Electric Motorcycles And Scooters 
Electric motorcycles and scooters are rising in popularity because of higher gasoline prices. Battery technology is gradually improving making this form of transportation more practical. Generally, the source of power for the electric motor has been batteries, but development in fuel cell technology has created several prototypes. Some examples are: the ENV from Intelligent Energy, Honda's scooter using the Honda FC Stack, and the Yamaha FC-AQEL. Also, petroleum hybrid-electric motorcycles are under development. Some examples are the Ecycle, and Yamaha's Gen-RYU.
Electric Motorcycle or Electric Bicycle
Two wheeled motorcycles are generally differentiated from motorized bicycles and mopeds (motorized pedal cycles) by speed, with motorcycles having greater speeds usually greater than 30 mph (about 50 km/h). Although, this line for what constitutes a Two wheeled motorcycle has blurred due to marketing, styling, and public opinion. Due to vagueness in motor vehicle laws, any 3-wheeled vehicle that can travel over 30 mph (50 km/h) may be classified as a motorcycle. This classification does not depend whether the operator is fully enclosed by a "cage" or exposed to the elements. But for design purposes, three wheeled vehicles are divided into Two categories: 1 wheel in front and 2 in back, known as a delta design or the traditional trike (tricycle) design. 2 wheels in front and 1 in back, known as a tadpole design. Some three wheeled motorcycles enclose the rider in a "cabin" or cockpit. These include the Gizmo, Twike, NmG. Some three wheeled motorcycles have independent suspension allowing the vehicle to tilt or lean.
Motorcycle
Motorcycle construction is the engineering, manufacturing, and assembly of components and systems for a motorcycle which results in performance, cost and aesthetics desired by the designer. With some exceptions, construction of modern mass-produced motorcycles has standardised on a steel or aluminium frame, telescopic forks holding the front wheel, and disc brakes. A one- to eight-cylinder gasoline powered engine coupled to a manual, five- or six-speed sequential transmission drives the swingarm-mounted rear wheel by a chain, driveshaft or belt. A motorcycle or motorbike is a single-track, two-wheeled motor vehicle powered by an engine. Styles of motorcycles vary depending on the task for which they are designed, such as long distance travel, navigating congested urban traffic, cruising, sport and racing, or off-road conditions. In many parts of the world, motorcycles are among the least expensive and most widespread forms of motorised transport.
Scooter (motorcycle)
The classic scooter design features a "step-through" frame and a flat floorboard for the rider's feet. This design is possible because the scooter engine and drive system transferring power to the rear wheel is attached to the rear axle or under the seat. Unlike a motorcycle, where the engine is mounted on the frame, this front-hinged arrangement allows the engine to swing vertically together with the rear wheel. Older Vespas, most vintage scooters and some newer retro models have axle-mounted engines with a manual transmission and the gear shift and clutch controls built into the left handlebar. Most newer scooters use a Continuously Variable Transmission. Until recently, most modern motor scooters came with air-cooled two-stroke cycle engines with automatic two-stroke oil injection although some of the higher spec small ones and large ones are water cooled such as the Honda FC50 or the 2002 Yamaha YQ50s. Scooters increasingly have four-stroke engines to meet stricter emissions controls. Trends around the world have seen new variations on the classic scooter, some with larger engines and tires. High-end scooter models now include comprehensive technological features including cast aluminum frames, engines with integral counter-balancing, and cross-linked brake systems. Some of these scooters also have comfort features such as an alarm, start button, radio, windshield, heated hand grips and full instrumentation (including clock or outside temperature gauge).
In an effort to reduce emissions, there are now LPG powered scooters that run on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) instead of petrol or diesel. High-powered electric road scooters are on the horizon since small electric motorcycles like the Vectrix, e-max, and the eGO have been released.
Maxi-Scooters
The more advanced (and expensive) maxi-scooters differ from traditional scooters in that the engine is mounted on the frame, as opposed to the swing-arm. This arrangement can improve the handling, by allowing the centre of gravity to be moved forward and making fewer demands on the rear shock absorber(s). A final drive is necessary to connect the clutch assembly to the rear wheel. This trend toward larger, more powerful scooters with fully automatic transmissions is matched by an emerging trend in motorcycle design that foreshadows automatic transmission motorcycles with on-board storage. This is exemplified by the Aprilia NA 850 Mana automatic-transmission motorcycle that provides built-in storage for a full-face helmet.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy varies greatly with engine displacement and riding style ranging from a low of 29 mpg (US) (12 km/l/35 mpg imp) reported by a Honda VTR1000F rider, to 107 mpg (US) (45 km/l/129 mpg imp) reported for the Verucci Nitro 50 cc Scooter.[8] A specially designed Matzu Matsuzawa Honda XL125 achieved 470 mpg (US) (200 km/l/560 mpg imp) "on real highways - in real conditions. Motorcycle fuel economy benefits from the relatively small mass of the vehicle. This, of course, relates to how the motorcycle is used. One person on a small motorcycle travelling a small distance is generally very economical. However a large motorcycle generally has bad aerodynamics compared to a typical car, poor aerodynamics of exposed passengers and engines designed for goals other than fuel economy can work to reduce these benefits. Riding style has a large effect on fuel economy. Some riders report being able to double fuel economy by using low accelerations and lower speeds than usual, although this is the extreme case.
Fueling
Fueling a motorcycle can be difficult in that many of today's fueling nozzles are designed specifically for automobile and truck fueling. Motorcycles frequently have smaller fuel tanks with capacities between 2 gallons and up to 6 gallons on some models. Many motorcyclist can easily overflow or spill fuel during fueling because the filler necks are exposed and an inefficient seal is formed. Additionally, many of today's fuel nozzles are equipped with automatic shut off sensors which tend to over respond and cause a constant clicking off effect when filling a motorcycle.
In the United States the EPA has mandated the use of "Vapor Recovery" nozzles which augment the problem of fueling in that these nozzles tend to have a black accordion-like covering on the outside of the nozzle. This requires the covering to be held back manually with one hand to override the auto shut-off system allowing for a constant uninterrupted flow of fuel into the tank.
Safety
Motorcycle Safety Education is offered throughout the United States by a number of organisations ranging from state agencies to non-profit organisations to corporations. The courses, designed by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF), include a Basic Rider Course, an Intermediate Rider Course and an Advanced Rider Course. In the UK and some Australian jurisdictions, such as New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory, it is compulsory to undertake a rider training course before being issued a Learners Licence. In Canada, motorcycle rider training is compulsory in Quebec and Manitoba only, but all provinces and territories have Graduated Licensing programs which place restrictions on new drivers until they have gained experience. Eligibility for a full motorcycle license or endorsement for completing a Motorcycle Safety course varies from province to province. The Canada Safety Council (CSC), a non-profit safety organisation, offers the Gearing Up program across Canada and is endorsed by the Motorcycle and Moped Industry Council. Training course graduates may qualify for reduced insurance premiums.
