Electric Support Bikes in Cycling Races: Let’s Talk About Them

Let’s face it. The roar of a motorcycle engine can be an oddly romantic thing.

A scream of raw power, the sound that says, “I’m here, and I’m not stopping.”

But the roar’s getting quieter, and we’re all going to have to deal with it.

Electric motorbikes are inching their way into the bike racing world, like a quiet revolution on two wheels.

It’s a shift that’s inevitable, but it’s also a thorn in the side of tradition.

And trust me, no one likes change, especially when it comes at the cost of the familiar.

In a world that once ran on gas and fumes, the push toward electric vehicles (EVs) is a hard pill to swallow.

But people are doing it. Slowly. Electric motorbikes, and their service vehicles, have started to edge into the pit lanes of racing events, and while the question remains, “Why aren’t we all in the future already?”

The reality is far more complicated than it seems.

1. The Power of Distance – It’s Not Just About the Race

There was a time when you could argue that the range of electric motorbikes wasn’t enough. Not anymore.

These machines can handle the distance—sure, the range isn’t infinite, but they’ve come a long way.

A lot of the race routes are less than 100 miles a day, and let’s be honest, that’s child’s play for an electric bike these days.

The Energica Experia, for instance, is already approved by French police to handle long-distance travel. With the capability to recharge overnight from a standard plug, the range problem doesn’t hold water anymore.

2. Charging Infrastructure – The Real Villain

And then there’s the problem no one likes talking about. Charging infrastructure.

Sure, your average electric car has no trouble finding a plug in the city, but in the rural landscapes of France, the situation’s a little different.

There’s no cute little Tesla supercharger on every corner. A race like the Tour de France is constantly moving through villages, with places that barely have enough charging stations to accommodate the race vehicles.

The thought of 22 teams needing to charge their vehicles every night in towns with limited infrastructure? A logistical nightmare.

Some say, “Just carry diesel generators, problem solved!” But then we’re right back where we started—pollution and unnecessary emissions. It’s a mess, and it’s keeping electric vehicles in the backseat for now.

3. Weight – More Than Just a Few Extra Pounds

Electric bikes and cars are, let’s face it, heavier than their gas-guzzling cousins. The issue isn’t just the motor; it’s the battery. You don’t want that extra weight holding back your speed.

Now, we’re not talking about the racers here, but service motorcycles that carry cameras, gear, and the necessary water to keep everyone alive.

Some bikes are loaded with equipment that turns them into moving storage units.

Those extra pounds? They matter. Some of the lighter support vehicles may go electric, but the gear-heavy ones are still going to be powered by good old gasoline.

4. Sponsors and the Battle of Brand Loyalties

We all know racing isn’t just about speed; it’s a high-stakes game of branding.

Car manufacturers, like Skoda or Audi, pay big bucks to have their cars in the spotlight.

Take EF Pro Cycling, for example. The team uses electric cars, sure—but it’s a business decision.

They have to make sure their sponsors, who aren’t just into clean energy but also need their cars visible, are happy with the choice.

Until electric vehicles are ubiquitous and brands are on board, this shift will be slow.

5. The Race Logistics – More Than Just Getting to the Finish Line

Let’s not forget the core of bike racing: speed. It’s an art of precision, every second matters.

You can’t afford to waste time, especially on tight timelines where bikes, cars, and service vehicles need to hustle from point A to point B.

If electric vehicles are going to work in racing, they’ll need to match the logistical efficiency of gas-powered counterparts.

This is tricky business. Any delay—whether from recharging or from complications that come with less-than-ideal infrastructure—can throw off an entire operation.

6. Environmental Pressure – Everyone’s Watching

Then there’s the undeniable pressure from environmental activists, fans, and the wider public.

People are watching, waiting, and pushing for more sustainable options.

Motorbikes powered by fossil fuels? That’s so last century. But there’s the challenge. Can you force a tradition that’s built on roaring engines and thick smoke into a world of serenity and silence?

The truth is, racing events are going to face pressure to be more eco-friendly, and going electric is part of that. But the question remains: can they do it without throwing the sport’s soul in the trash?

7. Cultural Resistance – Racing Needs Its Noise

One thing racers and fans hate is messing with tradition. You’ve got the gearheads, the ones who live for the engine growls and the fuel-choked atmosphere of the pit.

Replacing all that noise with the hum of an electric motor? It feels like sacrilege.

Sure, electric bikes are the future, but part of racing’s charm is the noise, the grit, the smell of gasoline, and the pulse of raw speed.

The race is a spectacle, not just a competition of time.

For a sport with so much history, shaking off old habits is no easy task.

Summary Table

Factor	Challenge	Opportunity
Distance	Concerns about range, especially on long race days.	Modern electric bikes like Energica can cover race distances and recharge overnight.
Charging Infrastructure	Lack of charging stations in rural race locations.	Increased investment in charging stations could eventually make this a non-issue.
Weight	Batteries add significant weight to bikes and vehicles, limiting their efficiency.	Lighter batteries and future tech advancements could resolve this issue.
Sponsorship	Brand loyalty and sponsorship deals with traditional, gasoline-powered vehicles.	As more electric options are introduced, brands may see value in showcasing their electric vehicles in races.
Race Logistics	Tight timelines and the risk of delays from charging needs.	Electric vehicles could be incorporated as logistical support grows more efficient and reliable.
Environmental Pressure	Resistance to change and industry reluctance to abandon fossil fuels.	Pressures from environmental advocates and a cleaner future could push the industry toward a more sustainable approach.
Cultural Resistance	Racing’s iconic engine sounds are a huge part of the sport’s identity.	The shift to electric could appeal to a new generation of fans who prioritize sustainability over tradition.

Conclusion

Maybe, just maybe, one day, we’ll find the sweet spot where electric motorbikes rule the track.

Or maybe we’ll just settle for watching them sit in the garage next to the old gas-powered machines, waiting for the next race day. Either way, the noise is dying down, and we’re all going to have to get used to it.

And when the day comes—when the last gas-powered bike fades away, leaving only the quiet hum of electric motors—maybe we’ll all be surprised by how much we miss the sound of a real engine.