The Mainichi Shimbun answers some common questions readers may have about how motorcycles will be powered in the future, as stricter regulations are imposed on their gasoline-burning four-wheeled cousins.

       Question: I often see news of places banning gasoline cars as a measure against global warming, but does that also apply to motorcycles?

       Answer: The move toward zero carbon emissions applies to motorcycles as well. For example, Yamaha Motor Co. plans to switch 90% of its new bike sales to electrics by 2050, and Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd. plans to make all major motorcycles for developed countries electric by 2035. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has also set a goal of making all new motorcycles sold in Tokyo "gasoline-free" by 2035.

       Q: Is it easy to switch to electric motorcycles?

       A: A high-capacity battery is needed to extend the distance that they can travel on a single charge. Since two-wheelers are smaller than four-wheeled vehicles, it is apparently difficult to find enough space on a motorbike chassis to mount enough batteries. If battery performance deteriorates, more charging stations will be necessary to prevent the battery from running out.

       Q: Will electric motorcycles actually see much uptake in Japan?

       A: Replaceable batteries are expected to be used for mopeds and other motorcycles intended for daily-life short-distance travel. They can be replaced with charged batteries at universities or convenience stores, which is a popular method exercised in Taiwan. Meanwhile, for medium and large motorcycles used for long-distance travel such as road trips, hydrogen-fueled engines and plant-derived biofuels are being considered.

       Q: Are there other problems hindering the spread of electric motorbikes?

       A: At present, there are only a few models of electric motorcycles on sale to individuals by major domestic companies, presumably due to technological difficulties, and because their high production costs make them unprofitable. There are also very few charging stations in Japan, and the electric motorbikes can't travel as far as their gasoline-powered predecessors.

       Some enthusiasts who enjoy the unique engine sound and vibration of gasoline bikes have voiced opposition to switching to electric ones. Japanese makers hold almost 50% of the global motorcycle market, but their skills are now being put to the test.

       (Japanese original by Yuhi Sugiyama, Business News Department)

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