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.
Updated August 2023: New electric motorcycles seem to be popping up every month these days! In an effort to keep our readers up to date, we have updated this article with all the latest and greatest models available on the market with a comprehensive list of pros and cons and a detailed specs to make your decision-making process that much easier.
Sondors Metacycle
Base MSRP: $6,500
Sondors had recently made waves by dropping the pricing on the already affordable Metacycle by more than a few pennies. That's an astonishing tactic in a market where most electric motorcycles cost more than your average Harley-Davidson. It's a handsome bike, with some nifty features, like low seat height and weight.
The 60-mile range will get you to work and back, provided you're not too heavy on the throttle. The brakes are a little bland and the rear shock may be inadequate, but even all those caveats aside, you simply can't beat that price. And if all you're doing is going to and from work, it may just be the best vehicle for you, hands down.
Specifications
Range | Real-world range of 60 miles; extended to 80 miles under ideal conditions |
Power | 8 kW (11 horsepower) nominal; 14.5 kW (20 horsepower) peak |
Motor | PMAC Hub Motor (Permanent Magnet, Alternative Current) |
Battery Type | 4 kW Lithium-ion |
Torque | 80 pound-feet (nominal); 130 pound-feet (peak) |
Top Speed | 60 mph (drive mode); 80 mph (sports mode) |
Curb Weight | 300 pounds |
Pros
- A unique, head-turning style
- Great package for its price
- Good, fast charging speeds
Cons
- Brakes may feel inadequate
- Suspension isn't the most plush
- The seat is hard and is not easily removable
Super Soco TC
Base MSRP: $4,140
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 single or a double battery pack setup, claiming an impressive range of 78 Miles (with the dual battery setup), 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. It's pretty cheap, at approximately $4,140, but here comes the bad news. You can't get it in the U.S.
Specifications
Range | 44 miles single battery; extended to 78 miles with dual battery |
Power | 3 kW (4 horsepower) |
Motor | Bosch Hub Motor |
Battery Type | 1.8 kWh Lithium-ion |
Torque | 40 pound-feet |
Top Speed | 28 mph |
Curb Weight | 167 pounds (without battery) |
Pros
- The overall build quality is impressive
- Agile and easy to maneuver through the city
- Low seat height will inspire shorter riders
Cons
- The relatively thin dealership network
- Braking is a hit-and-miss affair
- Not available in the States
Pursang E-Tracker
Base MSRP: $10,052
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 74 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. It's now available in Europe for roughly $10,052.
Specifications
Range | 74 miles |
Power | 7.2 kW (9.6 horsepower) |
Motor | Bosch Hub Motor |
Battery Type | 3 batteries of 48 V |
Torque | 49.4 pound-feet |
Top Speed | 68 mph |
Curb Weight | 324 pounds |
Pros
- The timeless retro-modern look
- Feels refined
- Carbon fiber body panels
Cons
- Long charging time
- No established dealership in the mainland USA
- Comes at a premium cost
Fuell Fllow
Base MSRP: $10,495
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 quite 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 85 mph (max sustained) and a range of 150 miles.
Regenerative braking is employed on the Fllow, 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 on his gas-powered sport bikes.
Specifications
Range | 150 miles |
Power | 35 kW (48 horsepower) |
Motor | Integrated Transverse Flux motor |
Battery Type | 10 kWh battery |
Torque | 553 pound-feet |
Top Speed | 85 mph sustained; 135 mph on demand |
Curb Weight | 400 pounds |
Pros
- Possesses a crazy amount of torque
- A good 150-mile range
- Regenerative braking works like a charm
Cons
- Beginner electric riders may feel overwhelmed with the torque on offer
- Shorter riders may find it difficult to maneuver the bike
- May not be affordable for all riders
Cake Kalk&
Base MSRP: $13,970
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.
Specifications
Range | 53 miles |
Power | 10 kW (13 horsepower) |
Motor | Interior permanent magnet motor |
Battery Type | 2.6 kWh battery |
Torque | 31 pound-feet |
Top Speed | 60 mph |
Curb Weight | 174 pounds |
Pros
- High-grade hardware
- Easy to maneavuer and simple to ride
- A well-rounded fit and finish
Cons
- Pricey
- Not easily available everywhere
- If you ever run into trouble, it would be tough to find parts
LiveWire Del Mar S2
Base MSRP: $15,499
Designed around a modular Arrow platform, 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.
It is due to arrive in showrooms by the latter part of 2023. The power output is a claimed 80 horsepower, while it weighs in at 431 pounds. The city range is expected to be 110 miles, with a 0-80% charge time in about 75 min.
Specifications
Range | 110 miles |
Power | 80 horsepower (60 kW) |
Motor | Yet to be revealed |
Battery Type | 10.5 kWh battery |
Torque | 184 pound-feet |
Top Speed | 124 mph (approx.) |
Curb Weight | 431 pounds |
Pros
- Offers great handling characteristics
- Well-designed
- Possesses decent power to take you around town
Cons
- It is on the heavier side
- Lacks the convenience of fast charging
- Limited use for your out-of-town rides
Damon Hyperfighter
Base MSRP: $19,000
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.
Specifications
Range | 120 miles (combined range) |
Power | 150 horsepower |
Motor | PMAC Liquid-Cooled Motor |
Battery Type | 15 kWh Battery |
Torque | 147 pound-feet |
Top Speed | 150 mph |
Curb Weight | 440 pounds |
Pros
- Offers some impressive performance numbers
- Lets you adjust the handlebar and pegs positions on the fly
- 360-degree cameras
Cons
- Lacks quality on a few parts here and there
- Expensive
- There are no confirmations from the brand about the curb weight
Zero SR/F
Base MSRP: $23,795
Looking for a do-it-all e-motorcycle? Well, we believe it’s the Zero SR/F. Sure, its price of nearly $23,795 isn’t for everyone, but this is one of the most sought-after bikes out there. It comes equipped with a powerful motor-battery combo that has a claimed top speed and range of 124 mph and 187 miles (city) of range, 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. It also comes with all modern-day features likeride modes, TFT instrumentation, smartphone connectivity, LED lighting, and even a stability control from Bosch.
Specifications
Range | 187 miles (city); 124 miles (city/highway combined) |
Power | 110 horsepower (82 kW) |
Motor | Interior permanent magnet AC motor |
Battery Type | 17.3 kWh Lithium-ion |
Torque | 140 pound-feet |
Top Speed | 124 mph |
Curb Weight | 500 pounds |
Pros
- One of the smoothest power deliveries in its segment
- Low operating cost
- Accelerates like the wind
Cons
- At $23,795, it's safe to say it isn't cheap
- Feels heavy while cornering
- Doesn't feel at home on low speeds
LiveWire One
Base MSRP: $22,799
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. One item to note is that Harley spun LiveWire out into its own company, and is now producing LiveWire One in addition to the previously mentioned Del Mar.
Specifications
Range | 149/91 miles (city/combined) |
Power | 100 horsepower (75 kW) |
Motor | Revelation Electric Motor |
Battery Type | 15.4 kWh Rechargeable Energy Storage System (RESS) |
Torque | 84 pound-feet |
Top Speed | 110 mph |
Curb Weight | 562 pounds |
Pros
- Carries the quintessential Harley design
- A capable, powerful engine
- Good amount of features and tech on board
Cons
- Is excessively expensive
- The range is nothing to boast about, especially considering its price range
- The 562-pound weight could be a big issue for many
Tarform Luna
Base MSRP: $24,000
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 ride modes, a 180-degree rearview camera, keyless ignition, and smartphone connectivity via Bluetooth.
Specifications
Range | 120 miles |
Power | 55 horsepower (41 kW) |
Motor | PMAC (permanent magnet) electric motor |
Battery Type | 11.2 kWh lithium-ion battery pack |
Torque | 120 pound-feet |
Top Speed | 120 mph |
Curb Weight | 440 pounds |
Pros
- A modern, minimalist design language
- Allow for swap-ability batteries in the future
- Good road manners
Cons
- Pricey
- The range is nothing to boast about
- No DC fast charging
Evoke 6061
Base MSRP: $24,995
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 30 minutes! That's just a quick lunch! 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 25 kWh battery, giving it a range of 410 miles (city), which is accompanied by a beefy 120kW motor.
Specifications
Range | 410 miles (city); 290 miles (mixed) |
Power | 120 horsepower (90 kW) |
Motor | PMAC (permanent magnet) multi-wound synchronous motor |
Battery Type | 29.7 kWh lithium-ion battery pack |
Torque | 163 pound-feet |
Top Speed | 136 mph |
Curb Weight | 705 pounds |
Pros
- Fast charging speed
- Boasts a massive range
- It's a cruiser!
Cons
- Carries a hefty price tag
- The design can draw some flack from some
- Relatively limited dealer network
Energica Ego+
Base MSRP: $25,600
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 sport bike 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+ was also used in the MotoE world championship up until last year, so it’s safe to say that the bike is well kitted-out to tackle a racetrack.
Specifications
Range | 261/160 miles (city/combined) |
Power | 171 horsepower (126 kW) peak; 149 horsepower (110 kW) sustained |
Motor | 300-volt Hybrid Synchronous Motor |
Battery Type | 21.5 kWh Lithium Polymer |
Torque | 875 pound-feet |
Top Speed | 150 mph |
Curb Weight | 573 pounds |
Pros
- Zippy and fast performance
- Low running cost
- Comes with top-of-the-line hardware
Cons
- Carries a hefty price tag
- Small battery capacity
- Shorter riders will not like the ride handling
Verge TS Ultra
Base MSRP: $44,900
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 specs are quite astonishing: 885 pound feet 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. Four ride modes configure the power delivery to suit your mood or riding requirements and 80 percent charge is available in 25 minutes with the optional DC fast charger and range is quoted as up to 233 miles.
Specifications
Range | 233 miles |
Power | 107 horsepower (80 kW) |
Motor | Not revealed yet |
Battery Type | 20.2 kWh Lithium Polymer |
Torque | 885 pound-feet |
Top Speed | 124 mph |
Curb Weight | 540 pounds |
Pros
- 885 pound-feet of torque
- Low center of gravity
- Scarily fast
Cons
- It is not built for comfort
- Availability in the US is limited
- Pricey
BMW CE 04
Base MSRP: $11,795
BMW is taking a smart approach as it dips its toe into the electric motorcycle pool. They know that electric motorcycles are best suited for city commuting, and what better motorcycle to use in an urban environment than a scooter?
It's loaded with premium features like large TFT display and large storage compartments. Its design aesthetic is futuristic. It comes with a 3-year BMW warranty and its pricing is not too shabby either, starting at $11,795. It's built for urban commuters, with a range of 80 miles. You can pull up to work, plug it and have it ready to take you home when you're done.
Specifications
Range | 80 miles |
Power | 42 horsepower (31 kW) |
Motor | Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor |
Battery Type | 8.9/8.5 (gross/net) kWh Lithium-ion |
Torque | 45.7 pound-feet |
Top Speed | 75 mph |
Curb Weight | 509 pounds |
Pros
- Plenty of storage space
- Looks futuristic and fresh
- Affordable than many others on this list
Cons
- Limited to short, quick jaunts in the city
- Longer and heavier than it looks
- It's a scooter, not an out-and-out bike
Arc Vector
Base MSRP: $104,305
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 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 Öhlins TTX mono shocks and Brembo Stylema brakes at both ends, making the package ever-so-premium.
Specifications
Range | 200 miles (city); 120 miles (highway) |
Power | 127 horsepower (95 kW) |
Motor | Permanent Magnet (PMAC) Motor |
Battery Type | 16.8 kWh Lithium-ion battery pack |
Torque | 128 pound-feet |
Top Speed | 124 mph |
Curb Weight | 530 pounds |
Pros
- Best looking of the lot
- Quick and agile
- Offers a great mid-range torque
Cons
- Look at that £90,000 (US$104,305) price point!
- The instrument cluster is a little cluttered