Aprilia Says the Future Will Be Electric

• Aprilia makes industry waves by debuting an electric, supermoto concept at the Milan Motorcycle Show in the name of future urban mobility.

• Known as the Electrica, Aprilia's experimental model is set to make performance motorcycles clean, accessible, and easy to own, with features like tailored ride modes and compact dimensions.

• Manufacturers like Honda and LiveWire are also aimed at capturing a segment of the urban mobility market with relatively affordable and easy-to-ride models like the Navi and S2 Del Mar.

Electric motorcycles are largely treated as an aside to the larger two-wheeled market. Despite a swingarm, trellis frame, and full-size tires, the lack of internal combustion and an association with the diminutive e-bicycle has clouded enthusiasm for machines that are by and large motorcycles. The fact that only one legacy manufacturer has bet on electric propulsion—and even Harley-Davidson was quick to distance itself from the LiveWire name—doesn't help the cause that startups like Zero Motorcycles and Tarform are trying to advance. But Aprilia's entrance into the electric market could change that.

Launched at the Milan Motorcycle Show, Aprilia's new Electrica project is making a bold statement. The supermoto-inspired battery electric bike represents Aprilia's vision of mobility for future riders and young people, its press release claims, and that's a big departure from the historically fire-breathing offerings of the Italian manufacturer. The all-new chassis and powertrain are dedicated to the next generation of urban riders, but that doesn't mean it's Aprilia's first venture into electric propulsion.

With the production history of the first hybrid scooter under its belt, Aprilia's overarching owner Piaggio built on the lesson learned from the MP3 hybrid in creating the Electrica. With a centrally positioned electric motor, chain drive, and dual-handlebar mounted brake controls, the bike is made for urban mobility and ease of ownership. This goal is paired with accessibility to new and experienced, tall and short riders alike, as the company promises to keep seat height low and dimensions compact. A number of active electronic rider aids will also be installed, with the hopes that these systems will make a full-size motorcycle less intimidating for those switching over from scooters.

It would be easy to say Aprilia is just following the trend of electrification, but the company says its approach to the Electrica is the result of a changing workplace landscape. Balancing those who work remotely and those who commute, Aprilia says the future of mobility is directly correlated to clean, cheap, and fun ways to arrive at your destination.

Aprilia isn't alone in this thought, as brands like Honda and LiveWire move to capture segments of the inner-city transportation sector. Honda's Navi is a 109-cc air-cooled, 4-stroke, single-cylinder mini motorcycle that gets 110 mpg and costs $1807. The LiveWire S2 Del Mar is a 431-pound, 184 lb-ft of torque full-size motorcycle with an electric range of 110 miles and a price tag of $16,999. These models obviously represent different ends of the affordability spectrum, from teenagers to tech bros, but are made to fulfill low-range trips and put a smile on your face at the same.

Not everyone lives in a metropolis with boutique grocers and office towers, of course, and these riders deserve a version of two-wheeled mobility that serves them. And electric motorcycle manufacturers have made valiant attempts to fulfill these customers' needs, whether they wanted something electric or not. Take Zero's new DSR-X, a touring angled adventure bike with 115 miles of combined range, or the Energica Experia, an electric Multistrada fighter with a combined range of 160 miles, and you'll see that the price, performance, and range compared to the alternative ICE motorcycles is just not quite there. For the $25,000 you spent on an Energica, you can buy a BMW F850GS for $13,000 less with the same power and more range, making traditional bikes the obvious choice for rural, commuting, or otherwise cost-conscious buyers.

That's not to say affordable electric technology is far away. In fact, it's available at the moment from mass manufacturers of electric scooters, bikes, and small motorcycles. But getting right the balance of character, quality, and allure takes time and money, applied somewhat successfully by legacy manufacturers like Harley and startups like Tarform. Aprilia is prudently splitting the difference, for now, steadily selling its track-ready ICE bikes. But its willingness to launch an electric mobility project could represent a turning point for legacy performance manufacturers going forward. Even as a mere concept bike, the message from Aprilia is clear: The future of two wheels will skew toward electric.

Are two-wheeled vehicles the right urban mobility solution? Please comment below.