Top 15 Electric Motorcycles In 2022
With gas prices at an all-time high, this is probably the best time to go electric, and one of these electric motorcycles will do the job right!
Love them or hate them, electric motorcycles are fast becoming a reality. From daily commuters to enduro and race bikes, we’ve seen all kinds of electric bikes hit the road over the past couple of years, and it’s about time we accept that we’ll have to eventually switch to one soon too. Lucky for us, there’s a vast array of electric bikes catering to riders of all shapes, sizes, and kinds. Here are our top 15 picks in the e-motorcycle space.
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Super Soco TC - $5,250
Super Soco Side profile of a green Super Soco TC
As much as we love high-performance bikes, an electric motorcycle will probably spend most of its life in the city. And, this is why the Super Soco TC is on our list. The Super Soco TC not only looks retro in a stylish way, but it also makes for a great commuter electric bike. With a top speed of 75 mph, it comes with a 45 Ah (2.7 kWh) battery pack, claiming an impressive range of 60 miles, which is more than enough for city duties. Meanwhile, features like LED lights, an anti-theft alarm, keyless ignition, and a semi-digital instrument cluster top off the package.
Pursang E-Tracker - $9,425
If the more modern styling excesses of electric motorcycles are too much for you (and your wallet won't stretch to a Curtiss One!) and what you really feel you need is a flat-track-inspired electric bike, then the Pursang is the best ev motorcycle for you. Taking its name from an old Bultaco model, the Pursang E-Tracker is a relatively normal-looking electric motorcycle, featuring a tubular chrome-moly tubed frame and carbon-fiber bodywork. The range is quoted as 87 miles, but recharge time is a bloated six hours, which rules it out for any sort of competition riding, if that was ever a goal. It boasts a full-color TFT display that shows speed, range, riding mode, engine power regeneration, and of course, battery life. It even features smartphone connectivity and can be connected via the Bosch mobile app.
Fuell Fllow - $10,995
Fuell Front three-quarters shot of a Fuell Fllow
From the fertile engineering brain of Erik Buell comes the Fuell Fllow. Featuring a magnesium monocoque chassis and housing for the battery, the electric motor is housed in the rear wheel and produces a frankly astonishing 553 pound-feet of torque! Twist the throttle on this, and you don't move forward, the earth rotates underneath you. The top speed is limited to 55 mph, with 85 mph available for short bursts for overtaking. Regenerative braking is employed, and using a CCS Type 2 charger gives you a full charge in 30 minutes. There is 1.76 cubic feet of storage in what used to be the fuel tank, which Fuell claims can take a full-face helmet and a soft bag. Unusually for Buell, he has not fitted the rim-mounted brake rotors that were such a feature of his petrol-powered sports bikes. It is one of the best electric motorcycles you can get yourself.
Related: Endless Juice: The Mokwheel Basalt E-Bike Is A Power Bank On Two Wheels
Cake Kalk& - $14,000
Cake Side shot of a Cake Kalk&
The good thing about electric motorcycles is that there are plenty of start-up companies that are manufacturing new models that have no corporate design language to adhere to and the results are refreshingly different. Swedish company Cake set out to create the ultimate, spare-no-expense, lightweight, high-performance electric dirtbike. Having done this, it then turned its attention to a street-legal version. The oddly-named Kalk& is the result, and you could be forgiven for thinking it is a glorified bicycle, such is its skimpy design and construction. Skimpy it might be, but there is nothing skimpy about the specification: extruded, forged, and CNC-machined 6061 aluminum chassis, Öhlins suspension front and back, and bespoke forged and machined wheels. It's not cheap, but if you are looking for personal transport that is light and agile, then the Cake might just be what you are looking for.
Livewire Del Mar S2 - $15,000
Livewire Side profile shot of a Livewire Del Mar
The second model from Livewire is significantly cheaper than the Livewire One and is an important electric motocycle for the brand, which is looking to set sail towards its ambitious sales targets as soon as possible - 100,000 examples by 2026, quite a step up from the 387 copies globally in 2021! Designed around a modular chassis platform called Arrow, the Del Mar is the first of a series of models that will be released in the coming years and is certainly aimed squarely at the mass market of electric bikes. The platform includes batteries, electronics, a motor, and can have different steering heads and swing arms bolted to it to create the different variants. The S2 models are the middleweights, while S3 will be smaller and S4 larger. It is due to arrive in showrooms in early 2023. The power output is a claimed 80 horsepower, while it weighs in at 440 pounds. The range is expected to be 100 miles and no recharge time has been quoted.
Damon Hyperfighter - $19,000 - $35,000
Do you like sporty naked motorcycles? Let us introduce you to the newly launched Damon Hyperfighter. Unveiled in early 2022, the Damon Hyperfighter is an epic all-electric naked motorcycle that has a rather striking design. This radical design is complemented by equally striking numbers including a peak power of 200 horsepower, 170 mph top speed, and a 146-mile claimed range. The bike also packs a unique Shift technology, that lets the rider adjust the handlebar and footpeg position on the fly, along with 360-degree cameras to warn the rider about potentially dangerous objects and vehicles.
Related: Every Zero Electric Motorcycle Ranked by Price
Zero SR/F - $20,095
Zero Motorcycles Studio shot of Zero SR/F
Looking for a do-it-all emotorcycle? Well, we believe it’s the Zero SR/F. Sure, its price of nearly $21,000 isn’t for everyone, but this is one of the most well-sought-after e-bikes out there. Allow me to explain. For starters, the Zero SR/F is probably the most ‘normal-looking' bike in this list, meaning you’ll instantly feel at home with it. Next, it comes equipped with a powerful motor-battery combo that has a claimed top speed and range of 124 mph and 156 miles, respectively. This ensures you’ll have plenty of power to have fun while steering clear of range anxiety. Then, you have high-quality underpinnings comprising fully adjustable Showa Big Piston forks and Showa monoshock, alongside Pirelli Rosso III tires. Finally, the Zero SR/F comes with all modern-day features like ride modes, TFT instrumentation, smartphone connectivity, LED lighting, and even a stability control from Bosch.
Harley-Davidson LiveWire - $21,999
Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Harley-Davidson's All-Electric LiveWire orange
Back in 2019, Harley-Davidson took the wraps off the LiveWire, the bike-makers first production electric bike. Roughly three years on, the LiveWire still remains one of the best electric bikes out there, especially if you have a hard time trusting less established companies. The Harley-Davidson LiveWire features a likable design, which shouts Harley in its own special way while promising a familiar torquey riding experience, too. Of course, there is no glass-shattering rumble here, but you do get 100 horsepower and 84 pound-feet of torque, right on par with Harley’s ICE bikes. Plus, all this power is instantly available and monitored by a handful of electronics to ensure you stay upright. The LiveWire boasts a claimed range of 146 miles and a top speed of 95 mph, both more than enough for most riders.
Tarform Luna - $24,000
Tarform Side shot of a Tarform Luna
The main point of EVs is to offer a sustainable means of getting around and if that’s your motive too, it doesn’t get any more eco-friendly than the Tarform Luna. I say this because nearly 55-percent of the bike’s parts are 3D-printed from recycled materials like pineapple-leaf fibers and recycled aluminum. But, Tarform didn’t stop there and threw in an impressive motor and battery combo which gives the bike a claimed range of 120 miles and a top speed of 120 mph. Not to forget, this is accompanied by features like a circular digital instrument cluster with an HD display, all-LED lighting, three riding modes, a 180-degree rearview camera, keyless ignition, and smartphone connectivity via Bluetooth.
Related: This Mad Max-Inspired Electric Bike is Beyond Extreme
Evoke 6061 - $24,000
Rarely do we see electric cruiser bikes, but the Evoke 6061 happens to be one of them. However, this isn’t why it’s on this list. You see, the Evoke 6061, while being an e-cruiser, can also charge from zero to 80-percent in JUST 15 minutes! This brings it right on par with gas-powered bikes, considering this is essentially the same amount of time you’d spend topping up your motorcycle at a busy gas station. Before you get suspicious, let us tell you that this isn’t a marketing gimmick achieved by using a tiny battery. In fact, the Evoke 6601 packs a huge 25kWh battery, giving it a range of 360km, which is accompanied by a beefy 120kW motor.
Energica Ego+ - $25,310
Energica Black Energica Ego+ front three-quarters view
If you’re a sportbike fanatic who wants to go electric, the Energica Ego+ is probably THE best electric motorcycle for you. Not only does it offer sport bike-like performance, 170 horsepower and a limited top speed of 150mph, the Ego+ also has a claimed range of 261 miles which is a lot more than your ICE sportbike can manage. Along with this, the Energica Ego+ boasts top-shelf underpinnings comprising a trellis frame, cast aluminum wheels, Marzocchi USD forks, and Brembo brakes at both ends. Not to forget, the Ego+ is also used in the MotoE world championship, so it’s safe to say that the bike is well kitted-out to tackle a racetrack.
Verge TS - Approx. $26,500 (approx.)
Verge Motorcycles Side profile shot of a black Verge TS
One important consequence of the rise of the electric motorcycle is that much of the early development has been undertaken by small and, until now, obscure companies that previously had no presence on the world motorcycling stage. This in turn has led to more innovative engineering solutions than you can shake a stick at. The best example of this is the Norwegian company Verge, whose TS model represents, in its own words, is ‘the future of motorcycle design.’ It’s a bold claim but not without merit. Take a look at the rear wheel: not only is it a hubless design, but the electric motor also forms the rim of the wheel. It’s a startling piece of engineering that is not only much more efficient in terms of transmitting the power to the road, but it also frees up more space in the middle of the motorcycle for the battery pack, the packaging for which can be optimized to give the best weight distribution possible. This means that, despite the weight of the battery pack, the handling of the bike can be just as light and nimble as a conventional internal combustion-engined motorcycle. The figures are quite astonishing: 737 pound-feet (1,000 Nm) of torque is delivered instantaneously directly to the road, with no power-sapping chains or cogs to get in the way. Nor does the motor require cooling fluids or gearbox oils. Four riding modes configure the power delivery to suit your mood or riding requirements and 80-percent charge is available in 35 minutes with the optional DC fast charger and range is quoted as ‘up to 350km (around 220 miles) The Verge TS is yet another example of the direction motorcycle design can take with a clean sheet of paper.
Related: Honda’s First Electric CBR1000RR Is Just As Gorgeous As The Real Deal
Lightning LS-218 - $38,888 to $46,888
Want to smoke gas-powered motorcycles for fun? Then, the Lightning LS-218 is for you. It is the world’s fastest road-going electric motorcycle and the ‘218’ in its name isn’t just any suffix but denotes the bike’s top speed. Yeah, that's right, the Lightning LS-218 can hit a top speed of 218 mph, which is accompanied by its crazy zero to 60 mph dash of 2.2 seconds! These insane power figures are courtesy of the LS-218’s 150-kW motor pumping out 168 pound-feet which draws electricity from a 12kWh battery pack. Complementing this powerhouse are equally impressive underpinnings comprising Ohlins FGRT forks, Ohlins TTX monoshock, and forged aluminum wheels.
Curtiss One - $81,000
Curtiss Side profile shot of a Black Curtiss One
If electric motorcycles equate to expensive in your mind, then you won't be disappointed by the Curtiss One. Created by the team that brought you Confederate Motorcycles, Curtiss (named after Glen Curtiss, one-time holder of the motorcycle land speed record, pioneer aviator, and engineer) is similarly way-out in its design, this time going for the retro-look rather than the hyper modernism of the Confederate. It looks like nothing else out there, with its Art Deco styling cues and advanced engineering and construction techniques. Aluminum and carbon fiber feature strongly here and the powertrain is expected to be able to produce up to 220 horsepower and a monstrous 272 pound-feet of torque. At the moment, the figures are 120 horses and 147 pound-feet, which is still enough to stretch your arms in a most un-vintage manner!
Arc Vector - $117,000 (approx.)
Arc Front end shot of the Arc Vector
Range anxiety is a major concern for most people planning to go electric. But, there’s a radical solution to it, and it’s called the Arc Vector. The bike offers a crazy good range of over 270 miles, and if you still happen to run out of charge, it can be juiced up in just 40 minutes. Apart from this, the bike has a top speed of 124 mph and can get to 60 mph in merely 3.2 seconds. The Arc Vector is built around a unique monocoque chassis featuring Ohlins TTX mono shocks and Brembo Stylema brakes at both ends, making the package ever-so-premium.
FAQ
Q: How much do electric motorcycles cost?
Electric motorcycles start from around $5,000 and go all the way over $100,000. They are more expensive than their petrol-driven equivalents because they are built in relatively small numbers. Expect the price to reduce as they become more popular.
Q: Who makes electric motorcycles
There are many manufacturers that make electric motorcycles, like Zero, Cake, Energica, and Livewire, which is a Harley Davidson brand
Q: How fast are electric motorcycles?
The top speed varies depending on the power of the motor and the size of the batteries. Acceleration is extremely quick as electric motors give all their torque instantly from zero miles per hour. To give you an idea, the fastest electric motorcycle currently is the Lightning LS-218 which takes just 2.2 seconds from 0 to 60 mph and has a top speed of 218 mph.
Q: Why are electric motorcycles so expensive?
Electric motorcycles are expensive due to low production numbers and the development of new technology. They will get cheaper as they become more mainstream.
Q: How long will electric motorcycles last?
Electric motorcycles will last as long as their petrol-powered counterparts. However, batteries generally have a life of around 1,000 charging cycles or up to five years in normal operating conditions.
Q: Does Yamaha have an electric motorcycle?
Yamaha has a range of electric scooters and an electric trials bike but no large electric road motorcycles yet.
Q: What's the fastest electric street-legal motorcycle?
The fastest electric street-legal motorcycle is the Lightning LS-218 with a top speed of 218 mph.
Q: Does Harley Davidson have an electric motorcycle?
Yes, Harley Davidson has electric motorcycles in the form of the Livewire One and Livewire Del Mar models
Q: What is the best electric motorcycle?
That depends on what you are using it for. For town and city use, the best electric motorcycle is the Livewire Del Mar, whereas, for sports bike riding, the Energica or the Lightning would be the best choice.
The Best Electric Motorcycles 2022 - Ultimate Electric Bike Guide
CHOOSING any motorcycle is a tricky task, and the growth of electric bikes has only added to this complication! But choosing the best electric motorcycles for you doesn’t need to be hard, you just need a little bit of insight, into the motorbikes, their capabilities, and their shortcomings.
In this article, we’ll be listing the best electric motorcycles currently available, and updating the list as new bikes get released and we’ve had a chance to ride them. All the electric motorbikes in this guide have been ridden and tested here at Visordown. We’ve also included some we haven’t tested or that are coming soon, but we’ll make it clear when that’s the case..
The Best Electric Motorcycles
Energica Experia: Best Electric Motorcycles overall best buy
Specs and features (claimed – range is combined use)
Range Recharge time Weight Power Torque Price 160 - miles 45-mins (fast) 260kg 102bhp 85lb-ft £27,790
Pros and cons
Pros:
Great range
Excellent handling
Fast recharging
Cons:
Seat comfort isn't great
Screen could be taller
Cruise control is fiddly to use
Launched in 2022, the Energica Experia is the newest platform from the Italian electric motorbike maker, and it represents the biggest leap forward in capability in electric motorcycle design and engineering to date. In short, it is one of the best electric motorcycles you can currently buy.
In a real-world test to North Wales, we found the Experia to be heads and shoulders above not just the other bikes in the Energica range, but the rest of the competition too. It’s a bike that you can honestly ride like a petrol-powered machine, without compromising on the range or, more importantly, the enjoyment of the journey.
It handles exceptionally well on twisty B-roads and motorways alike, and really the only fly in the ointment that we found was slightly compromised long-distance comfort.
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More information on the bike can be found on Energica Experia’s site here.
Full Visordown review: Enerica Experia review
Harley-Davidson LiveWire LiveWire One | Best electric motorcycles styling
Specs and features (claimed – range is combined use)
Range Recharge time Weight Power Torque Price 150 - miles 60-mins (fast) 255kg 105bhp 84lb-ft £28,995
Pros and cons
Pros:
Great looking
Probably the best handling Harley-Davidson ever made
Zero to 100mph acceleration is mind-boggling
Cons:
No weather protection
Expensive to buy
OEM tyres are not the best
The Harley-Davidson Livewire is one of the most ambitious models from America’s most famous motorcycle manufacturer. It not only showed Harley was serious about a more sustainable future, but that it was setting out its stall with the ambition of becoming a big name in the world of electric motorcycles.
The first prototypes were unveiled in 2014, although it wasn’t until 2019 that the bike was officially released to the press and public. And the LiveWire didn’t disappoint. With claimed class-leading range and recharge times, the LiveWire proved that when a historic brand like Harley puts its mind to something, it can achieve the desired results.
And it wasn’t just the stats and specs that impressed, out on the road the LiveWire was a revelation to ride. It handled better than any H-D bike had before, and, more importantly, allowed you to ride it like a petrol-powered bike without forsaking that all-important range.
Harley also pulled off a neat trick with its first electric bike, by designing something that appealed to died-in-the-wool Harley fans and early adopters of electric motorbikes.
More information on the bike can be found here.
Full Visordown review: Harley-Davidson LiveWire review
Zero DSR/X | Best big ADV bike with off-road spec
Specs and features (claimed – range is combined use)
Range Recharge time Weight Power Torque Price 111 - miles 60-mins (fast) 247kg 100 bhp 166 lb-ft £24,150
Pros and cons
Pros:
A tourer you can take off-road
Electric fun on the open road
Constant wireless updates via Cypher III+
Cons:
Brakes & engine braking leave a bit to be desired when pushing on
Plenty of ride mode tweaking potential, but not a huge difference between standard set modes
Should modern bikes require old-fashioned chocks to park on a hill?
The Zero DSR/X is the latest machine from California-based Zero Motorcycles, and has been recipient to over 100,000 hours of development time since 2018 to develop, what Zero hope, is the most important & ambitious electric motorcycle to date.
Certainly a large motorcycle in stature (both tall and 247 kg on the foot), the DSR/X features an all-new Z-Force 75-10X motor with 225 Nm of torque and peak power of 100 bhp. It’s also fitted with the new Z-Force 17.3 kWh lithium power pack with quoted range of 111 miles combined, 85 miles highway, and 180 miles in the city.
Where the DSR/X distinguishes itself from the pack is in it’s off-road prowess, granted off-road specific traction control and rider modes, allowing you to take the less-trodden path on your adventure - though, we’d recommend the right boots if planning a detour. The standard on-road tyres will spin up at a mere breath of throttle when the going gets a tad dusty.
More information on the bike can be found here.
Have a read of the full Visordown review: Zero DSR/X review.
Energica Eva Ribelle (RS) | Best electric motorcycles naked catergory
Specs and features (claimed – range is combined use)
Range Recharge time Weight Power Torque Price 123 - miles 40-mins (fast) 260kg 171bhp 159lb-ft £27,540
Pros and cons
Pros:
Stylish design
Top spec chassis components
Agressive handling dynamics
Cons:
TFT dash is a bit dated in design
Not the most comfortable bike to ride
Cruise control is fiddly to use
The Energica Eva Ribelle RS might not be the newest platform on this list, but it’s a heavily updated bike from one of the older electric motorcycle manufacturers, and for that it simply can’t be ignored.
The RS version of the Ribelle boasts greater acceleration than the stock Eva and Eva Ribelle, while still featuring the same top-spec components from Öhlins and Brembo. With an in-built charging system that supports fast charging, an 80% recharge time can be achieved in as little as 40-minutes, putting real-world usability closer than with many of the current crop of electric motorbikes.
Out on the road, the Eva Ribelle RS is a physical machine to hustle, providing the pilot with an old-school riding experience that rewards grabbing the bike by the scruff of the neck on a twisty B-road. It’s not the most finessed machine here, but it’s a rewarding experience, nonetheless.
More information on the bike can be found here.
Full Visordown review: Enerigca Eva Ribelle RS review
Zero SR/F best electric motorcycles for commuting
Specs and features (claimed – range is combined use)
Range Recharge time Weight Power Torque Price 124 - miles 2.5-hrs (fast) 227kg 110bhp 140lb-ft £16,490
Pros and cons
Pros:
Lightweight (for an electric)
Very easy to ride
Good value (compared to some of the competition)
Cons:
Some of the finish and detailing is a bit cheap
Range when you hammer it drops significantly
Fast recharge times come at a price!
Zero is one of the first electric-only motorcycle manufacturers having been founded in 2006. Its range covers naked bikes, sports and touring models, adventure, enduro and standard commuters. The Zero SR/F though was the firm’s first crack at the premium naked bike sector.
It features an upgraded battery, and motor, and an all-new for the model Cypher III+ control unit. On top of that it gained Bosch Motorcycle Stability Control system, meaning it boasts corning ABS too.
Comparing the SR/F to it predecessors is like comparing a Nintendo 64 to a PlayStation 5, it was and still is a much more complete motorcycle. It handled better on the road, had more premium suspension and brakes and boasted styling that was more than a match for its petrol-powered competitors. It also featured better range and recharging times than anything Zero had produced before, although to unlock its maximum range and fastest recharge times, you’d be looking at spending a fair chunk more money on add-ons and range extending battery packs.
More information on the bike can be found here.
Full Visordown review: Zero SR/F review
Maeving RM1 | Best electric motorcycles for city riding
Specs and features (claimed – range is combined use)
Range Recharge time Weight Power Torque Price 80 miles 4-hrs (fast) 98kg 5.9bhp 118lb-ft £4,995
Pros and cons
Pros:
Super lightweight
Removable batteries make charging a doddle
Great looking retro styling
Cons:
Brakes are easy to lock up
Range varies wildly based on size and weight of the rider
Ignition indicator can be obscured by the speedo
The Maeving RM1 the first electric motorcycle from the brand new Coventry-based motorcycle maker. It’s very easy to ride and perfectly suited to city rides. It has a claimed maximum range of around 80 miles, although under normal conditions a more realistic number would be between 55 and 65 miles.
It’s one of the best-looking small-capacity electric motorcycles currently for sale, taking inspiration from the many classic motorcycles built in Coventry when the UK motorcycle industry was booming.
More information on the bike can be found here.
You can read the full electric motorcycle review here.
Best Electric Motorcycles | What you need to know
What licence do I need to ride an electric motorcycle?
The simple answer to this question is yes, you will need a motorcycle licence to ride an electric bike in the UK. The licence you will need will be dependent on the type of electric motorcycle you want to ride. The licence rulings for electric bikes are the same as they are for petrol-powered motorbikes, meaning there are restrictions on the power output of the bike in question, and specific licence types for bikes with no more than 11kW (15bhp), 35kW (47bhp), and unrestricted machines.
L1e-B Electric Scooters And Mopeds
Electric scooters and mopeds with a top speed of no more than 28mph fall into the L1e-B category and are viewed as a 50cc petrol equivalent. Riders must be 16 years or older, and have completed their CBT.
L3e-A1 Electric Motorcycles And Scooters
Above the L1e-B category is L3e-A1 and things get a little more complex. If the bike has no more than 11kW (15bhp), a CBT, theory and practical test are all that are required. If the bike has more than 11kW but not more than 35kW an A2 licence is required - either direct access or stepped/progressively obtained. For bikes that have more than 35kW, a full, unrestricted A licence is required to get out on the road.
Electric motorcycle licence types and requirements
Vehicle License Requirements Minimum Age Up to 11kw A1 CBT, Theory Test, Practical Test 17 Up to 35kW A2 Direct access Progressive access 19 Unrestricted A Direct access route Progressive access route 24 (direct access) 21 (progressive access)
How far can an electric motorcycle go?
The answer to this question is very much dependent on the type of electric motorcycle you are looking at. A cheap and cheerful commuter bike that is designed for nipping around town will likely have much less range than a bigger, more powerful and more expensive machine. Typically smaller commuter bikes and scooters have a range of anything up to 50 miles, sometimes more. The best electric motorcycles, the kind that requires a full, unrestricted A licence, can travel distances of over 100 miles, with some, like the Energica Experia, boasting more than 200 miles in some circumstances.
What insurance do I need for an electric motorcycle?
The insurance for electric motorcycles works in the same way as for petrol-powered bikes. To ride an electric motorcycle on the road, a minimum of third-party-only (TPO) insurance is required. Third-party fire and theft cover includes the same as TPO, and also covers fire, theft and attempted theft. Fully comprehensive insurance will cover all of the above and accidental damage cover (fault claims) as well as usually a host of other benefits.
You should also check out our best motorcycle insurance deals article for more information.
Do electric motorcycles have gears?
Most electric motorcycles on the market are single-speed machines that feature a ‘twist-and-go’ design, much like that found on common scooters. That said, there are some exceptions to the rule. Brammo Empulse R, for instance, built an electric motorcycle that featured a six-speed gearbox with a conventional clutch. KYMCO has also developed an electric bike called the SuperNEX that features a gearbox and clutch. It is though fairly telling that the best electric motorcycles on this list feature a single-speed design.
Can you convert a petrol motorcycle to electric power?
While there are companies out there producing bolt-on kits to convert petrol motorcycles into electric ones, the time taken to make the conversion and the costs involved make this a fairly niche sector. In most cases, saving a little more money and buying a motorcycle already designed and developed as an electric machine is a better way to go.
Why are electric motorbikes so expensive?
Electric motorcycles are an emerging technology and like all emerging technologies, things are a bit more expensive, to begin with. As time passes though as the technology and manufacturing process becomes more ingrained, the price will inevitably come down.
There are though many cost-effective options out there, with some small capacity electric motorcycles costing less than £5,000, and in some cases on a par with their petrol-powered counterparts.
Welsh Motorcycle Tour on Electric Motorcycles | Can you tour on electric bikes?
These are the absolute best electric motorcycles you can get right now
According to Michael Partridge’s “Motorcycle Pioneers,” electric motorcycle development harkens back to the 19th century. During the days when moving mechanical vehicles were first being engineered, bicycle manufacturer Humber showed off an electric tandem bicycle at the 1896 Stanley Cycle Show in London. Like most internal combustion engine designs decades later, the motor sat between the bike’s wheels and ran via storage batteries. Over a century later, these battery-powered beasts are rechargeable, capable of achieving high speeds, and eat up sharp curves.
Today, the EV motorcycle market is large enough to label it ubiquitous. Makers from tiny Swedish startups like Cake Kalk to the massive Harley-Davidson have embraced electric motorcycles for adults. These producers are putting out styles that appeal to any and all bike enthusiasts, from naked street racers to big ol’ hog cruisers. The electro-curious can be assured accessibility at any two-wheeled EV level with prices from $5,000 to above $100,000. With estimated ranges from 50 to 200 miles, these rides will get you where you need to go on whatever bike style gets your motor revvin’.
Sport/Road Bikes
Energica EGO
The potential for powerful motors that tap pure adrenaline is available in the Energica EGO. The original flossy electric road bike encapsulates the pep and panache that describes road racers, minus the hazardous carbon dioxide.
Considered one of the best electric sports bikes since it debuted in 2013, Energica writes that the EGO began its life as a pro racing bike and has taken home several victories, including the 2010 European Championship. While Energica’s electric racing circuit impact continues, its engineering spawned a beefy consumer model. This begins with a massive battery that boasts an incredible 261-mile range. Thanks to an upgraded electric motor in the 2022 model, Energica claims that this already-impressive distance has increased by 10%. With a motor that can reach 150 miles per hour, you can get where you’re going fast while striping the road with the EGO’s slick, tricolor paint scheme. $19,500 estimated MSRP.
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Harley-Davidson LiveWire
If it’s the classic fat, stocky road bike that you’re looking for, Harley-Davidson nails it with the LiveWire. First rolled off lines in 2019, Electrek reported that LiveWire experienced so much success that Harley spun the production into a separate, publicly-traded brand in 2021.
This ambitious, still-mean vision of the open road flashes a classic Harley orange “fuel tank” and headlight guard atop an athletic matte black and gray frame. These motorcycles don’t growl like their gas cousins, but they provide 100 horses and 84 pounds-feet of torque — similar to Harley’s ICE bikes, but with an even quicker takeoff. There’s no need to rev to uncork instant electric power via the LiveWire’s 15.5 kilowatt-hour battery that can launch the machine from 0 to 60 in three seconds. The LiveWire also comes installed with a lightning-quick 40-minute charge from dead to 80% full. This bike can get you an abundant 146 miles per charge with city driving and 95 miles when cruising through country roads. $30,000 estimated MSRP.
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Off-Road Bikes
Zero DSR/X
If your headlights are pointing toward adventure, the latest Zero DSR/X is your machine. This luxury off-roader will take on mud, sand, and more to whatever overland destination might lie ahead. The most up-to-date ride from California-based Zero Motorcycles will cost you, but that’s to be expected when the company has dedicated more than 100,000 hours to carving this machine since 2018, according to Gear Patrol.
A bike with snarl is what’s expected of an ADV crawling across all sorts of wilds, and that’s what Zero delivers with the DSR/X. A new motor, the Z-Force 75-10X, ratchets the ride up to 100 horsepower and 166 pounds-feet of torque — enough growl to take on any imposing obstacle (per The DSR/X also features the new Z-Force, 17 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion power pack with a mean range of 111 miles — 85 highway and 180 city. $25,000 estimated MSRP.
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Trevor DTRe Stella
The beauty of the emerging electric motorbike market is that its innovative output arises from racing laps and riding dirt tracks. Trevor’s DTRe Stella, for example, is hand-built in Belgium to deliver dirty rides with clean energy. This dirt bike is a nod to the purity of its breed: minimalist, lightweight, and shock-absorbent. Trevor weighs the Stella in at a light 223 pounds. Pushing about 191 pounds-feet of torque is a bit less than you’d desire at 100 horsepower, but the Stella achieves a flat, balanced ride off of the asphalt. Its 3 kilowatt-hour charger has a reasonable reach of up 62 miles and charges from zero to 100 in 70 minutes, according to Trevor.
Trevor Motorcycles only has off-road versions for order right now, but the company is jumping through regulatory hoops to make the DTRe Stella legal on regulated roads in the next few months (per Electric Cycle Rider). For now, this bike is strictly for off-road use in the U.S., and that ain’t a bad thing. The ride arrives at a reasonable price point for a premium bike. $13,000 estimated MSRP.
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Cruisers
Curtiss One
The Curtiss One has the elements of a classic cruiser — low seat, long reach, the look of a beast — yet its electric elements allow for an idiosyncratic, new interpretation of what a motorcycle can be. The Curtiss One looks like it belongs in a Batman film — all noir, art-deco metal arches splaying out in an homage to humanity’s creativity, recalling a time before efficiency ruled the day.
The Louisiana-based bike designer named the motorcycle in honor of racer Glen Curtiss, “The Fastest Man on Earth.” From 1907 to 1936, he held the land speed record with his motorcycle that reached 136 miles per hour. Forged in the steampunk spirit of this pioneer engineer, the Curtiss One is all shiny aluminum and flat carbon fiber over a powertrain delivering approximately 120 horsepower and 145 pounds-feet of torque (per Curtiss). An almost 9 kilowatt-hour battery powers the bike for what Curtiss claims is 120 miles in the city and 70 miles on the highway. Charging to 80% takes two hours with a Level II connector. If driving a beautiful work of art sounds expensive, it is. $83,000 estimated MSRP.
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Brutus V9
Roman numerals are apropos for this traitor to old-school choppers. The Brutus may not roar like its progenitors, but motor shoppers searching for a classic cruiser should check in on the V9. Brutus weighs in at a whopping 784 pounds and ticks off all the best old-school boxes: A wraparound winged fender, a waving tail feather rear end bookending chrome handlebars, pipes, and starred-spokes.
With no combustion rattling this hoofless carriage, the V9 only kicks out only 88 horsepower and 92 pounds-feet of torque (Brutus specs). This churns out a top-end 115 miles per hour, and the 33.7 kilowatt hour battery earns one of the longest ranges in the EV market — a 280-mile range on a single charge. The Brutus V9 is built for tearing up cross-country asphalt. $32,000 estimated MSRP.
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Commuter Bikes
Johammer J1 200
Designed for the fashionable urbanist, the quirky Johammer J1 200 sports a Jetsons-like futuristic look. This off-beat, alien design from Austrian makers reflects applying a forward-thinking interior artistry as well.
On its site, Johammer describes its ambition to engineer a balanced, streamlined, and comfortable electric transport. With no need for a large engine in its center, the bike has its electric motor and controller situated in the rear wheel. With its top speed of 76 miles per hour, though, this won’t slow anyone down. The result is distributed weight for an elegantly stable and functional ride that’s easy to handle, approaching the Platonic ideal for a commuter motorcycle.
These advancements extend to the 12.7 kilowatt hour battery pack that can cruise up to 200 miles on a single charge that requires about three-and-a-half hours. Batteries are installed alongside shock absorbers inside the top of a torsion-resistant aluminum main frame for a super-stable ride. Straddling the fender is another next-gen perk — a high-resolution digital display embedded in side mirrors provide center console data like miles per hour and battery life. Instead of making you look down, these only require a quick glance. $25,000 estimated MSRP.
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Super Soco TC
Motorcycle Classics defines a café racer as British bikes that were and remain popular for quick bursts from one coffee café to the next. Austere in style, the spartan 1960s look has endured decades of change to remain in fashion. Now we get to experience the café racer of the future: The electric Super Soco TC.
With performance similar to a 125 CC dirt bike, the Super Soco is perfect for urban hops at almost no cost for fueling or maintenance. The bike comes in classic café style — a brown, woven bench seat, low-mounted handlebars, and minimal mudguards. A dark green “engine cover” houses one battery with room for an extra. Though it’s meant for speedy trips, the Vmoto Soco Group asserts that the Super Soco TC can reach 75 miles per hour with a range of 60 miles from its single 2.7 kilowatt hour battery pack. Its classic looks receive 21st century updates like a half-digital instrument panel, LED lights, an anti-theft alarm, and keyless ignition. Best of all, this efficient motorbike won’t break the bank with an estimated MSRP of $3,200.
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Like other EVs across the country, electric motorbikes are growing more complex in look and more common on the road. Whether it’s a trip along that endless asphalt highway, a dip into wilder country, or a simple clip around the city, electric motorbike manufacturers have you and a more sustainable future in mind.
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