Giacomo Agostini Reveals Why Electric Bikes Are Not Yet Ready to Compete at the Highest Level of Racing
Giacomo Agostini, a name synonymous with motorcycle racing excellence, holds a legacy that few can match. With 15 World Championship titles and 68 Grand Prix wins, Agostini’s expertise and experience have made him one of the most respected figures in the sport. His deep understanding of racing, combined with decades of firsthand experience, has given him a unique perspective on the future of the sport, particularly when it comes to the growing discussion about electric bikes in motorsport.
While electric vehicles (EVs) have gained significant traction in the automotive industry and even made their mark in other racing series like Formula E, the idea of electric bikes competing at the highest levels of motorcycle racing, including MotoGP, has been met with skepticism by some of the sport’s most revered figures—Agostini included. In an exclusive interview, Agostini explains why, despite the advances in electric bike technology, these machines are not yet ready to race at the elite level of competition.
A Legacy Built on Sound Engineering and Pure Speed
Agostini’s career spanned an era when motorcycle racing was defined by raw, mechanical prowess and a deep connection between the rider and the bike. The machines of his time were fueled by high-performance internal combustion engines that demanded not only physical skill but also an intuitive understanding of the bike’s behavior. For Agostini, racing was about mastering a powerful, often unpredictable beast—an experience he describes as both exhilarating and deeply personal.
“The sound of the engine, the vibrations, the feel of the throttle in your hand—this is what makes racing so special,” Agostini said. “It’s a relationship between the rider and the machine, one that is developed through years of experience.”
It’s this understanding of what makes a race bike truly competitive that shapes Agostini’s views on electric motorcycles. To him, the current state of electric bike technology is still too far removed from the visceral experience that riders crave at the highest level of racing.
The Technology Gap: Why Electric Bikes Aren’t Ready for MotoGP
Agostini’s primary concern with electric bikes in racing centers on the significant technological differences between traditional combustion engine motorcycles and their electric counterparts. While electric bikes have come a long way in terms of power, efficiency, and design, they still fall short in several key areas that are vital for racing at the highest level.
1. Power Delivery and Performance
One of the most fundamental aspects of motorcycle racing is the power output of the bike’s engine, and this is where electric bikes struggle. Internal combustion engines produce a high level of power and torque, which gives riders the instant acceleration they need in races. Agostini points out that while electric motors can deliver impressive torque, they do not yet provide the same range of power modulation that a traditional engine offers, particularly during high-speed cornering and overtaking maneuvers.
“Electric bikes are powerful, yes, but they don’t have the same flexibility that a combustion engine does,” Agostini explained. “In MotoGP, the ability to manage power—how you deliver it in the corners, how you control it through acceleration—makes all the difference. Electric motors are much more linear, which may be fine for certain applications, but not for the intense nature of a MotoGP race.”
2. Battery Limitations
Perhaps the most significant hurdle for electric bikes is their battery technology. While electric car manufacturers have made substantial strides in battery life and efficiency, motorcycle racing requires a level of energy output that current battery technology simply can’t sustain for the full length of a MotoGP race. Most electric motorcycles, even the most advanced prototypes, can only last for a limited period before they need to be recharged or swapped out, which is a non-issue for traditional bikes that can run a full race without the need for refueling.
“Races can last for up to an hour, and we need bikes that can last that long at full throttle without losing power,” Agostini said. “With electric bikes, you’re still limited by battery life. The technology is not yet capable of matching the energy demands of a high-speed race over the full duration.”
3. Weight and Handling
Battery packs are heavy, and that added weight affects the handling of the bike. In a sport where every ounce matters and handling is a critical factor in achieving high performance, the weight of electric bike batteries presents a significant disadvantage. Agostini points out that despite advances in battery technology, electric motorcycles still tend to be heavier than their combustion engine counterparts, which can make them less nimble, particularly in the corners where agility is crucial.
“Riders need to feel confident in their bike’s handling, especially when they’re pushing the limits. A heavier bike makes that harder,” he explained. “Electric bikes are still a little too bulky, and that makes them less responsive in tight corners, which is a vital aspect of racing at this level.”
4. The Sound and Emotion of Racing
Racing is not just about the technical aspects of the bike; it’s also about the emotional connection that riders and fans share. Agostini is quick to acknowledge that the sound of a roaring engine is part of what makes racing so thrilling. The high-pitched whine of a revving motorcycle, the deafening sound of a full-throttle burst down the straightaways—these are sensations that have been ingrained in the sport for decades. Electric bikes, by contrast, are near-silent, which, according to Agostini, removes an important aspect of the racing experience.
“The sound of the bike is part of the show,” Agostini said. “When you hear that engine roar, you feel it in your chest. It adds to the excitement of the race. Without that, it’s harder for fans to connect emotionally with the event.”
The Future: A Hybrid Solution or a New Revolution?
Despite his reservations, Agostini doesn’t completely rule out the future of electric motorcycles in racing. In fact, he believes that hybrid technology—combining both electric motors and internal combustion engines—could eventually pave the way for a more feasible integration of electric power into the sport. This approach could address some of the performance and endurance issues while also preserving the emotional connection of the sport.
“I think hybrid technology could be the answer,” Agostini suggested. “You get the benefits of electric power for efficiency and torque, while still having the traditional engine for the range and power delivery that racing needs.”
For now, however, Agostini believes the world of traditional motorcycle racing, particularly in MotoGP, is still years away from embracing fully electric motorcycles. The technology simply isn’t there yet, and the sport’s reliance on performance, agility, and power delivery remains firmly rooted in the combustion engine.
Conclusion: Racing’s Future Will Need Time to Evolve
As a rider who has experienced the full evolution of motorcycle racing, Giacomo Agostini’s thoughts on the future of electric bikes are grounded in both technical knowledge and deep respect for the sport’s traditions. While electric bikes may one day play a role in racing, Agostini’s assessment makes it clear: for now, the current state of electric technology is not suited for the high-performance demands of MotoGP.
“The future is always evolving,” Agostini said, “but for the moment, we have to be honest about where we are. We’re not ready for electric bikes in MotoGP yet. But that doesn’t mean it won’t happen in the future—just that it needs more time and more development.”
For now, the roar of the engines in MotoGP will continue to be powered by combustion, but the whispers of electric technology are growing louder. How the sport evolves in the coming decades remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the journey to a fully electric future in racing will be a long and complex one.
