10 Of The Best Electric Motorbikes For Commuting, Racing Or Adventure

More and more around the world, the electric motorbike is growing in popularity. With battery technology improving every year, as well as the price of fuel and the environmental impacts of typical motorcycles becoming increasingly important factors, it makes a lot of sense why electric motorbikes are flying out of dealerships in 2022.

In fact, while the electric motorcycle or electric scooter has been popular in parts of Asia and Europe for years already, Australia is now experiencing a surge of interest in electric vehicles too. Electric cars are already quite popular, but the real growth was seen in electric motorbikes, which saw an increase in registrations by 107% in 2021 (compared to 59% growth for cars). If you’ve ever considered an electric motorbike, there’s never been a better time to take the plunge.

Just as people are transitioning to electric motorcycles instead of internal combustion engine motorcycles, the same shift is occurring in the world of electric scooters too. Depending on what you need your electric vehicle for, an electric scooter could be even better than an electric motorbike for commuting in the city or just getting around town.

RELATED: British Company’s Formula 1-Inspired Motorcycle Can Break 400 KM/H

Before we get into the details of what makes the best electric motorcycles, it’s worth considering a few things to make sure you’re getting the right type of electric bike for your needs. As with any type of vehicle, there is a huge range of different electric motorbikes, from off-road bikes and road racers to less powerful electric vehicles for commuting, all of which have their own pros and cons.

Things To Consider Before You Buy An Electric Motorbike:

Range

With all kinds of electric vehicles, the range they offer is very important. There’s nothing worse than running out of fuel or charge, and depending on the types of rides you need to do, the range can be a critical factor.

If you’re looking to commute a few kilometres each way from home to work each day, range won’t be as important as you’ll likely be quite close to a charging station wherever you are. However, if you need to get on a highway for your commute, or are expecting to ride an electric sports bike on the weekends for fun, having the longest range is a good idea. Depending on the bike, the range can differ from 30kms between charges up to 175kms+ before you need to charge again, so consider where and how you want to ride your electric motorbike before you get out your wallet.

Top speed

Top speed isn’t as important as range, because most of the time you’ll be restricted by speed limits on public roads anyway. However, if you like to go fast within the law and want the same kind of kick as you’re used to if you’ve previously ridden non-electric motorbikes, then power is something to think about.

Especially if you intend to ride your electric motorcycle on a highway, or need to cover larger distances than you might if you only rode in the city, then power and performance matter. Most of the best electric motorcycles that offer more power will typically deliver 100Hp and around 100Nm of torque.

Charging speed

One of the biggest differences in the day-to-day experience of using an electric vehicle is the fact that charging currently takes a lot longer than pulling up to the petrol station. Even the best electric motorbikes take between two and six hours for the battery to charge completely, so it’s worth considering where you will be able to charge your EV bike.

Ideally, you’ll have somewhere to charge your electric motorcycle at home, but if you don’t have off-street parking, then it’s important to know where your local charging stations are. In addition, if you have any fast charging stations that are conveniently located, they will reduce your charging time further.

Servicing & Spare Parts

Just like a car or normal motorbike, your electric motorcycle will need to be repaired and serviced every now and then. As the electric motorcycle market for Australian riders is still developing, not all manufacturers have retailers or authorised service centres locally, which can make it more challenging to get your bike fixed if anything goes wrong. Therefore, it’s worth investigating which brands have specific servicing infrastructure established, to ensure anything that needs repairing or servicing can be done as quickly and painlessly as possible.

Price

For most of us, price is one of the leading factors in any decision-making process. You don’t want to put yourself under any financial pressure, so take the proper time to research the best-value electric motorcycles for your needs. As you’d expect, a fast and powerful electric sports bike is going to set you back the most, whereas smaller and more modestly powerful electric scooters are generally more affordable.

Different terrain/uses

The question of where you want to ride your electric motorbike is central to the bike you end up buying. If you’re looking for a commuter, your decision will be more straightforward as the majority of electric motorcycles and electric scooters are designed exactly for that purpose. However, if you’re keen to get out into nature and ride off-road, you’ll need to seek out an electric motorbike that is built specifically for that terrain.

Design

There are a lot of different designs in the world of EV motorcycles, so it’s important to pick out a bike that you’ll look forward to riding every day. Because electric motorcycles don’t have a traditional engine or fuel tank, designers aren’t restricted in the same ways and gives the opportunity to create interesting and unusual-looking bikes. Bikes such as the Cake Kalk& and the Savic C-Series both have very different, but equally exciting designs, so looking at a wide range of different electric class bikes is a good idea.

Now that we’ve covered a few of the things to consider before you pull the trigger on an electric motorcycle or electric scooter, let’s get into ten of our favourites on the market right now.

10 Of The Best Electric Motorcycles On The Market:

Tarform Racer Edition

Fans of the cafe racer motorbike design will love what Tarform is building at the moment, with two options available in the Racer Edition and the Scrambler Edition. The brand operates under a strictly sustainable ethos, evident in the recycled aluminium, biodegradable leather and cutting-edge plant-based materials they use including bio-based resin to reduce the use of petrochemical as well as reinforced panelling made from flax seed.

The Tarform Racer Edition is the road riding offering from the brand, which boasts a 0-100kph time of 3.8 seconds, Bluetooth connectivity a maximum range of more than 190kms and a battery unit that can charge up to 80% in just 50 minutes. Its electric motor is contained with a compelling overall design, featuring a blacked-out and aerodynamically shaped body topped with a brushed chrome seat and fuel cell unit that looks refreshingly raw and minimalistic.

If you’re a fan of the classic cafe racer design and are looking for an electric motorcycle with more than a bit of kick to it, the Tarform Racer Edition is an option worth investigating.

Sondors Metacycle

The Sondors Metacycle is a great example of how electric motorcycles don’t need to follow the same design codes as standard motorcycles. Boasting a large cut-out section in the cast aluminium frame of the bike called an “exo-frame”, it delivers a pretty futuristic visual impression while also reportedly being safer and more comfortable to ride.

Beyond the cutting-edge design of the frame, which is cast in a single piece and requires zero welding, the power unit of the Metacycle is equally impressive as it contains a battery with 4000 Wh charging cells and a fast-charging system that gets the battery to 80% in about 2 hours. The motor inside is a PMAC Hub Motor that delivers 8 kW (11hp) of nominal power, reaching up to 14.5 kW (20hp) and getting you just under 130kms of range from a single charge.

The Sondors Metacycle is a great bike if you’re after something with a compelling design language, as well as delivering a decent amount of power as the rubber meets the road.

Fonzarelli Arthur

Not everyone needs an electric motorbike with a top speed that’ll make your eyes water, especially if all you’re looking for is a quality electric vehicle to commute on. If that sounds like you, then the Fonzarelli Arthur electric scooters could be for you.

Representing great value for what you’re getting, the Fonzarelli Arthur takes design classic design cues from the likes of Vespa and translates them into an attractive and practical everyday electric scooter. Offering a range of around 100kms, it has a top speed of 85kph, 8kW of power and a deliberately designed low centre of gravity for improved stability and safety. Fonzarelli estimates the Arthur to cost around $1 per week to run, with a solid charging capacity of between 60%-80% in just one hour.

If you want an electric scooter that looks great, is functional and efficient, as well as being cost-effective to run, then make sure you add the Fonzarelli Arthur to your shortlist.

Harley-Davidson LiveWire

Harley-Davidson probably isn’t the first brand that comes to mind when you think of high-performance electric motorbikes, but that’s exactly what the LiveWire is. The LiveWire certainly isn’t the cheapest bike on this list, but it is jam-packed with exciting features and offers an excellent riding experience, as well as looking every bit the part you’d expect from a Harley-Davidson.

Designed to deliver an aggressive riding position, the LiveWire arrives with four different riding settings that are sport, road, range, and rain, each of which is specifically designed for those riding conditions. Depending on the ride mode you select, the power, throttle response and traction control are all adjusted for giving riders the safest and most enjoyable journey. If that level of specificity wasn’t enough, the Harley-Davidson LiveWire delivers a maximum range of 235km of city riding, while the battery is able to reach 80% charge in 40 minutes or 100% charge in an hour on a fast charger.

The LiveWire is a genuinely impressive electric motorcycle from every angle, offering impressive power, great range and speedy charging. However, it does hit the back pocket a little more aggressively than most with its RRP.

Energica EGO+ RS

If you love going fast and nothing but the best in performance sports bikes will do, then you’ll love the Energica EGO+ RS. First released back in 2013, the folks at Energica have been working hard for the best part of a decade to deliver incremental improvements that have resulted in the highest-performing electric motorcycle in the world.

With a truly hair-raising 0-100kph time of 2.6 seconds and a top speed of 243kph, the EGO+ RS is built for pace and racing performance. All of this industry-leading power is thanks to the high-energy lithium polymer battery, the Vehicle Control Unit and a serious Regina 15/44 525 O-Ring Chain, all of which combine to deliver unparalleled acceleration and control.

If you’ve got an insatiable need for speed in your taste for street bikes, then look no further than the Energica EGO+ RS.

KTM Free Ride EX-C

If commuting is less of your focus and all you’re thinking about is getting out onto the trails, then the KTM Free Ride EX-C might be the perfect electric motorbike for you. KTM has a solid reputation for manufacturing typical motocross bikes and equipment, but the automaker has recently turned its attention and expertise toward the electric segment of the market to deliver a fast and agile riding experience.

The KTM Free Ride EX-C contains a brushless 18kW synchronous motor inside its lightweight and high-quality chassis, which is built for the toughest of terrain. Selected for rough riding environments are the WP XPLOR 43 front fork and the adjustable WP XPLOR PDS rear shock that offer 250 mm and 260 mm of travel respectively, combined with the anodised aluminium rims and 2021 FORMULA brakes for a smooth ride.

While heading out to the trails on the weekend might not be a priority for everyone, the KTM Free Ride EX-C is certainly one to consider if you can’t think of a better way to spend your spare time.

Savic C-Series Alpha

There’s nothing quite like hearing a homegrown success story, and the Melbourne-based team behind Savic Motorcycles is exactly that. Founded in 2018 by Dennis Savic, an ex-Ford Australia optimisation engineer, the brand describes itself as “Australia’s first high-performance electric motorcycle manufacturer,” and currently offers two models in the C-Series – the Delta and the Alpha.

With a design that echoes the cafe racer style of years gone by, the C-Series Alpha is the premium offering out of the two in-production models, with a satisfying 0-100kph time of 3.5 seconds. The Alpha contains a power unit that spits out 60kW (80hp) with a range that extends beyond 200kms and 100% charging in around four and a half hours. It’s got solid performance, but the details are great too, including a push-button start for the electric motor, comfortable pillow seats and a range of customisable options to make the C-Series Alpha your own.

It’s a good thing to support local businesses, but it’s even better when the product is so compelling. Electric motorcycles might not be what you think of when you consider Australian manufacturing, but the Savic C-Series could play an important part in its future.

Zero Motorcycles FXE

The Zero Motorcycles FXE is a popular option among enthusiasts of electric motorcycles and it’s easy to understand why. Designed in partnership with award-winning firm Huge Design, the FXE is an articulate blend of technological performance and aesthetic balance that makes it one of the top bikes on the market.

The Zero Motorcycles FXE has a city riding range of around 160kms, a top speed of 132kph and cruising power of 15kW (21hp). Generating this power is the Z-Force Li-Ion intelligent integrated unit, which can be charged on a regular charger to 100% in a little under 10 hours, or one hour and 20 minutes for 95% charged on a fast charger.

While Zero Motorcycles only currently has one service agent in Australia, the brand is well respected internationally and the FXE is an exciting electric motorbike from the brand.

Cake Kalk&

Cake has something of a cult following as an electric motorcycle manufacturer, loved by enthusiasts for its minimalist and function-forward designs, solid power and variety of terrain that it can handle. In the world of electric motorbikes, the Cake Kalk& is also quite lightweight, making it an ideal bike for professional stunt and trick riders to use.

This clean-looking bike still has a solid top speed of more than 95kph, despite its curb weight of just 79kgs, as well as delivering a decent range of around 86kms. The electric motor puts out around 252Nm of instant electric torque, which is made possible thanks to the powerful battery with premium lithium cells that can be charged up to 80% in just two hours.

The Cake Kalk& arrives with no less than three different riding modes and three braking modes, giving you perfect control of the nimble bike to ride however you want. If you like the look of its Öhlins three-staged air spring suspension forks that offer 204mm of travel, you’ll love riding the Kalk& everywhere you need it to take you.

Evoke 6061

When speed and power are a priority, the Evoke 6061 is an excellent option to consider. The motorcycle has been designed with an aggressive cruiser shape for enjoying the city streets, while the technology housed within it makes it one of the industry-leading high-performance electric motorcycles.

The top speed of 230kph is possible thanks to the permanent magnet multi-wound synchronous motor that delivers 120kW of power, which also has impressive staying power with a range of 430kms while riding in the city. If that wasn’t enough, its 336.0V DC battery pack is able to charge to 80% in just 15 minutes, making it enormously practical and convenient as well.

Constructed from aerospace-grade aluminium, the Evoke 6061 should be on your list to consider if going fast is as important as fast charging and practicality.

Electric Motorbike – Frequently Asked Questions

Are electric motorbikes legal in Australia? Electric motorbikes are legal to ride in Australia, however, you will need a motorbike licence to ride one on public roads.

What is the maximum speed of an electric motorcycle? British company White Motorcycle Concepts (WMC) has created an electric motorbike that is capable of speeds up to 402kph.

What is the cost of an electric motorbike? Electric motorbikes can vary greatly in price, starting from a few thousand dollars while some of the most expensive electric motorcycles can cost tens of thousands of dollars.

10 Most Affordable Electric Motorcycles in 2022

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Affordable electric motorcycles are taking over the motorcycle industry, with numerous start-ups focusing on building reasonably priced, unique bikes for the masses. Unlike their electric car counterparts, these motorcycles aren’t too expensive to manufacture; therefore, creating one that won’t break the bank is far more manageable.

Many affordable electric motorcycles are designed for city use, making them a convenient solution for daily commutes. Moreover, using one will help you save on gas, insurance, maintenance, and more.

As a bonus, the US government offers incentives of up 10% of an electric motorcycle’s value (up to $25,000) if the bike’s top speed exceeds 45 mph. These incentives differ state by state, so check with your local regulations to determine how much you can save on your new electric motorcycle.

So without further ado, let’s look at some of the most affordable electric motorcycles currently on the market.

Foreword Climatebiz experts design, research, fact-check & edit all work meticulously.

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What Are The 10 Most Affordable Electric Motorcycles?

The following table orders these motorcycles by price, from cheapest to most expensive.

Bike Top Speed Range Best For Price Gogoro Viva Basic 31 mph 53 miles Cities $1,800 CSC City Slicker 46 mph 30 miles Cities $2,495 Huck Cycles 60 mph 75 miles Private use $3,500 Super Soco TC 75 mph 60 miles Cities $3,939 ONYX RCR 60 mph (off-road) 75 miles Private Use $4,149 Honda PCX Electric 37 mph 25 miles Cities $5,816 Kolter ES1 72 mph 65 miles Touring $6,890 Cake Osa+ 63 mph 63 miles Cities $8,500 Zero FXS 85 mph 100 miles Touring $9,295

Related Reading: What Are The 5 Fastest Electric Motorcycles?

10 Most Affordable Electric Motorcycles

Below we have listed the 10 cheapest electric motorcycles:

1. Gogoro Viva Basic – $1800

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Price : $1800

: $1800 Battery Pack : N/A

: N/A Top Speed : 31 mph

: 31 mph Range : 53 miles

: 53 miles Best For: Cities

If you’re a phone enthusiast, chances are you’d agree that HTC made some of the best phones in the world at one point, right? Well, HTC is back (sort of) with the Gogoro.

HTC’s CEO and founder, Cher Wang, is an investor in a Taiwanese scooter start-up aiming to stand out from the crowd. How? You may ask. Well, unlike most EVs, you won’t be able to plug in and charge this scooter. Instead, you’ll need to travel to a Gogoro charging station, where you’ll swap out your scooter’s battery for a charged one.

Different? Yes! Effective? Only time will tell.

The Viva Basic is the cheapest model you can get your hands on, and it truly is basic. However, it comes with a funny little quirk in the form of a “Happy Birthday” message that pops up when your big day arrives.

This electric scooter starts at just $1800, the same as a MacBook pro. Unlike a MacBook, though, the Viva can transport you from A to B using its 53-mile range!

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2. CSC City Slicker – $2495

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Price : $2495

: $2495 Battery Pack : 1.872 kWh

: 1.872 kWh Top Speed : 46 mph

: 46 mph Range : 30 miles

: 30 miles Best For: Cities

The CSC City Slicker is one of the best value-for-money motorcycles in the world.

For just $2495, you get a bike that looks rather sporty but feels (and is) premium. Granted, its performance figures aren’t the best. However, its top speed meets the threshold to receive the U.S. government’s financial incentive.

Overall, the City Slicker is perfectly suited to city life. Sure, you won’t exactly be going on long road trips with its limited 30-mile range, but you’ll be racking up those shorter trips in no time!

3. Huck Cycles – $3500

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Price : $3500

: $3500 Battery Pack : 0.75 kWh

: 0.75 kWh Top Speed : 60 mph

: 60 mph Range : 75 miles

: 75 miles Best For: Private use

Huck Cycles is an electric motorcycle company based in Southern California, making some pretty awesome retro-inspired bikes.

They start at $3500 and can be customized to your tastes. In fact, Huck says that no two bikes they make are alike due to their customization packages.

They feature a 0.75 kWh battery pack that pushes a 75-mile range and a top speed of 60 mph. This is primarily thanks to them being so lightweight.

These bikes are best for private use as they are not 100% road legal in all states ( at least not yet).

4. Super Soco TC – $3939

Price: $3939

Battery Pack: 2.7 kWh

Top Speed: 75 mph

Range: 60 miles

Best For: Cities

Super Soco is one of the world’s most popular electric motorcycle companies.

The TC is their cheapest model; it’s perfect for newer riders and starts at just $3939. For that price, you get a 2.7 kWh battery pack, a 60-mile range, and a top speed of 75 mph. Those figures may not sound overly impressive, but when you’re out on the open road, this bike becomes very lively.

But this bike doesn’t just have substance; it has style too! In some ways, the design is quite retro.

4. Onyx RCR – $4149

Via IngenioVirtual

Price : $4,149

: $4,149 Battery Pack : 3 kWh

: 3 kWh Top Speed : 60 mph (off-road)

: 60 mph (off-road) Range : 75 miles

: 75 miles Best For: Private Use

Onyx is another California-based company that makes affordable electric motorcycles inspired by retro racers.

Currently, their motorcycles are classed as mopeds, but the manufacturer plans to carry out changes to have their RCR promoted to motorcycle status.

Regardless, don’t make the mistake of thinking that the “moped” tag means this vehicle is slow. This bike can hit 60 mph off-road, which is ludicrous for something so light. The range is also solid at 75 miles, and its charging speeds are pretty fast.

Although the RCR is more of a weekend toy, it sure is a looker and packed full of fun.

5. Honda PCX Electric – $5816

via: global.honda

Price : $5816

: $5816 Battery Pack : 4.2 kWh

: 4.2 kWh Top Speed : 37 mph

: 37 mph Range : 25 miles

: 25 miles Best For: cities

The Honda PCX Electric is an electric scooter ideal for city use.

Honda has been in the scooter game for a long time, so you can guarantee that the PCX Electric will be a well-built, reliable scooter. It’s perfect for those who want something to get from A to B.

The PCX Electric costs $5816, comes with a 4.2 kWh battery pack, and can hit a top speed of 37 mph.

Unfortunately, this scooter falls short in the range department. At a meager 25 miles, it’s only enough for a short commute to and from work.

6. Sondors Megacycle – $6000

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Price : $6000

: $6000 Battery Pack : 4 kWh

: 4 kWh Top Speed : 80 mph

: 80 mph Range : 80 miles

: 80 miles Best For: cities

The Sondors Metacycle is a trendy bike within the electric motorcycle world, quickly becoming a favorite amongst city-dwelling enthusiasts.

The Megacycle boasts a rather complex design that delayed its launch. The final product is both minimalistic and futuristic in its aesthetic.

The bike costs $6000. At that price point, you get a 4 kWh battery pack capable of an 80-mile range and an 80 mph top speed.

Overall, this is one of the more unique, better-looking electric motorcycles we’ve come across.

8. Kollter ES1 – $6890

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Price : $6890

: $6890 Battery Pack : 3.6 kWh

: 3.6 kWh Top Speed : 72 mph

: 72 mph Range : 65 miles

: 65 miles Best For: touring

The ES1 from Kollter looks very similar to Zero’s FXS, yet it’s far cheaper.

Despite its lower price, this bike offers a fantastic riding experience and can be driven on highway and country roads.

Performance-wise, the bike possesses a 3.6 kWh battery pack and a 65-mile range. Flat out, this bike will hit 65 mph on the highway, hence why it’s such an excellent touring bike.

9. Cake Osa+ – $8500

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Price : $8500

: $8500 Battery Pack : 2.6 kWh

: 2.6 kWh Top Speed : 63 mph

: 63 mph Range : 63 miles

: 63 miles Best For: cities

Everybody loves cake, and for just $8500, you can have one of the weirdest, most unique pieces you’ve ever seen.

Cake is a Swedish brand that specializes in affordable electric motorcycles. They also offer a cheaper model for just over $6000; however, it’s classed as a moped due to its performance figures.

The Osa+ sports a 2.6 kWh battery pack, a 63-mile range, and a 63 mph top speed. Not too shabby at all for something that looks so…odd.

Look no further if you want a motorcycle that stands out from the crowd.

10. Zero FXS – $9295

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Price : $9295 (excluding tax credits)

: $9295 (excluding tax credits) Battery Pack : 3.6 kWh

: 3.6 kWh Top Speed : 85 mph

: 85 mph Range : 100 miles

: 100 miles Best For: Touring

Zero is an established manufacturer making some of the best affordable electric motorcycles out there.

The FXS is their cheapest option, offering pretty good value for money. It’s a bike for enthusiasts who love to ride around the country.

The FXS starts at almost $10,000, excluding the federal tax credits (Zero was one of the companies that lobbied for passing the electric bike tax credit proposal).

At this price point, you get an 8.6 kWh battery pack that delivers a 100-mile range and a top speed of 85 mph.

Related Reading: Top 10 Electric Motorcycle Companies

Final Thoughts

Buying an affordable electric motorcycle in 2022 has never been more exciting. Most affordable electric motorcycles on sale today are packed with creativity and exciting features that are bound to impress any motorcycle enthusiast.

The first thought you may have regarding these bikes is, “why are they so cheap?” The answer — they don’t cost much to make, and there aren’t as many safety regulations bike manufacturers have to follow compared to car manufacturers.

We believe that some of the bikes on this list, such as the HTC-funded Gogoro, will change the world.

As cities become denser, we need to come up with transportation that is not only green but also convenient. Not every city has a state-of-the-art train network like London or New York; therefore, scooters and bikes make perfect sense.

Furthermore, in some states, motorcycles that are classed as mopeds can be driven using a standard car license or a basic motorcycle license. This makes owning some electric motorcycles much easier since you don’t have to go out there and do another driving test.

Top 10 Electric Motorcycle Companies

You’re considering a new electric motorcycle, but you don’t know who the best electric motorcycle companies are.

Although electric motorcycles may not get as much coverage as their electric vehicle cousins, they still form an integral part of a fast-growing industry.

Therein lies the problem — an influx of new players into the electric motorcycle industryooo can make it challenging for consumers to separate the good from the bad. It’s a tricky situation.

That’s why we created this article listing the 10 best electric motorcycle companies, each of which has played a role in the emerging electric motorcycle industry we see today.

Foreword Climatebiz experts design, research, fact-check & edit all work meticulously.

Affiliate Disclaimer Climatebiz is reader-supported. We may earn an affiliate commission when you buy through links on our site.

What Are The 10 Best Electric Motorcycle Companies?

Most electric motorcycles are made by start-up companies, hence why they’re lesser known than traditional motorcycle manufacturers. Nevertheless, these companies have grown exponentially, and some have become major innovators within the motorcycle industry.

Therefore, finding the brand that suits your needs and represents your values can be challenging. Lucky for you, we created this list outlining the 10 best electric motorcycle brands!

Zero Energica Super Soco Lightning Sur-Ron Zapp Verge Newron Vespa Harley-Davidson

Electric Motorcycle Company Info

1. Zero Motorcycles

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Headquarters : Scotts Valley, California, USA

: Scotts Valley, California, USA Year Founded : 2006

: 2006 CEO: Sam Paschel Jr

Sam Paschel Jr Number Of Models : 10

: 10 Bike Types: Street, Sport, Off-Road

Zero is a US-based motorcycle manufacturer established in 2006. This brand — a veteran of the electric motorcycle industry — specializes in street, sports, and off-road motorcycles.

Zero’s best bikes are the SR/S models, which look incredible. It pushes out 110hp, which for a motorcycle is pretty solid. Additionally, the SR/S models include instant torque from 0 RPM, making the bike an exhilarating ride.

Overall, by far one of the most exciting electric motorcycle companies.

2. Energica

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Headquarters : Modena, Italy

: Modena, Italy Year Founded : 2014

: 2014 CEO: Livia Cevolini

Livia Cevolini Number Of Models : 4

: 4 Bike Types: Touring and Super

Energica is an Italian motorcycle company based in Modena, also home to Ferrari.

You could argue that Energica is the Ferrari of the electric motorcycle industry since they specialize in high-tech electric superbikes.

The Ego is their fastest model and one of the fastest electric motorcycles in the world. It’s a beautiful, aggressive bike, hitting 60 in just 2.6 seconds.

If you’re looking for an electric motorcycle brand that is on par with Ducati, BMW, or MV Agusta, look no further.

3. Super Soco

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Headquarters : Shanghai, China

: Shanghai, China Year Founded : 2015

: 2015 CEO: Sherman Xie

Sherman Xie Number Of Models : 13

: 13 Bike Types: Adventure and Scooters

Supersoco is a Chinese electric motorcycle company founded back in 2015. They are becoming more mainstream, establishing themselves as one of the major electric motorcycle companies.

The TC Wanderer is our personal favorite. It’s a retro motorcycle that reminds us of some of the more classic motorcycles from Kawasaki.

The attention to detail is exceptional, demonstrating true craftsmanship. It’s also available in a range of classy color combinations.

4. Lightning

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Headquarters : San Jose, California, USA

: San Jose, California, USA Year Founded : 2006

: 2006 CEO: Richard Hatfield

Richard Hatfield Number Of Models : 2

: 2 Bike Types: Sports

Founded in 2006, Lightning is one of the best electric motorcycle companies in the world. Their primary focus is fast bikes, insanely fast bikes.

Their LS-218 model is speed-freak friendly, with a top speed of 200 mph and a 0-60 time of 2.2 seconds. But these bikes aren’t just quick; they’re also eye-catching, with sleek designs.

Additionally, the brand holds a fair bit of motorsport pedigree, being the first-ever electric motorcycle to beat gas-powered bikes at the Pikes Peak international hill climb race in the USA.

5. Sur-Ron

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Headquarters : Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China

: Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China Year Founded : 2014

: 2014 Number Of Models : 3

: 3 Bike Types: Dirt Bikes

Sur-Ron is a lesser-known electric motorcycle company specializing in fun dirt bikes. They were founded in 2014 and have received upwards of $30 million worth of investment over the years.

Their bikes may not be the most practical, but they sure are fun and can be used in local parks, forests, and on the road.

6. Zapp

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Headquarters : Norfolk, UK

: Norfolk, UK Year Founded : 2017

: 2017 Number Of Models : 1

: 1 Bike Types: Scooters

Zapp is one of the newest electric motorcycle companies. Founded in 2017 in Norfolk, UK, they aim to create electric scooters that are not only stylish but also nippy.

Their scooters are modern and have some design elements inspired by large faster superbikes.

It’s about time that a motorcycle company makes a scooter that looks exciting. In some ways, you could argue that Zapp is the “Lamborghini” of the electric scooter world since their scooters are just so outlandish.

7. Verge

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Headquarters : Finland

: Finland Year Founded : 2020

: 2020 Number Of Models : 1

: 1 Bike Types: Roadster

Some electric motorcycle companies like to take things to the next level, and Verge is one of them. Their bikes include a “hubless” rear-wheel design whereby the middle of the wheel is entirely hollow.

The motor is integrated into the rim at the rear, which is pretty unique. Additionally, since the rim is hollow, you can see the detail of the motor and the materials.

8. Newron

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Headquarters : France

: France Year Founded : 2016

: 2016 Number Of Models : 1

: 1 Bike Types: Sports

French bike manufacturer Newron is one of the world’s most exciting electric motorcycle companies, building hand-built electric bikes.

Their bikes are best described as Victorian-era meets futuristic. Their concept bike is made from wood carefully sculpted around the motor, which looks like something from a sci-fi film.

Newron expects to launch their bike very soon. It costs just over $62,000 — very expensive for a motorbike.

9. Vespa

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Headquarters : Florence, Italy

: Florence, Italy Year Founded : 1946

: 1946 CEO: Andrew Hadjiminas

Andrew Hadjiminas Number Of Models : 24 (one electric)

: 24 (one electric) Bike Types: Scooters

Vespa is a classic bike maker based in Florence, Italy. They are very well known for their vintage-style scooters.

Recently they launched an all-new electric scooter that looks identical to the standard gas-powered models. This is a huge stepping stone for the marque since they are one of the largest bike companies in the world.

10. Harley Davidson

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Headquarters : Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States

: Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States Year Founded : 1903

: 1903 CEO: Jochen Zeitz

Jochen Zeitz Number Of Models : 7 model families (1 electric)

: 7 model families (1 electric) Bike Types: Cruiser, Sport, Touring, Trike, and Electric

Harley Davidson — an old-school bike manufacturer and household name.

In 2019, they launched their first ever electric motorcycle called the LiveWire, and it’s one terrific bike.

While this electric bike screams modern, the company has still managed to integrate a bit of that classic Harley Davidson feel into the design.

You may not get the same exhaust note on the LiveWire on the gas-powered Harley’s, but the LiveWire is a lot faster and, in some ways, more fun.

How We Chose The Best Electric Motorcycle Companies

A quality electric motorcycle company must make reliable and well-built bikes that also get your pulse racing to stand out in the crowded gas-powered and electric motorcycles market.

We chose the above electric motorcycle companies based on the following criteria:

Number of motorcycles offered

Founding year

The fun factor

Company impact

Number Of Motorcycles Offered

It’s crucial to know how many models each electric motorcycle company produces. Some people believe that variety is vital, but that isn’t always the case. More often than not, the fewer bikes an electric motorcycle company makes, the better.

Some of the electric motorcycle companies on this list offer an extensive range of electric motorcycles, providing something for every type of rider to enjoy.

Other electric motorcycle companies offer fewer bikes, focusing on exclusivity and/or quality. Brands such as Newron only offer one model built by hand. The craftsmanship of bikes like these amazes you since these motorcycles are more than just machines; they are functional pieces of art pieces.

Founding Year

The year a company was founded is another variable worth considering. The longer a company has been around, the easier it is for you to critique its track record. Moreover, these more established companies command respect; they form the backbone of the industry and have helped pave the way for newer manufacturers.

Harley Davidson is a prime example of this. They showed the world that a world-famous gas-powered motorcycle brand can go electric and still make cool bikes people want.

However, that doesn’t mean you should cast aside younger manufacturers. New companies often help inject innovation and life into what can sometimes be a stagnant industry. Remember, competition is always a good thing!

Due to the above, we decided to create a list with a mixture of both established and newer electric motorcycle manufacturers, creating balance.

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The Fun Factor

The term “fun” is defined by one’s personal opinion rather than facts or figures. However, motorcycles nowadays have to offer something considered fun by at least one type of person.

All the electric motorcycle companies on this list do that, and they do it in their own way. Companies like Lightning create hyperfast superbikes designed to compete with the likes of the gas-powered Ducati 1299 Superleggera and Kawasaki H2 Ninja.

Other companies like Zapp want to compete with mainstream scooter manufacturers to capture the profitable scooter market. To do so, they have designed their scooter to stand out from the crowd.

Conversely, Vespa’s electric scooter looks like a regular Vespa gas-powered scooter, a vehicle used by the masses.

Company Impact

All of the electric motorcycle companies on this list have changed the motorcycle industry in some way.

Marques such as Harley Davidson have done so significantly since they are one of the few mainstream motorcycle companies that offer an electric model.

Other companies such as Newron and Verge aim to disrupt the motorcycle industry with bikes that look very different and edgy — true one-off designs that will inspire the next generation of motorcycles.

Finally, companies like Energica and Lightning aim to challenge the superbike industry by competing with these established marques in racing and sales. They offer an experience similar to these gas-powered superbikes, yet so different thanks to the instant torque.

Electric Motorcycle Company Stats

Headquarters Number Of Models Founding Year Bike Types Zero Scotts Valley, California, USA 10 2006 Street, Sport, Off-Road Energica Modena, Italy 4 2014 Touring, Super Super Soco Shanghai, China 13 2015 Adventure and Scooters Lightning San Jose, California, USA 2 2006 Sports Sur-Ron Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China 3 2014 Dirt BIkes Zapp Norfolk, UK 1 2017 Scooters Verge Finland 1 2020 Roadster Newron France 1 2016 Sports Vespa Florence, Italy 24 (1 electric) 1946 Scooters Harley Davidson Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States 7 model families (1 electric) 1903 Cruiser, Sport, Touring, Trike, and Electric

Final Thoughts

These are undoubtedly the 10 best electric motorcycle companies in 2022.

The first thought that may cross your mind is, “where are all the established brands?” Companies like Kawasaki, Yamaha, BMW, Ducati, Suzuki, and Honda?

Most of the electric motorcycle companies on our list have a head-start against these gas-powered manufacturing giants.

It goes without saying that some of these brands will become the mainstream brands of the future, taking the places of existing, established manufacturers.

From a motorcycle enthusiast’s point of view, there is more to buying a bike than the facts and figures. For most people buying a motorcycle is a decision made by the heart rather than the head.

Josip Charles
Josip Charles

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