segment in 2015, while Harley Davidson has also unveiled its prototype. Meanwhile small companies like leader Zero Motorcycles and 3436 Brammo are attracting strong orders, demonstrating impressive innovation and going global with them. There are also numerous Chinese firms innovating with low cost maxi-scooters and motorcycles.
While two-wheeled transport remains the primary means of transport for millions of people in China and other parts of Asia Pacific, most consumers in North America and Europe have remained committed to their passenger cars. Now, however, high petroleum costs, improved customer perception, and government incentives are all contributing to a growing demand for motorcycles and scooters - including those powered by electricity.
