Motorcycle sales are skyrocking out in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic, but to what extent are they safe?
Safety issues with electric motorcycles re-emerged after Simon Cowell broke his back in several strokes while watching his new electric motorcycle on Saturday in the garden of his Malibu home, as Syco Entertainment showed USA TODAY in a statement provided by Ann-Marie Thomson.
Cowell, 60, underwent six hours of surgery that included hitting a steel bar on his back.
The “America’s Got Talent” trial isn’t the only one looking for an electric bike. Research analyst Ryan Citron of Consulting Group Guidehouse showed The Verge that sales of electric motorcycles have “rapidly increased” as consumers seek “more non-public mobility and physically remote transportation functions in the COVID era.”
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In 2019, wholesale motorcycle sales fell for all categories of electric motorcycles, which increased by 24.7% over the past year, according to a sales report through the Bicycle Product Supplier Association. Bicycle manufacturer Trek has described electric motorcycles as the company’s fastest-developing segment.
So what is an electric motorcycle? And how is it different from a popular motorcycle or motorcycle? While an electric motorcycle may resemble a typical electric motorcycle, an electric motorcycle has an electric motor for cyclists to move with less pedaling effort, which is useful for rocky or uphill rides.
They can be a fun mode of traveling – if used correctly. It’s important to note that e-bikes vary greatly in speed, with some going as fast as 60 mph, similar to an electric motorcycle.
USA TODAY spoke to two electric motorcycle experts, who will offer protection recommendations to potential electric motorcycle users.
Bob Dowling, expert in tactical electric motorcycles and representative of manufacturer QuietKat, insists on verifying that the front tire is well connected. If you do not have the mechanical experience to install the front tire yourself, contact a qualified motorcycle specialist.
“Some RecommendationArray … If you buy an electric trail bike, read the manual before driving it for the first time,” Cowell tweeted Sunday night after his accident.
Forgetting to read the manual is a rare problem. Cyclists want to perceive the torque of their electric bike.
He points out that Cowell may not have expected “the ordinary strength and torque of his new electric motorcycle. Possibly he would have blown up a horse while taking off for the first time, probably looking to spin the motorcycle.”
Helmets are the single most critical piece of safety gear for electric and pedal bikes, says Micah Toll, an electric bicycle advocate and journalist for Electrek.
“Most electric motorcycles are quite similar to pedal motorcycles, and cyclists generally reach speeds of 20 to 25 mph on flat ground,” Says Toll. “At these speeds, a helmet is essential to avoid head injuries in the event of an accident.”
Dowling suggests wrapping the underside of loose pants with duct tape or covering stockings to prevent them from getting stuck in the chain cycle.
While electric motorcycles are functionally similar to pedal motorcycles, the engine of an electric motorcycle can help cyclists longer and drive longer. However, toll problems come out, it is vital not to exaggerate, especially on your early trips.
In addition to an electric motor to magnify pedal strength, some electric motorcycles also have a manual throttle that does not require pedaling. New riders use the throttle sparingly when starting and take the time to get used to controlling their motorcycles, Toll says.
“Think like the car in front of you and behind you,” Dowling advises. Other motorists would possibly give you “just one bike” without knowing it’s approaching intersections and other crossings at the same speed as a motorcycle or other motor vehicle.
The extra strength of a typical electric motorcycle can surprise new electric cyclists, so it’s safer to get acquainted with an electric motorcycle away from cars or other hazards, Toll says.
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