Fuel-powered mini bikes usually have significant advantages in the initial purchase cost. The average retail price of the basic 49cc displacement fuel model is approximately 1,500 to 3,500 yuan. However, for the electric mini bike equipped with an equivalent output power (about 1.5kW to 3kW), at the same performance level, due to the cost influence of the high-capacity lithium-ion battery pack, the selling price range is usually between 3,800 and 6,000 yuan. The gap amounts to 35% to 50%. According to the 2023 Price sensitivity analysis of recreational vehicles by Consumer Reports in the United States, 73% of consumers with a budget of less than 2,000 yuan are more inclined to choose entry-level fuel-powered models. The mechanical structure of these traditional power systems is relatively simple, and the supply chain maturity of major components such as carburetors and piston cylinder blocks is high, reducing the overall manufacturing cost.
Power output characteristics and endurance are the key competitiveness of fuel models. The fuel-powered mini bike equipped with a four-stroke engine can continuously output linear torque within the rotational speed range of 4000 to 7000 RPM. The peak power is generally within the range of 2.2kW to 4.1kW, and the maximum speed can reach 50-65 kilometers per hour. Its instantaneous climbing ability is superior to that of most electric models of the same power level. In terms of range indicators, the fuel model equipped with a 4-liter fuel tank can achieve a single-charge range of 100 to 160 kilometers, and the refueling time only takes 3 to 5 minutes. In contrast, the electric mini bike with a 48V 20Ah battery pack has an average range of only about 40-60 kilometers at a constant speed of 25 kilometers per hour, and it still takes more than 1.5 hours to charge 80% of the battery quickly. Test data from the Motorcycle Industry Council of the United States shows that in a continuous one-hour high-intensity riding scenario, the performance degradation rate of the fuel power system is approximately 18% lower than that of the electric system.
Adaptability to extreme environments and ease of maintenance constitute another dimension of advantage. The fuel-powered mini bike can operate stably within the ambient temperature range of -20°C to 45°C, and its mechanical system has a relatively high tolerance for changes in humidity and altitude. A case study on a Montana ranch in 2022 showed that in an environment where the daily average humidity fluctuated by 65%RH and the temperature difference exceeded 25°C, the failure rate of fuel-powered units was 42% lower than that of electric systems. In terms of maintenance costs, the annual basic maintenance expenses (oil change, air filter cleaning) are approximately 200 yuan, and the service life of core transmission components generally exceeds 2,000 hours. The lithium battery of the electric model has its capacity decline to 80% of the initial value after 500 complete charge and discharge cycles, and the replacement cost is 35% to 40% of the vehicle price. The test of the Japanese JIS D 0102 standard shows that in the usage scenarios where the dust concentration is greater than 150μg/m³, the failure probability of motor protection in the electric system is 29% higher than that of the fuel engine.
For specific user groups, fuel-powered mini Bikes have a more mature modification ecosystem and component support network. There are over 120 performance modification kits available on the market for carburetors, exhaust pipes and camshafts. The average cost-benefit ratio of modification (power gain for every 1 yuan of investment) can reach a 13% reduction in cost per kilowatt. Global aftermarket data shows that the coverage rate of general parts for fuel models is 92%, while the supply chain concentration of dedicated electronic control modules for electric models is as high as 70%, resulting in an extended maintenance waiting period. User survey feedback from the Southeast Asian market in 2023 shows that 76% of off-road enthusiasts insist on choosing fuel-powered electric models due to the lack of charging facilities in remote areas, especially in rural areas with insufficient grid coverage.
However, it should be noted that the carbon dioxide emissions of the fuel-powered mini bike are approximately 105 grams per kilometer, and the nitrogen oxide emission index is nine times that of the electric model. The choice decision should be made by comprehensively assessing environmental protection regulations, usage scenarios and total holding costs. Ultimately, the most suitable solution should be selected based on specific cycling needs and environmental conditions.