The best electric motorcycles you can buy

Plug-In: Best Electric Motorbikes For Touring 2022

I thought I was being clever writing a post about the best electric motorbikes – seeing as though I’m world-aware, forward-thinking, and clearly as cool as Morgan Freeman dipped in an Old Fashioned whilst smoking a roll-up.

But as soon as I started writing it, I realised I’d made a terrible mistake – not because I’m against electric bikes, but because the entire subject is a frigging minefield.

For a start, Motorcycle Tourer focuses exclusively on the touring side of motorcycles. So where other publications can make a list of just ‘any’ of the top electric motorcycles, we have to make it so that it complies with our touring-only mantra.

And it turns out that’s easier said than done.

Secondly, there’s the problem of availability. It seems like most journos compile these lists without giving any thought to the fact that most of these bikes aren’t actually available. They’re simply concept bikes that may (or may not) one day make it into production.

Lastly, when you or I go to buy a bike, we want to go walk into a dealership and have a look at it. We want to sit on it, test ride it, and talk to a salesperson. Because who the hell buys a £25,000+ bike over the internet without seeing it or riding it first?

Image: Harley-Davidson via Unsplash

The Best Electric Motorbikes: How It Works

So with the rant out of the way, I put together this post for you – the heroic touring rider. In it, I’ll go through the 10 best electric motorbikes for touring, and every single one of them is available for you to buy right now.

I’ve also listed all the pertinent specs and added a section on what you need to do to test ride them.

Finally, I’ve collated all the specs together into tables and charts that will help you decide which bike is right for you.

Because like it or not, electric bikes are coming. And not only are they coming, but people are buying them, too, as the April figures from MCIA will attest. Compared to April 2021, there’s been a 68% increase in electric bike sales.

Zero and Energica have been leading the way for years. And with Harley-Davidson (surprisingly) spearheading the revolution from mainstream brands, we’ve already seen electric bikes in the pipeline from Kawasaki, Honda, Yamaha, BMW, Ducati, Triumph, Royal Enfield, MV Agusta, KTM, Norton, and many more.

They’re coming. And now is the time to start taking the switch seriously. So in no particular order, these are the best electric motorbikes you can actually buy in 2022.

Disclaimer: I have been unable to assess the figures in this post in a real-world setting. I have no option but to use the theoretical (and sometimes real-world) figures and ranges claimed by the manufacturer – despite their test-controlled conditions.

Energica Eva EsseEsse9+

Image: Energica

Energica has long been a driving force in the world of electric motorbikes and has one of the best portfolios to show for it.

But my reason for choosing the EsseEsse9+ was for its obvious touring capabilities. You can order it complete with panniers and a tank bag for starters. And those are only two of the things that make it one of the most native sports tourer-like bikes on this list.

Furthermore, the riding position of the SS9+ is more relaxed and upright – making it comfortable for long stints in the saddle. And it also comes with an in-built sat-nav, viewable through the 4.3-inch TFT.

The motor is impressive, too. The PMAC motor will propel you forward at 109 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque – enough to get you to 125 mph flat out.

But it doesn’t stop there. The 21.5 kWh battery is long-lasting, and Energica quotes the following ranges:

249 miles in town,

143 miles combined (mixed roads), and,

112 miles on the motorway

According to Energica, a 24kW DC CCS Combo Fast Charger/AC Charger will give you a 0-80% charge in 40 minutes when on Mode 4.

Harley-Davidson LiveWire

Image: Harley-Davidson

Whether you love or loathe Harley-Davidson, you have to give them credit for being the first ‘mainstream’ brand to enter the electric bike market.

And you have to give them credit for doing a pretty decent job, too. After all, the LiveWire was good enough (mostly) for Charlie and Ewan, so it’ll be good enough for us!

When it first came out, the one thing everyone could agree on (unlike the looks) was the astonishing acceleration – around 3 seconds from 0-60.

And whilst the LiveWire was always going to struggle to convert petrol heads into eco-warriors, the numbers aren’t bad with H-D quoting:

146 miles at town speeds,

95 miles combined (mixed roads), and,

70 miles on the motorway

Featuring Level 3 DC Fast Charging technology, you can go from 0-80% charge in 40 minutes and 0-100% in 60 minutes. Using the Level 1 charger, you can expect a full recharge to take 10-11 hours overnight.

Zero SR/F

Image: Zero

Unless you live in Hollywood or some other dreamland, then value matters. A lot. Especially when we’re talking about bikes that are often 2-3 times more expensive than their petrol-powered equivalents.

But in my opinion, the Zero SR/F offers the best value for money in this list of the best electric motorbikes.

As with many of the bikes on this list, the Zero SR/F isn’t marketed as a dedicated touring bike. But in the accessories catalogue, you’ll find both SHAD and GIVI luggage sets that are compatible with the SR/F.

Perfect!

Add to this the slightly larger screen and sports-tourer like riding position, and it’s easy to see this bike crossing long distances. And it’s easy to see why some think it’s the best electric touring motorbike.

In comparison to other models, performance isn’t groundbreaking on this bike. But it will get you from 0-60 in around 3.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 124 mph – which is plenty fast enough for most of us.

Charging times appear varied, with Zero claiming their fastest charge to 95% can be achieved in under an hour.

Brutus V9

Image: Brutus

It’s all well and good me banging on about sports tourer style bikes. Or sports bikes. Or even street bikes.

But what if you’re a cruiser style of rider? What if you like to cover miles on big behemoths with comfy seats that you nicknamed “The Beast”?

Well, this one belongs on our list of best electric motorbikes. It’s for you, and it’s called Brutus.

Brutus! How can you not love a bike called Brutus??

The most impressive figures about Brutus involve power. With its AC35 motor churning out 88 hp and 92 ft-lb of torque, it will propel you up to a top speed of 115 mph.

Concerned about range? Silly question, really – we’re all concerned about range when it comes to electric bikes. But whilst Brutus doesn’t claim any official figures, test rides have reported around 130 miles on the motorway and a very healthy 250 miles at town speeds.

Brutus stipulates charging times as “dependent on battery and charging options.”

But it certainly looks badass with its dual front lights, panniers as standard, pegs, pillion seat for two-up riding, and the classic bad boy looks.

Energica Eva Ribelle

Image: Energica

Accelerating with the rage of a superbike and aggressively strutting its stuff like a hyper naked with an attitude, the Energica Eva Ribelle is a decent all-rounder.

I think the Eva Ribelle is a rider’s bike. The slightly forward-canted riding position invites you to be aggressive into the bends. But it’s also comfortable.

The thing to remember with this bike is that it’s heavy at 270kg. That can be a hindrance, but it can also be a blessing in the bends – giving you that firm, planted feeling that you can only get with a weightier bike.

The Ribelle’s engine is the same one used in Energica’s MotoE racer – although tuned differently to produce a whopping 169 hp and 159 ft-lb of torque. As you can imagine, acceleration is blisteringly quick.

Energica claim the 21.5 kWh battery (the same one used in the EsseEsse9+) will give you 249 miles of riding at town speeds.

They also claim that the Ribelle is the fastest-charging electric naked bike on the market – giving you 5 miles of riding for every minute you charge it.

This is 82% quicker than any other electric naked bike available.

Arc Vector

Image: Arc

If you like the finer things in life (and can afford them), the Arc Vector is the electric bike for you. Hand made in Britain and bespoke developed for each individual customer, the aura of the Arc reminds me of the exclusivity ordinarily reserved for the likes of Brough Superior.

But man, does it look good. Achingly good, in fact.

Arc boasts that the Vector is the most advanced electric motorcycle on the planet – merging technology, innovation, craftsmanship and experience.

At 220kg, it’s lighter than it looks. And the powerful motor will see you get from 0-60 in 3 seconds and on to a top speed of 120 mph.

In terms of range, Arc claims 436 km (271 miles) and a charge time of 40 minutes – although they don’t state if this is a full or partial charge.

But it doesn’t stop there. Awash with technology, the company have developed a Human Machine Interface known as the Arc Pilot System and combined it with a Head-Up Display (HUD) helmet – designed in collaboration with Hedon.

The entire thing is stunning on every level – from concept, materials, technology, and innovation.

Damon Hypersport (range)

Image: Damon

Okay, let’s address the elephant in the room here. This isn’t exactly a touring bike, is it? No, of course it isn’t.

But then again, I come from a background of touring on sports bikes. And I know plenty of others who choose to pack light so they can explore the world on their trusty sports bike, too. So the bikes in the Damon Hypersport range are going on the list!

If you’re looking for the perfect performance trifecta, the Damon Hypersport is a true triple threat with its 200 hp, 200 mph top speed, and 200-mile range. And sports bike or not, that’s pretty impressive.

I can’t find any ranges for combined or city riding (real-world or theoretical), but Damon states that the 200-mile quoted range is on motorways. So that means it should be significantly higher for town and combined riding.

With three charging options, you can recharge the Hypersport to 80% in 45 minutes on Level 3 Fast Charge, recharge to 90% in 2.5 hours on Level 2, and overnight on Level 1.

If you want the look and speed of a sports bike, a bike from the Damon Hypersport range has got to be on your list of best electric motorbikes.

Alrenda TS Bravo

Image: Alrenda

Marketed as a commuter bike, there’s no reason why the Alrenda TS Bravo can’t be used in a touring capacity.

The 11 kW (hp) continuous rated motor can churn out bursts of 58 kW (hp) meaning it will reach a top speed of 84 mph (135 km/h.) And that’s more than enough for spirited blasts across Alpine passes or sporadic bouts on the autobahn.

One of the main reasons I chose this bike for our list is the range. With a 16.6 kW/h battery, it’s larger than those used in the electric counterparts by Zero and Harley-Davidson.

And I like that Alrenda has posted real-world ranges rather than theoretical ones. They claim the TS Bravo has a range of:

260 miles @ 31 mph,

155 miles @ 50 mph, and

93 miles @ 75 mph

So whilst the TS Bravo may not be ideal for long stretches of motorway riding, you should see around 150 miles of playtime where it matters – in the twisties. And that’s not at all bad.

In terms of charge time, the spec sheet quotes a 3.5 hour charge time from 0-80%. If you want a full battery refill, I’d expect it to take around 4-4.5 hours.

Energica Ego+ RS

Image: Energica

Bursting onto the scene in 2013, the original Ego was world-changing regarding electric bikes. Fast forward a few years, and Energica has developed the RS version. And what a machine it is.

As with the Damon Hypersport, the Ego+ RS is made for those who want to blast over mountain passes rather than trundle across them taking in the scenery.

And blast you will! With peak horsepower at 171 and torque at 159 ft-lb, the RS will get you from 0-60 mph in 2.6 seconds and on to a (limited) top speed of 150 mph.

Perhaps the only figures more impressive than the performance ones are the ranges. Energica claim these figures were collated in real-world settings:

249 miles @ town speeds,

143 miles @ combined, and,

112 miles @ motorway speeds

The upgraded and newly designed 21.5 kWh battery boasts a 62% increase in capacity over the older version whilst weighing less.

Charging times are quoted at 5-6 hours for a 20-80% charge using Type 2 or 40 minutes for a 20-80% charge using DC Fast Charge.

The Best Electric Motorbikes: Specs Comparison

In the table below, we inputted all the data from our best electric motorbikes, including price, power, top speed, 0-60, range, and weight. You can arrange the data into ascending/descending order by tapping on the arrows.

This gives us an overview of all 9 bikes.

Specs Chart & Overall Scores

Based on the table above, we awarded scores based on the best values. The best electric motorbike in any given category was awarded 10 points. The next best was awarded 9 points, and so on.

Then we added the scores together for each bike and plotted them on the chart below.

As you can see, the Damon Hypersport range came out on top with an overall score of 49. The Brutus V9 came last with an overall score of 24.

Of course, you can (and should) take these with a pinch of salt as we all have our own individual requirements and wishlist. For example, I wouldn’t choose the Damon for the simple fact I need more luggage space – I’d choose one of the mid-table bikes.

And the scores also do not account for the ‘feel factor’ of the bikes.

[ninja_charts id=”1″]

The Best Electric Motorbikes For Touring: Conclusion

As you can see, there is a wide and ranging mix of brands and technologies making up this list of the best electric motorbikes.

And as you can also see in the sales figures, the list of buyers is increasing at the same rate as the technology.

Many riders have expressed they aren’t yet convinced by electric bikes. And for touring riders like us, that problem is made even worse by the lack of range.

But as mentioned at the head of this post, electric bikes are coming, with many manufacturers and governments pledging electric-only vehicles in the coming decade.

The time has come for us, as touring riders, to contemplate electric bikes. They might not be perfect yet – but they will be.

So what about you? Have you made the switch? If so, what do you think is the best electric motorcycle? Let us know what you bought and how you like it!

If you liked this, have a wander over to our motorbikes category where you’ll find posts like these:

Top image: Harley-Davidson via Unsplash

15 Best Electric Motorcycles of 2022

The first years to immediately follow the invention of the motorcycle saw an enormous slew of small companies and startups enter the space, with literally hundreds of different outfits all simultaneously trying their luck in the emerging motorized two-wheeler market. More than a century later, and history is now repeating itself as this dramatic influx of manufacturers is occurring once again as the EV sector rapidly expands, constituting what’s been dubbed the “Electric Revolution.”

Thanks to several key players like Zero and Energica consistently pushing the envelope over the last decade, the proton-powered moto space has evolved at a staggering rate. And with production costs finally starting to decline as performance and range have hugely improved, the market has recently been witness to an increasingly impressive array of production models across a myriad of genres and styles. For this reason, there’s never been a better time to consider going electric, and with more options available than ever before, now seems the perfect time to round up our picks for the best electric motorcycles currently on the market, shining a light on the finest EV motos that money can buy while also delving into what makes these battery-powered bikes unique and what to consider when shopping for one.

Proton-Powered Personality The 8 Main Areas That Make Electric Motorcycles Unique

When electric vehicles first rolled onto the scene, they were largely still novelties and their main selling point was undoubtedly their more environmentally-friendly nature. As time has gone on, however, both fully electric cars and fully electric motorcycles have experienced absolutely enormous technological and mechanical leaps and bounds. This has ultimately resulted in electric motorcycles that boast performance that’s on par with, if not objectively superior to that of their gas-engined counterparts, as well as a few other idiosyncratic traits that are largely unique to the battery-powered bike segment. Below, we’ll briefly touch on some of the factors and traits that make electric motorcycles unique.

Zero Emissions: Though performance and autonomy have massively improved, all-electric motorcycles remain completely devoid of emissions output, and as such are a much more sustainable, environmentally-friendly alternative to ICE bikes. Additionally, just like with electric cars, electric motorcycles can qualify their owners for tax rebates, use of HOV lanes, and other benefits, incentives, and perks.

Lack Of Noise: Alongside spent exhaust fumes, another thing that electric motorcycles are devoid of is sound. Aside from the somewhat quiet whirring of the electric motor and the sound of the two tires rolling across the tarmac, electric bikes don’t emit noise, offering a stark contrast to the roaring gas engines that power the majority of the bikes out on the road. This not only means your neighbors won’t hate you but also allows you to more readily connect with and appreciate your surroundings, letting you take further advantage of the completely unobstructed view of the road and your surroundings afforded in the saddle of a motorcycle.

Power Output & Deliver: Almost certainly the most distinctive and unique aspect that distinguishes electric motorcycles from traditional ICE models is power delivery. Unlike gas-engined motorbikes that deliver peak torque and horsepower at a certain point in the rev-range, electric motorcycles make 100% of their torque instantaneously at any time. What’s more, EV bikes don’t just deliver their torque instantly, but they deliver absolutely insane, unparalleled amounts of it, putting even the most high-performance gas-engined superbikes to shame.

Unique Designs: Without having to follow the design elements of traditional motorcycles which are at least partially dictated by the need for and presence of a gas tank and internal combustion engine, electric motorcycle designers are afforded markedly more freedom when penning electric bikes. As such, electric motorcycles can boast markedly more distinctive and unique designs and styles.

Twist-&-Go Throttles: While there is a growing handful of acceptions, the lion’s share of production gas-engined motorcycles come fitted with a manual transmission. The opposite is true with electric motorcycles, which, like most scooters, have automatic — or “twist-and-go”) throttles (or rather transmissions) that don’t require the rider to feather a clutch or punch through the gears — which is admittedly one of the more difficult and intimidating parts of first learning to ride. This ultimately makes electric motorcycles more accessible and conducive to new riders.

Raw Performance: On top of the gobs of torque afforded by two-wheeled EVs, electric bikes generally possess their own personality and performance. They accelerate insanely fast off-the-line and tend to exhibit a low center of gravity (typically due to the battery placement). There are electric motorcycles capable of cracking the 200mph barrier, though most electric bikes do sacrifice top speed in favor of acceleration. With that said, this can always be tweaked by changing the gearing.

Technology & Connectivity: Today’s electric motorcycles utilize state-of-the-art motors and ultra-advanced batteries with wildly impressive energy densities. Because they rely so heavily on other cutting-edge elements, EV moto makers tend to lean into the high-tech nature, being outfitted with connectivity to smartphone apps for monitoring a bike’s battery level or GPS location or downloading over-the-air firmware updates. In addition to offering multiple power modes, electric motors can also be tuned on the fly on the bike itself or through a connected smartphone app. Onboard vehicle diagnostics, digital geofencing, and automatic data-logging have also started to become increasingly common.

Reduced Maintenance: Without one or more pistons pumping up and down within a cylinder(s) and the rest of the accompanying internals that keep the engine ticking, electric motorcycles require substantially less maintenance and upkeep. There are some factors like dealing with brake fluid and tires that you’ll still have to do, but as a whole, EV ownership is markedly less involved than doing upkeep on a gas bike.

Heft & Autonomy What Factors To Take Into Account When Shopping

Because electric bikes possess so many unique traits, the factors one should take into account when shopping also differ in some ways from the normal motorcycle-buying process. Throughout this next section, we’ll be expanding on the most crucial areas to consider when in the market for a new electric motorcycle.

Intended Use: No matter what kind of bike you’re considering, your first question should always be asking yourself what your intended use will be. If you plan on using a bike for short-distance commuting duties, you’ll likely be considering different machines than if you planned on spending most of your time in the saddle at the track, in the canyons, or long-distance touring — the latter of which is now possible thanks to an ever-growing EV charging infrastructure.

Weight: The battery packs on electric bikes have rapidly evolved, becoming increasingly potent and compact, though they unfortunately still weigh quite a bit, comprising a good chunk of the bike’s overall curb weight. And, while this weight is usually carried fairly low in the bike’s center-of-gravity, it’s nonetheless noticeable and is an area well-worth scrutinizing when reviewing a given model’s spec sheet.

Price: Electric motorcycles are quickly becoming more and more affordable, though they’re admittedly still more costly than ICE models. Luckily, prices are getting more competitive and you can now score a fantastic two-wheeled EV for less than five figures. There are also more premium, high-performance models that unsurprisingly, carry higher, more premium MSRPs. There’s nothing wrong with paying a lot, just be sure to consider the big picture of what all it is that you’re getting for your money.

Range: Just like with electric cars, range is one of the most commonly looked at specs. And, while range anxiety was once a realistic concern, today’s EV motos boast ranges of up to several hundred miles. There are also optional supplementary battery pack additions that can extend the range even further for some bikes. And, as controllers evolve and algorithms improve, many models offer the ability to receive firmware updates, allowing the bike to evolve and offer increasingly capable performance and range.

Charge Time: Just as important as an electric motorcycle’s battery’s range is its required charging time. This is another area that’s seen vast improvements in recent years, and complete charge times are now down to usually just a few hours (using a Fast Charger). The increasingly robust charging infrastructure has also made it easier than ever before to take on road trips and other long-distance travel with an electric.

Power & Performance: As one of its primary selling points, you’ll always want to check in on how much torque an electric motorcycle generates, as well as how much horsepower it puts down (though the latter figure will always be lesser remarkable). And it’s the incredible power output afforded by electric bikes that gives them lightning-fast 0-60mph times and at times even some noteworthy top speeds. Reviewing an electric motorcycle’s real-world performance abilities will give you a better sense of how its power output manifests itself.

Running Gear: Again, just like with regular gas-engined motos, proton-powered scoots can feature a wide range of running gear, from off-the-shelf budget-friendly offerings to top-of-the-line Swedish or Italian-made race-spec componentry. These factors directly determine handling and cornering, as well as stoping abilities, making it crucial to review parts like the fork, rear suspension setup, and front and aft braking hardware.

Technology: As previously mentioned, modern electric motorcycles are often brimming with cutting-edge technology. As such, if you’re shopping in this space, you’ll want to see if a model you’re thinking about possesses features such as geo-fencing capabilities, multiple power delivery modes, connectivity to smartphone apps for tuning and battery life monitoring, and so on.

Style: Though there are retro-inspired offerings, many of today’s electric moto manufacturers have opted to lean into the modern, cutting-edge nature of their two-wheeled wares with sleek, futuristic industrial designs. The point is, there’s a diverse array of different styles of genres of electric motorcycles currently in production, making it well worth your while to review all the available options before pulling the trigger on your purchase.

Don’t Let The Auto Throttle Fool You Why New Riders Should Avoid High-Performance Electric Motorcycles

Without the robust security of a roll-cage, seat-belts, airbags, and crumple-zones, motorcycles are objectively more dangerous than cars, however, we’d still argue that motorcycles have an unfairly bad reputation for being more hazardous than they actually are because far too many riders start their motorcycling careers aboard bikes that are objectively too big and too powerful for their limited skill and experience level. Learning to drive behind the wheel of a high-performance car would be a bad idea, and doing the same thing on a motorcycle is no less ill-advised — something every motorcycle training instructor will tell you.

With even more torque — that’s instantly on tap — the larger, more high-performance electric motorcycles are a terrible choice for novice riders and should be avoided entirely if you don’t have several years of experience in the saddle under your belt. Without a displacement or number of cylinders, it’s hard to get a sense of an electric bike’s overall size (or what sized gas engined model it would be comparable to), though you can always reach out to dealers or manufacturers to ask. The good news is that there are electric motorcycle models to suit every rider’s skill level.

EVIPs The 15 Best Electric Motorcycles

Now that you’re privy to what sets proton-powered bikes aside from their gas-powered counterparts and are armed with what areas to consider when shopping, let’s dive into our picks for the best electric motorcycles that are currently available for purchase or preproduction preorder.

Pursang E-Tracker

Originally the name of a popular model from now-defunct Spanish marque, Bultaco, Pursang is a recently-revived motorcycle manufacturer that’s come out the gate swinging with a stylish high-performance EV that takes ample visual inspiration from dirt oval racers. Offering more than enough speed and range to take on daily commuting duties, the E-Track boasts carbon-fiber bodywork draped over a tubular Chromoly chassis and subframe, a 41mm USD fork, a TFT display and connectivity to the Bosch app, floating discs fore and aft, and a charge time of six hours.

Style: Street Tracker

Power: 14.75HP & 49.4FT-LBS

Weight: 324LBS

Top Speed: 75MPH

0-60MPH Time:N/A

Range: 87 Miles

Purchase: $9,425

Fuell Fllow

The latest two-wheeled venture from motorcycling icon, Erik Buell, FUELL is an EV startup producing electric bicycles and a high-performance motorcycle dubbed the Fllow. Just as advanced and innovative as Buell’s V-Twin-engined superbikes, the Fllow features a patented magnesium monocoque chassis that accommodates a 400V 10kWh Li-ION battery pack in a magnesium housing that can be completely recharged in just 30 minutes when using a (CCS Type 2) Supercharger. The Fllow is kicked along by a proprietary rear wheel-mounted motor that allows the bike to put down an absolutely ludicrous 553ft-lbs of torque.

Style: Futuristic Standard

Power: 48HP & 553FT-LBS

Weight: 400LBS

Top Speed: 85MPH

0-60MPH Time: 2.7 Seconds

Range: 150 Miles

Purchase: $10,995

Cake Kalk&

The Kalk is the result of Swedish startup, Cake, setting out to create the ultimate, spare-no-expense, lightweight, high-performance electric dirtbike. And after the immense success of the original model, the Cake was prompted to roll out a fully-street-legal version of the two-wheeler known as the Kalk& which retains the wildly impressive performance prowess of the off-road-only Kalk, along with its top-shelf array of hardware and componentry including an extruded, forged, and CNC-machined 6061 aluminum chassis, premium Öhlins suspension front and back, and bespoke forged and machined wheels, just to name a few.

Style: E-Dual-Sport

Power: 13.4HP & 186FT-LBS

Weight: 174LBS

Top Speed: 56MPH

0-60MPH Time: N/A

Range: 51 Miles

Purchase: $14,000

Trevor Motorcycles DTRe Stella

Constructed around a custom-designed frame from renowned Belgian custom bike builders, Workhorse Speedshop, the Trevor FTR Stella is an all-electric full-on,competition-grade flat track race bike that generates almost 200ft-lbs of instantly accessible torque at the rear wheel. Also offered in a road-going variant with headlights, indicators, a plate holder, and a front brake, the FTR Stella is comprised of some of the finest aftermarket parts available such as AFAM chain and sprockets, Haan wheels shod in Dunlop flat track tires, Öhlins suspension, Beringer brakes, and Domino bars.

Style: Flat Tracker

Power: & 192FT-LBS

Weight: 174LBS

Top Speed: 55MPH

0-60MPH Time: N/A

Range: 1.5 Hours

Purchase: $14,495+

Cleveland Speedshop Falcon BLK

After spending a decade offering custom-inspired small-displacement bikes, Cleveland CycleWerks has released its first-ever EV model with its Falcon (now operating under the banner of Cleveland SpeedShop). Assembled by hand in Cleveland, Ohio, the 4.6kWh Falcon BLK is brimming with machined billet componentry — including the triple tree, rear-sets, and many of the cases and brackets — as well as a handful of 3D-printed parts, plus features a Pixy Power operating system that allows the BLK-spec Falcon to reach speeds of 85mph.

Style: Neo-Retro Standard

Power: 17.5HP & 29FT-LBS

Weight: 150LBS

Top Speed: 85MPH

0-60MPH Time: N/A

Range: 160 Miles (W/ Eco Mode, 100 Miles Normal Mode)

Purchase: $14,995+

E-Racer Rugged eBike

The E-Racer RUGGED is a ridiculously hardwearing, military-grade recon bike that’s based on Zero’s already-capable FXS model. Tipping the scales at just under 300lbs, the bike features a custom structural aluminum square-stock chassis with integrated lift-hooks for heli-drops, custom kevlar and carbon fiber bodywork sprayed with ultra-rugged Line-X ballistic armor coating, a triple Poliessoidal LED headlight supplemented by 12 Eagle Eye LED perimeter lights and illuminated ‘Rugged’ badges, a Poly Chain HTD Carbon belt drive, a 3D-printed nylon and Alcantara MX-style seat, one-off Barkbusters, a skid-plate, and ballistic-taped Showa suspension that’s been paired with an AirTender kit.

Style: E-Dual-Sport

Power: 46HP & 78FT-LBS

Weight: 298LBS

Top Speed: 85MPH

0-60MPH Time: 3.3 Seconds

Range: 100 Miles

Purchase: $15,635

Tactica T-Race M

Made by boutique Italian firm, Tactica, the T-RACE M is another ultra-high-performance electric dirtbike that’s been bestowed with a factory supermoto configuration with 17” wheels shod in sticky sweet rubber and tighter suspension. Sold with optional carbon fiber and Kevlar bodywork and produced with the choice of three motors (11, 27, & 34kW), the proton-powered motard packs a PMAC motor drawing from a 9kWh LI-PO Lithium Polymer battery and a single shell chrome-molybdenum frame paired with Mupo suspension and Brembo brakes fore and aft, though one of the hooligan machine’s biggest selling points is the fact that it’s equipped with a manual five-speed gearbox (operated via a hydraulic clutch with a Brembo master cylinder).

Style: Supermoto

Power: Up To 45.6HP & 63FT-LBS

Weight: 370LBS

Top Speed: 105MPH

0-60MPH Time: N/A

Range: 70 Miles

Purchase: $17,215+

Zero SR/F

First unveiled in early 2019, the SR/F represented a major step forward for Zero in terms of bot raw performance and aesthetic design. At the heart of the sport naked is Zero’s own in-house-developed ZF75-10 motor and ZF14.4 lithium-ion battery which are regulated via the California company’s CYPHER III proprietary operating system and allow the SR/F to afford some seriously impressive performance. Other noteworthy elements on the SR/F include a myriad of ride modes, a TFT display, Bosch’s Motorcycle Stability Control, and connectivity to a smartphone app to review performance metrics, battery info, bike status and alerts, and over-the-air system and firmware upgrades. Zero also produces this model in a fully-faired SR/S-spec.

Style: Sport Naked

Power: 110HP & 140FT-LBS

Weight: 485LBS

Top Speed: 124MPH

0-60MPH Time: 3.7 Seconds

Range: 200 Miles (W/ Optional Power Tank, 161 Miles W/O)

Purchase: $18,995+

Damon Hypersport SX

Rather than focusing on the development of a powertrain, BC-based startup, Damon Motorcycles opted to utilize Zero’s cutting-edge motor and battery in order to put their resources into revolutionizing two-wheeled safety and connectivity. Outfitted with an array of high-definition cameras and AI-enabled 360°-scanning onboard smart sensors, the fledgling firm’s mid-tier SX model delivers remarkable performance capabilities in a decidedly sleek package that puts a modern spin on traditional superbike designs. The SX also boasts adjustable handlebar and rear-set positioning, allowing the rider to go from an upright stance to an aggressive fully-tucked rider triangle on the fly. Damon does offer a top-spec 200hp version of the bike (and a cheaper entry-level model), though dollar-for-dollar the SX is the best of the lot.

Purchase: $19,995

Tarform Luna

A thoroughly contemporary and top-shelf take on a cafe racer motorcycle with a sustainable twist, the Tarform Luna Racer beautifully blends technology with tradition. Built around a hand-fabricated trellis frame, the Luna Racer is fitted with bodywork made from a biodegradable flax seed weave-reinforced composite and recycled aluminum. In addition to premium ISR brakes and Öhlins suspension and 18” billet aluminum (or spoked) wheels, Tarform’s powertrain is comprised of a 41kw motor linked to a 10kwh battery pack with a 3.3kw on-board charger. A Bluetooth-connected 3.4” HD display, blindspot detection with haptic feedback, three ride modes, regenerative braking, keyless proximity ignition, and an 80° rearview camera are all standard fare, as well.

Style: Cafe Racer

Power: 55HP

Weight: 440LBS

Top Speed: 90MPH

0-60MPH Time: 3.8 Seconds

Range: 120 Miles

Purchase: $24,000+

Energica EGO+ RS

Taking firsthand experience from acting as the sole bike supplier for the all-electric MotoE race series, Energica’s now offering an RS-spec of its already incredibly potent and razor-sharp EGO superbike, bestowing the Italian made EV with tweaks to the Vehicle Control Unit, a modified drive train, a lighter, newly designed 21.5 kWh lithium-ion battery with 62% more capacity, and new mapping and parameterization collectively unlock even better acceleration and top speed. Other noteworthy bits include six-level traction control, cruise control, four ride modes, top-of-the-line suspension, Bosch switchable ABS, Brembo brakes, a 4.3” TFT display with connectivity to the ENERGICA CONNECTED RIDE app, RS decals, and an optional replica MotoE “Sport Black” race livery.

Style: Superbike

Power: 145HP & 159FT-LBS

Weight: 568LBS

Top Speed: 150MPH

0-60MPH Time: 2.6 Seconds

Range: 250 City Miles (143 Combined)

Purchase: $25,310+

Verge TS

The Verge TS is undoubtedly one of the most unique ebikes on the market, with a futuristic-looking hubless rear wheel configuration that packs an integrated rim motor generating an ungodly 737ft-lbs of torque. Equipped with Pirelli Diablo tires, Brembo brakes, and Ohlins suspension, the TS combines traits from streetfighters and cruisers with its sharp angular bodywork, aggressive lines, and noticeably low seat height. Offering up to 186 miles of autonomy on a single charge, the hyper-cruiser’s battery is on the heavy side, though a 15-minute charge affords more than 60 additional miles of range.

Style: Hyper-Cruiser

Power: 107HP & 737FT-LBS

Weight: 496LBS

Top Speed: 112MPH

0-60MPH Time: 3.9 Seconds

Range: 186 City Miles (125 Freeway Miles)

Purchase: $29,475

Harley-Davidson Livewire

The Harley-Davidson Motor Company has increasingly been branching out into novel product spaces as of late with its line of electric bicycles, its first-ever adventure bike, and its fully electric street-fighter, the Livewire. Unlike Harley’s typical two-wheeled wares which are heavily rooted in tradition, the Livewire is a thoroughly modern affair, sporting a slew of premium running gear and a host of cutting-edge technology including connectivity to the Harley-Davidson smartphone app, the MoCo’s suite of Reflex Defensive Rider Systems, four standard modes (rain, range, road, sport), and a trio of modes that can be customized by the rider.

Style: Sport Naked

Power: 105HP & 86FT-LBS

Weight: 549LBS

Top Speed: 110MPH

0-60MPH Time: 3.1 Seconds

Range: 146 Miles

Purchase: $29,799

Lightning LS-218

Named after its record-setting land-speed record of 218mph, the Lightning LS-218 represents the absolute pinnacle of two-wheeled EV performance — despite being more than half a decade old. Lightning’s high-performance superbike was also piloted to a new outright course record at the 2013 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb where it utterly destroyed the previous record by an enormous margin. Unsurprisingly, the LS-218’s cutting-edge (and wildly potent) powertrain is matched by some equally impressive pieces of running gear, giving the machine cornering and stopping abilities that are on-par with its speed and acceleration. We should however note that there are rumors of some fishy behavior allegedly going on at the company, so we suggest doing some research on the brand before dropping nearly $40K on one of their bikes.

Style: Superbike

Power: 200HP & 168FT-LBS

Weight: 495LBS

Top Speed: 218MPH

0-60MPH Time: 2.2 Seconds

Range: Up To 180 Miles

Purchase: $38,888+

Curtiss the ONE

From the team behind luxury marque, Confederate Motorcycles, Curtiss is a fledgling EV outfit that’s just as elite as its predecessor and boasts no-less innovative designs, as wonderfully evidenced by the company’s the ONE model. This rolling work of art features a wildly advanced aircraft-inspired Triple Load Path monocoque frame that utilizes a cantilevered bullet-shaped “Power Pak” battery pack setup as the structural backbone of the framework and has been outfitted with equally trick carbon fiber wheels, aluminum and carbon fiber girder-style front-end, an insanely elaborate rear-suspension and linkage setup, and a proprietary powertrain that is expected to eventually be able to achieve as much as 217hp and 272ft-lbs of torque.

Style: Neo-Retro Cruiser

Power: 120HP & 147FT-LBS

Weight: 425LBS

Top Speed: N/A

0-60MPH Time:

Range: 280 Miles

Purchase: $81,000+

The best electric motorcycles you can buy

“It’ll be too loud, too dangerous. Nobody’s gonna want to buy that.” This is what Arthur Davidson said about a bigger, stronger, faster motorbike, according to the miniseries Harley and the Davidsons. Throttle forward a century, and now there are nearly 10 million registered motorcycles in the United States. The industry faces completely opposite doubts as electric motorcycles begin to enter the market. People are saying they will be too quiet, too weak, and you won’t get far enough on a battery charge. Come take a look at the best electric motorcycles to change your perception.

Looking for something rugged? Electric dirt bikes buyer’s guide and best models

Electric motorcycle technology continues to evolve, and some of these new bikes could surprise you. The new breed of electric motorbikes may be quiet, but they are not really weak or limited to short ranges. They do tend to be noticeably pricier than their gas-guzzling counterparts, though.

Regardless, if you are ready to dump the pump, here are some of the best electric motorcycles out there.

The best electric motorcycles

Harley-Davidson LiveWire

The Harley-Davidson LiveWire has been a tantalizing concept for years. Now it’s a reality, but it isn’t cheap starting at $29,799. Regardless, it marks a new era for Harley-Davidson. Not to mention, we have seen plenty of enthusiasts pay more for their Harleys.

The Harley-Davidson LiveWire looks tough, but you may also notice the aesthetic language has evolved to a more sporty one. This is likely due to Harley-Davidson’s attempt to attract newer generations, which they have been struggling with.

Though fully electric, the Harley-Davidson LiveWire is no slouch. It can go from 0-60mph in three rapid seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 95mph. Range is not the best at 146 city miles, but it is also not half bad, especially considering it can be fully charged in one hour using standard DC fast charging.

Harley Davidson LiveWire key specs:

Range (city): 146 miles (235km)

146 miles (235km) Top speed: 95mph (153km/h)

95mph (153km/h) Torque: 86ft-lb (116.6Nm)

86ft-lb (116.6Nm) Power: 105hp (78kW)

105hp (78kW) Weight: 549lb (249kg)

Harley Davidson LiveWire price:

$29,799

Pursang E-Track

Pursang may be a relatively new brand, but the company is actually rebirthing a classic motocross bike from 1967. This motorcycle comes with a new twist and an 11kW Bosch motor with a trio of batteries for 7.2KWh of juice, which gives it plenty of power and capacity to take on the streets. It also comes with a gorgeous cafe racer-style design motorcycle enthusiasts will love.

The Pursang E-Track can go for 140km on a single charge, and its top speed reaches 120km/h. It’s a serious bike with a serious price, as it costs €13,700. And while it doesn’t seem like it, the electric motorcycle is made to accommodate two people.

You can’t buy the Pursang E-Track just yet, but you can reserve yours and the first units will be shipped in 2021.

Pursang E-Track key specs:

Range (city): 87 miles (140km)

87 miles (140km) Top speed: 74.6mph (120kmh)

74.6mph (120kmh) Torque: N/A

N/A Power: 15hp (11kW)

15hp (11kW) Weight: 324.1lbs (147kg)

Pursang E-Track price:

€13,700

Johammer J1 200 electric motorcycle

The Johammer J1 200 has to be one of the most interesting motorcycles we have ever seen. It’s… cute? Weird? Let’s settle with unique, and that is exactly why we like it. This is not simply a motorcycle with a replaced mechanism — it’s a new breed.

Johammer decided to move away from traditional bike designs, simply because it could. There is no longer a muffler to worry about, or a motor shape. In fact, there are many components manufacturers no longer have to deal with when making electric motorcycles. Not to mention batteries can take many shapes. Why stick with traditional bike forms?

The Johammer J1 is technically a scooter, but it’s not a bad one at that. Speed is electronically limited to 75 mph (120km/h), which is good enough for most highways, and range is estimated at 124 miles (200km). The Johammer J1 is a bit pricey at €24,900, but it’s a unique bike that is sure to start a conversation or two.

Johammer J1 200 key specs:

Range: 124 miles (200km)

124 miles (200km) Top speed: 75mph (120km/h)

75mph (120km/h) Torque: 14ft-lb (19Nm)

14ft-lb (19Nm) Power: 21.5hp (16kW)

21.5hp (16kW) Weight: 390lb (178kg)

Johammer J1 200 price:

€24,900

Zero FXS

The Zero FXS is one of the company’s best electric motorcycles and comes with a more accessible price tag attached. You can definitely see that reflected in the specs, though. The FXS has a 50-mile range and has a top speed of 85mph. The vehicle can produce 78ft-lb of torque and the unit weighs 251lbs. You can get an additional battery, but it will cost significant cash.

Regardless, many will like the rugged style and high suspension length. The Zero FXS is a street-legal bike, but it can definitely be taken off-road too.

Zero FXS key specs:

Range: Up to 50 miles (80km) or 100 miles with an extra battery (161km)

Up to 50 miles (80km) or 100 miles with an extra battery (161km) Top speed: 85mph (137km/h)

85mph (137km/h) Torque: 78ft-lb (106Nm)

78ft-lb (106Nm) Power: 27hp (20kW)

27hp (20kW) Weight: 251lbs (114kg)

Zero SR price:

$8,995

Zero SR/S

Zero is known for its minimalist naked and adventure-style bikes, but they now have a bike with a sports body that will definitely get many of you riled up. It looks every bit as good as the super-motos and is definitely one of the best electric motorcycles out there.

The Zero SR/S can reach speeds of up to 124mph (200km/h), and the range can go as high as 200 miles (320km) (with a power tank). In good electric fashion, torque is plentiful at 140ft-lb, and it even comes with Pirelli tires stock. All these goodies will cost you at least $19,995.

Zero SR/S key specs:

Range: Up to 200 miles with added Power Tank, 161 miles otherwise

Up to 200 miles with added Power Tank, 161 miles otherwise Top speed: 124mph (199.6km/h)

124mph (199.6km/h) Torque: 140ft-lb (189.8Nm)

140ft-lb (189.8Nm) Power: 110hp (52kW)

110hp (52kW) Weight: 505lbs (229kg)

Zero SR/S price:

$19,995

Lightning LS-218

The Lightning LS-218 is the world’s fastest production electric motorcycle and it is, frankly, ludicrous. It comes with 150 kW of power, so the electric equivalent of 200 bhp and 168lb/ft of torque. That’s more than BMW’s all-conquering, fossil-fuel burning S 1000 RR. It is also a few pounds lighter at 495lb.

The end result is a bike that can storm through the 60mph mark in two seconds and leave almost anything on the road trailing in its non-toxic wake. This has become one of the flagbearers for electric power, and it even made a powerful impression on Jay Leno.

The 218 mph top speed is a conservative estimate based on the speed the bike actually achieved on the Bonneville Salt Flats. Now, with a number of new developments on the final production bike, the manufacturer claims it could be even faster.

The LS-218 is almost too much bike for the public road. It’s a race motorcycle with plates, and it isn’t for a novice or the faint of heart. It is, though, an awesome machine and we should celebrate its mere existence. This is definitely one of the best electric motorcycles around, if not the very best. It will cost you, though. Prices start at $38,888 and can go up to a whopping $46,888.

Lightning LS-218 key specs:

Range (highway): 100 miles (160km)

100 miles (160km) Top speed: 218mph (350km/h)

218mph (350km/h) Torque: 168ft-lb (227Nm)

168ft-lb (227Nm) Power: 200hp (149kW)

200hp (149kW) Weight: 495lb (224kg)

Lightning LS-218 price:

$38,888-$46,888

Damon Hypersport Premier

Sports bikes fanatics will love the Damon Hypersport Premier. It has the looks to turn heads on any street, as well as the guts to speed through any highway. This thing is a beast, and it’s definitely one of the best electric motorcycles you can find.

This machine can be taken up to 200mph and has a whopping 200hp. The 200-mile range is also no joke. Not to mention it can get from 0-60mph in under three seconds. You also get other high specs like Brembo brakes, Ohlins suspension, 4G connectivity, and a single-sided swingarm. It even has cameras and neat features like collision detection and warnings. Not only that, but the pegs and handlebar can be moved in order to accommodate different riding positions.

All of this awesomeness will cost you, though. The Damon Hypersport Premier costs nearly $40,000.

Damon Hypersport Premier key specs:

Range: 200 miles (322km)

200 miles (322km) Top speed: 200mph (322km/h)

200mph (322km/h) Torque: 147ft-lb (199Nm)

147ft-lb (199Nm) Power: 200hp (149kW)

200hp (149kW) Weight: 440lbs (200kg)

Lightning Strike price:

$39,995

Energica Ego Plus

The Energica Ego Plus looks like a million bucks, and it performs like even more. This Italian superbike is all sharp angles and flat surfaces rather than the traditional curves. It looks modern and will stand out from the crowd.

The original Energica Ego was one of the first serious electric motorbikes and it was designed by a team of Le Mans and F1 engineers that specialize in rapid prototyping for the big teams. This newer, improved version is even better. It can reach 150mph, is pulled by 145hp, and has 159 ft-lb of torque. Max range is also amazing at 250 miles. That’s some real power.

Energica Ego Plus key specs:

Range: Up to 200 miles (321.9 km)

Up to 200 miles (321.9 km) Top speed: 150 mph (241.4 km/h)

150 mph (241.4 km/h) Torque: 159 ft-lb (215 Nm)

159 ft-lb (215 Nm) Power: 145 hp (108.1 kW)

145 hp (108.1 kW) Weight: N/A

Energica Ego Plus price:

$23,870

Tarform Luna

Here’s another high-end electric motorcycle for cafe racer-style enthusiasts. The Tarform Luna takes on the whole look, while also innovating with the latest technology.

The 120-mile range is good enough for casual riding but if you need to charge up it can go from 0% to 80% in just 50 minutes. It can reach 60mph in just 3.8 seconds, and top speeds reach over 90mph.

There are some great smart features to keep your ride more enjoyable and safe. For example, the display can connect to your smartphone via Bluetooth for better control and monitoring. The bike has blind spot detection with haptic feedback. You can enjoy keyless proximity ignition. Not to mention the 180-degree rear-view camera.

Tarform Luna key specs:

Range: Up to 120 miles (193 km)

Up to 120 miles (193 km) Top speed: 90 mph (145 km/h)

90 mph (145 km/h) Torque: N/A

N/A Power: 55 hp (41 kW)

55 hp (41 kW) Weight: 440lbs (200kg)

Tarform Luna price:

$24,000

Cake Kalk&

The Cake Kalk& looks like it’s coming from the future, although it’s pretty pedestrian when it comes to raw power. Street-legal but unafraid of the dirt track, this cool electric motorbike is designed to be the all-rounder you can commute with during the week and the rip the dirt during the weekends.

The Kalk& is available from €14,000, which is not exactly cheap; at least you can have it within as little as one week after your order. The top speed of 56 mph and range of 51 miles are just enough, if all you want is a fun commuter bike.

Cake Kalk& key specs:

Range: Up to 51 miles (83 km)

Up to 51 miles (83 km) Top speed: 56mph (90km/h)

56mph (90km/h) Torque: N/A

N/A Power: 13 hp (10 kW)

13 hp (10 kW) Weight: 174 lbs (79kg)

Cake Kalk& price:

€14,000 ($16,500)

Sondors Metacycle

Sondors is a well-known manufacturer of electric bicycles, but now the company is setting its sights on electric motorcycles and even an electric car. The Sondors Metacycle is the first result of this expansion effort, and it looks great.

The highlight of the Sondors Metacycle is its distinctive cast aluminum “exo-frame” that offers an easily accessible low profile. With its 20hp (14.5kW) power motor and 4kWh battery, the Metacycle can take you 80 miles on a single charge at a top speed of 80mph (130km/h). The torque goes up to 130 ft-lbs and the weight of the bike is around 200lbs (90kg).

The Metacycle may not be the most powerful electric motorcycle on the road, but it’s among the more accessible ones – currently in the pre-order stage, the bike will set you back just $5,000. The current delivery calendar claims orders will ship from Q4 of this year.

Sondors Metacycle key specs:

Range: 80+ miles (139 km)

80+ miles (139 km) Top speed: 80mph (130km/h)

80mph (130km/h) Torque: 80 ft-lbs

80 ft-lbs Power: 11-20 hp (8-14.5 kW)

11-20 hp (8-14.5 kW) Weight: 200 lbs (90kg)

Sondors Metacycle price:

$5,000

Verge TS

The Finnish-made Verge TS hits 111mph (178km/h) and goes 0-60mph in under 4 seconds. It also looks stunning in the process, with its integrated rim motor and angular lines. Besides looking cool, the rim motor delivers huge torque and a maintenance free experience.

The manufacturer claims a range of up to 186 miles (if you only ride through the city), and fast-charging means you can top up 100km of range in just 15 minutes.

Available for pre-order right now, the Verge TS looks like the complete package — a stylish, hella-fast motorcycle that also happens to be green.

Verge TS key specs:

Range: 186 miles (300 km)

186 miles (300 km) Top speed: 111 mph (178km/h)

111 mph (178km/h) Torque: 737 ft-lbs

737 ft-lbs Power: 107 hp (80 kW)

107 hp (80 kW) Weight: 496 lbs (224kg)

Verge TS price:

€24,990 ($27,500)

Also read: Our electric motorcycle buyer’s guide – Everything you need to know before you make a buy

This completes our look at some of the best electric motorcycles that can be ordered right now. Stay tuned for updates and let us know what your favorite is.