They’re Better Than Motorcycles!!!
Posted by Create_Username_000@reddit | ebikes | View on Reddit | 87 comments
Now that I’ve got your attention, hear me out.
Yes, I have a motorcycle endorsement. I’ve ridden. I get the appeal. But e-bikes are something else entirely. The point of riding any two-wheeled machine is to experience freedom and connection—something a car can’t deliver. But even on a motorcycle, you’re still tethered to the same roads, rules, and restrictions as any other motorist.
E-bikes? They break free from that mold.
They combine the best aspects of motorcycles with unmatched flexibility. You’re not limited to just the streets—you can ride on trails, bike paths, even sidewalks (where allowed). That means you can weave around traffic, discover clever shortcuts, and explore your city in ways motorcycles simply can’t.
And unlike motorcycles, where riding can feel passive, e-bikes invite engagement. Pedaling—even with electric assist—makes the ride immersive. You’re moving your body, getting some cardio, and still zipping along with ease.
Then there’s convenience. No bike rack? Forgot your lock? In a sketchy neighborhood? Just bring the e-bike inside. Try doing that with even the smallest motorcycle.
With tech advancing fast, we’re already seeing lighter, faster, and longer-range e-bikes rivaling their gas-powered cousins. This isn’t a campaign to scrap motorcycles (I’d hop on a Harley Iron 883 any day), but let’s be real: e-bikes are no longer a runner-up. They’re tied for first in the two-wheeled world—and in many ways, they’re pulling ahead.
BUSFULOFNUNS@reddit
When the ebikes go 160kph THEN we can have a serious talk about this.
Adept_Definition1900@reddit
They're not better. They're different. On the motorcycle I have more pleasure to ride (Honda degree), more speed, more range, more adrenaline. On e-bike (tsdz2b with OSF and 17.5 Ah Samsung battery) I can ride on bike paths and ...almost everywhere, don't care about parking etc.
specialsymbol@reddit
I (partly) agree. Motorcycles are of course faster, so you can simply see more. And yes, you can have experiences while traveling on motorcycle you would never have when traveling in a car. Don't ask me why, but I have done several long trips on a motorcycle (each around 3000-6000 km) and I ALWAYS met interesting people, found great locations or had stunning experiences. And this never happens with a car.
Anyway. That one thing aside, riding an eBike simply is something else. You can access places you never could with a motorcycle. And I find it a special kind of joy to have it set up just so, that you do pedal just the right amount to feel like you actually contribute to the journey. Not so that it exhausts you, but so that it feels like you could do it on your own (albeit it would be sometimes a lot slower). This is the best part of it. It's sport, but it's like sport done by superman.
OppositeCockroach774@reddit
Freedom baby! I ride 32 miles from Park City back to SLC, at 9,000' Legally yes, Class 1 Orbea Rise. 5 years, 6k miles, all trail. 5th e mtn bike. I find other freedom riders laughing on the trail, it's like your first bike in 4th grade.
AdditionalBus5896@reddit
What bike do you use?? I’m moving to SLC on Sunday morning and really want to get an e-bike. Could I DM you perhaps?
c0rtec@reddit
Bro, that photo is fucking amazing. I literally font have enough expletives to do it justice.
It’s so real it doesn’t LOOK real? If you get me?
Oldgatorwrestler@reddit
I totally understand what you're saying. That photo is so pretty, it looks photoshopped.
c0rtec@reddit
Our world is so beautiful and tragic at the same time.
I love life.
OppositeCockroach774@reddit
The big mountain trail at snowbird, 7 miles of incredible vertigo,
c0rtec@reddit
UK here. You could be describing Outer Mongolia!
We’ve got good trails in Wales and Scotland. But that scenery, wow, I need to experience (something like) this at least once in my life.
Love the Fox Factory forks too!!
c0rtec@reddit
That’s an analogue bike by the way… if you remember them(!)
Makerbot2000@reddit
Beautiful photo!
Groot_Calrissian@reddit
Just wait until you discover r/electricunicycle
Sambo910@reddit
Damn straight
87102@reddit
I sold my Suzuki Burgman 200. Got really sick of being on the road with cars. Now the ebike gives me the freedom to roam way more. Trek Dual Sport Plus
TheKorzik@reddit
For in town, I take the e-bike. For anything the next town over or further the motorcycle is vastly preferred. E-bike has the range but it is not pleasant on 50mph roads and the rail to trail works but takes 3 times as long.
danasf@reddit
For me, motorcycles are safer. Because helmets.
1) gear. Even if I didn't care that I'd look a bit like a psycho I physically cannot wear the same safety gear riding my e-bike that I can riding a motorcycle. I would melt. (Leathers, armor, helmet, gloves, boots).
1 counter) wearable air bags are getting good. Hot weather dirt bike gear exists. (Helmets though?)
2) motorcycles have better acceleration and in some cases better handling characteristics. I am pretty sure I can stop my motorcycle from 30 mph in = < distance than I can stop my e-bike...
2 counter) I might be wrong I wonder if I can stop my e-bike faster in a full-on emergency. Being 340 lb lighter is a big deal. On an e-bike I might have some escape routes not available on the motorcycle due to width, but that is super situational. Having better acceleration is a huge safety bonus though.
3) visibility, as in being seen by others, is better on a motorcycle than a bicycle.
3 counter) I could probably make my bicycle almost as visible with a bunch of lights maybe a motion sensitive brake light. And a Bluetooth speaker (jk/not jk). Note: I've had so many drivers look right at me and then pull in front of me like I wasn't even there on motorcycles and bicycles so I'm not sure how much this point even matters.
Conclusion: it's the helmet. I have looked, believe me I have really looked and I cannot find a helmet that is even remotely as good as a full face proper motorcycle helmet that also lets in enough air for what I need while exercising.
Maybe if there was a full face motorcycle helmet that had like active water cooling, with a proper heat exchanger, maybe? But I don't think those exist.
Cite: I ride e-bike, bikes and motorcycles. Well. Like I ride with some skill. if NYC bike couriers are skill 10 then i am like a 7. I've raced motorcycles, a lot. For riders who are more like a skill level 3 to 5 this conversation would be different, perhaps?
cinamelayu@reddit
Just sold one of my motorcycles and got an ebike. Love the ebike and agree with everything you said. Still have to get used to riding the ebike on roads with no bike lane. I catch myself riding in the middle of the street thinking like riding a motorcycle.
mightyalwayz@reddit
Motorcycles will always be woven into the culture, but, yeah, I agree. Been on mine less than a month, and I’m sold. Gonna buy one for my wife. My kids. I’m getting my whole family on the bandwagon.
dog5and@reddit
What bike do you have?
mightyalwayz@reddit
Cybervelo 1000W(Peak 2000W)... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D41J272X?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
External_Dimension18@reddit
This is the way! Happy cake day!
kcattattam@reddit
Have Honda 1100 and will keep it forever. Want Honda Grom but can't bring into my office and they are too easy to steal if left outside. So most days, the e-bike it is
TheRealVladimirPutin@reddit
I love both but the biggest selling point for me on both ebikes and electric motorcycles is the absence of a manual transmission. Requiring both of your hands and feet to safely operate the vehicle is a huge distraction and not having to worry about the motor randomly turning off if you perform an input incorrectly makes it so much more stressful to navigate through traffic
sal1800@reddit
I never rode a motorcycle because I would listen to the radio scanner and hear all the emergency calls and concluded that the three most dangerous things were motorcycles, getting drunk and fighting and being elderly.
But an ebike feels like a similar type of freedom but without the danger. They are a transportation evolution.
_le_slap@reddit
Eh, disagree.
I ride anything 2 wheeled, motorized or not. My favorites ranked are motorcycles > light road bicycles > fixies> ebikes > MTB.
The funnest thing about motorcycles is that the machine almost always exceeds the rider's handling skill level. Modern bikes have so many electronic driver assists just to keep them from crashing.
That's what makes riding an early 2000s 1kcc supersport with none of those rider aides both a terrifying and enthralling experience.
praythepotholesaway@reddit
I've had my Aventon Sinch 2 for 14 months and I have 5.8k miles on it so far. It's so much fun and almost every day a stranger will compliment me on it
praythepotholesaway@reddit
ireaditalso@reddit
As someone with a motorcycle & an e-bike… I fully agree!
I ride with less gear, less noise, less prep time, less cost… if I could only have one, I’d keep the e-bike.
Never thought I’d say it, but here I am
_haha_oh_wow_@reddit
Unpopular opinion: Bicycles are even better!
I have 2 ebikes (and a car), but my old steel hardtail is still my favorite way to get around.
Create_Username_000@reddit (OP)
Bicycles are the ancestors. We will never dishonor the ancestors.
AnthonyiQ@reddit
Somewhere flatter perhaps, in PA a regular bike can't get me home, it's just too steep for anything other than an in-their-prime athlete.
_haha_oh_wow_@reddit
I live in a very hilly area too, IMO hills are no problem as long as you have the right gearing and are reasonably fit (not even in good shape). You will definitely arrive sweaty if it's hot out though, so e-bikes make better work commuters in hilly areas for sure.
sanjuro_kurosawa@reddit
I'm a motorcyclist, ebiker, and cyclist, and I generally disagree with the OP's perspective with this comment: I'm pragmatic so I want to ride whatever works best.
The SF Bay Area is a good example of this. If you are going to cruise across SF, an ebike is best to navigate the hills to get across town, but several ferries previously banned bikes, and some still have only staircase access. A bicycle is the best vehicle for the ferry.
Or you want to go from SF to Oakland, you can take an ebike on BART but good luck at 5pm (or at 1:30am). A motorcyclist with nerve can make it across the bridge in 15 minutes.
Ebikes do much of what motorcycles do without the legal hassle, and I appreciate that. You get some exercise, but ultimately it is a difference experience than bicycles and motorcycles.
jfurfffffffff@reddit
I've done a lot of riding both.
I love my e-bikes and they really are great for some things but they'll never match even 1% of the adrenaline factor of a spirited motorcycle ride on a twisty road (let alone a trackday). Those amazing motorcycle experiences are the shit you daydream about when you're on your deathbed 50 years later.
bulshoy_3@reddit
Been riding motorcycles since I was 14. I 100% agree with everything you've said.
One of the biggest differences is the NOISE. Ebike glides silently through the forest or on lonely backroads, Meanwhile I can barely hear myself think when on the enduro, let alone appreciate the sounds of nature.
ADHDwinseverytime@reddit
I have been wanting to try a Zero MC to see how I felt about the no noise vs my big twin roaring along. I kept the stock exhaust on the 1125R so it is really not to bad but no noise but wind I think might be a little weird. Probably be like sky diving!
bulshoy_3@reddit
If I had an 1125R I'd be riding it right this instant. Never ever sat on a Buell bike before.
ADHDwinseverytime@reddit
Just prior too I had a 16 1290 SDR that had some crazy exhaust on it. I was almost decided on getting off anything fast and it was freaking loud and had 16k on it so I sold it. If KTM will get their shit together those bikes are phenomenal. I have owned a couple of TLRs, FZ's, some disgusting turbo bikes, all the Fireblades, etc etc. I have ADHD and have rode or owned the majority of bikes in all flavors just not electric. That Buell just fell in my lap with 2k miles on it last year and it is the 08 so no real issues other then the clutch I changed already. The ride is fairly comfy for a sport bike, and it is very well mannered. It looks fantastic in the wild but doesn't photograph well in my opinion. Two biggest quirks, it squirts gas on the ground after you stop and the frame gets really hot in the summer, but other then that I really enjoy it. It is a cool bike, and it is really funny that when you ride it is the Harley crowd that knows what it is. We will see how long it stays in the stable.
venom121212@reddit
I have a Ryvid Anthem and really like it. Feel free to ask any questions, I'm an open book.
Cru_Jones86@reddit
Hello to to you fellow Bueller! I have an M2 Cyclone and am a big fan of Zero bikes. I've test ridden almost every Zero ever made. They're great bikes but, I can't afford one without selling the Buell first but, I can't let that bike go so, I bought a Sur Ron. I love it! It opens up a whole world of stealthy neighborhood trail riding.
Mr4point5@reddit
Plus the gear to be ATGATT on an e-bike is so much more pleasant.
But for a few pleasure cruises, the convenience of my e-bike has obliterated my motorcycle riding habits.
RadicalSnowdude@reddit
I mean, if E-bikes were going commonly at 70mph on roads, atgatt would still be a huge recommendation.
But I have a cruiser motorcycle with a loud exhaust and I wish I could shut that noise up. I don’t buy the “loud pipes save lives” statement at all, I’m sure there are cases but i do not think it’s anywhere near a safety feature as seatbelts or helmets.
starbythedarkmoon@reddit
This is the use casei think they make sense, trail riding. Many trails get shut off from dirtbikes because noise complaints. Urban exploring too can be good.. but i am still not sold for anything else. My supermoto is a blast everywhere and i have no range anxiety and feel much safer, especially at speed.
Temporary-Job-9049@reddit
Ugh, the noise! I would love a dirt bike, but I just can't justify destroying the peace and quiet. $5000+ Electric Dirt Bike is on the wishlist but in the meantime the dual suspension Ebike with 4" tires will have to suffice, lol.
Ok_Fig705@reddit
Noise and convenience. Just turn on and go vs that whole process
iCTMSBICFYBitch@reddit
This is exactly why I'm here. My 'big' ( for the UK) 750 honda is for sale and the proceeds are going towards a pair of ebikes for my wife and me. Motorcycling doesn't have the same freedom that it did when I was a lad, I want to go out in the woods!
_neks@reddit
In this same regard, ebikers should start getting endorsements. Alot of the folks go into this this, thinking this a fast mountain bike.
rocketgirl65@reddit
I totally agree with you!
There are 2 things I miss: - being able to traverse the island (oahu) on the highways - feeling less prone to death wobble because of the triple tree on bumpy and pothole roads
Pickleback26@reddit
Totally agree! I have a Billy Goat V3 and a Wicked Thumb Destroyer and I love the feeling I get riding both of them.
deaddiquette@reddit
I agree, but beware- this sub gets very uptight about powerful ebikes. It's better to discuss those in r/hyperbikes.
bulshoy_3@reddit
Powerful ebikes are just fine, so long as they are used off-road or on-road with the proper licensing and registration requirements.
What burns peoples' asses is when powerful ebikes are used recklessly and/or illegally, because it makes all ebikers look bad and results in increasingly strict legislation.
Low-Tree3145@reddit
There's also a bit of a safety aspect to high power e-bikes that I haven't seen discussed. Not about whether they are safe/unsafe (personal decision, I really don't care). But people seem to assume that fast e-bikes are somehow still safer than motorcycles, which they are definitely not if ridden in the same conditions. If anyone needs this elaborated I am happy to write it out.
Delicious-Salary-968@reddit
I love driving past somewhere in my car and getting excited about being able to use my bike to get there
cmquinn2000@reddit
I bought an EcoFlow Delta Pro battery system with solar for camping. I charge my ebike with it. So my power comes from off-grid making it clean cheap transportation.
chauneartez94@reddit
I would be with you there if my E-bike wasn’t the size of a small Emoto. doesn’t really have the suspension for trails even though it has hybrid tires. Bought it for commuting and I can say that with the 30 to 70 mile range and 50+ top speed I can’t beat it compared to hopping on a motorcycle at four in the morning and letting all the neighbors know im leaving home lol
Taurion_Bruni@reddit
Love riding both.
On the motorcycle I can take long trips and enjoy it, but on the ebike I can enjoy nature trails, and bring my wife and kids along.
venom121212@reddit
I have electric versions of both and couldn't imagine one without the other. They're different tools for different jobs. I can't ride my ebike on the 55mph back roads to work, just like I can't ride my electric motorcycle in the bike park trails. I love the speed and groundedness of the emoto and the nimbleness and flexibility of the bike equally.
CG_Ops@reddit
There's a time/place for both, however, even then... por que no los dos?
The tied for/in what?
There are times when my eBike is the superior choice:
There are times when my moto is the superior choice:
daftperception@reddit
Move away from the city and buy a dual sport.
Warm-Patience-5002@reddit
Don’t make me pick between a V twin and an electric fat tire bike please . I love them both but my senses and every fiber in my body is engaged when riding my electric bike .
Nevy5@reddit
Since when was there a competition between ebikes and motorcycles? LOL! it's like comparing cars to horses. Silly, really.
Superb_Raccoon@reddit
Horses for courses.
I am not doing 5000 miles in 14 days across 17 states on an ebike.
Not commuting 40 miles on one either.
Snoo_81545@reddit
I have a route to a nearby shop that I do fairly regularly and it would probably take 20 minutes on foot, 10 by car, but five by e-bike and that is because it is on a heavily congested road with a busy intersection and it's legal to pass to the right of traffic in my location.
I usually turn on to the road which is at a standstill due to long traffic lights, glide right past the stuck cars, and then turn right on to my destination before the light. Head into the shop, and then pop out with some of the cars I've passed still visible.
Stuck traffic makes the left turn back home relatively easy and safe. Feels that way for a lot of short trips in a small city / big town.
captainspandito@reddit
Better for urban commuting? Maybe. But I live in a place where I can legally filter traffic so the motorbike is nearly always quicker and imo slightly safer. Legally im limited to 250 watts and no throttle. I also like to go long distance on weekends. No e-bike on the market would last even half a day compared with my motorcycle. So no, they’re not better. They’re very different and both very fun, but the e-bike is very limited. Anything over 50 miles and the range anxiety hits. My bike can’t be brought inside anywhere either, especially if I stop at a shop or try to park in the city.
AnthonyiQ@reddit
I was always an avid ATV rider, and I feel like my mid-drive e-bike is a better replacement for that. Cleaner, quieter for hunting. More reliable (always fixing carbs on ATVs), and they can go so many places an ATV can not, roads, sidewalks, neighborhoods. They are even more unstoppable, come to a guardrail or barrier, lift it over, hill too steep, walk it. Deep water might be one point where an ATV is definitely better, I'll go through 6-8" of water with the mid-drive, but that's about it. But you usually find the narrow e-bike can find a way around the water.
MRoss279@reddit
The only thing that I disagree with is that you can't experience connection with cars. Try driving a manual convertible on a deserted mountain road and tell me you don't feel the connection.
mhmbopbeavis@reddit
I like both. Ride three dif regular bicycles too lol
Oreo2025@reddit
I can so relate. I love my motorbike. But I find myself wanting to get on my e-bike more. I am also ATGATT motorcyclist, so hoping on an e-bike is almost always quicker and more convenient. I also ride a road bike, love it (leisure rides) but e-bike wins for commute and everything else. Consider this, I can relax (as much as you can, on roads) and use my mental space when I ride e-bike. It's MY time. On a motorcycle, you have to be always 100% alert, always filtering, looking out, stopping, starting. My e-bike journeys are seamless. I can fold my e-bike and carry with me if I have to. E-bikes are not going to replace motorcycles, but it's just that added convenience and ease of use.
sirdoodlybob@reddit
is a E-bike better than a 600cc death machine
slimypeters@reddit
Just hope they don’t start adding and making up more regulations for e-bikes
ElJefe_Speaks@reddit
I have ridden motorcycles of all varieties for over 30 years. I am passionate about motorcycles. Often, I find myself enjoying my ebike rides more than motorcycle rides.
Ro-54@reddit
All is true. E-bikes are the future
RicardoPanini@reddit
I get what you're saying and I love both. They fill different needs for me. No ebike let's me blast off 0-100 in less than 10 seconds while still in first gear and sometimes, that's what I want lol.
Skyfl00d@reddit
This belongs in r/ebikecirclejerk
NowareSpecial@reddit
I have 2 motos and am pretty much an ATTGATT guy, so hopping on one to get around town is a non starter. Ebike is so much more convenient, and nearly as quick with all the starts and stops in the city. I've had my ebike almost a year and I love it.
risingsunx@reddit
No insurance, registration, and less wear & tear for the roads due to weight. Someone else here mentioned if they had ebikes before they wouldn't have hopped on a gxsr750, and I'm inclined to agree. I still have some road rash from low siding. I think there will be a rise in independent bike repair mechanics/LBS store traffic. What's your ebike? I'm still debating between a couple used (LaFree or R&M Vario).
ADHDwinseverytime@reddit
When I had 4 motorcycles, liability was only was 167.00 a year through Dairyland. Oddly enough one was 97, two was 87 and I got a refund (Something about state minimums), 3 was a little higher like 125, and 4 was the highest at 167 or something. This was a Ducati 749, Hypermotard 1100, Electra Glide, and a TL1000R, so not little bikes. Full coverage on my current two is 500 a year so insurance is not bad on them. Registration was 40 last year I think on one of them.
Create_Username_000@reddit (OP)
A buddy let me hop on his (Segway Xafari). I was a whole skeptic until I took off. I get it now, and I’m just spending the gospel. But I’ll be getting one soon. Research is part of why I made the OP.
ADHDwinseverytime@reddit
I have two MC and two Ebikes. I can get behind this statement somewhat as I chose my bike to ride to the store the other day which is way easier then throwing a leg over my Harley. One the other hand a ebike will never be able to replace my big twin sport bike. It is just a different type of experience.
I really like electric vs gas for a lot of things. I just sold all my power equipment and replaced it with 40v Ryobi. Need to chop up a limb, no problem, just slap a battery in the chainsaw. Same thing with weed eating, edging, and blowers. No more worrying about stale gas and clogged carbs, which could be a MC thing also.
Create_Username_000@reddit (OP)
Wholly agree. It’s something about a motorcycle that will keep it in our lives forever. There’s no petitioning for them to go. But damn if e-bikes aren’t giving them a run for their money. I would even go so far as to say it’s more respectable to ride one than a scooter.
There, I said it!
head_face@reddit
Something I really like is that I can ride home from the bar after like six beers. Yeah it's a grey area legally because in the UK, where I am, there's a "drunk in charge of a bicycle" crime but there isn't a legal limit unlike driving. So basically don't do anything stupid and you're fine.
omahaomw@reddit
Also moto rider...have been feeling this exact way since i built my ebike! Especially feels good riding w another e bike friend. Can talk and chill...no intercom or engine noise..no atgaat to get u all sweaty. Love it.
DinoGarret@reddit
This has been my experience too.
I love taking my toddler on my cargo bike, something I could/would never do on a motorcycle.
The difference between r/motorcyclelogistics and r/carryshitolympics shows just how much more versatile e-bikes are than motorcycles.
xxthatsnotmexx@reddit
💯💯💯
wiredmeyer@reddit
My LiveWire gets me around very quietly and it lives in my living room.
Professional-Knee201@reddit
I agree sir.