At New Century Motorcycles located in Alhambra, a small selection of electric motorcycles sits in the back, hidden behind dirt bikes. According to a salesperson at the shop, they manage to sell only one electric model per month at most.
For many motorcyclists, the thrill of riding traditional gas-powered bikes that emit a characteristic roar and offer long-range cruising on highways has been a cherished experience. However, California is taking a bold step toward environmental sustainability by introducing groundbreaking regulations aimed at increasing the sales of zero-emission motorcycles as part of its efforts to improve air quality and combat climate change.
The new regulations propose a credit system for manufacturers requiring that by 2028, 10% of motorcycles sold in the state should be zero-emission models, increasing to 50% by 2035, as stated by the Air Resources Board. Additionally, there will be stricter emission standards for new gasoline-powered motorcycles, focusing on reducing greenhouse gases for the first time in over 25 years.
As envisioned, the rules could lead to over 280,000 new electric or hydrogen motorcycles being sold in California by 2045, which is approximately eightfold the current number on the roads. Presently, electric motorcycles account for merely 1% of motorcycle sales.
The Air Resources Board plans to vote on these proposed regulations on November 7, following a public hearing. While motorcycles are generally used more for leisure than commuting, their overall pollution output still remains significantly lower than that of gasoline-powered cars and diesel trucks. However, the pollutants emitted per mile driven by gas-powered motorcycles are considerably higher compared to newer gas cars, with a staggering ratio of 20 times more pollutants contributing to smog formation.
With California grappling with severe smog conditions and high levels of hazardous fine particles, officials stress the need to regulate all fossil fuel-powered vehicles in a comprehensive manner, and to ensure a transition to zero-emission alternatives.
Officials believe that the appeal of electric motorcycles, which promise lower fueling and maintenance costs, will interest a broader demographic of motorcyclists. Yet, there are concerns within the motorcycling community regarding California’s limited electric vehicle charging infrastructure and the shorter ranges of electric models, which may not be conducive to long-distance travel. Some fear that these regulations could restrict their options in the future, while others suggest that the rules may invigorate an untapped market for urban riders who seek speedy motorcycles for shorter commutes.
Michael DiPiero, speaking for the American Brotherhood Aimed Towards Education of California, expressed concerns regarding the existing electric vehicle charging infrastructure, citing its inadequacy to meet current needs.
Rob Smith, a motorcyclist from Santa Monica who considers himself an advocate for environmental sustainability, admitted a reluctance to switch to electric motorcycles, pointing out their high costs, quiet operation, and limited range compared to traditional bikes. He commented, “I do think it’s the future, I just don’t know about that timeline,” questioning whether a niche market could achieve the proposed sales targets.
Harley Davidson and the Motorcycle Industry Council did not provide comments on the proposed regulations. However, state officials believe that the new regulations represent a balanced approach toward promoting electrification while still aligning with European standards, ensuring a diverse marketplace for California consumers.
Officials noted that a rapid transition to 100% electric motorcycles isn’t feasible at this time given infrastructure limitations. Annette Hèbert, a deputy executive officer of the Air Resources Board, explained the need to consider the accessibility of charging facilities for zero-emission motorcycles.
Motorcycles represent less than 0.5% of all vehicle miles traveled in California. Yet, despite their limited numbers, they produce a disproportionately high share of smog-forming pollutants. Hèbert remarked, “Motorcycles (emissions) may look small when taken by themselves, but when you consider the additive effect to all those other small sources together, you can see why we’ve got to hit every little piece.”
If California hopes to achieve healthier air quality and make significant progress against climate change, Hèbert emphasized, “We need to have this paradigm shift, because that’s the only way we’re going to get there.”
The air quality in California ranks among the worst in the nation, with vehicles being the primary contributors to this problem. The American Lung Association has consistently noted that the Los Angeles basin is one of the areas with the worst ozone pollution levels, which is a key component of smog. Such pollution is linked to health issues, including asthma and heart conditions.
The proposed motorcycle regulations are estimated to save California around $649 million by reducing hospitalizations and mortality related to motorcycle emissions. By 2045, it’s anticipated that these new rules could eliminate about 20,000 tons of pollutants and 33 tons of fine particulate matter, representing roughly half of the emissions produced by motorcycles in the state.
A tiered credit system is proposed for manufacturers to incentivize the production of zero-emission motorcycles. High-speed, freeway-capable models, which tend to have a larger environmental impact, will receive more credits than lower-speed bikes. Manufacturers have the option to produce a mix of electric bikes while trading credits to meet compliance targets.
Starting from the 2029 models, stricter emission standards will apply to new gas-powered motorcycles, aligning them closer with European Union regulations, which include improved onboard diagnostics for emissions control.
Several manufacturers, such as Harley Davidson, Ducati, and Kawasaki, have already ventured into electric motorcycle production, while companies like Zero and Verge focus exclusively on electric models. However, Energica, a startup in the electric motorcycle sector, recently faced bankruptcy due to rising costs and supply chain challenges.
In 2020, the average price of an electric motorcycle exceeded that of traditional models by approximately $5,365, but they promise annual savings of $215 in fuel and maintenance.
The state’s officials have noted that electric motorcycles may also attract low-income riders living in apartment settings where charging a car can be cumbersome. Smaller electric models that can be charged inside homes or feature removable batteries for convenient overnight charging might fill a need in this demographic.
However, it’s important to note that the initiative is not designed to convert car users into motorcycle riders, but rather to offer additional choices for those seeking cost-effective transportation.
At a Harley Davidson dealership in Marina Del Rey, electric motorcycles catch the eye of visitors immediately as they enter the showroom. Sales representative Justin Fraiser reported that the dealership sells two to three electric Live Wire motorcycles on a monthly basis. He acknowledged that while many in the Harley community remain loyal to combustion engines, the industry is evolving, “It’s the evolution of things. Eventually, it’s gonna happen.”
Smith maintains that while he sees electric motorcycles as part of the future, he feels they remain unprepared for mainstream adoption at this time. Despite being an advocate for cleaner emissions and a venture capitalist investing in electric bike startups, he chooses his gas-powered Ducati for its superior range and for safety reasons, as its noise alerts other drivers of its presence.
Smith supports the regulation’s focus on reducing emission from conventional motorcycles and appreciates that aspect of the proposed rules.
Similarly, Karen Butterfield, a motorcyclist from San Diego and a member of the Southern California Motorcycling Association, mentioned the limitations electric motorcycles would pose for long-distance rides that they frequently undertake. She believes, however, that the younger generation, known to be more environmentally aware, may find electric motorcycles appealing, suggesting that it could tap into a new demographic of riders.
Adrian Martinez from Earthjustice, a prominent climate advocacy group, expressed support for the proposed regulations yet argued that they do not go far enough, advocating for a transition to 100% electric motorcycles in the same timeframe. “California has such dramatic air pollution problems that we’ve realized that we aren’t in a position to pick and choose,” he said.
Contrarily, some motorcyclists feel that mandating electric technology for motorcycles is unnecessary as they contribute minimally to overall vehicle emissions. Many riders engage in the activity for leisure or camaraderie. Chris Real, president of DPS Technical, acknowledged that while some riders may opt for electric, many engaged in longer-distance commuting would find it challenging to transition due to existing infrastructure limitations.
“Some consumers will adopt it, and some consumers won’t,” he noted, highlighting the regional disparity in motorcycle usage and the potential barriers to wider adoption.