Just wanted to share some thoughts as a consumer (so noting its subjectivity and its anecdotal-ness)
I've owned a few different motorcycles for a bit over 10yrs. I live in a major Aus inner-city. In terms of my preference for aesthetics, I like the super sport appearance, like:
https://www.bikesales.com.au/showroom/details/2024-cfmoto-450sr-abs-my23/SHRM-AD-636380/?Cr=5and,
https://www.bikesales.com.au/showroom/details/2024-ducati-supersport-s-my23/SHRM-AD-634377/?Cr=19So I went on the very popular site BikeSales, and looked up: New Bike Showroom>Road Bike>Electric Bike = 9 results.
What I found was that the cheapest option was the 2024 Super Soco TC Max MY23 for $8,290 (my favourite colour would be the phantom black). The next bike in terms of price point was a 2024 Zero FX ZF7.2 for $25,500. In terms of bike appearance, I would choose 2024 Zero SR/S (priced at $42,800).
- Cheapest: Super Soco TC Max $8,290.
- Best appearance: Zero SR/S $42,800
- If I had to choose out of the 9 options = Super Soco TC Max
https://www.bikesales.com.au/showroom/details/2024-super-soco-tc-max-my23/SHRM-AD-635788/?Cr=0However, would I buy it over a 2024 CFMoto 450SR ABS ($8,290)? No - I'd choose the CFMoto. The appearance is better, more power, and my assumption would be that servicing would be cheaper as local mechanics are more familiar with non-electric bikes, and easier to source parts. Fuel (98) is approx $18/fortnight, so the fuel consumption I feel is negligible.
What would lead me to buy a Super Soco?
- If fuel prices rose significantly (price rises aren't felt as much by bikes as cars).
- If the price gap broadened between electric & non-electric.
- If Super Soco's designs came out with a more sportier look.
- If VMoto convinced me of the convenience of charging an electric bike (for someone who's never owned an electric bike, even an extra cord or home set-up sounds like a hassle).
- If Super Socos became more mainstream, then I'd have a bit more confidence in their reliability.
- If the marketing team made a compelling argument for the medium to long term savings (e.g., "with the VMoto bike purchase, insurance, fuel, servicing & repairs, & rego...over 5 yrs you'd have saved $x,xxx compared to if you bought a non-electric bike").
But in saying that, currently in terms of electric bikes advertised on BikeSales, Super Soco's the current leader.
(20min delay)