Home> Motors
Whether you're already a motorcycle owner, or about to be one, don’t overlook buying an electric motorcycle. These top two-wheeled picks pack in the thrills and all the amenities.
Written by Joe Appleton
Support us! GearJunkie may earn a small commission from affiliate links in this article.Learn More
There are plenty of benefits to riding an electric motorcycle. Thanks to the use of modern motor technology, electric bikes enjoy instant power, thrilling acceleration, and hair-raising performance.
And since many motorcyclists ride their bikes in pursuit of high speeds and two-wheeled excitement, electric motorcycles appeal to a wide range of riders, both current and new motorcyclists alike.
Although electric motorcycles are not quite the environmental halo we may like to hope for, as they still have an impact, they are definitely the future. Cleaner air and less noise are big plusses, and gas motos aren’t as green as you might imagine, even when compared to automobiles.
Even the racing world sees the electric value. Supporting the MotoGP since 2019, the MotoE World Championship is a racing class that uses only electric motorcycles. That shows just how exciting electric motorcycles can be.
The Isle of Man TT has been promoting electric motorcycles for years — and if the most successful rider of the race, John McGuinness, can get a kick out of riding an electric motorcycle, then you probably will, too.
Editor’s note: We updated the models, technical specifications, performance specifications, and prices for 2024.
The 9 Best Electric Motorcycles
At the moment, the industry has two kinds of electric motorbikes for adults: the smaller electric mountain bike style and more heavy-duty e-motos equipped with powerful acceleration and a more conventional rider experience.
For this article, as we look at the best electric motorcycle models, we will focus on the latter: the best electric motorcycle models that resemble the classic bikes we already know and love.
If you’re not clued in about the state of the industry (who the big names are, what models they have, and what the regular price for one of them is), then this article should help you brush up. Electric motorcycles are here to stay.
Let’s take a serious look at the best electric motorcycles on market now. Here are some of our favorites worth considering.
Best Electric Motorcycles of 2024
- KTM Freeride E-XC
- Stark Varg
- Zero DSR-X
- Energica Ego+
- Harley-Davidson LiveWire One
- Zero S
- Lightning LS-218
- Tacita T-Cruise Urban S
- Italian Volt Lacama
KTM Freeride E-XC
Specs
- Base price$11,299
- Range1-2 hrs. run time
- Top speed50 mph
- Weight245 lbs.
(Photo/KTM)
Joe Appleton
Road legal, you ask? Not quite, but this awesome e-moto wasn’t built for the roads. This is the KTM Freeride E-XC — the first electric KTM to arrive in the U.S. And because it’s not geared toward the road, KTM was able to bend a few rules with this cool machine.
It doesn’t have a massive range or a jaw-dropping top speed or power, but it does have a fast charging time. Take it out for 90 minutes of hard riding, recharge it to full capacity in 110 minutes, or to 80% in 75 minutes, and head out again. It’s a great electric bike that off-road and dirt riders can enjoy.
Powered by a lightweight 260V, 3.9kWh lithium-ion battery pack, the Freeride EX-C is a small motorcycle capable of a power output of 24.5 horsepower and 42 Nm of torque and enjoys decent enough speeds for real off-road thrashing.
The E-XC does not have a clutch and comes with only one gear, which might be a little too alien for traditional motorcyclists. Alternatively, if your off-road riding is anything like mine — involving a lot of clutch — then it might be a hard sell.
However, if you’re looking for something unusual to hit the trails on and don’t care for any on-road accouterments, then this e-moto should be your electric bike weapon of choice.
Stark Varg
Specs
- Base price$12,900
- RangeUp to 6 hours on trails
- Top speed71 mph
- Weight242.5 lbs.
(Photo/Stark Future)
Joe Appleton
Revealed at the end of 2021, Stark Future created this race-specific electric motocross bike. The Stark Varg (“strong wolf” in Swedish) is understated in appearance. But look closely, and you’ll see how it stands out. The main control unit is powered by an Android phone, and a mere seven bolts hold the footpegs, brake pedal, and bodywork in place.
With ample out-of-the-gate power, this bike shines in mid to top-end power. Former MX World Champion and head tester Sebastian Tortelli says the bike will go for 35 minutes at full throttle.
The Varg’s stand also doubles as a charging station. This e-moto seems to combine all the best qualities of the best motocross bikes.
The Stark Varg gives you an over-the-top 80 horsepower (Alpha model), 275 Nm of torque at the crankshaft, over 100 ride modes, and up to 6 hours of ride time on full charge (1-2 hours).
This is the only electric dirt bike that competes directly with gas motocross bikes, and some industry experts say that it would win in professional supercross against those bikes.
Zero DSR-X
Specs
- Base price$22,495
- Range179 mi. (city); 85 mi. (highway)
- Top speed112 mph
- Weight545 lbs.
(Photo/Zero Motorcycles)
Joe Appleton
The Zero DSR/X has some endearing features for beginner to intermediate off-road riders. For example, its high-tech data monitoring utility promotes rider control by measuring dynamics during braking and acceleration.
The bike comes with Linked Braking, which corrects tire slippage, and Vehicle Hold, which prevents roll-back on steeper inclines. It’s also claimed as the first bike to get Bosch Offroad Motorcycle Stability Control. It has an upright stance and high clearance for off-road comfort. What’s not beginner-friendly is the bike’s weight, coming in at 544 pounds.
Zero’s software, Cypherill+, offers turn-by-turn navigation and battery capacity info. The bike’s strong off-road components include almost 7.5 inches of Showa suspension travel and seat heights from 31.7 inches to 34.1 inches. The DSR/X has 169 foot-pounds of torque and 100 horsepower
Energica Ego+
Specs
- Base price$25,600
- Range261 miles city, 130 miles highway
- Top speed150 mph
- Weight573 lbs.
(Photo/Energica)
Joe Appleton
Energica actually offers four models worthy of your attention. The street-focused Eva Ribelle, the scrambler-inspired EsseEsse9+, the sport-touring Experia, and the ultimate electric motorbike,the Ego+.
We will look at the latter because it’s easily the best of the bunch. In fact, the Ego is a real-life superbike that viewers can actually buy. Unlike many of the manufacturers listed here, Energica has worked hard to develop a dealership network and global company infrastructure.
But enough about the boring side of things — let’s talk about the stats.
The Energica Ego+ is a bold superbike featuring sharp angles and futuristic styling, and it has the performance to match. The electric motor boasts 171 horsepower and approximately 164 pound-feet of torque. It can hit a top speed of 150 mph and do 0-60 mph in just 2.6 seconds for the RS version. It’s heavy, weighing 573 pounds, but that’s the nature of electric bikes.
Its charge time of 3.5 hours is not bad (or to 80% charge in 40 minutes), and its maximum range is around 124 miles. As a day-to-day commuter with more than enough juice for a good weekend blast, it’s a fine choice.
Harley-Davidson LiveWire One
Specs
- Base price$22,799
- Range146 miles city, 70 miles highway
- Top speed110 mph
- Weight562 pounds
(Photo/Harley-Davidson)
Joe Appleton
When the phrase “electric Harley” is batted around, people sit up and listen. For a company that takes much of its identity from its distinctive growl, it’s surprising to hear that it’s veering away from the loud ‘n dirty Harley vibe.
Released in 2019, Harley-Davidson’s LiveWire has 100 horsepower and 84 foot-pounds of torque. It hits 0-60 in 3 seconds. It also claims a top speed of 110 mph and a maximum range of approximately 146 city miles. In addition, it is outfitted with impressive tech.
The LiveWire systems use electronic brake control, chassis control, and powertrain tech to assist with acceleration and braking. Also, the permanent magnet electric motor can produce 100% instant torque, which gives the LiveWire its bracing acceleration.
The bike offers seven ride modes and a custom mode, allowing you to dial in your riding experience by adjusting the power, regeneration, throttle response, and traction control. The four preprogrammed modes are sport, road, range, and rain, plus three customizable modes.
This is also a similar version of the bikes Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman rode in the “Long Way Up” documentary (those bikes were adapted for adventure riding), supported by Rivian R1T electric trucks.
Zero S
Specs
- Base price$14.995
- Range154 city, 113 highway
- Top speed104 mph
- Weight492 pounds
(photo/Zero)
Joe Appleton
The Zero S is the all-around naked bike utility tool. It’s not the fastest nor the most expensive. It doesn’t have the coolest look and won’t turn too many heads. But in a real-life situation, the Zero SR is probably one of the most useful electric motorcycles out there.
First, you can easily go out and buy one without having to search too hard, and Zero is a name you’ve probably heard of and can trust. And then there’s the matter of performance, boasting roughly 68 horsepower and 97 foot-pounds of torque. From the motor, a respectable 104 mph top speed and a useful range of 154 city miles, and an MSRP lower than any street bike on this list — you can see why I’m quite into the Zero S.
What’s more, it can be fully charged in 1.8 hours with a 6kW Rapid Charger, making it a genuinely practical electric motorcycle option. It might be a little on the vanilla side to look at, and, yes, it’s a plain Jane, but that never stopped the likes of the Suzuki SV or Kawasaki ER from becoming bestsellers, did it?
Lightning LS-218
Specs
- Base price$38,988
- Range188 miles to 335 miles, depending on battery system
- Top speed218 mph
- Weight495 lbs.
(Photo/Lightning Motorcycles)
Joe Appleton
How about one of the fastest production motorcycles ever dreamed up? This is the Lightning LS-218, an electric motorcycle so fast and powerful that even the most stubborn gasoline supporters must sit up and pay attention.
This bike shoots out the equivalent of 244 horsepower and a mammoth 220 foot-pounds of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in an insane 2 seconds. It’s all wrapped in a package weighing 495 pounds.
The Lightning LS-218 is an electric bike worthy of your attention. Is it the fastest electric bike you’ll find? Yup. Is it insane? Oh, yes. Is it too much for the average rider? Most definitely. But is it road-legal? The answer to that is … yes.
Despite the fact that it can hit a top speed of 218 mph (hence the name), it is road-legal. Whether you’d want to ride it on the road is a matter of personal choice, though. It doesn’t have a fantastic range, with only around 100 miles, but who cares about range when you’ve got speed? And with a Lightning-Fast Charge System, it can be recharged to 80% capacity in an incredible 12 minutes.
It’s expensive, but it should be since it’s seriously fast. In fact, it’s quite affordable if you calculate dollars per mph, horsepower, or 0-60 times.
Tacita T-Cruise Urban S
Specs
- Base price$28,262
- Rangeup to 140 miles
- Top speedNot listed
- Weight461 pounds
(Photo/Tacita)
Joe Appleton
Tacita is a company that you want to pay attention to primarily because they are one of the few electric bike manufacturers that have actually listened to the complaints of potential converts.
Tacita has been working on electric motorcycles with clutches and gear shifters. While it has a few models on offer, I will recommend its T-Cruise Urban S electric bike because we don’t have many cruiser-style motorcycles on the roster.
This bike is powered by an electric asynchronous three-phase induction motor capable of 45 horsepower and 65 Newton-meters of torque. It has a range of up to 140 miles and a five-speed gearbox, and a hydraulic clutch. The Tacita T-Cruise Urban S is a must for the newly converted. Oh yeah, it’s got a reverse gear, too.
The charger can take 1.5 to 5 hours to fully charge the 18kWh battery or 45 minutes with an optional 13.2 kW charger.
Apart from the impressive clutch, gearbox, and performance, the Tacita T-Cruise Urban S also has adjustable suspension, Beringer technology brakes, and an adjustable riding position thanks to moveable footpegs, which is a nice touch.
Italian Volt Lacama
Specs
- Base price$32,097
- Range160 miles
- Top speed143 mph
- Weight483 lbs.
(Photo/Italian Volt)
Joe Appleton
The Lacama is at the MV Agusta end of the luxury spectrum, and the company boasts that every unit will be tailor-made for every customer.
Details are currently quite scarce, but here’s what’s known: the Lacama will be available in two different bodywork styles: a single-seat café racer (“monoposto”) and a dual-seat version (“biposto”). It will have a top speed of 143 mph and a maximum range of 160 miles. The Italian brand claims 149 peak horsepower and 774 Nm of torque at the rear wheel. The 0-to-60 time is said to be 3.4 seconds.
It will also be compatible with a wide range of charging systems. The Lacama is not the fastest, can’t go the furthest, and weighs in at 540 pounds. However, asa tailor-made electric bike, it has a different rider appeal. While your run-of-the-mill Zero models are affordable and practical, they lack a certain kind of sex appeal — and sex appeal costs money. Or does it?
The Italian Volt Lacama is rumored to start at $38,000. Sure, that still is expensive, but compared to the likes of the Lito Sora, it’s a bargain. Especially when you consider the Ohlins suspension, Brembo brakes, single-piece cast aluminum frame, bespoke parts, and custom bodywork that are on offer.
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose an Electric Motorcycle
Use
The first thing you need to decide is how you plan to use your electric motorcycle. For daily commuters, a 100-plus-mile battery range isn’t necessary. But if you’re planning on touring across the country, you’re going to want a longer range. If you’re more of an adventure rider or track racer, higher power, torque, and speed will be a factor.
Range
Once you’ve figured out the above, it’s time to dial in your range. If you want to use your bike primarily as a daily commuter, sub-100 miles per charge should be plenty. If you want your bike to be your road-tripping machine, shoot for higher mileage per charge.
Power, Torque, and Speed
These three factors will determine the “wow” factor of your ride. On electric bikes, power is usually listed in kilowatts. To determine a bike’s horsepower, multiply the kilowatts by 1.34. As far as torque goes, the higher the torque, the faster the acceleration.
Speed is self-explanatory and usually determined by the bike’s power and weight. Decide how fast you want to go, and then choose accordingly.
Charge Time
It doesn’t matter how awesome your ride is if it’s plugged in most of the time. Most bikes will charge to at least 80% in a few hours, and many will be fully charged in 13-16 hours at the lowest charge setting. This means you can plug it in at the end of the day and your bike should be good to go by morning.
Weight, Seat Height, and Position
This is common to every motorcycle, electric or not, but it is still worth considering. Make sure the bike isn’t too heavy for you to handle and that the seat height and riding position fit your preferences. Smaller people should opt for small motorcycles, and vice versa for taller people.
Are electric motorcycles worth buying?
Not too long ago, the answer would have been “maybe,” as the technology was so new, and there wasn’t a track record of reliability or performance. But now, electric motorcycles have proven their worth. The performance of electric motorcycles is proving to be extraordinary and the maintenance is much less than gas counterparts.
What are the disadvantages of electric motorcycles?
Weight is usually a concern, as the nature of electric motors and batteries makes them heavy. On the dirt bike side, the retail prices are comparable to gas counterparts, but on the street side, some electric motorcycles are much more expensive than comparable gas versions.
How fast can electric motorcycles go?
Electric motorcycles, if engineered for speed, are not disadvantageous compared to gas versions. For example, the Lightning LS-218 has a top speed of 218 mph. Because electric motors can make an instant and massive amount of torque, acceleration times can be much better than those of gas motorcycles. The LS-218’s 0-to-60 time is an astounding 2 seconds flat.
FAQ
Do you need a license for an electric motorcycle?
It varies by state, but it can depend on the type of electric vehicle you ride. For instance, in California, you don’t need a license to operate a scooter or motorized bicycle, but you do need a license to operate a moped or electric motorcycle. Check the specific requirements where you live to make sure you’re riding legally.
What companies make electric motorcycles?
There is a wide range of companies that make electric motorcycles. Quite a few specialize in electric vehicles, but there are bigger brands that offer electric motorcycles as well, including Harley-Davidson and Honda.
How far can an electric motorcycle go?
Electric motorcycles can vary wildly in terms of range. Much of it depends on the bike’s weight and the capacity of the battery. Some models have a range of 50-60 miles, while others get closer to the 300-mile range.
How much are electric bikes?
New electric motorcycles might be filled with cutting-edge equipment, but they’re actually reasonably priced considering the technology they use. For example, the Zero FX dirt bike model retails for around $13,990, which is actually quite reasonable for the performance it delivers. Similarly, the KTM Freeride E-XC’s price tag of $8,299 is cheap for the package that’s on offer.
Are electric motorcycles automatic?
Almost all electric motorcycles are automatic because electric motors can provide power directly to the wheels without the need for a gearbox. However, some manufacturers such as Tacita have been developing electric motorcycles with manual transmissions to make their motorcycles more familiar to traditional riders.
Are electric motorcycles safe?
Electric motorcycles are just as safe as gasoline-powered motorcycles. The major concerns that road users have is their quieter nature and almost unbridled power delivery. They are quieter, but they’re not silent and you can hear them coming. As for the power delivery, most electric motorcycles have mode selects that keep power in check, making them safer to operate.
