What is the best electric motorcycle of 2023?
With a market that is still in its infancy, the electric motorcycle is slowly starting to make its mark with motorcyclists. Unlike electric scooters, motorcycle users are sometimes reluctant to trade their thermal engine, the noise of which has made the reputation of certain brands. for a completely silent two-wheeler.
But the arrival of anti-noise radars as well as ecology are pushing more and more people to convert and even to new users of two wheels to take an interest in electric motorcycles in France.
Check out our Top 10 Best Electric Motorcycles 2023 without further ado.
Why buy an electric motorcycle?
Today, many models of electric motorcycles compare with their thermal engine equivalent. If the operation is very different, there are more and more advantages to switching to an electric vehicle. Technology is advancing rapidly and the electric motorcycle provides maximum torque right from the start. which is a determining point of driving in urban environments.
Differences between electric scooter and electric motorcycle
The main difference between the scooter and the electric motorcycle lies in their use. The scooter evolves mainly in an urban environment. where the electric motorcycle is more comfortable on the expressways with better stability.
With wheels of a smaller diameter, the electric scooter has a lower center of gravity. This helps give it the edge in the middle of traffic with unbeatable maneuverability to weave through other road users. On the other hand, the larger wheels of an electric motorcycle make it possible to offer better stability at high speed when you are on a fast track.
The weight is also an important element of difference between these two vehicles. Due to its fairing, the scooter with equivalent power is heavier and therefore has greater inertia.
If the price of an electric motorcycle is more expensive than the electric scooter, the insurance is on the other hand cheaper. Indeed, the scooter is considered by insurance companies as more dangerous by being the subject of more frequent claims.
It all depends on your use and the requirements you have about the two wheels. If you want excellent road holding as well as greater driving pleasure, opt without delay for the electric motorcycle which will give you much more sensations than a scooter.
Advantages of the electric motorcycle in everyday life
Passing on a vehicle sometimes requires some sacrifices. The operation being very different from a petrol motorcycle engine, it is necessary to be able to adapt to the battery. But many advantages can tip the scales depending on the electric two-wheeler which represents the future of ecological transport.
The significant financial aspect of electric
Possessing a low energy cost. especially at low and medium speeds, you will be able to save money by not depending on the price of fuel. It is calculated today that it takes about 2 euros of electric charging to complete a 100 km journey.
The economic aspect therefore comes into play and is a huge step in moving towards the electric vehicle. This requires simply having a power outlet available to recharge your battery, directly connected to the electric motorcycle, or at home with a removable battery.
In the long term, the savings made on fuel allows you to save money each month by not worrying about this increasingly restrictive expense.
The battle against heat engine pollution
On a request from the European Union, France must drastically reduce the atmospheric pollution present in the air of our agglomerations. This is a crucial issue for this pollution representing nearly 48,000 deaths per year from cancers linked to the poor quality of the air we breathe.
and more cities are refusing the entry of thermal vehicles to push users to switch to eco-mobility models. The ZFE (low emission zone) are today among 12 cities on the territory which harden the tone as for the circulation of polluting vehicles in their space.
But this is not the only pollution that French cities wish to reduce. Noise pollution has been in the sights of the authorities lately. Studies show that the noise generated by motorcycles can reduce the life expectancy of people exposed too frequently to this pollution. Cities are therefore beginning to set up anti-noise radars to limit the impact of noise pollution on local residents.
If the argument of motorcyclists is that the noise of the motorcycle makes it possible to signal themselves on the road to avoid accidents, studies show the opposite with an impossibility for motorists in traffic to capture precisely where the screaming noise is coming from. thermal motorcycles.
It is urgent to react and swap its combustion engine for a much more energy efficient brushless electric motor with an operating noise close to nothing.
Electric driving pleasure
The driving pleasure of an electric motorcycle is different but just as pleasant. It is very comfortable to ride an electric motorcycle that does not generate any vibration and operates very simply. Engine torque on start responds instantly and allows you to quickly extricate yourself from all other vehicles in your path.
Driving in silence and no longer queuing at the gas station is a real pleasure. It is very difficult to go back after riding an electric motorcycle. Especially when you know that these electric machines are much less sensitive to breakdowns.
Easy maintenance where only the battery requires your attention
The operation of the electric motor is particularly simple. It requires almost no maintenance or overhaul to keep your two wheels in good working order. It is no longer useful to get dirty to maintain your electric motorcycle. This is a huge point that our customers emphasize when going electric.
This simply requires preserving the battery as well as possible so that it delivers all its power for as long as possible. We therefore advise you:
- Do not charge the battery when it is still hot. That is to say just after using the electric motorcycle
- Store the battery in a temperate place. Neither too hot nor too cold to keep the battery cells intact.
- Do not let the battery drain completely. Ideally we advise to recharge before falling below 20% and not to go above 80% recharge to preserve the cells at the top of their form.
- Recharge the battery at least once a month in case of prolonged non-use
- Always use the original charger which is designed not to degrade the battery over time.
Top 10 best electric motorcycles of 2023: Comparison
In this comparison and Top 10 without ranking are several categories of the best electric motorcycles on the market in 2023.
Super SOCO TC MAX, electric accessible to all
Based on a steel/aluminum frame, the Super SOCO TC Max electric motorcycle has a 3kW brushless motor. For a very attractive price, the TC Max offers 100 km/h top speed for 100 km of autonomy.
SUPER SOCO brand build quality allows the TC Max to offer excellent value for money. Perfectly balanced and relatively light (93kg), this electric motorcycle allows you to weave through traffic with ease thanks to its driving agility.
The energy transition becomes quite accessible with this 125cm3 equivalent model which benefits from several subsidies. Its removable 18 kg battery allows easy recharging but still requires some muscle if the socket is too far away.
With its competitive price and efficient suspensions, the Super SOCO TC Max is an ecological two-wheeler perfect for taking the plunge into electric and it was unthinkable not to mention this model in our comparison of the best electric motorcycles.
Lightning LS 218, the most powerful in the world
In a completely different price range, the LS 218 Lightning is a very high-end electric motorcycle from the American manufacturer. Mind-blowing performances that can be summed up in just a few figures:
- 350 km/h top speed
- 270 Nm of torque (200 horsepower)
- 224 kg on the scale
- Between 200 km and 300 km of autonomy depending on the battery chosen (12 kWh, 15 kWh, 20 kWh)
A super-powerful luxury electric motorcycle that makes thermal models pale in comparison. Lightning Motorcycle and its Lightning LS 218 have laid the foundations for a very powerful electric motorcycle with its sporty look and high performance both in speed and range.
The price also makes more than one shudder with an appeal price of 35,000 euros !
Harley Davidson Livewire, the American class
The famous American manufacturer Harley Davidson has also released its electric model and offers a model as classy as it is efficient. The Harley-Davidson Livewire retains the spirit of the American brand but in total silence with this elegant model that will necessarily appeal to more classic bikers.
Reducing the 0 to 100km / h in just 3 seconds. the 249 kg of the machine are propelled by the engine called Revelation of 78 kW (105 horsepower delivered). With a maximum speed announced at 180 km / h, this high-end electric motorcycle can be purchased for just over 30,000 euros.
In terms of autonomy, the manufacturer claims 230 km in town and 150 km on the road thanks to the Samsung 15.5 kWh battery. As with electric cars, charging is done via a Type 2 socket using the charger provided, but also offers the possibility of Rapid charging at an electrical terminal via a Combo CCS type connector. Harley Davidson announces a 40% recharge in just 30 minutes. (1 hour for full charge from 0 to 100%).
Sur-Ron Light Bee, for off-road enthusiasts
For off-road enthusiasts, the Sur-Ron Light Bee is a high-performance electric motocross bike with a very modern style. The 2.1 kW electric motor placed in a central position makes it possible to reach 45 km/h on public roads and up to 75 km/h for the Off-Road model reserved for practice on private land.
This electric motorcycle is particularly light with its 50 kg, battery included, with very well distributed masses, which can offer a range of up to 100 km. Compared to the other two wheels mentioned above, this has nothing to do and yet this machine delivers an excellent torque of 210 Nm which allows strong acceleration in urban areas.
Triumph TE-1 prototype – £TBA
BMW’s E-Power Roadster is still under development, and Triumph has also unveiled an electric prototype. Like the BMW, it’s some way from going into production, although Triumph has promised that the first rideable prototypes will be running around by the end of 2021. The TE-1 is a collaborative project, led by Triumph with Williams Advanced Engineering developing the battery and ECU, while the University of Warwick takes care of simulation testing.
A drivetrain specialist has designed the motor and inverter. The TE-1 is promised to set new standards for low weight, compact dimensions and range. Details are sparse for now, but we do know the motor produces 180bhp while weighing only 10kg, while the battery management system and ECU are combined into a single unit, to save space. To find out whether any of the claims are borne out in practice, we’ll have to wait a while yet, but at least we know something is going on at the Triumph factory.
Zero S – from £12,745
Zero is the Tesla of motorcycles. Like Elon Musk’s company, it’s American, an electric-vehicle pioneer and has been going for quite a while now, starting off in 2006. And like Tesla, Zero has managed to steal a march on mainstream rivals. The Californian brand offers a whole range of road, off-road and dual-purpose machines, even a touring version complete with full luggage!
Most are based around the same 14.4kWh battery and are equivalent to a 4-500cc petrol bike, but the S is the most practical with the longest range. Zero claims a range of 90 ‘highway’ miles (i.e. at 70mph) and 180 miles in town, with faster charging and bigger battery options. Zeros are fun bikes to ride – they handle well with decent brakes and suspension, and can top 90mph, with 124mph from the more powerful SR/S. All qualify for the plug-in grant.
This writer bought a secondhand Zero DS in 2020 and can confirm that all those road-test superlatives are true – the instant torque gives an exhilarating ride, the bike handles well and certainly turns heads (everyone seems to know it’s electric). And if you take it easy, a range of 100-110 miles on a charge is realistic.
Super Soco TC Max – from £4,249
Super Soco – isn’t that a great name? – claims to be the top-selling electric motorcycle in the UK, and importer Vmoto is probably right. It’s a neat little thing, originally launched as a moped (so restricted to 28mph) but with the 125cc-equivalent TC Max added in 2019.
This one can top 60mph and has enough oomph to cope with main roads out of town. Claimed range is 60 miles if you stick to urban running, so long trips are out, but the Super Soco is as easy to ride as any electric scooter and its motorcycle style is a real bonus. Other nice touches are belt drive (for minimal maintenance), keyless ignition and anti-theft location alert.
Horwin CR6 – from around £4,992
Electric motorcycles, like electric cars, don’t need a gearbox, but the Horwin CR6 Pro has one. Why? Because many motorcyclists just love the feel of changing gear, and the idea is that a geared electric bike could tempt more of them than a ‘twist ‘n go’ automatic. The CR6 is another 125cc-equivalent, with an 11kW motor producing over 300Nm of torque, giving a top speed of 65mph and a 0-37mph time of six seconds.
The battery is a small 4kWh job, but the company still claims an 80-mile range in town. There’s also a plain CR6 version with no gearbox, a milder 7.2kW motor, a top speed of 59mph and a claimed 93 miles of urban running. Both have lovely retro ‘cafe racer’ styling.
The 150-mph Lightning Strike is technically the second-fastest street-legal electric motorcycle
If a 218-mph, near-40,000 street-legal electric motorcycle is too much, don’t worry, Lightning has something else for you. Well, theoretically it does—let me explain.
In 2019, California-based Lightning Motorcycles introduced a more affordable model, the Strike. It has a 120-HP liquid-cooled electric motor like what the LS-218 uses hooked to a 20-kWh battery. That’s enough to get this 455-lb electric sportbike to a claimed 150 mph, making it the #2 fastest street-legal electric motorcycle.
The rest of the Strike’s specs sheet, or at least the Carbon Edition’s sheet, also reads similarly to the LS-218’s equipment list. It has fully-adjustable Ohlins suspension, Brembo brakes, DC fast-charging compatibility, and forged aluminum wheels. However, the Carbon Edition starts at 19,998; and the base Standard Edition was supposed to start at 12,998 in 2019, Cycle World reports.
However, while Lightning does list the Strike Carbon Edition as ‘for sale’ on its website, the Standard Edition is nowhere to be found. Furthermore, Lightning’s site also lists a deposit option for the Strike Carbon Edition. So, it’s technically for sale, but only one trim.
Right behind it is the 149-mph 2022 Energica Ego
Alongside Zero and Cake, Italian company Energica is one of the few high-profile all-electric motorcycle brands. And while some of Zero’s bikes appear elsewhere on this list, the #3 fastest street-legal electric motorcycle is an Energica. Specifically, the 149-mph 2022 Energica Ego.
Sharpened by Energica’s experience as a MotoE supplier, the flagship Ego is 22 pounds lighter for 2022 thanks to motor and inverter improvements. In addition, Energica lengthened the drivetrain’s maintenance intervals and bumped the battery pack’s gross capacity to 21.5 kWh. As a result, the 169-HP Energica Ego has a claimed 261-mile city range and goes 0-62 mph in 2.8 seconds. And the Ego RS, with its modified chain and final drive, can do that in 2.6 seconds.
Naturally, all this performance doesn’t come cheap. If you want the third-fastest street-legal electric motorcycle, the starting price is 25,600. But think about it this way. For less than 26K, you have a vehicle that can beat a 2022 Porsche 911 to 60 mph without putting out emissions.
th place is a tie between the 125-mph 2022 Energica Eva Ribelle and Energica EsseEsse9
Not only does Energica make the third-fastest street-legal electric motorcycle on sale in 2022, but it also makes the bikes that tied for 4 th place. Those bikes are the 2022 Energica Eva Ribelle and 2022 EsseEsse9, which can both hit 125 mph. However, how they go about that speed is slightly different.
Energica describes the Eva Ribelle as a naked version of the Ego, which makes it an electric streetfighter. That also means it has the same 169-HP liquid-cooled electric motor, 21.5-kWh battery pack, Brembo brakes, fully-adjustable Marzocchi forks, and fully-adjustable Bitubo rear monoshock. The bikes even have the same 573-lb curb weights. And just like the Ego, there’s an Eva Ribelle RS which has a faster 2.6-second 0-62 mph time.
However, unlike the Ego, the Energica Eva Ribelle doesn’t have a full fairing. As a result, instead of 149 mph, it tops out at 125 mph. But again, that still puts it in 4 th place as the fastest street-legal electric motorcycle you can buy today. And like the other bikes on this list, it probably feels even faster because there’s no need to shift.
Meanwhile, for 2022 the retro-style EsseEsse9 has become the EsseEsse9 thanks to the previously-mentioned motor, inverter, and battery updates. However, while it has an RS version, too, the EsseEsse9 ‘only’ makes 107 HP. So, it goes 0-62 mph in a yawn-inducing…3.0 seconds; the RS does it in 2.8 seconds. But it has the same 261-mile max range as well as identical suspension and brake specs.
Although the Energica Eva Ribelle and EsseEsse9 give up the speed advantage to the Ego, they receive a price advantage. The former starts at 23,800 while the latter starts at 22,850. Not cheap per se, but still quicker and cheaper than a 911.
Get a list of the benefits of electric vs gas motorcycles, as well as a detailed look into electric motorcycle performance.
Electric vs gas motorcycles; that is the question. If you’re like most motorcycle enthusiasts, the thought of switching to an electric bike has probably crossed your mind at some point. But is an electric motorcycle really right for you?
When it comes to electric motorcycles, like electric cars, there are a lot of misconceptions. Some people think they’re slow and underpowered, while others believe that you can’t take them on long trips. In this article, we’ll take a detailed look at electric motorcycles and explore the benefits they bring over classic gas motorbikes.
Electric motorcycles look like stuff from Sci-Fi novels, and people love it.
It’s Cheaper to Ride Electric Motorcycle vs Gas
Gas are soaring. We all know how the global economy and political situation are affecting gas prices. Just last year, gasoline were 56% less on average. Taking the US into account, depend on the state, where California has the most expensive gas and Georgia the cheapest. No matter where you’re driving your gas motorcycle, the price of gas will make you think of switching to an electric bike soon.
Think about all the maintenance that goes into gas motorcycles. Just like any engine that runs on gas, which is essentially dirty (not even mentioning the environmental impact,) motorcycle reservoirs can get rusty, and then you should perform motorcycle gas tank electrolysis. Guess who doesn’t need that? Electric motorcycles.
Oil pump failures can lead to all sorts of costly repairs in gas motorcycles. Oil and oil filters should be changed every 2,000 miles because of contaminants and fuel impurities. If there’s a carburetor, you also need to perform carburetor cleaning and maintenance at least every six months.
Then we also have regulators/rectifiers, which are responsible for providing the right amount of electrical current at the appropriate voltage for your bike. So that’s another thing that can break and require repairs. Tire pressure, battery, constant chain inspections, cables… The list goes on.
What do you need to maintain in electric bikes? Keep it clean, turn it off when you’re not using it, take care of the battery, and keep it lubricated. That’s basically it.
Comfortable and Enjoyable
An electric-powered motorcycle is undeniably more comfortable, and the ride is more enjoyable.
Gas-powered motorcycles constantly vibrate, especially while waiting at a light. EV motorcycles don’t, providing a smoother ride that lasts the entire duration. While electric motorcycles aren’t completely silent, they also allow for a quieter ride. You can cruise on your night ride without waking your neighbours or enjoy the sounds of nature on your weekend ride.
We took a close look at Damon’s electric motorcycles to explore how innovative technology focused on motorcycle ergonomics makes the ride even more comfortable. This resulted in groundbreaking Shift technology used in electric models such as the HyperSport motorcycles, allowing riders to change their position between sport and commuter positions at the push of a button. Unlike a gas motorcycle, you can choose your preferred position on-the-fly.
Things Every Electric Motorcycle Owner Should Know
Compared with gas-powered motorcycles, electric motorcycles and scooters require less maintenance. However, you’ve got to keep your battery powered motorcycle in a good condition for you to keep having a great riding experience. Whether yours is an electric cruiser motorcycle or an electric sport bike—no matter what kind of electric motorcycle you own—the following tips are worth considering:
- Regularly take your bike for servicing and maintenance at trusted service centers. Experts recommend that you go for an inspection after every 2000mi (3,000km) or every six months. It’s also essential that the electrical system of electric motorcycles and scooters is not tampered with. Always engage an experienced technician and don’t ride your electric motorbike if there’s an issue with any of the electronic parts.
- Your electric motorcycle’s battery is the most important electrical component on the motorcycle. If you don’t properly charge the Lithium-ion batteries of your electric motorbike, its lifespan will be shortened. Replacing your bike’s battery will also cost you. To maintain your battery in a good shape, never charge it with the ignition turned on.
- Do not use a charger from a different manufacturer, as this can cause the electric motorbike system to malfunction as well as shortening the battery lifespan. Don’t overcharge the motorbike’s battery. You should charge your electric motorcycle only when the battery is not fully charged.
- Don’t let the battery of electric motorcycles and scooters drain completely. Letting the motorcycle go fully discharged will shorten the battery’s lifespan. It is recommended that you start charging your battery when it’s at around 25-30%. If you just got a new electric motorcycle, fully charge the battery for the first 3 times. In addition, make sure that your best electric motorcycle receives a full charge at least every 2 months.
- Don’t expose your bike’s battery to extreme conditions. Lithium-ion batteries don’t like cold or extremely hot temperatures. It is recommended to store and charge your motorcycle battery at room temperature. Any temperature between 32-95°F (0-35°C) is best.
- Never leave your electric motorcycle battery to overcharge outside during a winter night. If the battery seems to be deteriorating, the capacity can be checked at any electric motorcycle shop. Do not attempt to perform any diagnostics on the battery yourself. This is extremely dangerous and can result in fire and explosion.
- Because mud and other dirt particles can get into your motorcycle’s engine and cause serious problems, you must clean your electric bike regularly. Clean your bike using a soft sponge and mild detergent in water. Avoid high-pressure cleaners as they can penetrate the seals and damage the electrical system of your bike. Dry your electric cruiser motorcycle with a soft cloth or a towel after washing.
- Regularly lube the chain of your electric motorcycle or scooter if they’re designed with chains.
- Regularly check the condition of your bike’s tires. Observe your bike’s tire pressure, tread, and wear. Keep in mind that low tires or worn tires will affect the range and handling. Depending on the size and width of the tire, the pressure in each tire of your electric motorcycle should be around 2-2.2 bars (29-32 psi).
- Always inspect the basic components of your electric motorcycle. Ensure that the brakes on your electric street bike, electric sport bike, electric motorcycle for adults, and so on, are effective. Ineffective brakes can result in an accident You should change the brake pads and discs when they begin to wear out. It’s recommended that you change the brake fluid every 2 years.
In addition to keeping your electric bike in top shape, make sure you keep it safe. To prevent theft, always lock it up safely, keep it in a secure garage, and consider adding extra layers of security such as disc locks and chains. Finally, think of installing a motorcycle GPS tracker on your electric beast – this will help ensure you can track your bike in real time in case of theft.
FAQ
What license do you need for an electric motorcycle?
You need a Class M1 license to ride an electric motorcycle. To get this license, however, you must have a certificate of completion of the motorcycle basic rider course, take a vision test, and a written test. An intending rider who is younger than 18 will also have to pass a driving test.
How fast do electric motorcycles go?
Since electric motorcycles develop their torque instantly, they can go very fast. You can go from 0 to 60mph with electric motorcycles in seconds, which is faster than is obtainable with gas-powered bikes.
Are electric motorcycles street legal?
Unless otherwise designated, most electric motorcycles are street legal.
What’s the fastest electric motorcycle you can buy?
As of 2021, the fastest electric motorcycle you can buy is the Lightning LS-218. This electric motorcycle can go from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.2 seconds and has a top speed of 218 mph.
Electric Decisions
Electric motorcycles are here to stay, and their production will only ramp up and get better. The options will increase, too. This is the future, and it’s time to jump on board! If you own or are planning to purchase an electric motorcycle, safety, range, power, and comfort are things you should look out for. Remember: To have a great riding experience for a long time, proper and regular maintenance is key. But so is the fun factor – so make sure you enjoy the hell out of your new electric steed.
Wondering how YOU can protect your bike?Check out Monimoto Smart trackers