"E-Bike or Electric Motorcycle?" Have you searched this question on Google and found the answer? Maybe you’re also struggling with how to choose the best model right now. This is entirely understandable. People often compare the difference between the two; they have too many similarities, such as charging method, function and appearance.
Please read the following carefully; we’ll clear up all your confusion in this article. We’ll compare the main differences between electric motorcycles and electric cycles in various respects. Both products compared have been carefully screened for their unique designs and innovations.
Before starting the comparison, it’s necessary to know the main difference between the two − the way they are ridden. With an electric cycle you pedal like a conventional bike and start the motor to provide electrical assistance. It has three riding modes: pure electric mode, pure pedaling mode and human-electric hybrid mode. An electric motorcycle has no pedals, and the accelerator controls all movement. In fact, the differences don't stop there.
Brand |
SUR-RON USA |
Cyrusher |
Model |
Surron Light Bee Sur-Ron X |
|
Motor |
Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor |
750W High-Speed Brushless Motor |
Installation location |
Mid |
Rear |
Rated power/peak power |
3000W/6000W |
750W/1500W |
Top speed |
45 miles |
28MPH |
Riding range |
20-60 miles(Eco or sport mode) |
20-62 miles |
Battery |
60V 32A Removable |
48V 17Ah Removable |
Battery Lifetime |
500 Cycles |
800 charges |
Charge |
10A |
Standard 110V-240V AC, |
Battery charging time |
2.5-3.5 Hours |
5-7 Hours |
Display |
LCD screen |
3.7" LCD screen |
Frame |
6061 Aluminium Alloy |
6061 Aluminium Alloy |
Full suspension |
Yes |
Yes |
Transmission |
Primary Belt & 420 Drive Chain |
Shimano M2000/315 gear shift system 7 |
L.E.D. headlights and taillights |
Yes |
Yes |
Net weight |
47kg plus battery |
34kg with battery(74lbs) |
Maximum load |
100kg |
150kg(330lbs) |
Model size |
1870mm×780mm×1040mm |
Height 33.5" -41.3" / Length 76" |
Warranty period |
Three months |
Two years |
Price |
$4400 |
$2699 |
There are some significant differences between the two and some similarities. First, both have frames made of high-quality 6061 aluminum alloy.
Frame design generally considers three elements: strength, weight and aesthetics. 6061 aluminum alloy is a strong heat-treatable alloy with good shape and excellent corrosion resistance. This premium alloy is characterized by medium to high strength and can be tempered to increase its strength and corrosion resistance.
It also excels in machinability and weldability. 6061 aluminum alloy perfectly matches the three elements of frame design and is the leading material manufacturers often use to produce frames.
Both models feature a full-suspension design. The design increases the model's versatility and comfort and provides the rider with a smoother ride when facing rough terrain.
When traversing sand, snow, mud and other rough roads, the full suspension design can well absorb the impact of the ground and the fat tires of the XF900 can better cushion the blow of the terrain, allowing the rider to experience feel more relaxed and happier.
The motor type used by Surron Light Bee Sur-Ron X is a PMSM. Its working mode can be divided into two types: one is to designed to achieve synchronization by controlling the motor through frequency conversion and speed regulation and the other achieves synchronization through asynchronous starting. The advantages of this kind of motor are high efficiency, ample starting torque, high power factor, reasonable force performance index and strong overload capacity.
But the disadvantage of a synchronous motor is that its commutator and brushes require more maintenance which is an inconvenience. Plus, the motor of Sur-Ron X is installed in the middle of the model and the power consumption of the central motor is significant. To have a long enough battery life you must be equipped with a large-capacity battery.
Furthermore, its cost is high and it’s difficult to maintain and clean. If it’s used for a long time, dust, mud and foreign objects may penetrate the inside of the motor. This makes it more challenging to find and clean and it’s easy to damage or directly scrap the motor.
The XF900 uses a high-speed brushless motor. The most direct advantage of not having brushes is that the friction force is significantly reduced during operation, making for a smoother operation and low noise. Its wear is mainly on the bearings and the brushless motor is almost a maintenance-free motor. You only need to do some dust removal when necessary to maintain it and the overall maintenance cost is low.
The motor of the XF900 is mounted on the rear wheel. The structure of the rear in-wheel motor is more straightforward. Many transmission parts are omitted and the motor directly drives the rear wheel. In terms of performance, it’s more durable and quieter than the mid-mounted motor.
One of the most notable differences between the two models is the size of the batteries. The battery capacity determines the battery life. It provides energy to the motor and is one of the critical components for operating electric cycles. Judging from the above data, both batteries are from well-known international brands and the battery quality is high.
The Sur-Ron X offers riders 20-60 miles of range in Eco or Sport mode. A full charge usually takes about three hours with a 10A charger. However, due to the high power of the motor, the power consumption is high under pure electric driving and it’s necessary to charge frequently or carry a charger with you.
Cyrusher provides users with a 48V 17AH Samsung lithium battery that can travel 20-62 miles on a full charge. The powerful Bafang motor and the 5-level pedal assist saves more power and meets the needs of riders who want to ride long distances. It lets you do whatever you want, regardless of the user's adventure.
Although it takes 5-7 hours to charge the battery fully, riders can go further by using the pedal assist level with discretion. The battery capacity consumption is low so it doesn’t need to be charged frequently.
In addition to the power difference between the two, there are also differences in legal requirements between electric bicycles and electric motorcycles.
Electric bike |
Category 1 |
Category 2 |
Category 3 |
Speed limit riding |
20MPH |
20MPH |
25MPH |
License Requirements |
No |
No |
No |
Bike Registration |
No |
No |
No |
Legal riding spot |
Bike lanes and streets with |
Bike lanes and streets with |
Bike lanes and streets with |
Helmet requirements |
Helmets are recommended |
Helmets are recommended |
Required by law to wear |
Electric motorbike |
Class A: Restricted Use |
Class B: Restricted Use |
Class C: Restricted Use |
Speed limit riding |
40MPH |
30MPH |
20MPH |
License Requirements |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Bike Registration Requirements |
Yes, it must be registered |
Yes, it must be registered |
Yes, it must be registered |
Legal riding spot |
motor vehicle lane |
Right lane or shoulder; |
Right lane or shoulder; |
Helmet requirements |
Recommended to wear |
Required by law to wear |
Required by law to wear |
- Legal Requirements
Whether using an electric motorcycle or a refueled motorcycle, you need to pay road tolls and insurance and register with the D.M.V. Motorcyclists are also required to obtain a license to drive the vehicle legally and there are certain restrictions on where they can ride. For electric cycles, the pedals are the same as traditional bicycles, meaning they can be used in bike lanes and on streets and enjoy a more comprehensive range of use.
So far, owners of e-bikes don’t pay any road tolls and aren’t required to be licensed. Registration and insurance are also not required. In my opinion, the more relaxed approvals for electric bicycles make riding more convenient and comfortable.
- Speed requirements
If you’re after speed, electric motorcycles are more suitable for you. But faster speed doesn't necessarily get you to your destination quicker. The Sur-Ron X can travel up to 45 miles per hour and drive on roadways where speed levels are monitored by police. Faster speed means a higher risk of injury so more protective clothing is recommended.
Although the top speed of an electric bicycle is not as high as that of an electric motorcycle, it has as much functionality as you’ll probably need. While the XF900 gives you the freedom to wear whatever you want, for safety, it’s recommended that you wear protective clothing that’s not as bulky as motorcycle clothing.
- Cost and value
Electric bikes also have many practical advantages over electric motorcycles, such as no parking fees and low maintenance costs. Many offices have enough space to lock up the bike. Also, like a folding e-bike, it requires less storage space and you can transport it in the trunk of your car or on the bus. This reduces exposure to the outdoors, making it difficult for thieves to spot.
In contrast, electric motorcycles like the $4,400 Sur-Ron X stand out and those can't be stored in offices or other private spaces. Put it outside and thieves can easily find this marvelous machine. They’ll try to steal electric motorcycles and dismantle expensive parts to sell.
- Urban commuting and mountain biking
The Cyrusher XF900 is powerful. There are no impenetrable terrains or sloping slopes. While not as fast as the Sur-Ron X, it's on par with the Sur-Ron X in functionality and can even do things electric motorcycles can't.
In urban commuting the speed of electric motorcycles is completely underwhelming due to heavy traffic and frequent stop lights. As mentioned above, police monitor roads and you may be stopped. But e-bikes can traverse freely beside the of traffic and are lightweight, fast and immune to traffic jams. They can be used in bike lanes and on streets, offering more travel options.
The Cyrusher already has a version suitable for city commuting, having redesigning the spec model within the legal range. This enables driving on the road without worrying about police interception.
On mountain adventures, the XF900 will take you through rough terrain with its unique motorcycle-style fork, substantial fat tires and high-end components. Whether travelling on mountains, trails, deserts and forests, it will take you there. It's an all-terrain electric bike that combines power, function and beauty.
- Warranty cost
The SUR-RON only offers a three-month limited warranty compared to the Cyrusher's two-year warranty. Moreover, the maintenance of electric motorcycles is more and the cost is higher. The warranty period is so short that it’s very reasonable for users to worry about subsequent charges. The purchase cost of Sur-Ron X is high and, coupled with more follow-up items, the cost to users is immeasurable.
Cyrusher not only provides customers with a 2-year warranty but also has a professional team to provide first-class service. The brand has local service teams in the United States, the United Kingdom and France and has opened offline brick-and-mortar stores in the U.S. and U.K., where customers can test rides and experience the speed of electric bicycles. In addition, Cyrusher has a professional pre-sales and after-sales team which is online 24 hours daily. If you need help you can call or leave a message on customer support.
All in all, what’s the answer to the question: “E-bike or electric motorcycle?" Electric bikes are more flexible for commuting and have fewer restrictions and lower maintenance costs. This means they’re more suitable for most people's needs. On adventures they’re just as good as electric motorcycles. Electric bicycles are affordable and provide more comprehensive services that consider customers' actual interests.
Objectively speaking, the warranty is only three months if you spend $4,400 on an electric motorcycle. If your electric motorcycle breaks down after three months of use you need to pay the full price to repair it. If the damage is too high to be completely repaired will you regret not buying an electric bike in the first place? So, why not buy the Cyrusher XF900 with consistent features and better service?
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