Plug in, ride out: Best electric motorbikes of 2023
It’s getting hard to ignore the number of electric vehicles you see on the roads these days. What used to be a novel rarity is now commonplace with models from most major manufacturers and electric specialists like Tesla swooshing almost silently around the road network and filling motorway charge points.
It’s an especially charged topic in 2023, thanks to discussions surrounding the Government’s proposed ban on the sales of new petrol bikes in 2035 – the exact details of which are still to be ironed out.
And while many bikers still regard EVs as a threat to their way of life, one type of rider seems quite happy to adopt battery power: commuters.
Cities are filled with stand-up electric scooters (some legal, some not) and burgeoning low and ultra-low emissions zones are engulfing swathes of the commuter belt. Add to that the skyrocketing cost of petrol and diesel and it’s easy to see why those who commute by car might want to switch to something else.
And while a new Tesla will cost you north of £40k there are plenty of affordable small-capacity electric motorbikes that can be ridden on a CBT to get you to and from the office or railway station.
So what’s out there?
Comparing them in the car park at MCN’s offices, the BMW CE 04 maxi scooter, Super Soco TC Max 125-equivalent and Yadea G5S might look like awkward stablemates but there’s a reason we chose them for this test.
The BMW represents the luxurious, high-tech and expensive end of the market. The Super Soco is the people’s champ, a more affordable option that regularly appears in the sales charts. And the Yadea is the newcomer, a simple, cheap, knees-together scooter imported by Lexmoto.
The £12,270 (or £14,120 in the spec we are testing today) CE 04 would look right at home in the angular, whitewashed garage of a turtleneck-wearing architect. With styling that sits somewhere between a Tron Light Cycle and a Lego Technic build, the BMW will certainly turn heads. But there’s a hint of the kind of po-faced worthiness often associated with Tesla’s early adopters.
Fortunately, all that disappears the moment you twist the throttle. The BMW’s spaceship looks are backed up by spaceship performance from 0-30mph and the first wave of acceleration is more like engaging a warp drive than a throttle. I can’t think of anything else I’ve ridden that takes off from a standstill so quickly… including 200bhp superbikes.
It’s genuinely hilarious and it may explain why BMW saw fit to put the rear wheel quite so far away from the rest of the scooter. The CE 04’s wheelbase is a massive 1675mm, just 2mm shy of a Triumph Rocket 3, largely because the rear wheel is stretched out behind you like a drag bike.
⏱️ Join @benclarkejourno for #60secondswith the BMW CE 04 scooter and then read our ultimate electric bike guide here: https://t.co/wTOsDzGNkg piccom/SwmuaLlpvu
— Motor Cycle News (@MCNnews) February 3, 2023
I honestly think (and suspect BMW do too) that a shorter wheelbase and higher centre of gravity would result in riders “doing a Bautista” on their way out of a Starbucks car park. Performance plateaus from 30-50mph, but it still doesn’t take long to reach the limited top speed of 80mph – plenty for dual carriageway work.
Want to spend a bit less?
Super Soco’s £4399 TC Max (£4499 as tested) feels far more pedestrian than the BMW, but it’s still not what you would describe as slow. Again, performance off the line is impressive and it gets to its 60mph top speed faster than a petrol equivalent could.
The TC Max has a more motorcycle-esque layout than the BMW but it feels a little like one of those folding bicycles – some dimensions have been adapted specifically to create the impression of bigger bike ergonomics. The body is tall with low footpegs to compensate for the small wheels. But it works well and at 6ft, I can ride it comfortably.
Yadea’s G5S is a very small and lightweight option that would be best suited to a short dash across a city. The 55mph top speed limits the Yadea’s abilities in national speed limit sections, but it has just enough about it for a very short stretch if really needed. At £3699, the Yadea is the cheapest option here but it’s still not exactly peanuts.
Despite being a scooter, the BMW actually feels the most like a ‘proper’ motorcycle. Although this is mostly down to its 231kg heft – enough for BMW to feel the need for a reverse gear – you also sit with your feet either side of a central structure, which feels more bikey than the Yadea’s knees-together riding position.
The BMW’s weight means that the front suspension and tyre load up like a proper bike under braking, giving you feedback and stability. The way it responds to steering inputs mid corner feels very familiar too, and because of the battery regen system you even get engine braking. So much so, in fact, that you can almost abandon using the brakes around town.
Although the Super Soco is the most motorcycle-shaped model here, its small size and low weight mean that it has the feel of an incredibly fast bicycle rather than a motorbike. This does mean you sacrifice a bit of front-end feel, but that’s not really an issue on a bike of this type.
Packed with gizmos
As you’d expect, the BMW has the most gizmos. Features like heated grips, smartphone connectivity and a watertight, ventilated phone charging compartment are nice touches. Keyless tech is de rigueur in the electric bike world and all three of the bikes have it.
The BMW key fob is pretty big and cumbersome (it’s the size of a car fob) but you can stick it in a and forget about it. The Super Soco’s is fairly big and circular and annoyingly you need to use its buttons for locking and unlocking the bike so the alarm deactivates. This means the fob has to live somewhere accessible, so its size is a bit annoying.
Both the Yadea and the Super Soco come equipped with alarms and systems that lock the rear wheel if you try to push them away without the key. This scuppers the preferred bike thief’s method of pushing a rider along with an outstretched leg and a TMAX, something that could still be done to the BMW.
The Super Soco also comes with a SIM card that’s preloaded with two years of data and allows you to track the bike in real time through an app. Impressive stuff for the cheaper end of the market!
The Yadea and the Super Soco both have removeable batteries, meaning you can whip them out at your home or office and stick them on charge at a three-pin power outlet. The BMW, meanwhile, has a built-in battery, so you need to be able to get the bike to the socket. It’s the only option here that can use a wall box or public charging station but it’s also the least convenient if you live in a flat and have no outdoor sockets.
The verdict
The BMW CE 04 is an impressive bit of kit and gives me hope for an electrified biking future but I cannot justify the price. The version we tested had a few extras that took the price to £14,120, which isn’t a problem if you are the aforementioned architect but as an option for a normal person to get to a normal job, it’s flippin’ ridiculous.
So, with the BMW ruled out, it’s a straight fight between the Yadea and the Super Soco and my money would go with the latter. Sadly, because the Yadea’s volume is largely filled with batteries there’s no practical advantage to its scootery shape. It’s also let down by a pitiful ground clearance.
Meanwhile, the Super Soco is just bikey-enough to scratch the riding itch, fun to chuck around in a city centre and fast enough to tackle big roads if you need to. The price of electricity may be high right now, but even so a full charge will still only be around 95p. That means it’ll cost you around 1.6p per mile.
What about electric leisure motorbikes?
Commuting is one thing, but it’s arguably the simplest use-case going as there’s no need to worry about where you are going to charge the bike. You either do it at the home or the work end of the journey.
But many bikers restrict their riding to their own time; from Sunday blasts or long weekends to full on bike tours, greenlaning or even trackdays. So what does the electric world have to offer for these kinds of riders?
Electric bikes may not be troubling their petrol equivalents for most riders in this sector just yet, but ranges well over 100 miles are already possible, making an EV bike a more viable proposition.
Recharge times are dropping too as technology improves. A full battery in 30 minutes isn’t an unrealistic ask these days as high quality, high speed chargers become more prevalent and easier to use.
Here is a list of what we consider the most relevant large-capacity electric motorcycles in 2023.
Zero DSR/X
Power 100bhp | Weight 247kg | Range 115 miles | Charge time 1hr (with Rapid charge module)
Along with the Energica Experia below, the Zero DSR/X is claimed to be a fully-fledged adventure bike powered by electricity.
We said: “Weight is comparable to a conventional adventure bike. Lean-sensitive rider aids, (including hill control) both on and off-road, are useful and effective. The bike is comfortable, smooth, vibration-free, silent, easy to ride both on tarmac and the dirt, and has that instant surge of torque that will make even petrol heads smile.”
Energica Experia
Power 100.6bhp | Weight 260kg | Range 160 miles | Charge time 50 minutes (with fast charger)
The Energica Experia is claimed to be a ‘Green Tourer’ by the Italian firm and was launched at the end of 2022 as their new flagship model. Real world range figures fell well short of the claimed 160 miles combined range Energica claim but a 50 minute fast charge is still impressive.
We said: “If you could take price and range out of the equation, the Experia is a very impressive motorcycle. The electric motor is superb, the level of tech comparable to petrol-powered rivals (aside from a lack of semi-active suspension) and the handling and comfort levels certainly good enough to class it as a sports tourer.”
Arc Vector
Power 115bhp | Weight 240kg | Range 270 miles | Charge time 40 minutes (with CCS Type 2 Rapid Charger)
Ok, so the Arc is unlikely to grace very many garages and carparks around the country. But the £90,000 brainchild of ex-Jaguar/Land Rover designer Mark Truman is important nonetheless. Right at the vanguard of new tech and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, the Arc represents the ghost of electric bikes future.
We said: “Throwing a leg over a motorcycle that costs the same as a Ducati Superleggera is always intimidating enough, but there’s a lot else going on to unnerve you at first. There’s a sequence of buttons to push on the Domino switchgear to make it live and after that the engine waits for you silently, which is always slightly sinister on an electric bike.”
Zero S
Power 59bhp | Weight 190kg | Range 150 miles | Charge time 10.5hrs
It’s not as wild as the SR series of bikes, but the S is a realistic electric commuter bike that’s also genuinely fun to ride.
We said: “A reasonably quick yet relaxed roadster – 59bhp peak power, 86mph top speed – which is incredibly simple to ride and costs peanuts to run. The range and recharge time realistically limit its role to the daily commute and short leisure rides, which is also where the relatively basic chassis parts feel most at home.”
Zero SR/S
Power 110bhp | Weight 235kg | Range 95 miles | Charge time 2.5hrs (Type 2 charger)
This faired option is one of the sportiest electrics on the market right now but is more akin to a petrol sports tourer than a superbike.
We said: “The Zero proves electric can be not only practical but also bloody enjoyable. Fast? Very. Engaging? Extremely. Practical and usable? Yes, all that. The SR/S is a great bike that I genuinely love riding and shows electric bikes now really are worthy of attention. Imagine a silent and refined (and faster) Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX, and you’re just about there.”
Energica Eva Ribelle
Power 144bhp | Weight 270kg | Range 143 miles | Charge time 42mins (to 80% on Fast Charger)
The Energica Eva Ribelle super naked is on borrowed time, with the whole Energica range expected to be replaced with bikes based on the Experia platform in 2023. It’s still a significant bike that put electric power on the map when it was first released in many ways.
We said: “The Eva Ribelle accelerates with the kind of ferocity a superbike would be proud of, is solid in the corners and has a riding position that mixes aggression with comfort. It’s smooth, quiet, easy to ride, well-built, lavishly equipped and its new battery promises to deliver a more usable range.”
Harley-Davidson Livewire
Power 104bhp | Weight 249kg | Range 110 miles | Charge time 1hr (Fast Charger)
An OG of the electric bike scene, the Harley-Davidson Livewire was launched in 2019 and was the first serious motorbike to be brought to market by a mainstream manufacturer. It seemed unbelievable at the time that the quintessentially American brand famous for its petrol V-twins would turn to battery power.
Harley have spun the model off into its own marque – so it’s officially called the Livewire One now – but the branding exercise hasn’t reached the UK just yet.
We said: “On paper the LiveWire electric motorbike may appear heavy, lacking battery range and short on power and torque, but riding it tells a different story. It accelerates with the ferocity of a superbike, sounds like a fighter jet and even throbs like a pounding heartbeat at a standstill.”
Zero SR/F
Power 110bhp | Weight 220kg | Range 82 miles | Charge time 1hr (Fast Charger)
The Zero SR/F closed the style and performance gap between their previous electric offerings and modern internal combustion bikes – and took the award for MCN’s Best Electric Motorcycle in 2019.
We said: “The Zero SR/F is a huge leap forwards in speed, sophistication and recharge time over the firm’s previous generation of bikes. The result is easily the best road-going electric bike yet, offering truly comparable power, weight, handling and excitement to a regular roadster. But despite closing the gap on petrol bikes, for now the catches remain the same three issues: range; recharge time; and price.”
Energica Ego
Power 136bhp | Weight 258kg | Range 90-120 miles | Charge time 30mins (85% using Fast Charger)
For 2017 we created an entire new category for the MCN Awards: Electric bike of the year. The Energica Ego took the first ever award after impressing us both on road and track, as well as around the TT course.
The Ego is also the basis for the racers that were used in the single-make MotoE series, from 2019 until Ducati took over from 2023.
We said: “Are electric bikes the future of motorcycling? Well, the Energica Ego has one of the most exciting power deliveries of any engine we’ve ever tried. It’s easy to ride and handles superbly, despite its weight.”
Electric motorbike FAQs
Q: Is an electric motorcycle worth it?
A: This depends heavily on how you use the bike, because electric bikes are very expensive relative to conventional motorcycles of similar performance. You’ll need to cover a lot of miles on electricity in order to pay back the premium in most cases.
However, with the introduction of finance deals specifically aimed at making these bikes more affordable by spreading the cost over long periods, it’s likely costs will drop at some point in the coming years.
Q: Are electric motorcycles good for beginners?
A: The lower-powered versions are great, because they’re twist-and-go bikes, which means they don’t require gear changes. You can also get some that are equivalent to a 125cc petrol bike, which means you don’t need to pass the full bike test in order to ride one. You’ll just need a provisional driving licence and a day-long CBT course. A good example of this is the Super Soco TC Max.
Of course, there are now several electric bikes available with far higher performance.
Q: Are electric motorbikes fun?
A: They’re different to a petrol-powered bike, but do have their advantages – primarily, that they usually have 100% of their torque available at 0rpm, which makes them feel properly Rapid, even when they’re not. They’re also smoother.
Q: Is an electric motorbike harder to insure?
A: Our specialists at MCN Compare are on hand to answer this question. Head this way for their advice.
The 7 best electric bikes in 2023, for city commuters, road cyclists, and mountain bikers
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Electric bikes went from being curious novelties to reliable forms of transportation in the span of just a few years. Although they were initially met with skepticism, especially from traditional cyclists, more and more people are ditching their gas-guzzling cars in favor of battery-powered bikes.
I’ve been an e-bike enthusiast since right around the time the segment launched, riding them both as my preferred method of getting around town while also exhaustively testing them for work. This means I’ve pedal-tested a wide variety of models and learned firsthand exactly what makes a quality e-bike.
I used that experience, as well as months of research and testing, to compile the following guide of the seven best e-bikes I’ve ridden thus far. From short trips to the store to test ride comfort and utility to longer, battery-killing rides around the city, I pushed these bikes to their limit — all in the name of helping you find the right one for your needs.
You’ll also find answers to a few FAQs, as well as insight into how I test electric bikes, at the bottom of this guide.
The best electric bikes in 2023
Best overall: Priority Current. See at Priority CurrentThe Priority Current rides great, requires almost no maintenance, and would make a perfect car replacement.
Best throttle-assist: Juiced HyperScorpion. See at Juiced BikesThe HyperScorpion from Juiced combines the best of both a throttle- and pedal-assist ebike, and the finished product is a fast e-bike that covers plenty of ground and is just plain fun to ride.
Best budget: Charge City. See at Charge BikesAt just under 1,800, the City e-bike from Charge is lighter on the wallet than most of its peers and still offers a reliable, pedal-assisted ride that’s great for city commutes.
Best folding: GoCycle GX. See at Mike’s BikesGoCycle’s GX folding bike is a compact, easy-to-store option that cruises at speeds of up to 20 mph with a battery that delivers 40 miles of range.
Best e-mountain bike: BMC Switzerland Speedfox AMP AL TwoBMC Switzerland specifically designed the Speedfox AMP AL Two for electric mountain biking, including electric-specific geometry, an integrated speed sensor, and a design that keeps you stable and in control on the trail.
Best hub motor: Gogoro Eeyo 1s. See at Gogoro EeyoThe Gogoro Eeyo 1s is a gorgeous, full-carbon fiber e-bike that offers a smooth, pedal-assisted ride thanks to its rear-wheel hub motor.
Best all-terrain: Delfast Top 3.0. See at DelfastThe Delfast Top 3.0 is essentially a dirtbike with pedals; it travels at speeds upwards of 50 mph, has beefy, off-road-ready tires, and offers battery range of roughly 200 miles on a single charge.
Best electric bike overall
The Priority Current rides great, requires almost no maintenance, and would make a perfect car replacement.
- Pros: Low maintenance and reliable motor system, smooth ride
- Cons: The fenders sometimes rub, 50-mile range isn’t suitable for longer commutes
Of each bike tested, Priority’s Current shocked me the most. It’s a mid-drive commuter built with practicality in mind. Thanks to wide, grippy tires and hydraulic disc brakes, I was tempted to take it off-road, and although it likely would’ve been fine, the Current is meant for pavement.
If someone asked me to build the ideal e-bike, this is the model I’d come up with. For starters, maintenance is a breeze (and largely non-existent). Thanks to low-maintenance hydraulic disc brakes, the clever use of internal gears which takes away a derailleur, and a grease-free carbon belt drive, there’s little else to go wrong other than a potential flat tire.
If you intend to use an e-bike as a car replacement, the Current is a great solution for that, too, as it’s a joy to ride. The comfortable saddle, wide handlebar, and upright geometry make for a smooth, nimble ride no matter if you’re navigating city traffic or taking the scenic route through the park.
Component-wise, the Current uses a Bosch motor, Bosch head unit, and Bosch battery. Unlike bikes that mix components, using one system means that warranties and servicing are (mostly) simple. Its 50-mile range isn’t as much as others in this guide but I still found it to satisfy my commuting needs — though I did mostly use the second and third of the four assist settings, which helped preserve some battery. If you’re intent on using the fourth, or live in a hilly area, you likely won’t get the full 50 miles between charges.
This bike allowed me to do nearly everything a car would at a much lower cost. Perhaps the lone nitpicks are that the included front light could be better and its fenders sometimes rub. If I was looking for an urban mobility solution, I wouldn’t think twice about buying the Current.
Best throttle-assist electric bike
The HyperScorpion from Juiced combines the best of both a throttle- and pedal-assist ebike, and the finished product is a fast e-bike that covers plenty of ground and is just plain fun to ride.
- Pros: Throttle-only makes it so you don’t have to always be pedaling, design is reminiscent of a small motorcycle, can travel at speeds up to 30 mph, has 70 miles of range on a single charge
- Cons: Very heavy, might be too much bike for novice riders
If you’re in the market for an e-bike that doesn’t always require you to pedal, the Juiced HyperScorpion is what you seek. Outfit with a twist throttle, the HyperScorpion almost feels as if you’re riding a moped or small motorcycle — I include the latter example because it’s about that much fun to ride.
The bike also features a pedal-assist mode, with both motor options allowing it to reach assisted speeds of up to 30 mph. While that is an impressive amount of speed offered, it can be a little too much for anyone just getting into e-bikes or who hasn’t ridden one that much. With that said, you should always wear protective gear like a helmet when you’re on a bike, and jumping on the HyperScorpion is no different.
Juiced also outfit the bike with a 1,000W motor and a 52V/19.2Ah battery that allows for up around 70 miles of range on a single charge (depending on the terrain and how hard you ride it). Fully charging the battery does take a few hours, but I tended to just throw it on the charger every time I got home and it was always ready when I needed it.
Other features I found useful were its included headlight (which, again, gives off serious motorcycle vibes), a rear-mounted rack capable of hauling up to 50 lbs of gear, and its included mirrors which help provide more spatial awareness. It also comes with a rear taillight and an LCD display that shows battery life and current speed.
Though the HyperScorpion is a bike, it often felt so much more than that — and is a whole hell of a lot to ride. It’s fast, robust, easy to control, and has one of the best bike designs I’ve seen on an e-bike yet. Better yet, its price is often around 2,700 which puts it at about the middle of the pack compared to other bikes on this list — and those don’t come with a throttle.
Best budget electric bike
At just under 1,800, the City e-bike from Charge is lighter on the wallet than most of its peers and still offers a reliable, pedal-assisted ride that’s great for city commutes.
Save 550 on Charge bikes with the code INSIDER-EBIKE550-6 through November 30.
- Pros: Folding pedals and handlebars make it easy to store and carry, inexpensive price tag for an e-bike, 50 miles of available range, and has a lockable battery
- Cons: Splash guards take some tinkering to get them not to rub on the tires, can be a jolty take-off if you’re not used to the motor
E-bikes aren’t cheap. When you slap an electric assist onto something that’s already several hundred dollars, it’s hard to keep the price tag manageable and produce a bike worthy of owning. Thankfully, a few brands have figured out a way to do both.
One such company is Charge, a bike manufacturer that specializes in wallet-friendly e-bikes, including the aptly named City. What the City offers is reliable pedal assistance that delivers 50 miles of range, a handy thumb throttle, and a modern design at a price less than 1,700. For e-bikes, that’s great.
The Charge comes in two different sizes, Standard and Low Step, and is available in either a basic silver finish or a more popping blue finish. The bike features an onboard battery that helps power it and has folding handlebars and pedals for easy transport and storage.
What sets the City apart is that even with a price undercutting much of its competition, it still offers a similar ride experience. That 50 miles of range is on par with many e-bikes on the market (almost all of which are more expensive) and its design is great for the city rider who wants to get a little exercise, run to the store, or just enjoy a leisurely ride. And it’s a lot of fun to ride, too.
Best folding electric bike
GoCycle’s GX folding bike is a compact, easy-to-store option that cruises at speeds of up to 20 mph with a battery that delivers 40 miles of range.
- Pros: Easy to store in small homes or apartments, has daytime running lights for added safety and visibility, fast top speed for a folding bike
- Cons: Expensive
Folding e-bikes make a lot of sense. They’re easy to store in small urban apartments, they integrate well with mass transit, and unlike regular folding bikes, they aren’t a disaster to ride uphill.
The problem with folding e-bikes is that so many of them are awful. They’re either underpowered, overweight, totally impractical, or a mix of all three. Thankfully, the GX from GoCycle eschews these typical drawbacks and offers a smooth, comfortable ride in a compact and easy-to-store package.
Featuring hydraulic disc brakes, all-weather tires, a 20 mph top speed, and a 40-mile range, the GX is designed as a city commuter. Throughout testing, I kept coming back to the word easy, too — it’s easy to ride, easy to haul, and easy to store.
The GX folds down small enough to store either in a large locker or closet and, thanks to a clever design, it rolls on its rear wheel when folded. Given its 40-pound weight, this was incredibly helpful.
With a front hub motor and variable pedal assist, the GX tops out at speeds up to 20mph but doesn’t feel overly jumpy. GoCycle has plenty of experience designing e-bikes, allowing the GX to avoid suffering from the design flaws and engineering of other folding models.
Best electric mountain bike
BMC Switzerland specifically designed the Speedfox AMP AL Two for electric mountain biking, including electric-specific geometry, an integrated speed sensor, and a design that keeps you stable and in control on trail.
- Pros: Geometry specific for trail riding on an electric bike, seamless ride experience from electric assist to only pedaling, features a range of electric assist modes that let you fine-tune how much energy you want to put in, doesn’t feel too heavy going downhill
- Cons: Tough to ride uphill without any assist turned on (or if the battery is dead)
The Speedfox AMP AL Two from BMC Switzerland was one of the first electric mountain bikes I ever rode, but it’s the bike responsible for convincing me of just how fun (and useful) they are. It took just one full day of riding the mountain bike trails in Santa Cruz, California and I was hooked.
Not only did it provide just enough of a boost to get up the steepest inclines but it still felt light enough (with the onboard battery) to not always need the extra oomph. And I get how using a motor to help get uphill seems like cheating but really, it allowed me to ride far longer than if I was left to climb those hills entirely on my own.
It preserved my energy, for sure, but mostly it preserved daylight. I was able to ride double the amount of runs I’d typically do, and for anyone serious about mountain biking, that’s a significant perk.
The bike features the Shimano Steps electric drive unit and battery, as well as other Shimano components like its chain, shifters, brakes, cassette (among others). It does weigh 51 pounds which can feel a little heavy, especially if you run out of battery and are left with only your own power, but it wasn’t anything that ever felt overwhelming. Running out of battery going downhill isn’t an issue but once you start climbing again, you’ll surely feel the weight of the bike.
I also felt that the bike was highly responsive on trail and that its suspension system is more than capable of handling whatever the trail threw at me. I took it on some pseudo-downhill tracks, rode through a few normal single-track paths, and it performed well in all of it.
The Speedfox AMP typically costs around 5,500, and I’ve not seen it on sale very often. Still, for a mountain bike that rides as well as it does while also being electric, that’s a very reasonable price point.
Best hub motor electric bike
The Gogoro Eeyo 1s is a gorgeous, full-carbon fiber e-bike that offers a smooth, pedal-assisted ride thanks to its rear-wheel hub motor.
- Pros: Full carbon fiber frame, fork, and seat post, smooth pedal-assisted ride thanks to a rear hub motor, companion app is intuitive to use, extremely lightweight for an e-bike
- Cons: Expensive, hub motor turns off when you reach 25 mph and won’t kick back on until you get all the way down to 7 mph
Gogoro’s hub motor Eeyo 1s differs from the other bikes on this list as it’s propelled via a single smartwheel hub located on its rear wheel. This means that all of the bike’s electrical components are stored in the inconspicuous hub and it’s solely responsible (aside from your own pedaling) for pushing the bike forward.
The bike features a full carbon fiber frame and fork, as well as a carbon fiber seat post and handlebars, making it not only durable as hell but extremely light — it checks in at just 26.4 lbs with the hub. Most e-bikes weigh closer to 30, 40, or even 50 lbs, so the light weight of the Eeyo 1s is a huge benefit and one that made it incredibly easy to haul up and down the stairs of my apartment building.
A companion smartphone application helps render the bike between a battery-conserving, mellow pedal-assist mode called Eco and the faster, sportier Sport mode. With Eco, a quick pedal gives the bike a faint boost that helps teeter between getting a workout but still helping you quickly scoot uphill while Sport is the I don’t want to break a sweat option that gets you cruising along at a suitable speed before you’re able to pedal about one or two full revolutions.
There are a few drawbacks, however. First is its 4,600 price tag. While e-bikes certainly aren’t cheap (and 4,600 isn’t the most expensive e-bike on the market), it’s certainly a substantial investment. The other nitpick I had was that whenever the bike cruises at a speed over 25 mph, the hub’s assistance turns off and won’t kick on again until the bike slows down to less than 7 mph. It’s a minor annoyance but slowing down to that speed does tend to throw off any rhythm you’re establishing while riding.
Aside from these faults, the Gogoro Eeyo 1s is an absolute blast to ride and remains one of my favorite e-bikes I’ve yet tested. It’s finished in a gorgeous matte white finish, it’s incredibly smooth to ride, and its light weight makes it easy to haul while also allowing it to not feel like you’re pedaling a tank when the hub turns off.
It’s a hefty investment but if you live in an area where a bike serves as your main source of transportation, it’s worth the splurge.
Best all-terrain electric bike
The Delfast Top 3.0 is essentially a dirtbike with pedals; it travels at speeds upwards of 50 mph, has beefy, off-road-ready tires, and offers battery range of roughly 200 miles on a single charge.
- Pros: It’s incredibly fast, has robust off-road tires, can get up to 200 miles on a single battery charge, like riding a dirtbike with pedals
- Cons: Expensive, might be too much bike for the casual rider, has a piercing alarm system
Calling the Top 3.0 from Delfast an electric bike is somewhat of a stretch. While it technically is one — it does have pedals, after all — it feels and rides much more like a souped-down dirtbike. In other words, it feels much more at home ripping through off-road trails with its throttle-assist than it does leisurely pedaling it around a park. I tried both and the latter felt like overkill.
But don’t get the wrong idea — you aren’t going to be spending 6,500 for something as off-road capable as the Top 3.0 just so you can ride it to the store or run errands. Something as hefty, fast, and (honestly) over-the-top as this is best used for what it’s actually designed for: Riding rough terrain and treating it more like a dirt bike than an e-bike.
To Delfast’s credit, it does want the Top 3.0 to be seen as a city electric bike but it’s clear after stepping foot on this thing that that’s just not its best use case. It truly shined when I was able to find a way off of my neighborhood’s streets and onto some off-road paths to really open it up a bit. It’s fast and handles just about anything a trail throws at it — so why waste that capability riding on normal city streets?
Though it easily passed the ride test, specs-wise, the Top 3.0 is impressive, too. It features a single-gear carbon belt drive, legit motorcycle tires, and rear mirrors that have blinkers and a headlight built on.
There’s also an included alarm system which was its clear drawback. The alarm system itself is nice to have but turning on and off the alarm via its set of keys lets off a short, ear-piercing beep. And while that isn’t actually so bad because of how short it is, setting off the alarm is a different story.
While stationed in my apartment during testing, I accidentally bumped into the bike one morning and the alarm started screeching over and over again at that same shrill octave. My neighbors had to have been thrilled. I came to find out, too, that the sound can’t be turned down or off.
But despite its alarm woes, the Top 3.0 is just damn fun to ride. It does require you get a bit more suited up than riding a traditional electric bike — did I say it rides like a dirtbike yet? — but that’s its entire draw. This isn’t a traditional electric bike and you wouldn’t be buying it under that assumption; you’d buy it to ride off-road terrain and it does that extremely well.
How I test electric bikes
Each e-bike in this guide went through a series of on-bike tests to assess a number of categories, consisting of: Range, ride experience, portability, and value. We wanted to see how each held up not just in a variety of ride conditions and use cases, but also a long-term solution to commuting, fitness, and leisure. Here’s how each category factored into our final picks:
Range: The available range offered by an e-bike should be enough, at the very least, to get you from point A to point B without having to worry about going into battery saver mode or pedaling with a dead motor. Of course, this means that rides of 70, 80, or even 100 miles are likely out of the question (save for e-bikes with dual batteries). However, a bike with a range of less than 40 miles is unlikely to make the cut here.
Ride experience: Riding an e-bike is an experience in itself but it should be one that’s enjoyable, intuitive, and safe. How well we were able to pick up and ride these bikes was a major factor, as was the learning curve, and if it allowed us to continuously ride within our comfort zone.
Portability: Not everyone has access to a garage or large closet to store their bikes, so portability is a huge deciding factor (especially for those living in apartments). Most standard e-bikes are heavy (think in the 40 lbs and heavier range) but a clever design of folding handlebars or pedals, or even the use of lightweight materials, make some of the bikes on this list far more portable and easier to stow.
Value: Value is relative to a number of variables including (of course) its price but also how well it rides, if its versatile enough for a variety of use cases, and whether it’s something that can take the place of owning a car or taking the bus or subway. The bikes featured in this guide are all featured in their own specific category but possess unique value to that subset, as well.
FAQs
How do electric bikes work?
After freely pedaling roughly two to three revolutions, most electric bike motors kick in with a mostly soft push, accelerating the bike and adding to the power output by the rider. Depending on its selected level of assistance — some offer everything from minimal to extreme pedal assistance — the bike’s ultimate top speed may vary from roughly 8 to 10 miles per hour on up to around 30 miles per hour.
Though the term e-bike refers to an entire industry, you’ll notice variation when shopping for specific models. Some are built for commuting while others are designed for mountain biking or hauling cargo. Nearly all have one thing in common: Electric pedal-assisted power.
Some models even feature a throttle option, giving riders the ability to ride the bike in a similar fashion as a motorcycle; just not as fast. As is the case with any bicycle, moped, or motorcycle, however, wearing a protective helmet is highly recommended no matter the use case.
Are there different kinds of electric bikes?
There are typically two different types of electric bikes: hub-drive and mid-drive. First, hub-drive bikes have the motor in the hub whereas mid-drive bikes house the motor in its frame. Mid-drive bikes have a few advantages over hub drive versions, as well. Those advantages are:
- They apply power through the chain, so they feel and steer like a standard bike.
- They utilize the bike’s gears similarly to how a rider would, applying power when needed.
- These kinds of bikes also require a lower absolute power since they have the ability to use gearing to climb hills (whereas hub drive bikes deliver power at the hub and can’t use the bike’s gearing. This means they tend to have high-powered motors in order to generate enough torque to climb hills).
Power, or wattage, is also something you’ll notice often when shopping for an ebike. These refer to the amount of force a motor is able to put out over time. Think of it like a car’s horsepower rating.
A bike’s range is the total distance a bike can travel on a single battery charge. Do keep in mind that any range displayed either on the bike itself or via a companion app is a general estimate.
There are many factors capable of impacting an e-bike’s range, including the amount of power exerted by the bike, whether it needs to climb steep hills, and other ride-specific variables. Most (if not all) ebikes are still able to function without the motor running, though due to the weight of the onboard battery, they’ll feel extremely heavy.
Rick Stella is the fitness tech editor for the Insider Reviews team. He reviews and reports on all forms of wearables like activity trackers and smartwatches, as well as a variety of other fitness-related wearables. Rick has over eight years of experience covering the verticals of health fitness, outdoors, and consumer technology. When he’s not putting digital pen to digital paper, Rick enjoys seeing live music, playing soccer, catching up on Netflix shows, and riding his bike. An Oregonian for much of his life, Rick now resides in Brooklyn. He can be reached at rstella@insider.com or on @RickStella. Learn more about how our team of experts tests and reviews products at Insider here. Learn more about how we test health, fitness, and outdoor products.
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The Best Electric Dirt Bikes of 2023
Remarkably, only one of them went for the Dirt-E joke.
The motoring world is going electric. And it’s not just fancy, 1,000-horsepower, six-figure electric trucks. Electric motorcycle options have been increasing over the past few years. And even the relatively humble and underpowered dirt bike segment now offers a proliferation of emissions-free options — and we’re here to help you separate the battery-powered wheat from the chaff.
Why You Should Get an Electric Dirt Bike
Helps Save the Planet: Smaller motorcycles are far from the most fuel-thirsty vehicles. But electric dirt bikes still reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and every little bit helps.
Less Maintenance: Electric motors require far fewer moving parts. That means more time riding and less time (and money) replacing parts. You also don’t need to buy things like oil.
Less Noise: Electric dirt bikes do make some noise, but they make less than internal-combustion dirt bikes — noise that can diminish the enjoyment of being in nature for riders and those nearby.
Accessible to New Riders: Like electric cars, electric dirt bikes do not need a manual transmission. This may disappoint some riders looking for a traditional feel. But it’s also way easier to manage while off-road.
Torque: Electric dirt bikes tend to have a lot of torque, and it comes on instantly. This helps them accelerate rapidly and feel quick in everyday riding.
What to Look For
Street Legality: Like combustion dirt bikes, many of them will not be street-legal. And you may live in a municipality that will confiscate and crush them if you try to use them for that — electric or not. There are dual-sport electric dirt bikes (lighter than adventure motorcycles), which can also be used as commuter bikes. But make sure you clarify that before buying.
Battery Range: Range is a significant drawback to any electric vehicle. You want to ensure you have enough range to do the amount of riding you’re planning. expensive electric dirt bikes will have range that can exceed what most drives can handle physically. But that may be costly.
Battery Charging: A nother important factor beyond range is how long it takes to charge the battery. Shorter is better. Manufacturers may offer accessories that improve charging speed. Some dirt bikes can instantly swap in a newly charged battery and return to the trail.
How We Tested
Gear Patrol writers and editors are continually testing the best electric dirt bikes on a variety of terrains to update this guide looking at features like comfort, ease of use and riding characteristics. Our testers have spent time riding the Zero XF and the Cake Kalk INK so far; however, we’ll be updating this guide as we continue to test more models.
Zero’s FX isn’t a one-trick pony; it’s good at a little bit of everything. It’s fast but torque-heavy up front. For comparison, it’s nimble but still about 50 pounds heavier than KTM’s 350EXC-F. And it’s quiet, which anyone who’s ridden a dual sport before knows has distinct advantages and downsides. (Upsides include not disturbing nature as you ride through and saving your eardrums; cons include being unable to announce yourself to other riders on the trail or cars on the street.)
The FX’s ride is very smooth — from city streets to rutted-out trails and even completely off-road in the ungroomed wild. The tires grip well on city streets, even after a light rain. The FX can reach a top speed of 85, but I rarely found myself pushing it above 65 — this is a great cruising bike built for the trails as much as it is for the road. The acceleration feels torque-y until you get the hang of the feeling; I’d recommend starting in Eco until you get a feel for how the bike handles, experienced rider or not.
The profile is lean and mean, just as advertised. Your tester is 5’4” and weigh 110 pounds, and she could handle and maneuver this bike with relative ease, although she did make sure to get comfortable on the bike on uncrowded trails before taking it to the streets. Zero says the charging time is 1.3 hours, but I found it to be much longer than that. the bike was delivered to me with an 80 percent charge, and it took more than two hours to get it full. The range is 91 miles which is a solid day’s ride, but unless you have the means to give the bike a good overnight charge, you’ll be SOL the next day. And that 91-mile range is in the city — if you’re riding on the highway at 70 mph without starting and stopping, it drops to 39 miles per charge.
We’ve been fans of Swedish manufacturer Cake — and Stefan Ytterborn’s helmet/eyewear/apparel brand, POC — for years. Founded in 2016, Cake has consistently put out smooth, innovative electric bikes that offer both gorgeous looks and purpose-built function.
The Kalk class of offroaders, however, is much more about play than work. The street-legal Kalk INK picks up quick thanks to 252Nm of electric torque, while reliable suspension (200mm of travel) and beefy dual-sport motorcycle tires help you keep the shiny side up from the road to the trails.
- Removable battery charges from 0 to 80 percent in two hours, 0 to 100 percent in three
- Three ride modes and three braking modes adapt to your style and environment
- Not exactly the cushiest seat on the planet (or this page)
- You must come to a full stop to adjust ride and braking modes
The Best Electric Motorcycles Of 2023
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Imagine: the wind rushing through your hair as you cruise, streamlining down the highway; passers-by eyeing your sweet ride; no choking petrol fumes in your wake. And that’s just a teaser of what you’ll experience riding one of the best electric motorcycles of 2023. Yes, electric sports bikes have come a long way, and they’re calling out for you to come along for the ride.
Whether you dream of open roads, never-ending horizons, and lush wilderness, or you have the more practical need of getting from A to B (who are we kidding, we mean home-to-office, of course)—there’s an electric motorbike on the market for you.
With huge innovations in eco-friendly transport (think electric cars, e-bikes, and the ubiquitous e-scooter), it’s no wonder that e-motorcycles have upped their design game, too. Providing low-noise, fume-free, and smooth-sailing journeys, what’s not to like? And of course, the planet will thank you. You can get your kids au fait early on with the great range of mini bikes and kid’s electric cars out there, too.
Naturally, everyone’s different and desires a different spec from their e-motorcycle. We’ve done the legwork for you and found the quickest-charging, longest-range, most powerful, and best budget electric motorbikes of this year, so you can take your pick. For style and speed with a sustainable spin, we’ve got it all.
For 2023, the Cake Kalk INK, BMW CE 04, and Onyx RCR, among many others, make their first appearance on our ranking of the best electric motorcycles of the year.
After our ranking of the best electric motorbikes of 2023, take a look at our buying guide to see what you should pay attention to when shopping for an EV bike. We also explain the methodology behind our ranking of the top bikes of the year.
The 15 best electric motorcycles of 2023
| 1 | Energica Experia | Overall best |
| 2 | Cake Kalk INK | Best value |
| 3 | BMW CE 04 | Best premium |
| 4 | Zero FX | Best sports bike |
| 5 | Onyx RCR | Best street bike |
| 6 | Vespa Elettrica | Best electric scooter |
| 7 | Lightning LS-218 | Fastest motorbike |
| 8 | Arc Vector | Most stylish |
| 9 | Pursang E-Tracker | Best for offroad |
| 10 | Cake Osa Flex | Best for varied terrain |
| 11 | Damon Hypersport Premier | Best range |
| 12 | Livewire S2 Del Mar | Best for tech lovers |
| 13 | Evoke 6061 | Fastest charge |
| 14 | Super Soco TC | Most classic styling |
| 15 | Sondors Metacycle | Best budget |
As a bonus, check the upcoming 2023 electric motorbikes that we’re most excited about after the list.
After our ranking of the best electric motorbikes of 2023, take a look at our buying guide to see what you should pay attention to when shopping for an EV bike. We also explain the methodology behind our ranking of the top bikes of the year.
Energica Experia: Overall best electric motorcycle
When anyone brings up electric motorcycles, it’s easy to envision a dead battery cutting short the fun. Due to the logistical nightmare of squeezing large, heavy batteries onto a small frame, touring bikes have been out of the question.
Until now. Energica Experia is our top choice for an electric motorcycle as it’s gone somewhere others haven’t dared. It has the longest claimed range of any production motorcycle on the market, with up to 261 miles (420 km) of city driving on one charge.
But city driving isn’t the goal of touring. At highway speeds, the range is limited to 130 miles (209 km), but three different charging methods can get you back on the road in a hurry.
The Energica Experia has a great overall stance and handling, combined with a charming aerodynamic style. It is hands down the best electric motorcycle to hit the market.
| Price: | 25,880 |
| Engine power: | 75 kW – 102 HP |
| Top speed: | 180 km/h – 112 mph |
| Acceleration: | 0-100 km/h – 0-62 mph: 3.5 sec |
| Range: | 256 km – 160 miles |
| Website: | energicamotor.com |
Cake Kalk INK Electric Motorbike: Best value EV motorcycle
By mimicking the dual-sport motorcycle, Cake has created a cheap electric motorcycle that can silently sprint around trails. It started as an off-road-only model, but recent upgrades allow street legal use, registered as a 125cc bike in the USA and EU.
If you want something that’s not quite a full-size motorcycle yet not as compact as an electric bicycle, the Cake Kalk INK is a perfect choice. It’s lightweight and nimble, yet still able to deliver some power when you want it.
The Cake Kalk INK incorporated three ride modes that adjust speed and power to provide different levels of battery range. Another three braking modes can perfectly adjust what happens when you lift off the accelerator to match your conditions.
| Price: | 11,580 |
| Engine power: | 11 kW – 15 HP |
| Top speed: | 90 km/h – 56mph |
| Acceleration: | Unspecified |
| Range: | 3 hours of trail/enduro riding |
| Website: | huckberry.com |
BMW CE 04: Best premium electric motorbike
If there’s one brand that’s no stranger to bringing advanced electric variants to the streets, BMW deserves some credit. The German automaker introduced futuristic-looking EVs over a decade ago and continues to reshape the automotive and motorcycle industries with new platforms.
The BMW CE 04 is not your average motorcycle. Its low-slung shape with an elongated bench seat might remind you of a modified jetski out of water. But that’s far from the truth.
The reality is that this beast utilizes a compact yet powerful motor that pairs with a thin battery pack. This leaves you plenty of room for seating two passengers or extra gear, plus a sizable storage compartment that helps make practical daily use a breeze.
The BMW CE 04 takes a giant step forward in electric motorcycle evolution. Are you ready to take the leap?
| Price: | 11,795 |
| Engine power: | 31 kW – 42 HP |
| Top speed: | 121 km/h – 75 mph |
| Acceleration: | 0–50 km/h – 0-31.1 mph: 2.6 sec |
| Range: | 129 km – 80 Mi |
| Website: | bmwmotorcycles.com |
Zero FX: Best electric sports bike
It takes time to perfect any craft. And with over a decade of EV motorcycle production under its belt, Zero is staying ahead of the pack in many ways.
The Zero FX is most at home on the trails, where it will let you FOCUS on finding the right line while cruising through nature. But it’s a jack of all trades. You can throw it around city streets with just as much enthusiasm as your off-road adventures.
The chassis is built from aircraft aluminum and has been shaved down over many years of production, providing one of the best power-to-weight ratios on the market. Simply put, the Zero FX electric sports bike will blow your mind regardless of the conditions under the tires.
| Price: | 12,995 |
| Engine power: | 34 kW – 46 HP |
| Top speed: | 137 km/h – 85 mph |
| Acceleration: | Unspecified |
| Range: | 111 km – 69 miles |
| Website: | zeromotorcycles.com |
Onyx RCR Electric Motorbike: Best electric street bike
It’s a bird… it’s a plane. No, it’s the Onyx RCR electric street bike. Fitting precisely into no category, this sleek offering straddles the line between an e-bike and an electric motorcycle.
One thing’s for certain. The Onyx RCR brings back nostalgia with its cafe-racer looks and woodgrain decals. It’s available in two different models, one designed for street use and one for trail riding. You can also customize battery packs, suspension heights, and paint colors.
This E motorcycle is much more suitable for slower speeds, and the street-legal mode only goes up to 20 mph (32 km/h). But as an affordable electric street bike, this can win over your heart with one quick ride.
| Price: | 5,750 |
| Engine power: | 13 kW – 17 HP |
| Top speed: | 97 km/h – 60 mph |
| Acceleration: | Unspecified |
| Range: | 193 km – 120 miles |
| Website: | huckberry.com |
Vespa Elettrica: Best electric scooter
Kleenex, Google, Band-Aid. Few brands are so iconic that their trademarked product name takes over the generic term. When it comes to scooters, Vespa is the name of the game and has been since the 1940s.
Today’s Vespas aren’t like that of the past. While the exterior design might have you think otherwise, the Vespa Elettrica uses a fully electric drivetrain to make getting a town an absolute joy.
The power is on the lower end of the scale, but you won’t notice thanks to the respectable 148 lb-ft of instant torque. The inboard display seamlessly connects to your phone. And you have your choice of six stylish colors to make this electric motorcycle scooter your own.
If you don’t care about the Vespa brand name, check out the Piaggio 1. This cheaper alternative is based on the same platform and has similar performance.
| Price: | 7,499 |
| Engine power: | 4 kW – 5 HP |
| Top speed: | 70 km/h – 43 mph |
| Acceleration: | Unspecified |
| Range: | 100 km – 62 miles |
| Website: | vespa.com |
Lightning LS-218: Fastest electric motorbike
Some electric motorcycles are meant for city streets or off-road trails. But when it comes to the Lightning LS-218, there is one thing it seeks most of all. The wide-open road.
While the Voxan Wattman is technically the fastest motorcycle, it’s not approved for street use. On the other hand, the Lightning LS-218 can charge down the road at a blistering 218 mph or more, all while silently slipping through the tarmac.
The cost of this powerful E motorcycle is magnitudes more than most bikes, but it has every right to charge the premium. Its incredible design brings out the best in sports bike styling, while the range, acceleration, and top speed are all at the top of the game.
| Price: | 38,888 |
| Engine power: | 150 kW – 200 HP |
| Top speed: | 351 km/h – 218 mph |
| Acceleration: | 0-60 mph: 2.2 sec |
| Range: | 290 km – 180 miles |
| Website: | lightningmotorcycle.com |
Arc Vector: Most stylish electric motorcycle
Not many companies have the luxury of using a no-holds-barred approach. ARC is one of the lucky few that does. The result is an impeccable work of art, making the Arc Vector our top choice for style.
But the beauty of this electric street bike is more than skin deep. It’s infused into every component, from the carbon fiber swing arms to the modular battery monocoque platform. The Arc Vector is craftsmanship redefined.
Claiming the title of the world’s most advanced motorcycle, the Vector incorporates a Human Machine Interface with an Arc Pilot System heads-up display helmet and the game-changing Origin Jacket with active feedback. It is like nothing else the world has seen.
| Price: | £90,000 (~120,000 USD) |
| Engine power: | 87 kW – 117 HP |
| Top speed: | 351 km/h – 218 mph |
| Acceleration: | 0-100 km/h – 0-62 mph: 3.2 sec |
| Range: | 436 km – 271 miles |
| Website: | arcvehicle.com |
Pursang E-Tracker: Best electric motorcycle for off-road
One incredible part of the electric motorbike revolution is the innovation coming from new companies. The Spanish-based Pursang is among the top in the segment, offering an excellent option for those who want to fit in anywhere they can drive on two wheels.
The Pursang E-Track fuses a chic look with a powerful Bosch motor and a driving position that’s equally great for relaxed cruising and aggressive off-road sessions. The color TFT screen provides all the details you need and nothing you don’t.
The E-Track is an electric sports bike for those who want it all. There is enough power to have fun, a solid range to get you where you need to go, and it’s all dressed up in a package that’ll attract attention everywhere you go.
Price: 14,900 Engine power: 11 kW – 15 HP Top speed: 110 km/h – 68 mph Acceleration: Unspecified Range: 140 km – 87 miles Website: pursangmotorcycles.com
Cake Osa Flex: Best E motorcycle for varied terrain
Being a jack of all trades isn’t easy. It requires flexibility and adapting to individual demands. Some electric motorcycles are built for one purpose. Others can handle it all.
When versatility is your priority, turn to the Cake Osa Flex. This high-performance utility machine is geared up with over a thousand accessory combinations to handle any situation with ease. It’s the Swiss Army knife of electric motorcycle scooters.
The battery pack has multiple power outlets, letting it double as a portable power station. It’s a workbench on wheels mixed with a commuter bike that can be packed with gear. The Cake Osa Flex is fully street-legal and ready to be registered as a 50cc bike.
| Price: | 8,880 |
| Engine power: | 5 kW – 7 HP |
| Top speed: | 45 km/h – 28 mph |
| Acceleration: | Unspecified |
| Range: | 92 km – 57 miles |
| Website: | huckberry.com |
Damon Hypersport Premier: Best electric motorbike for range
Hopping on two wheels isn’t for the faint of heart. But for those road warriors who want the full experience, the Damon Hypersport is worth checking out.
As one of the best electric roadsters on two wheels, the Hypersport pushes out a whopping 200 horsepower and can get up to 60 mph in less than three seconds. But it also hits the mark when it comes to longevity, with an impressive 200-mile (322 km) range.
The Damon Hypersport is engineered to take you faster, safer, and farther. You can instantly transform the riding position on the fly to avoid fatigue or gear up for the curves. An incorporated CoPilot system uses artificial intelligence to keep tabs on everything around you and warn of any hazards.
It’s the electric motorcycle for adults that has your back.
| Price: | 19,000 |
| Engine power: | 149 kW – 200 HP |
| Top speed: | 322 km/h – 200 mph |
| Acceleration: | 0-60 mph: |
| Range: | 322 km – 200 miles |
| Website: | damon.com |
Livewire S2 Del Mar: Best electric street bike for tech lovers
Harley Davidson’s image doesn’t blend well with the electric motorcycle revolution. But the brand’s spinoff EV motorcycle group, Livewire, is doing all it can to show Harley riders that electric motorbikes are the way of the future. And the S2 Del Mar has grabbed the spotlight.
At first glance, it’s mostly what you’d expect from a modern Harley bike. It’s a robust motorcycle that has only a few cues indicating the electric platform, most notable are the heat transfer fins flanking the bike.
But this isn’t Livewire’s first take. It’s a more nimble, lighter, and less expensive version of the Livewire ONE, yet it still has all the power and fun you could want.
The exclusive Del Mar Launch Edition S2 features an exclusive paint scheme and wheel design, but the regular production models are sure to impress with looks just as much as the legendary Harley Davidson ride, even if it doesn’t rumble as you’d expect.
| Price: | 17,699 |
| Engine power: | 59.6 kW – 80 HP (est.) |
| Top speed: | Unspecified |
| Acceleration: | 0-60 mph: 3.1 sec |
| Range: | 177 km – 110 miles |
| Website: | livewire.com |
Evoke 6061: Fastest charge electric motorbike
Battery electric vehicles have one serious disadvantage. When they run out of juice, it can be a long time before they’re ready to hit the road again.
The Evoke 6061 turns that idea about-face. By using a 336-volt battery pack, it can recharge up to 80% in 15 minutes. Just enough time for you to shake off any road fatigue, refuel your body, and hop back on.
This hand-assembled new electric motorcycle pleases the eye with its minimalistic design that puts the aluminum twin-plate frame in the spotlight. But the real treat comes when you turn the throttle. The impressive 160-horsepower motor rockets up to 62 mph in just 2.6 seconds.
The Evoke 6061 is making waves in the electric motorcycle segment. And for good reason.
| Price: | 24,995 |
| Engine power: | 120 kW – 160 HP |
| Top speed: | 230 km/h – 143 mph |
| Acceleration: | 0-100 km/h – 0-62 mph: 2.6 sec |
| Range: | 470 km – 292 miles |
| Website: | evokemotorcycles.com |
Super Soco TC: Most classic styling
There’s nothing better than getting on two wheels to hop around the city. Especially if those two wheels are packed with class and style.
The Super Soco TC might not be the most powerful electric motorcycle on the road, but its cafe-racer-inspired shape brings back fond memories as it glides down the road. The affordable price tag, removable battery packs, and comfortable riding position make it an excellent choice for short commutes or joy rides.
The graceful design elements do an incredible job of merging new-world technology with classic styling. It has a large display between the bars and an oversized LED headlight placed front and center. It’s pure joy to ride and look at.
| Price: | 3,330 |
| Engine power: | 1.9 kW – 2.5 horsepower |
| Top speed: | 45 km/h – 28 mph |
| Acceleration: | Unspecified |
| Range: | 48 km – 30 miles |
| Website: | vmotosoco.com |
Sondors Metacycle: Best cheap electric motorcycle
Take one look at the Sondors Metacycle and it’s clear that it breaks new ground. The Metacycle isn’t just a model name, it’s the introduction of a new segment that’s more powerful than most electric bicycles but not quite up to the full performance of a motorcycle.
It’s one of the best cheap electric motorcycles around, with an impressive 80 mph top speed and up to 80 miles on a single charge. The battery pack is easily removable, so you can park on the street and bring it inside when it needs to charge up away from home.
The Sondors Metacycle is the guilt-free, hassle-free way to get around town. It’s sure to put a smile on your face while letting you put your hard-earned cash to the best use possible.
| Price: | 6,500 |
| Engine power: | 14.5 kW – 20 HP |
| Top speed: | 129 km/h – 80 mph |
| Acceleration: | Unspecified |
| Range: | 129 km – 80 miles |
| Website: | sondors.com |
Bonus: The upcoming electric motorcycles we’re most excited about
What’s that we see glinting on the horizon? Oh, just the hottest electric motorcycles hitting the market very soon:
- Switch Scrambler – Make it yours: the Switch Scrambler is totally customizable, and whatever style choices you make, you can be sure it’ll look slick. It’s currently in the ABS testing phase and will be heading for full production later in the year.
- DAB Concept-E – One for the tech-fiends, the DAB Concept-E offers incredibly high-end components for a seamless experience. The slightly smaller-than-average battery means this one’s better for short-range city-riding rather than long journeys.
- Husqvarna E-Pilen – This electric motorcycle for adults is still in its conceptual phase, but it’ll be all the better for it. With a vroom-vroom aesthetic and plans for whippet-like speeds, the Husqvarna E-Pilen is certainly one to keep your eye on. Look out for full production within the next 2 years.
- Ducati Electric Racer – Still a bit of an enigma, the new model is currently being tested. When it’s finally released, the Ducati Electric Racer will be used for the MotoE series in 2023, taking the place of Energica as the official motorcycle supplier. Well, if it’s good enough for the pros…
With so many ground-breaking electric motorcycles entering the market – this could be the year electric begins to surpass petrol. We are seeing competitions where electric motorcycles are now dominating like the Malle Mile. We predict that we are going to see this happening in more and more motorcycle categories now.
Tobin Page, Australian Electric Motor Co
Advantages and disadvantages of electric motorcycles
Electric motorcycles have many advantages. Ease of maintenance, instant torque, and whisper-quiet noise levels are some of the top benefits.
But there are some disadvantages to electric motorbikes too. The main issues to consider are the limited range, charging time and infrastructure, and potential battery replacement needs.
The electric motorcycle that’s best for you
powerful than an electric bicycle, lower profile than an electric car: If you’re looking for a sustainable vehicle that’s a good all-around compromise between the two, you can’t go wrong with an electric motorcycle. In particular, they’re usually more cost-effective than an electric car – and they generally feature shorter recharge times, which is a definite plus.
If you’re looking to purchase an electric motorbike, there are a couple of features you should pay close attention to. These include:
- Range. As an EV, an electric motorbike does have a specific maximum distance that it can travel before you’re going to need to find a way to recharge. If you are using your electric motorcycle mainly for commuting, you may be able to select a bike with a lower range and prioritize other features. If you’re planning on adventuring further away from home, it might be a good idea to select one with a larger range – such as the Damon Hypersport Premier.
- Comfort. Motorcycles aren’t known for being the most comfortable of vehicles, but if you’re planning on riding it a lot, a little comfort will go a long way. Check to see what the seat is made of, whether the pedals are adjustable, and if the shocks of your future bike promise a bump-free ride.
- Safety. Motorcycles have gotten poor press in the past for their lack of safety features. The modern EV motorbike market is compensating for this with new high-tech safety features each year, such as 360-degree cameras and Smart rider assistance. If you’re at all worried about your safety while you’re zipping around on your motorbike, it’s a good idea to invest in a high-tech motorcycle that has these options.
Methodology: How we select, test, and rank the best options on the market
To find the best electric motorcycles on today’s market, we ranked the features we deemed most important – such as safety and range, as well as power, style, and comfort – and looked at all of the motorcycles that have come out recently (and will come out over the course of this year). The master list we came up with featured several sophisticated, powerful motorbikes!
We ranked each of these motorcycles, combing through reviews and testimonials until we had a ranking that we were ready to share. Finally, we picked one element from each bike to emphasize to award each a title as winner of a specific category.
Frequently asked questions about the best electric motorcycles
The Energica Experia is the best electric motorcycle of 2023. With a range of 160 miles (or 256 km), this sweet ride could see you across country borders if you choose. Not to mention, the uber-cool aesthetic and lightning-fast top speed seal the deal.
At just 5,000, the Sondors Metacycle is the cheapest electric motorcycle of 2023. It brings great value, backing its affordable price with a good range and a top speed that rivals several others in this competitive market.
Able to travel a lengthy 482 km (300 miles) on a single charge, the Damon Hypersport Premier is a true pegasus. Oh, and you won’t be meandering along, either: with a max speed of 200 mph (420 km/h), you’ll certainly feel the wind in your hair on this impressive bike.
While e-motorcycles currently sit on the higher end of the price spectrum, they are the transport of our epoche. Boasting quiet operation, no fumes, and of course, minimizing your carbon footprint, e-motorcycles are harbingers of an eco-friendly future. Check our round-up of the top electric motorcycles of 2023 to find the best one for you.
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