Emissions and noise mitigation through use of electric motorcycles

Abstract

Abstract Gasoline-powered motorcycles contribute disproportionately to traffic noise and emissions, so motorcycle electrification merits investigation. Recent advances in battery efficiency allow electric motorcycles (EMCs) to join electric cars and bicycles as a viable consumer option. This study quantifies noise and emissions using both simulations and experimental data, examines the factors that make EMCs big offenders and uses popular EMC specifications to estimate the costs and benefits of electrification in the USA. Motorcycles produce more CO, CH4, NOx, HC and particulate matter than passenger vehicles per vehicle-mile travelled. Due to limited regulation of motorcycles and weak enforcement, the perceived noise of motorcycles exceeds that of most other vehicles, being roughly double that of automobiles at speeds of over 30 mph and surpassing even that of medium trucks and buses at speeds of over 50 mph, at which point motorcycles exceed the 80 dBA US standard limit. Electrification can resolve such issues, although range limitations and high prices are presently a barrier to widespread adoption. In order to realize these environmental benefits, it is important that electrification occur with a corresponding shift away from coal as an energy source. Stricter emission regulations and stronger enforcement of existing prohibitions on certain forms of customization could also reduce the outlier status of gasoline-powered motorcycles.