Electric vs Gas Motorcycles: Which One Should You Choose?

The History of Electric Motors

Electric or gas motorcycle — the debate has been going on for decades.

Today, many riders still see electric motorcycles as an expensive toy for wealthy enthusiasts who already have everything.
But is that really true? Let’s take a quick ride through history to understand how far electric motorcycles have come.

As far back as the 1920s, engineers were already experimenting with electric motors for two-wheeled transport. Even Henry Ford, the automotive industry titan, invested in these early projects.
However, the technology simply wasn’t ready yet. Early developers faced two major challenges:

• Heavy batteries.
  At the time, batteries were lead-based, making bikes far too heavy for comfortable riding.

• Limited range.
  The early electric bikes could barely travel a few miles before running out of power.

Fast forward to today, and things have dramatically changed. Modern electric motorcycles are lighter, faster, and have a much better range.

For example, Surron electric bikes now offer:

• Top speed of 110 km/h (68 mph).

• Ultra-lightweight frame — the Light Bee X weighs just 56 kg (123 lbs).

• Maximum range of up to 120 km (75 miles) on a single charge, depending on rider weight, speed, and terrain.

Pretty impressive for a technology that once seemed like science fiction!

Surron Storm Bee

Advantages of Electric Motorcycles

1. Instant Acceleration

Electric motorcycles deliver instant torque, unlike gas bikes that need to build up power.

For instance:

• Surron Storm Bee goes from 0 to 80 km/h (0-50 mph) in just 3.6 seconds.

• By comparison, the gas-powered Kawasaki KL250 takes 6 seconds to reach the same speed.

To match this level of performance with a gas bike, you’d need to spend over $12,000, while the top-tier Surron Storm Bee costs around $8,500 — making it a much more affordable performance option.

2. Comfort and Ease of Use

Electric bikes are incredibly quiet and smooth, which makes for a much more enjoyable riding experience:

• Silent ride:
  No vibration or engine noise, perfect for night rides without waking up the neighbors.

• No gears to worry about:
  Just a simple button on the handlebars to switch riding modes — ideal for beginners.

• Easy to park and store:
  Compact size and lightweight design allow you to park it in tight spaces or even store it indoors. The Light Bee easily fits in an elevator!

• Charge anywhere:
  Plug it into a standard 220V outlet at home, the office, or even a café. No gas station required.

3. Lower Maintenance Costs

While electric motorcycles can be more expensive upfront, they save you money long-term:

• No oil changes or complicated maintenance — just basic chain and suspension care.

• Charging is 4.5x cheaper than gas refueling (and that’s at today’s fuel prices!).

• Fewer moving parts mean fewer repairs.

The most expensive part of an electric bike is the battery, which can cost several hundred dollars.
To maximize its lifespan, riders need to charge and store it properly, especially during the winter months.

4. Unlimited Customization

Since electric motorcycles don’t need to be registered like gas bikes, you can repaint and modify them freely without extra fees.

Plus, their simplified design makes tuning and upgrades easier, with no gearbox or fuel system to complicate things.

Surron Storm Bee

The Main Challenge: Battery Limitations

The battery remains the biggest obstacle for electric motorcycles.

For example, the Surron Light Bee can travel up to 120 km (75 miles) on a single charge — but only under ideal conditions:

• Average speed of 40 km/h (25 mph).

• Rider weight under 80 kg (176 lbs).

• Mild weather.

For comparison, gas motorcycles can easily cover hundreds of kilometers on a single tank, making them better for long-distance touring.

Another issue is battery placement.
Cars like Tesla spread multiple battery packs across the floor for better balance and range.
Motorcycles, however, don’t have this flexibility due to limited ground clearance and frame size, forcing manufacturers to compromise between design, weight, and performance.

Conclusion: Which Should You Choose?

Both electric and gas motorcycles have their pros and cons:

If you’re looking for a city commuter, weekend fun bike, or eco-friendly alternative, an electric motorcycle like Surron is perfect.
But if your focus is on long-distance rides or high-speed touring, a gas motorcycle still has the edge.

Next Step

Ready to experience the future of riding?
Our team can help you choose the perfect Surron electric motorcycle for your needs.
Simply fill out the form below, and we’ll get in touch!

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• Title: Electric vs Gas Motorcycles: Which One Should You Choose?

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