Honda patents low-cost electric motorcycle set to be a game-changer for riders

Honda may soon shake up the global transport market after patent images revealed designs for a low-cost electric motorcycle.

The vehicle, believed to reach a top speed of 50–55 mph (80–88 km/h), would be aimed at city and suburban commuters. With removable under-seat battery packs for easy home charging, the design appears close to production.

Although Honda has yet to confirm specifications, the patent suggests a practical and accessible entry into the fast-growing electric mobility market. Analysts say the model could provide an affordable alternative to petrol-powered motorcycles, which dominate sales in Asia and Africa.

Industry experts argue the timing could not be better. Global fuel prices remain volatile, while governments worldwide push for cleaner mobility solutions. The International Energy Agency (IEA) reports that over 65 million electric two-wheelers were sold globally in 2024, a market expected to double by 2030.

For riders, the benefits are compelling: lower running costs, reduced maintenance, and zero emissions. Electrek, which first reported the patents, said: “This is exactly the kind of product the market is crying out for.”

The model could also be adapted to meet European safety standards, giving Honda a foothold in regions already phasing out combustion vehicles. With the EU set to ban diesel and petrol cars by 2035, an affordable electric motorcycle could be a game-changer.

Honda itself has pledged to phase out combustion vehicles by the 2040s. If brought to market, this design could accelerate the automaker’s transition while providing millions of riders worldwide with clean, affordable mobility.

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