Fast read
Electric motorcycles, particularly in Australia, are becoming an increasingly popular form of electric vehicle (EV) because of their affordability and variety. Ownership has risen by 31% since last year, with a range of 34 models available. The cheapest electric motorcycle is $4,000, making it the most cost-effective EV.
Australia hosts its own solar-powered scooter factory, Fonz Moto, alongside Melbourne's Savic Motorcycles producing retro-style electric sports bikes.
Notable early EV bike adopters, such as our Solar Guru Nigel Morris, highlight benefits such as cost savings, regenerative braking, and convenient charging infrastructure. EV motorcycles consume a third of an electric car's energy and provide a quieter ride.
The cheapest electric car is a motorcycle in Australia
So, you’re thinking electric cars are just for four-wheeled aficionados, huh? Well, buckle up because you can actually own an electric motorcycle in Australia and, bonus, it’s the cheapest electric car ride on the EV market.
The love for electric motorcycles in Australia is on a serious upswing. As of March 2023, we have 6,561 electric motorcycles in Australia cruising our streets, up by a whopping 31% from the previous year. With 95% being scooters, the rest is a sweet blend of speed-devil performance bikes and rugged off-roaders, totalling up to 34 amazing models to choose from.
If you don’t mind the helmet hair, you can go all-electric starting at a mere $4,000 for a beginner’s ride. For around $45,000, you can get yourself a lightning-fast performance electric motorcycle in Australia, chock-full of high-tech gizmos.
If you prefer something sportier, there is also a small selection of incredibly fast-performance electric motorcycle in Australia packed with high-tech features – if you’re willing to invest approximately $45,000.
BYD cars are also extremely cost-competitive
Now, if you want this article to tell you about cars, please note that Chinese electric cars have come at very sharp price points – so look at BYD Dolphin and the MG range – if you are after a cheap electric car, but now back to two-wheel price beaters.
Australia has its own electric car scooter factory
Here’s an intriguing nugget – Australia’s own solar-powered scooter factory. Located in Sydney, this hub of innovation is the brainchild of tech whiz Michelle Nazarri. Her company, Fonz Moto, has clocked over 6 million electrified kilometres and is pumping out hundreds of electric motorcycles in Australia each year. Melbourne’s Savic motorcycles, on the other hand, are serving up retro-style electric sports motorcycles for those who fancy a bit more flair.
You can also lay your hands on an all-electric Harley Davidson! Though, prepare to leave any preconceptions of roaring engines behind – it’s as quiet as a whisper.
Our own Solar Guru is an electric motorcycle fan and owner
Take it from Sydney local, and our own Solar Guru Nigel Morris. This bloke is a hardcore electric motorcycle enthusiast, now on his third bike in the past decade. With around 70,000 kilometres under his belt, he reckons he’s saved a hefty $20,000 on fuel and upkeep.
What truly gets him going? The seamless power and regenerative braking. Plus, the convenience of slow charging anywhere, fast charging at numerous superchargers, and using an app to absorb excess solar power at home. Even the occasional refuel doesn’t break the bank, costing under five bucks.
Sure, being a renter, he’s had to charm his landlords into letting him live his solar-electric-bike dream, but he’s up for the challenge.
Not only an affordable ride but lower electricity bills
This time, Morris is also proposing to replace an inefficient electric hot water heater at his rental home with a heat pump, which is now much easier thanks to rebates in New South Wales. His calculations show that a heat pump will not only add value and depreciation for the landlord but his share of the investment will pay for itself in under one year making it a no-brainer even for a tenant on a shorter-term lease.
Nigel loves his Harley Davidson
Now, let’s shift gears and bring Harley-Davidson electric motorcycles into the spotlight. Ever since the iconic brand unveiled its first electric motorcycle in Australia, the LiveWire, in 2019, they’ve been making a significant push into the affordable electric car market. Combining Harley’s legendary design with zero-emission technology, these bikes offer a thrilling and sustainable ride. Plus, with Harley’s commitment to launch more electric models in the future, there’s an exciting road ahead for electric motorcycle lovers in Australia who want to go green.
Yes, electric two-wheelers might seem like a niche thing right now, but they have some solid perks. They consume only a third of the energy of an electric car, can be charged anywhere, and are incredibly compact. Plus, they’re virtually silent, so no more grumbling from the neighbours about noise.
Best of all, they are one of the cheapest electric cars you can buy today. Now that’s a pretty sweet deal.
