Honda The Power of Dreams
Honda launched the world’s first commercially available electric motorcycle in 1994, and has been the world leader in electric motorcycles ever since. In recent years, Honda has been addressing the issues of electric motorcycles, such as cruising range and charging time, with the “Mobile Power Pack,” a replaceable battery, and aims to expand this technology to business-use electric motorcycles by 2021 to further popularize electric motorcycles.
1.Aiming for the Spread of Electric Motorcycles
Honda has set the goals of “achieving carbon neutrality by 2050″ and ” zero fatalities in traffic accidents ” and is working to achieve these goals.
We have positioned the electrification of motorcycles as one of our efforts to achieve our goal of becoming carbon neutral. We have been working on electric motorcycles since the development of the CUV-ES, the world’s first electric motorcycle that was put on the market in 1994, and in 2018, we announced the PCX ELECTRIC as an electric motorcycle for Japan and other ASEAN countries.
Since there are four challenges to the widespread adoption of electric motorcycles: cruising range, charging time, battery performance, and cost, we have continued to work on solutions to these issues. The PCX ELECTRIC announced in 2018 showed one way to solve the challenges of electric motorcycles by using the replaceable Honda Mobile Power Pack as a power source.
2.Electrification of Motorcycles for Business Use
We want to make electric motorcycles with excellent environmental performance more accessible to more customers. With this in mind, we are developing the Honda e:Business Bike series to provide easy-to-use business bikes that maximize the advantages of EVs to support a variety of business situations.
We are developing the BENLY e: a two-wheeled and compact motorcycle with a high load capacity that enables it to perform a variety of pickup and delivery tasks; the GYRO e: a three-wheeled motorcycle with a large, low-floor cargo bed that does not swing and is suitable for delivering heavy or bulky cargo; and the GYRO CANOPY e: a three-wheeled motorcycle with a roof and a swinging cargo bed that is suitable for lightweight loading and food delivery.
Compared to personal use, where the destination is unspecified, in business use, the Honda Mobile Power Pack can operate on a regular route and distance, and return to the store for recharging and battery replacement, thus maximizing the effectiveness of the Honda Mobile Power Pack, which can replace the power source.
The Best Electric Cargo Bikes of 2022
Haul kids, dogs, gear, and groceries with our favorite electric cargo bikes. With options ranging from front-load trikes to smooth-riding longtails, we’ll have you ready to pedal in no time.
For more than a year, our neighborhood has been testing a multitude of amazing electric cargo bikes. We’ve hauled everything from babies, kids, dogs, wood, inflatable SUPs, and even huge Costco and farmer’s market hauls. If our destination is within 15 miles, we go on cargo bikes.
Below, we highlight, categorize, and review the best bikes we tested. They were all standouts in their own unique way. But before we dive in, check out the lingo below, which helps explain the different styles of electric cargo bikes on the market today.
Electric Cargo Bike Styles
Long-john bike: These have the cargo box up front with the front wheel stretched out in front of you. Some also have the capacity for another passenger to ride on the back. This style takes a bit of practice when you first get on, as it handles a little differently than a traditional bike.
Longtail bike: These ride more like traditional bikes and can fit up to three small passengers (kids) riding on the tail. Most can also fit a clip-on seat for younger kids (9 months and up).
Front-load trike: These have two wheels and the cargo box in front. This stable style can fit as many as four kids in the box and sometimes an extra kid or panniers on the back.
Scroll through to see all of our recommendations for the best electric cargo bikes or jump to the category you’re looking for. At the end of our list, be sure to check out our comprehensive buyer’s guide.
The Best Electric Cargo Bikes of 2022
Best Overall Family Bike: Yuba Spicy Curry
Yuba’s mission is to make bikes that can easily haul kids, gear, and groceries, all while putting a big smile on everyone’s face (bystanders included). Other than its awesome name, we love the Spicy Curry (5,199) for its sturdy, tank-like feel. Even when it’s loaded down and our son is waving side to side on the back, we barely notice.
For some extra money, you can choose different add-ons for the bike depending on your lifestyle. We wanted to make this bike our main one for taking our son to preschool, so we opted to get the adjustable Monkey Bars (200) as well as a Yepp Maxi Easy Fit kid seat (259).
Our son loves the combination of the seat and the Monkey Bars. He gets to ride up high so he can see Mom or Dad and can hold on whenever he feels like it. Later, we added the 2-Go Cargo Bags (199) and the Bread Basket (200). This more than doubled our carrying capacity.
The frame looked big at first sight. But after adjusting the cockpit and seat to my 5’1″ height, I was pleasantly surprised at how natural and comfortable it felt. It has easily been the neighborhood’s most widely used bike. It’s simple to adjust the size of the bike, and it fits a wide variety of heights.
The components consist of a Shimano Deore 10-speed adjuster and Shimano Disc Brakes. And although I was wary at first of the non-internal hub, I grew to really like how much it felt like all my other bikes. The large front wheel helps smooth out bumps; it’s smooth enough that my son regularly falls asleep on the way home from school.
The motor is a very powerful and smooth Bosch Performance CX mid-drive with a 36V 500Wh battery. It has four levels of assist: Eco, Tour, eMTB, and Turbo. All of these are easy to click through on the control panel, which also displays the mileage, range, and speed.
On a single charge, I can get up to 55 miles on Eco mode or about 25 on full Turbo mode. The eMTB setting switches between all the modes depending on how it senses I’m riding, and I average between 30 and 40 miles.
Again, this bike has been the most used in our neighborhood of four families. It is easy to adjust, feels most like a regular bike, and can haul up to 300 pounds. At 60 pounds and 6 feet in length, it’s not the easiest of the bunch to store. But for carrying capacity, length, and price, this is easily one of the best electric cargo bikes money can buy.
Specs:
- Weight: 60 lbs. (without any of the add-ons)
- Length: 6′
- Carrying capacity: 300 lbs.
- Range: 25-55 miles depending on mode and capacity
- Best for: Around town errands, kid pickups and dropoffs, dogs, big grocery or hardware store buys
Pros:
Cons:
Best Budget Cargo E-Bike: Rad Power Bikes RadWagon 4
While this cargo e-bike (1,999) is still a major investment, it’s one of the most affordable options we’ve found. And although it may lack some of the capacity and extras of other higher-end bikes on this list, we’ve found it’s a solid contender and a great ride for most people.
The 750 W geared hub motor provides plenty of power, even when loaded up to the max 350-pound payload. It has five pedal assist levels, and we found it very easy to change between modes.
Weighing in at nearly 77 pounds, our smaller riders were worried it would feel unmanageable. For riders of all sizes, however, it rode smoothly and never felt overly heavy. The double-leg kickstand is sturdy and provided enough stability to load and unload wiggly children.
The 22X3 inch tires gave a very smooth ride while keeping the ride low and stable. It’s worth noting that these unusual tire sizes can be hard to find in local bike shops. It’s not a bad idea to have a spare on hand just in case.
Like other electric cargo bikes, the RadWagon 4 has integrated lights, so you won’t have to worry about forgetting your bike light at home.
The battery for this bike charged quickly, and we easily got 30-45 miles of travel, even when loaded down and traveling along hilly terrain.
All in all, this is a quality electric cargo bike at an unbeatable price.
Specs:
- Weight: 76.7 lbs.
- Length: 6.5′
- Carrying capacity: 350 lbs.
- Range: 25-45 miles depending on mode and capacity
- Best for: Around town errands, kid pickups, and dropoffs
Pros:
Cons:
Best Compact, Daily Commuter: Tern GSD S00 Folding Bike
The Tern GSD (4,999-5,799) is simply a remarkable all-around bike. Many of the complaints about cargo bikes are that they are big, heavy, impossible to transport, and hard to store. All of that (except weight) gets turned upside down with the Tern GSD, which aptly stands for “Get Stuff Done.”
Tern Bikes is known for its ingenuity in creating folding bikes. So when the brand came out with a cargo bike that was the length of a regular commuter bike and could fold down to fit easily in most midsize SUVs or minivans, many bike commuters (including us) took notice.
The bike is even made to stand vertically on its back rack so that it takes up minimal space when stored inside. For the urban family who lives in an apartment building, people with limited garage space, or anyone who just doesn’t want to deal with a big classic cargo bike, the Tern is the answer.
Other specs that set the GSD apart are its carrying capacity of 440 pounds and the ability to fit two high-powered Bosch batteries on it. This gives it an impressive range of up to 155 miles. From the Green Guard non-puncture tires to the infinite-adjust internal geared hub, this bike is clearly made to last.
Like the other bikes, you can customize it however you like. We opted to try the Clubhouse basket (200), the Cargo Hold Panniers (175), and a Thule Yepp Maxi child’s seat (220). We were pleased to find out that the Cargo panniers were still usable with the Yepp Maxi seat over top of them. And with the batteries, panniers, and rack all sitting lower than your average bike, the handling and riding experience for both the driver and passenger is very smooth and comfortable.
Like all the other cargo bikes on this list, it fits a range of riders from 5′ to 6’5″. The unique handlebar, seatpost, and stem adjustment make it even quicker and easier to truly find a perfect cockpit for riders of various sizes. We used this bike exclusively for an entire week to see how quickly we would need to charge it. It lasted the entire week. We clocked 90 miles, using a mix of tour and eMTB mods, and it still showed two of five battery bars.
At 4,999 with a single battery and 5,799 with a dual battery, this one comes in at the middle of the pack price-wise. But it has our vote for being one of the most versatile, longest-lasting, and smoothest rides out of all of them.
Specs:
- Weight: 70 lbs. (with one battery)
- Length: 6′
- Folded length: 71″ x 16″ x 33″
- Carrying capacity: 440 lbs.
- Range: Up to 200 km
- Best for: Ultimate one-size-fits-all family utility bike
Pros:
- Stem/handlebars/seatpost can fold down in 5 seconds, allowing it to fit in many vehicles
- Can carry a ton of gear and people
- Compact for e-bikes
- Attention to total detail seems highest of all bikes
- Just an outstanding design overall
Cons:
Best Kid-Hauler: Bunch Original Family Cargo Bike
This crowd-stopping, front-loading trike (4,285) gets high points for its lower price range (compared to other e-cargo bikes) and ease of assembly. It literally showed up at my house fully assembled via a semi-truck. All we had to do was take off the packaging, adjust the seat, and it was ready to go.
The big cargo box fits up to four kids and comes with comfortable cushions and easy-to-use shoulder straps. In the span of a few weeks, we took it out with all combinations of cargo: a dog and two kids, three kids and a cooler full of snacks, and even a week’s worth of groceries. Our 2-year-old loved it because he was up high and could chat with his friend across from him.
The bike has additional add-ons like a rain cover and a sunshade, which the kiddos and dog all appreciated when the elements became too much. Unlike other cargo bikes where it’s hard to secure your stuff, the cargo box has a lockable under-storage box that can easily fit a purse, computer, and other smaller valuables.
The components aren’t of the highest quality possible, but the combination of the Shimano Tourney SL-TX50 and the 500W 48V Dapu Hub motor created a smooth shifting and pedaling experience. And the easy-to-charge battery kept us motoring around town for almost 25 miles before we had to charge it up again.
The standover design and easy-to-adjust seat make it fit a wide range of sizes. I’m barely 5’1″, and I can ride it just as well as my 6′ stepdad. The control panel is also very intuitive, making it easy to turn on your headlight and see speed and battery life.
For the family who wants something to replace their car for short, local trips, this bike is the perfect ride. However, it’s not for the person who wants to get to where they’re going fast. While the motor will assist up to 20 mph, it comes with a factory set max of 15 mph (this is easily changed via the settings).
And because it’s a trike, the bike’s handling is a bit unstable at higher speeds, especially in corners where you can’t lean like a normal bike. So we’d recommend keeping that 15mph limit for a while until you learn the limitations. Think of this bike as more of a “take it easy and enjoy the sights” bike. It’s a super fun experience to share with your kids.
Specs:
- Weight: 148 lbs.
- Length: 6′
- Carrying capacity: 220 lbs.; four kids, a mixture of one medium dog and one kid, or two kids and a big grocery buy
- Range: 20-30 miles depending on load and speed
- Best for: Taking multiple kids to the local park, dogs, and big grocery buys
Pros:
- Comes fully assembled
- Has a secure lockbox
- Thick, durable, flat-proof tires
- Can fit up to five kids (with one on the back)
Cons:
- Heavy
- Harder to back up and turn around than other more bike-like models
- Can take up a lot of space in the garage
Smoothest Ride for Big Loads: Yuba Electric Supermarché
For hauling a big grocery buy, transporting your SUP to the local surf wave, or taking your dog and kiddo to the river for a hike, this bike (5,999) is the ticket. With a Bosch Performance CX mid-drive motor and PowerPack 500 battery, the ride is fast and smooth.
For ease of use, there is a range of gears and four levels of pedal-based electric assist. Like all the others, it only can get up to only 20 mph, but it feels like you’re going much faster. And at stoplights, it was the easiest of the bikes to start due to the internal hub that allows you to switch gears while stopped.
It takes a bit to get used to the longer and heavier front end, but after a few practice runs, it felt very natural. The hard part is recalibrating your turns on your conventional bike!
The control panel is the fanciest of all of the interfaces. It lets the user see how much power they’re using, how long the trip is, total milage so far, and how many miles you have left on your charge. The Magura MT5 Next Hydraulic Disc brakes and the always-charged LED lights keep the parents happy and the kiddos safe.
The range on the Supermarché lasts anywhere between 20 and 40 miles. For our family, we used it three to four times a day with an average of 7-mile outings carrying 200 pounds. We drained the battery down to one bar almost daily. Luckily, it’s very easy to park it in the garage and charge for another round. The step-through frame and easy-to-adjust cockpit fit the entire neighborhood, with heights ranging from 4’9″ to 6’5″.
Although 5,999 sounds like a pretty high price, when we compared this to other premium-brand long-john bikes, it was actually one of the lowest prices. And if you know you’re going to use it daily (and save some money on gas), it may just be worth the cost. The Supermarché is also available in a non-electric option for 2,999.
Specs:
- Weight: 78 lbs.
- Length: 8’5″
- Carrying capacity: 300 lbs.
- Range: 20-55 miles depending on load and power-assist mode
- Best for: Big Costco buys, giving the kids a ride to school, food or paper deliveries
Pros:
Cons:
- The passenger can feel the bumps more than if they’re on the back of the bike, as it lacks shocks
- It’s long and on the heavy side
A Great Value: Radio Flyer L885
While the new L885 cargo e-bike (1,999) from Radio Flyer is still a big investment, it’s one of the more affordable options at the moment. Other bikes in this price range arrive without any carrying capacity included. Radio Flyer adds in the kid/cargo carrier which is a major bonus for many families. And although it does not have the higher range like some of the other bikes listed here, we’ve found it a very solid choice for many families out there.
The 500W brushless hub motor coupled with the five-level pedal assist and a half-twist throttle provide plenty of power to ride up any hill or pick up speed at the start of an intersection. We found that even when loaded down at its full capacity of 400 pounds, we could get a full 40 to 45 miles out of it before charging it again. And if more battery power is needed, there is an option to buy another battery for 499. For our daily use, however, we have yet to feel like we need this.
The bike weighs in at 73 pounds but feels surprisingly light and nimble, especially when compared to the Tern GSD. The 26-inch front wheel and the 20-inch back wheel are both standard tire sizes, which is nice for changing out the tubes and tires if needed. So far, after about 200 miles of riding — some on dirt and sharp rocks as well as over some glass (on accident) — I have yet to have a flat thanks to their 3” puncture-resistant liner.
The L885, like many electric bikes these days, has integrated lights, which adds to its carefree nature. The dual leg kickstand is also great for stabilizing the bike while unloading wiggly kids.
The battery charges on par with the other bikes listed here. As long as I remembered to plug it in at night every two to three days, we were good to go for another couple of days of riding.
All in all, this is an amazing electric cargo bike at a very affordable price.
Specs:
- Weight: 73 lbs.
- Length: 83.78″
- Carrying Capacity: 400 lbs.
- Range: 45-50 miles
- Best for: errands around town, picking up and dropping kids off, nearby adventures
Pros:
Cons:
- Front basket and rear basket are a little small for carrying large amounts of groceries.
- One bike does not fit all sizes
Lightest Weight Ecargo Bike: Tern HSD P9
The new Tern P9 HSD (3,699) is the younger sibling to the older dual-battery GSD model. Where the GSD is longer and heavier, the HSD is more compact, much lighter, and has less carrying capacity. The P9 HSD can fit into many different categories.
With one wheel in the commuting realm and one in the cargo category, this bike can wear many hats, depending on the user. For our purposes, we turned it into the ultimate kid, gear, and grocery hauler. However, Tern has many different configuration options on its site for carrying cargo. With a 115 cm wheelbase, 170 cm in length, and coming in at just under 57 pounds in weight, this bike is the lightest and most compact e-cargo bike we have tested yet.
Tern is known for their unique bikes that can be easily stored and have the ability to fit many different riders on one single frame. The HSD can fit me, at 5′ 1″, and my stepfather, who is 6′ 1″, thanks to an easy-to-adjust cockpit and seat.
Unlike other cargo bikes, this bike was amazingly nimble and easy to maneuver. With a custom Suntour suspension fork, it made the bumpy roads a bit more enjoyable for both me and my passenger. The battery, a Bosch Powerpack 400, and the motor, a Bosch active line, both helped power myself, my five-year-old son, and a ton of farmer’s market goodies around town with no problem thanks to its 375-pound carrying capacity. With a range of 69 miles, I have yet to worry about running out of battery even after a full day of back and forth commuting.
The HSD features integrated lights and a double-sided kickstand for easy on and off for cargo and passengers.
Overall, this little bike packs a powerful punch. It’s easy to store (as with all Terns, it can be stored vertically), can haul everything from gear to dogs to one kid, and is surprisingly very light when compared to other e-cargo bikes. It’s also fun to ride!
While it is not the most expensive bike, it does still dent the wallet. For those looking for more bells and whistles, the HSD comes in 5 different models with the P9 being the most affordable of them all.
Specs:
- Weight: 57 lbs.
- Length: 170 cm
- Carrying Capacity: 375 lbs.
- Range: 69 miles
- Best for: Daily commuting, grocery trips, single kid drop off and pick up, and can fit every adult in the family
Pros:
- Very light
- Can still carry a large load even though it is so small
- Can fold and fit into small areas
Cons:
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose an Electric Cargo Bike
What Kind of Family/Rider Are You?
Before starting your search, first ask yourself what you will be using the bike for most. Grocery shopping? Kid pickups and dropoffs? Delivering pizzas? Taking your dog to the dog park? Hauling the boards to the local surf wave? All of the above? When you narrow your search down in this way before you start looking at the options, it makes it less overwhelming.
What Is Your Budget?
New electric cargo bikes can range from as low as 1,800 to as high as 8,000. Cargo boxes, panniers, front boxes, kickstands, and kid seats all cost extra and can add up quickly. However, after doing a quick search on my local Craigslist and online market groups, I have seen some pretty good options out there that are much cheaper than buying them brand new.
How Long Is Your Average Commute?
Identifying how long your longest average commute is will give you a good idea of what kind of range you’re looking for. There are a lot of options as far as battery and motor power are concerned. And more and more bikes are coming out with the option of attaching another battery to the frame.
How Much Space Do You Have to Store It?
Making sure you have enough space to store it is very important. Other than the GSD, many take up a substantial amount of space in your garage. Some, like the Bunch Bikes, have an outdoor cover that protects them if you are storing them outside.
What About Bad Weather?
Cyclists and commuters know that the weather makes no guarantees. What starts as a dry ride can quickly turn into a downpour. Aside from packing a good rain jacket, there are a couple of accessories we’ve found particularly useful.
For the colder months and mornings, Yuba bikes came out with the only rain cover to fit over a long tail bike. We have been using ours for the past couple of months and our kids love to be cocooned up in it. While it doesn’t cover their legs, it does keep the cold wind and rain off their faces and upper body.
The setup is super easy. It attaches to the monkey bars and can either be left on or taken on and off. We have kept ours on all winter long. On warm days we can roll up the sides for more airflow and on super cold days, we just zip it all up.
And if you’re looking for a cargo basket cover, check out Argo’s rain canopy. It takes a few minutes to set up for the first time, but after everything is installed, it takes just two minutes to put up or take down or stow away. Our boys absolutely love the cover. They call the Argo their “spaceship” and love being all cozy underneath their “magic” cover.
FAQ
What is an electric cargo bike?
An electric cargo bike, or cargo e-bike, combines the best of both two-wheeled worlds. It’s a larger, gear-hauling bike with a motor. So, you can load it up with kids or groceries, and still be able to pedal uphill on the way home.
Cargo bikes are very popular in bike-friendly countries like Denmark, but their popularity is growing rapidly in the United States.
What is a pedal assist bike?
Pedal-assist is a common mode or design for many electric bikes. As opposed to running the motor with a throttle, the power is integrated with the pedaling.
Generally, you can choose from assist levels ranging from Eco to Turbo. The higher the level, the more assist you’ll get (and the faster you’ll drain the battery).
What is the best electric bike for the price?
This varies widely depending on your use and needs. For the ultimate family and gear hauler, the Yuba Spicy Curry is hard to beat.
If you’re looking to get a budget-friendly cargo e-bike, the RadWagon 4 is reliable, durable, and among the lowest-priced electric cargo bikes around.
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From sleek, naked racers to big ol’ hog cruisers, we’ve listed the best electric motorcycles
According to Michael Partridge’s “Motorcycle Pioneers,” electric motorcycle development harkens back to the 19th century. During the days when moving mechanical vehicles were first being engineered, bicycle manufacturer Humber showed off an electric tandem bicycle at the 1896 Stanley Cycle Show in London. Like most internal combustion engine designs decades later, the motor sat between the bike’s wheels and ran via storage batteries. Over a century later, these battery-powered beasts are rechargeable, capable of achieving high speeds, and eat up sharp curves.
Today, the EV motorcycle market is large enough to label it ubiquitous. Makers from tiny Swedish startups like Cake Kalk to the massive Harley-Davidson have embraced electric motorcycles for adults. These producers are putting out styles that appeal to any and all bike enthusiasts, from naked street racers to big ol’ hog cruisers. The electro-curious can be assured accessibility at any two-wheeled EV level with from 5,000 to above 100,000. With estimated ranges from 50 to 200 miles, these rides will get you where you need to go on whatever bike style gets your motor revvin’.
Sport/Road Bikes
Energica EGO
The potential for powerful motors that tap pure adrenaline is available in the Energica EGO. The original flossy electric road bike encapsulates the pep and panache that describes road racers, minus the hazardous carbon dioxide.
Considered one of the best electric sports bikes since it debuted in 2013, Energica writes that the EGO began its life as a pro racing bike and has taken home several victories, including the 2010 European Championship. While Energica’s electric racing circuit impact continues, its engineering spawned a beefy consumer model. This begins with a massive battery that boasts an incredible 261-mile range. Thanks to an upgraded electric motor in the 2022 model, Energica claims that this already-impressive distance has increased by 10%. With a motor that can reach 150 miles per hour, you can get where you’re going fast while striping the road with the EGO’s slick, tricolor paint scheme. 19,500 estimated MSRP.
Harley-Davidson LiveWire
If it’s the classic fat, stocky road bike that you’re looking for, Harley-Davidson nails it with the LiveWire. First rolled off lines in 2019, Electrek reported that LiveWire experienced so much success that Harley spun the production into a separate, publicly-traded brand in 2021.
This ambitious, still-mean vision of the open road flashes a classic Harley orange “fuel tank” and headlight guard atop an athletic matte black and gray frame. These motorcycles don’t growl like their gas cousins, but they provide 100 horses and 84 pounds-feet of torque — similar to Harley’s ICE bikes, but with an even quicker takeoff. There’s no need to rev to uncork instant electric power via the LiveWire’s 15.5 kilowatt-hour battery that can launch the machine from 0 to 60 in three seconds. The LiveWire also comes installed with a lightning-quick 40-minute charge from dead to 80% full. This bike can get you an abundant 146 miles per charge with city driving and 95 miles when cruising through country roads. 30,000 estimated MSRP.
Energica EsseEsse9
Energica is one of the few brands with multiple electric motorcycles on sale in the U.S. While the EGO provides riders with an electric replacement for a sport bike, the EsseEsse9 is a vintage-inspired bike that based on the company’s EVA Ribelle. The EsseEsse9 may not look as sporty as the EGO, but it takes lesson that Energize learned from MotorE to deliver strong performance. The bike’s electric motor makes 107 horsepower and 153 pound-feet of torque. Brave riders can get to 60 mph in just 2.8 seconds and hit a top speed of 125 mph. The one figure that’s even more impressive than its performance is that the EsseEsse9 can travel up to 261 miles on a single charge. When the time comes to charge the bike, it can gain 4.16 miles every minute on a fast charger. 22,850 MSRP.
Energica Experia
Most companies focused on sport bikes or urban commuters for their two-wheel electric lineups. Energica was one of the first to explore the possibility of an electric touring bike with the Experia. In true Touring fashion, the Experia comes with features that make riding long distances easier. The bike is available with ABS, six traction control levels, cruise control, multiple USB ports, hard panniers and a hard case with up to 4 cubic feet of cargo space, and a forward and reverse park assistant.
On the performance front, the Experia has Energica’s PMASynRM electric motor with up to 100 horsepower and 664 pound-feet of torque. The Experia may be a touring bike, but it will beat sports cars to 60 mph with a time of 3.5 seconds. It’s also a true touring companion with a range of up to 261 miles. 23,750 starting MSRP.
Off-Road Bikes
Zero DSR/X
If your headlights are pointing toward adventure, the latest Zero DSR/X is your machine. This luxury off-roader will take on mud, sand, and more to whatever overland destination might lie ahead. The most up-to-date ride from California-based Zero Motorcycles will cost you, but that’s to be expected when the company has dedicated more than 100,000 hours to carving this machine since 2018, according to Gear Patrol.
A bike with snarl is what’s expected of an ADV crawling across all sorts of wilds, and that’s what Zero delivers with the DSR/X. A new motor, the Z-Force 75-10X, ratchets the ride up to 100 horsepower and 166 pounds-feet of torque — enough growl to take on any imposing obstacle (per Motorcycle.com). The DSR/X also features the new Z-Force, 17 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion power pack with a mean range of 111 miles — 85 highway and 180 city. 25,000 estimated MSRP.
Trevor DTRe Stella
The beauty of the emerging electric motorbike market is that its innovative output arises from racing laps and riding dirt tracks. Trevor’s DTRe Stella, for example, is hand-built in Belgium to deliver dirty rides with clean energy. This dirt bike is a nod to the purity of its breed: minimalist, lightweight, and shock-absorbent. Trevor weighs the Stella in at a light 223 pounds. Pushing about 191 pounds-feet of torque is a bit less than you’d desire at 100 horsepower, but the Stella achieves a flat, balanced ride off of the asphalt. Its 3 kilowatt-hour charger has a reasonable reach of up 62 miles and charges from zero to 100 in 70 minutes, according to Trevor.
Trevor Motorcycles only has off-road versions for order right now, but the company is jumping through regulatory hoops to make the DTRe Stella legal on regulated roads in the next few months (per Electric Cycle Rider). For now, this bike is strictly for off-road use in the U.S., and that ain’t a bad thing. The ride arrives at a reasonable price point for a premium bike. 13,000 estimated MSRP.
Cruisers
Curtiss One
The Curtiss One has the elements of a classic cruiser — low seat, long reach, the look of a beast — yet its electric elements allow for an idiosyncratic, new interpretation of what a motorcycle can be. The Curtiss One looks like it belongs in a Batman film — all noir, art-deco metal arches splaying out in an homage to humanity’s creativity, recalling a time before efficiency ruled the day.
The Louisiana-based bike designer named the motorcycle in honor of racer Glen Curtiss, “The Fastest Man on Earth.” From 1907 to 1936, he held the land speed record with his motorcycle that reached 136 miles per hour. Forged in the steampunk spirit of this pioneer engineer, the Curtiss One is all shiny aluminum and flat carbon fiber over a powertrain delivering approximately 120 horsepower and 145 pounds-feet of torque (per Curtiss). An almost 9 kilowatt-hour battery powers the bike for what Curtiss claims is 120 miles in the city and 70 miles on the highway. Charging to 80% takes two hours with a Level II connector. If driving a beautiful work of art sounds expensive, it is. 83,000 estimated MSRP.
Brutus V9
Roman numerals are apropos for this traitor to old-school choppers. The Brutus may not roar like its progenitors, but motor shoppers searching for a classic cruiser should check in on the V9. Brutus weighs in at a whopping 784 pounds and ticks off all the best old-school boxes: A wraparound winged fender, a waving tail feather rear end bookending chrome handlebars, pipes, and starred-spokes.
With no combustion rattling this hoofless carriage, the V9 only kicks out only 88 horsepower and 92 pounds-feet of torque (Brutus specs). This churns out a top-end 115 miles per hour, and the 33.7 kilowatt hour battery earns one of the longest ranges in the EV market — a 280-mile range on a single charge. The Brutus V9 is built for tearing up cross-country asphalt. 32,000 estimated MSRP.
Commuter Bikes
Johammer J1 200
Designed for the fashionable urbanist, the quirky Johammer J1 200 sports a Jetsons-like futuristic look. This off-beat, alien design from Austrian makers reflects applying a forward-thinking interior artistry as well.
On its site, Johammer describes its ambition to engineer a balanced, streamlined, and comfortable electric transport. With no need for a large engine in its center, the bike has its electric motor and controller situated in the rear wheel. With its top speed of 76 miles per hour, though, this won’t slow anyone down. The result is distributed weight for an elegantly stable and functional ride that’s easy to handle, approaching the Platonic ideal for a commuter motorcycle.
These advancements extend to the 12.7 kilowatt hour battery pack that can cruise up to 200 miles on a single charge that requires about three-and-a-half hours. Batteries are installed alongside shock absorbers inside the top of a torsion-resistant aluminum main frame for a super-stable ride. Straddling the fender is another next-gen perk — a high-resolution digital display embedded in side mirrors provide center console data like miles per hour and battery life. Instead of making you look down, these only require a quick glance. 25,000 estimated MSRP.
Super Soco TC
Motorcycle Classics defines a café racer as British bikes that were and remain popular for quick bursts from one coffee café to the next. Austere in style, the spartan 1960s look has endured decades of change to remain in fashion. Now we get to experience the café racer of the future: The electric Super Soco TC.
With performance similar to a 125 CC dirt bike, the Super Soco is perfect for urban hops at almost no cost for fueling or maintenance. The bike comes in classic café style — a brown, woven bench seat, low-mounted handlebars, and minimal mudguards. A dark green “engine cover” houses one battery with room for an extra. Though it’s meant for speedy trips, the Vmoto Soco Group asserts that the Super Soco TC can reach 75 miles per hour with a range of 60 miles from its single 2.7 kilowatt hour battery pack. Its classic looks receive 21st century updates like a half-digital instrument panel, LED lights, an anti-theft alarm, and keyless ignition. Best of all, this efficient motorbike won’t break the bank with an estimated MSRP of 3,200.
Zero FXE
With a maximum of 100 miles of range, the Zero FXE lands as a strict commuter. But that doesn’t meant it has to have a design that makes a scooter look cool. The FXE boasts a futuristic look that resembles an urban supermoto bike. We’re digging it. The design also results in a relaxed seating position that’s similar to a dirt bike’s.
The FXE may only have 100 miles of range, but it can get 95 percent range back in just 1.3 hours. You don’t even need to have a Level 2 charger in your garage, as this bike can gain a full charge in roughly nine hours when plugged into a regular wall outlet. The FXE’s electric motor cranks out 46 horsepower and 78 pound-feet of torque. These aren’t mega figures, but the bike can still get to 60 mph in five seconds and has a top speed of 85 mph. Plenty of oomph for getting around the city. Starting MSRP of 12,995.
Ryvid Anthem
The Ryvid Anthem is one of the sleeker looking urban commuter motorcycle on the market. It’s also incredibly light, weighing in at roughly 240 pounds, which is less than a Spectacled Bear. The Ryvid Anthem’s lightweight design is due to its stainless-steel chassis that weighs just 12 pounds. Beyond the Anthem’s lightweight design, the bike features a unique removable 4.3-kWh lithium-ion battery pack that allows for flexible charging by bringing the whole unit indoors or for instant replacements with a full battery.
What puts the Anthem firmly in the commuter bike section is its range of roughly 75 miles. That’s with the bike in Eco mode. Engage Sport mode, and range drops to around 50 miles. The Anthem’s powertrain produces 53 pound-feet of torque and helps the bike have a top speed of 75 mph. What more do you want from a city bike? Pricing starts at 7,800 MSRP.
Like other EVs across the country, electric motorbikes are growing more complex in look and more common on the road. Whether it’s a trip along that endless asphalt highway, a dip into wilder country, or a simple clip around the city, electric motorbike manufacturers have you and a more sustainable future in mind.
This Electric Motorcycle Can Go 60 MPH And Folds Up Small Enough To Fit Into A Wagon
A startup company has a concept for an electric motorcycle that can both fit into tiny spaces and provide enough performance to ride on most roads. The Colibri M22 combines attributes of a folding bicycle with a motorcycle to create a machine that can go 60 mph, ride up to 124 miles, weighs as low as 114 pounds, and could fit into an elevator or the back of a wagon or SUV. Even better, it’ll be available to buy in America!
This motorcycle is the work of Petre Georgescu, a modelmaker perhaps better known for launching Hummingbird (note: Colibri is the word for Hummingbird in a number of languages), a company that builds lightweight folding bicycles. Hummingbird explains that Petre, a bike enthusiast from Romania, once left a movie theater to discover that his beloved bicycle had been stolen. He began dreaming of a bike that could be taken inside, hidden away from sticky fingers. Hummingbird’s co-founder, graphic designer Ligia Stan, wanted to store her bike inside, too but found that existing folding bike designs were too heavy to easily lug into an apartment on the regular. There were lightweight designs on the market, but Petre felt that they were too wobbly. Thus, he set out to design a carbon fiber bicycle that was lightweight, sturdy, and can still fold up and be taken inside.
Five years after launching the Hummingbird brand, Petre left his company and decided to expand the idea of a compacting two-wheeler. In 2021, he founded Colibri and created the first prototype for what would become the M22, a compact motorcycle with similar attributes to his folding bicycle.
A Blend Of Existing Ideas
This machine rides the line of different classifications of two-wheelers. It resembles a moped like a Tomos Targa, folds like a bicycle or a Motocompo scooter, but has a top speed closer to that of a motorcycle. With its top speed of 60 mph, this could even outrun some motorcycles in the 125cc class.
The Colibri seems to solve a few issues faced by a number of motorcyclists living in cities. If you own a motorcycle that is light enough, a pair of thieves could quickly carry your motorcycle away; something that I’ve seen happen to Honda Grom owners more than once.
Electric motorcycles have this same problem and introduce a new one with charging needs. Some electric motorcycles don’t have removable batteries, making them not ideal for apartment dwellers. Some do have removable batteries, which solve that issue but still leave the bike out there for thieves.
Petre’s Colibri M22 seems to offer a pretty neat solution for those living in a city. Not only can you remove the batteries for indoor charging, but you can fold up the motorcycle and take it with you into your apartment.
Its Party Trick
The Colibri M22 starts off with a chromoly steel cradle frame with a 45mm inverted fork and a rear monoshock. There are hinges at the swingarm pivot point and where the tail connects to the rest of the frame. This allows the motorcycle to fold in on itself, compacting down to 2.9-feet wide by about 4.2-feet tall. It’s designed to fit in small European elevators, on escalators, and in trains. It also weighs just 66 pounds without its batteries installed. And given its dimensions, this is also small enough to be thrown into the back of a wagon or SUV.
The idea here was to make the ultimate urban transportation device that saves you money, from Colibri:
“I move a lot, and the daily hours spent in traffic seem like a tragedy to me, especially since the distances traveled daily in big cities are increasing. For example, the average commute in London is 32 km a day, takes 85 minutes and it costs €5,722 per year,” explains Petre Georgescu. “With Colibri, the cost of one commute could be as much as a cup of coffee per month.”
Powering this street-legal mini motorcycle is a hub motor that’s able to provide 4 HP of continuous power and 21 HP in bursts. At peak power, the motor is also good for 137 lb-ft torque.
The motorcycle has three different top speeds, which all depend on which mode you select. Eco mode is designed for navigating tight streets in heavy traffic. Its top speed here is limited to 20 mph. Next is Dynamic mode, which is a setting that’s supposed to give you a good mix of range and speed. This is meant for regular city riding and limits top speed to 28 mph. Finally, there’s an off-road mode, which unleashes the full might of the motor and the motorcycle’s 62 mph top speed. Colibri sees you taking this thing down some trails at speed.
Feeding the motor is a modular battery setup. Out of the box, you get a single 1.7 kWh battery that provides up to 40 miles of range. In this guise, the motorcycle weighs 114 pounds.
You can spec up to three batteries in your Colibri M22, which the company says will give it a range of up to 124 miles and a weight of just 174 pounds. Colibri further says that if you never leave Eco mode, you might see as high as 142 miles on a charge. Of course, the fine print there is that you’d probably have to make multiple trips to get your M22 into your apartment. You’d have to first get the 66-pound frame in, then come back for the 108 pounds of batteries.
The good news is that all of the batteries can be charged at the same time and Colibri says that they’ll charge from dead to full in 2 hours and 10 minutes from a 240V power source.
Possible Uses
One advantage that I see here that Colibri doesn’t mention is battery swapping. With the modular battery system, you could have a battery or two in the bike and a battery or two charged up at home or wherever, swapping as needed. I could see that being useful if, say, you’re using this for pizza delivery or similar. The best part is that while this machine will be built out of a workshop near Bucharest, Romania, you will be able to buy in the United States. Colibri says that this will be street-legal here in America.
Sadly, there is one catch. Like the Hummingbird bike was, the Colibri M22 motorcycle is being brought to life through crowdfunding. Prototypes of the M22 exist and the company expects to get approval in the U.S. and the EU in April. Production is then expected to start in May with deliveries beginning in August. Of course, that timeline requires Colibri to have the funding it needs. As of right now, Colibri is running pre-sales of the motorcycle. For 2,799 you get the single-battery model, but you can option it up with more batteries and other accessories like fenders.
I dig this concept. If you live in a place where motorcycle theft is rampant, you can have some peace of mind that your ride is safe. The fact that it folds could also make it a fun bike to have at the pits, a companion vehicle for a camping rig, or a trail toy. I could see myself taking this with me on a Gambler 500 for some trail runs or stuffed in a camper.
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