If you're thinking about buying or even changing motorcycles, you're probably wondering what's the best option: electric or flex bike?
But the answer is not as simple as it seems, is it? After all, the most different aspects must be analyzed and not just price, as many can imagine.
In this article, we will present how the electric bike and the flex bike work in practice and the main advantages and disadvantages of each model.
This way, it will be much easier to find out which option best fits your reality. Let's go?!
Electric or flex bike: understand, first, the difference between them
Firstly, do you know what the difference is between an electric bike and a flex bike? As obvious as it seems to be, it is important that we talk about it.
Let's start with the flex bike, which is the oldest model.
In addition to a combustion engine, it has sensors and mechanisms in the injection and ignition system that allow the use not only of gasoline, but also of ethanol and even a mixture of these two fuels.
The electric motorcycle, on the other hand, does not have a combustion engine and tank, as in the conventional model, but an electric motor and battery.
This means that, while the first requires stops at gas stations, the second only demands electricity.
Now let's understand how each one works in different aspects?
7 factors to consider when choosing between an electric or flex bike
1- Price
Starting with the price, which is one of the first features that people usually evaluate, which is the most advantageous option: electric or flex bike?
Until recently, we could say that the biofuel motorcycle led in this regard.
This, of course, if we take as a basis the most popular and affordable models in each category, which are the Honda 125 and the Shineray SE3.
But today, the reality is different. While the Honda 125 is being sold for from R$ 13,110, the Shineray SE3 can be found, today, for prices starting at R$ 10,990.
However, as this is not the only thing that counts, let's continue the analysis.
Learn More: How Many Km Does an Electric Car Travel?
2- Supply
While the electric motorcycle is fueled by energy, the flex model accepts gasoline, ethanol or even both together.
Data from the National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP) show that, in the week of December 11th to 17th, the average price of a liter of gasoline and ethanol dropped to R$ 4.94 and R$ 3.82, respectively.
Despite the drop recorded in this period and also in recent months, stations were still found charging values of R$ 7.69 and R$ 6.45.
The great advantage of the flex bike is that you can choose the cheapest fuel.
On the other hand, for those residing in colder regions, fueling up with gasoline may be necessary from time to time to avoid starting and performance difficulties.
Recharging the battery of an electric motorcycle costs just under R$ 3 per charge.
This means that, even for a person who needs to recharge the battery daily, the cost will be only R$90 per month.
An expense much lower than that of those who use biofuel, isn't it?
3- Autonomy
On the other hand, we cannot fail to point out the difference in autonomy between the electric motorcycle and the flex-fuel motorcycle.
A low-displacement combustion model, such as the Honda 125, for example, can travel 300 km with a full tank. The autonomy of the Shineray SE3 is up to 80 km.
The great differential of the flex bike, in this case, is that you have the possibility to fill the tank and go a long way at once.
Now with the electric bike, no matter how much you ride with an extra battery, its autonomy is still practically half of the conventional bike.
4- Charging time
Another issue that cannot be forgotten is that the electric motorcycle takes time to reach the full charge of its battery and be able to run.
In the case of Shineray SE3, for example, the charge time is around 8 to 10 hours.
On the other hand, the flex bike can be used at any time, as long as it has fuel in its tank.
Which, let's face it, is much easier, considering that there are several gas stations scattered around the city, isn't it?
5- Speed
Although the flex bike is faster, the electric bike is usually more skittish
When it comes to an electric or flex bike, we can't help but also talk about speed. Can you tell which one is the most powerful?
Considering the models mentioned throughout the article, for example, while the Shineray SE3 reaches a speed of up to 50km/h, the Honda 125 can already reach 100km/h.
A significant difference, isn't it?
And that even applies if we take the fastest electric motorcycle available on the market: the Volts EVS, which reaches a top speed of 120 km/h.
In contrast, flex-fuel motorcycles reach 200km/h or even more.
On the other hand, it should be noted that electric motorcycles tend to be more “skinny” than flex-fuel models.
This is because it is capable of reaching its maximum force in a matter of seconds, while combustion models gain strength progressively and demand acceleration.
Learn More: Electric Bicycles in 6 Questions
6- Variety of options
Regarding the variety of options available on the market, there is no doubt that the flex bike leads in this regard.
After all, nowadays it is possible to find small, medium and large combustion models; economical or more powerful options; and even bikes for the city or the road.
7- Maintenance
Finally, when we refer to maintenance, can you tell which is the most advantageous option? Electric or flex bike?
Without a doubt, the electric motorcycle stands out in this regard. As much as your battery has a high cost, maintenance is less frequent, simpler and even cheaper.
After all, the electric motorcycle engine has a lower number of moving parts compared to combustion models.
With that, the electrically powered version also does not require oil changes, filters and spark plugs, for example. Only items such as tires, brake pads, batteries and damaged external parts.