Hybrid bikes have batteries to power their electric motors. In Kawasaki’s Ninja 7 Hybrid, it’s a 48V lithium-ion battery. When consumers hear “electric,” they often think about EV charging stations and possibly needing to install one at their homes. That’s likely to turn away some potential buyers. However, fumbling around with wires is not required to charge a hybrid motorcycle.
Like hybrid cars, such as the head-turning Toyota Prius, there’s no need to plug in a hybrid motorcycle. Instead, hybrid motorcycles rely on the technology of regenerative brakes. This kind of braking system uses the kinetic energy generated from the friction the brakes use to stop and slow down the motorcycle, sending that energy to the battery. This not only keeps the hybrid free from charging cables but also increases the motorcycle’s driving range. Unfortunately, when driving at low speeds, the charge that regenerative braking produces is negligible.
