cross-posted from: https://aussie.zone/post/27301455
I took my new (to me) electric motorcycle out with friends for the first time.
I calculated from my previous solo trips that the motorcycle had a range of about 120km (75mi). My friends were more experienced than me, and they picked the route. I had told them that I was only comfortable riding 100km, but I guess that didn't mean much. If I had pressed for details about the route instead of trying to fit in, I would have discovered that the round trip was 140km before we left.
The motorcycle performed beautifully until it shut off after about 120km. Still 20km from civilisation.
What I learned that day is that the average person is far kinder than social media will lead you to believe. I was near the top of the hill, so I decided to push to the top and coast most of the way home. I think around 6 people stopped to help push on the steep section of the hill (one at a time), and I lost count of the number of other people who stopped to check on me on the flat sections. I'm guessing over 20. I was actually thinking of writing a sign that said "I'm fine, don't help me" just so I could make faster progress.
It was a pretty warm day and the motorcycle is about 300kg (650lb), so I was happy to take water from 4 different people along the way.
Eventually someone with a trailer stopped and asked if I wanted to put the motorcycle on the trailer and get a ride home. I don't think I've ever accepted anything faster. It cost me a bottle of high quality whiskey, but it was still much cheaper than calling for roadside assistance.
In summary, it was partly my fault for not pushing for details, and partly my fault for not checking the distance travelled as we went. I'd love to blame the motorcycle for cutting out with 2/5 bars remaining, but I really did know the maximum range. It's also a really cheap motorcycle with almost no thought or effort in its design. It even has a chain guard for a hub motor (no chains anywhere).
I still love the motorcycle, will still only ride electric, and will probably ride with those friends again; but next time I'm checking the distance first.
TL;DR
Rode electric motorcycle further than its max range. Humans are much more caring than you'd expect. Got home exhausted, but proud of humanity.
One had already parted ways at the previous town, and the other stayed with me for an hour and helped push for a while.
I told them to leave when I decided to call to roadside assistance, but after 2 disconnected calls I decided I could keep pushing for a bit longer. I was already past the steepest bit of the hill at that point, and just barely outside the cheaper zone for roadside assistance, so an extra 1km would have saved me about $50 (100AUD). It was tiring, but no worse than a hard gym workout, so I kept going.
There really wasn't much else my friends could have done, and I'm very grateful for what they did.
They probably could have listened to you when you said, "100km limit". Hope they replaced that bottle of yours.
Yes, but ultimately I'm the one responsible for my own safety.
If they decided to weave through traffic at high speed and I just followed blindly, I would still be responsible for any collision I got in.
The motorcycle is back on charge, I got an unexpected workout, a kind stranger got their favourite drink, and everyone is back home safely. I learnt my lesson, and there was no harm done.