What should users keep in mind when switching from a gasoline-powered motorcycle to an electric one?
Electric motorcycles differ significantly from gasoline-powered motorcycles, from their engines to their operation. Therefore, to ensure safety, riders need to familiarize themselves with and thoroughly understand their vehicle.
Electric motorbikes are becoming a popular mode of transportation among Vietnamese people recently. This is especially true as several major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are planning and promoting their use as part of a strategy to reduce air pollution and protect the urban environment.
Nevertheless, compared to gasoline-powered vehicles, electric motorcycles are still a relatively new type of vehicle, and there are certain differences in their structure and usage; requiring drivers to familiarize themselves with them to ensure safety when operating the vehicle.
Battery capacity and charging time
The biggest difference between electric and gasoline motorcycles lies in their engine. While gasoline motorcycles use internal combustion engines powered by the combustion of fossil fuels (primarily gasoline), electric motorcycles use electric motors powered by electricity stored in a battery or storage pack.
Because of the addition of this battery pack, electric motorcycle users need to pay attention to battery capacity and calculate charging time to ensure efficient use. Unlike gasoline-powered vehicles (which are convenient thanks to the dense network of fuel stations available in all regions, and refueling is very quick), electric motorcycle users will have to spend more time charging their vehicles.
Currently, on most popular electric motorcycles, the time required to fully charge the battery typically ranges from 4 to 10 hours, depending on the battery level and the battery technology of each manufacturer. Therefore, the first thing to change when switching to an electric motorcycle is the habit of monitoring the battery and calculating a reasonable charging time. Generally, the ideal time to charge the battery is in the evening, before going to bed.
Driving skills
Besides paying attention to the battery and calculating charging time, driving skills are also something users need to equip themselves with when switching from gasoline to electric motorcycles. The reason is that electric motors can reach maximum torque and power instantly, with almost no lag like on gasoline motorcycles. Therefore, the responsiveness and acceleration of electric motorcycles are significantly superior.
To ensure safety, drivers need to be cautious and "slow" when accelerating, especially when starting off; avoid being startled and losing control when the vehicle suddenly surges forward.
How to use the brakes
Another point to note when riding an electric motorbike is how to apply the brakes. Currently, most electric motorbikes distributed in Vietnam are equipped with electronic brakes, which include switches and sensors that can cut off the electric motor in case the rider applies the brakes; even with very light pressure.
According to many experts, this is a safety mechanism on electric vehicles, designed to reduce speed safely. This is because if the motor continues to run while the driver applies the brakes, the deceleration will be ineffective. The braking distance will be longer, and the vehicle may lose control. In contrast, with conventional gasoline motorcycles, the driver can gently apply the throttle while simultaneously applying the brakes to control deceleration as desired. These vehicles do not have an automatic engine shut-off or braking mechanism.
Therefore, a word of caution for electric motorcycle users: when braking, you need to decisively reduce the throttle completely, avoiding holding the throttle. Because the pulling force from the electric motor is very sensitive and instantaneous, holding the throttle and releasing the brake will cause the vehicle to lunge forward, startling the rider and causing them to lose control.
How can we make electric cars last longer?
In addition to safe driving skills, electric motorcycle users also need to learn tips on how to use their bikes properly, in order to help their beloved vehicles last longer and operate more smoothly.
For example, how should you charge your battery correctly? According to experts and technicians, to ensure battery longevity and prevent fires, explosions, or degradation, users should only charge the battery when it has used more than 50% of its capacity. In particular, you should not charge the battery immediately after the vehicle has stopped operating. Instead, wait about 30 minutes for the engine and battery system to cool down before charging.
Or consider the driving mode. For the engine to run smoothly and reliably, drivers should maintain a stable speed, avoiding driving too fast or too slow. They should also avoid sudden acceleration.
In addition, many electric motorcycles now come equipped with driving mode options (usually Eco and Sport), each suitable for different operating conditions. Users need to understand the differences between these modes to know how to adjust accordingly.
