EV motorcycles focus group experience

[Docwagon1776]

Fair warning, this post is vague due to NDA and mostly just me venting.

I've mentioned in the past I sometimes participate in new vehicle survey panels/focus group meetings. It's often fairly interesting to see what "they" think "we" want. I was invited to view some mockups of a complete line up of electric motorcycles and scooters. I'm not supposed to know who the company behind it is, but it's definitely Asian from the way things were worded and some of the questions that were asked. The idea was to have a lineup that appealed to teens, then transition to different bikes up through retirement age. Scooters to sports bikes (no touring bikes) to what could charitably be called a crossbred trike/golfcart abomination of a...thing. Just terrible design aesthetically and it looked like a nightmare functionally. Like it was designed by aliens who had heard about humans and vehicles third hand and then just took their best stab at it.

The absolute stupidest things I've seen in any of these panels. Zero understanding of American motorcycle cultures, zero understanding of why brand heritage matters to older buyers, zero understanding of why "family concerns about you riding at your old age" was pretty insulting as phrased, that sort of thing. Even without getting into the capabilities of these, the notion that 40-somethings and older want *more* tech on a motorcycle and are concerned with things like underglow intensity seems way off base to me.

I'd be floored if this lineup ever became a reality anywhere in the US or Canada, but it's not my money whoever is funding it is wasting. At least they are doing research, but wow the whole concept was flawed to a ridiculous level. The ones aimed at younger buyers did not get any better a reception from them, either. They were so uninterested they didn't even care what they cost. "Why would I buy this over an e-bike? It's too bulky, too heavy, you have to park it instead of taking it into your dorm/apartment, where am I supposed to charge it, it'll get stolen..." *crickets*

Separately, there was one EV bike that could be of interest. It would occupy a space sort of like the old Honda Trail 90 did back in the day, cheap and easy to handle trail bike. I don't feel like I can say much more, but it was a neat concept if they can get the range and price where they think they can at the weight they say it will be at. Something you can put in the bed of your truck without too much drama, take to a trail, and have fun for a few hours or ride back to a hunting blind silently, etc.

 

[Nick@GotExhaust]

I would be interested to see that last bike you spoke about when the time comes. My middle son is very much into E-bikes. We have a nice piece of land and we cut trails in the back for him to ride on plus we live on a rural dirt road which he likes to ride up and down. It isn't great off road but does well. Its just a china bike off Amazon but we did our research and it has been a great value that fit in our lower end budget for an E-bike.

 

[Docwagon1776]

I would be interested to see that last bike you spoke about when the time comes. My middle son is very much into E-bikes. We have a nice piece of land and we cut trails in the back for him to ride on plus we live on a rural dirt road which he likes to ride up and down. It isn't great off road but does well. Its just a china bike off Amazon but we did our research and it has been a great value that fit in our lower end budget for an E-bike.

I don't know a time frame for them to come to fruition from the mockups, but it was the one I could see selling in any number and would be aimed squarely at the sort of use you are looking for.

 

[jejb]

I am big into offroad motorcycles, and a little dual sport. Lots of chatter in that world about EV cycles. We've seen some come and most go. A buddy owns a Varg dirt bike, and that company seems to be doing okay. But it's all about range for most of us. The Varg is a good bike, but limited to 40-45 miles of spirited riding. And then a longish charge cycle to be ready to go again.

I'm interested in EV dirt bikes, but won't be a buyer until they can 100+ miles for range of racing and trail riding. With the current political environment for EV's, the lack of market and range issues, it's hard to see why anyone would launch a new EV motorcycle (or road vehicle, really) company.

 

[Docwagon1776]

I am big into offroad motorcycles, and a little dual sport. Lots of chatter in that world about EV cycles. We've seen some come and most go. A buddy owns a Varg dirt bike, and that company seems to be doing okay. But it's all about range for most of us. The Varg is a good bike, but limited to 40-45 miles of spirited riding. And then a longish charge cycle to be ready to go again.

I'm interested in EV dirt bikes, but won't be a buyer until they can 100+ miles for range of racing and trail riding. With the current political environment for EV's, the lack of market and range issues, it's hard to see why anyone would launch a new EV motorcycle (or road vehicle, really) company.

Likely because the US isn't the only market globally. Motorcycles and scooters are for recreational use and habitual drunks, respectively, here but are daily commuters and practical vehicles in much of the world. If you have a line that sells well in Europe and the Asian subcontinent there's money to be made, then expand into the North American market to pick up more sales.

 

[jejb]

Likely because the US isn't the only market globally. Motorcycles and scooters are for recreational use and habitual drunks, respectively, here but are daily commuters and practical vehicles in much of the world. If you have a line that sells well in Europe and the Asian subcontinent there's money to be made, then expand into the North American market to pick up more sales.

And I say good luck to them. But I believe until they solve the range issues, it's a tough hill to climb.