What Electric Motorcycle Can I Ride?
Unknown to most people the basic principles behind the legalities of riding an electric motorcycle are infact no different to that of riding an ICE (internal combustion engine) motorcycle, all of which are listed at the bottom of this page. The only real difference is that, unlike internal combustion engine (ICE, or petrol engine) motorcycles which are rated on peak power, electric motorcycles are rated and homologated on continuous power. The continuous power of an electric motor, for licence validation, is measured over a set period of time. Peak power is not factored so although for example one of our electric motorcycles continuous power may be restricted to 11kw (15bhp) the same as a 125cc motorbike, it could peak at more like 45kw (60bhp) which is more like a 500cc motorcycle.
Also never forget that the power rating (kw or bhp) of an electric motorcycle is almost irrelevant to the MASSIVE torque delivery that even the smallest of our electric motorcycles can produce which is many times higher than most ICE bikes. The fact is we have many customers used to riding big 1000cc sports bike who quite happily have made the move to owning 11kw variants of some of our range!
Electric Scooters and Electric Mopeds
Electric Mopeds and Scooters are often put in the same category, to avoid confusion we will explain about Electric Mopeds, these are often large vehicles which are fast and the perfect urban travel companion. Electric Mopeds and very similar to their ICE (Internal Compustion Engine) sister.
Electric Motorbikes
Electric Motorbikes are the pinnacle of electric bike travel, they are large and robust, with massive battery capacity and even better speeds. They travel at faster than 30mph and therefore it is important that you know the laws before you jump on and ride away.
Electric Scooters and Electric Mopeds
Generally electric mopeds are restricted to 28mph (45kmh). These are seen in the same way as a 50cc petrol moped. As a moped, they can be ridden by any rider 16 or over who has either passed a CBT course or has category AM or P on their existing driver licence. These are classed as L1e-B.
Car drivers who passed their test before February 2001 generally will have this category AM or P already on their licence, or have a full motorcycle licence, and are not required to take a CBT course (please double check that this is the case).
Electric scooters / motorbikes that are capable of speeds in excess of 28mph / 45kmph are classed as L3e-A1. There is no speed restriction however you must be 17 or above and have passed a CBT course OR have a full motorcycle licence.
Please view full licence requirements on the government website here.
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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Top Ten Electric Mopeds 2021
The number of electric scooters and mopeds being seen on our roads is growing rapidly. For city residents or commuters they make perfect sense. They are not only environmentally friendly but also cheap to run, non-noise polluting and great to ride. So we at RideTo have pulled together our Top Ten Favourite Electric Mopeds. (All have taken into account the Government’s Plug-in Motorcycle Grant)
Silence SO1
Silence by name and by nature, the funky SO1 is a Spanish electric scooter that looks great and is incredibly practical too. It features three riding modes, Eco, City and Sport which limit the speeds to maximise range. Eco will take you to 43mph with the longest range. City boosts to 52mph and Sport the full 62mph but with the obvious reduction in distance. Alongside the handy removable battery, there’s room for two full-face helmets under the seat and at £4,995 it’s not the cheapest option, but it might appeal to those looking for something different.
Sunra Miku Super
Less scooter and more electric Grom, the Miku cuts a very different style on the street. It’ll max out at 50mph, but you should get somewhere in the region of 84 miles of range. Once that battery is used up though It will take on average 4 hours to fully charge. The styling will appeal to a lot of riders, but this style does also limit storage capacity significantly. So if you’re looking to stash a helmet away this isn’t the ride for you. You can be on the road on the Sunra for £3,499.
Lexmoto Yadea
A more traditionally styled moped from a name that is already well known in the UK. The Yadea offers lots of practicality with helmet storage space and room for a pillion, but its range is more limited than some others at 55 miles. It’s removable and can be taken indoors to charge which is very handy for charging at the office! Its learner-legal 2.3kW motor means the Yadea can be ridden on an AM category licence, meaning that it’s available to 16-year-olds, and those who passed their car driving test before 2001. At £1,899 it’s also one of the cheapest electric mopeds out there.
Super Soco TC
Another motorcycle styled machine, the TC is a direct competitor to the 50cc moped class. Its range is only 40 miles and it’s limited to 28mph, but it’s available to 16-year-olds upon completion of a CBT, as well as AM category licence holders. It’s a very nicely put together stylish machine, with some lovely features such as keyless ignition and a digital display topped off with a proven 1.5kw Bosch motor. Charging time is 3 to four hours from empty and it will set you back £2,999
NIU NQiGT/S
Niu is another brand that’s quickly been picking up market share in the UK, and the complexly named NQiGTS/S is one of their most popular models. It’s easy to see why, it’s a lovely looking bike with a traditional scooter style that brought bang into the electric age. It has a range of up to 140km and it can reach a speed of 70km/h too. The Bosch motor can be controlled with three different riding modes, Sport, Dynamic and E-Save and it even has cruise control as standard. The two batteries can be removed for charging and you can get all this for £2,956.
Vespa Elettrica
The godfather of scooters is not letting the new electric boys on the block have it all their own way. The Electtrica is the Italian company’s response to the growth in electric scooters, and it’s a good one too. It’s one of the most traditional looking on the market, which we think is a Smart move. Not only does it look good, but the TFT screen also allows for complete connectivity with a smartphone, even down to controlling your music. The 70km/h version would be our pick with a 50-mile range and 45mph top speed, but you do pay a premium for the looks and tech with a list price of £5,335.
Another Spanish brand for you and again a completely different looking electric scooter. The Nuuk is a stripped back machine where nothing is hidden, with a touch of ‘off-road’ styling. Reminiscent of the Honda Ruckus, its gold upside-down forks and chunky tyres will make it a popular choice. The Bosch 8KW motor is powered by removable batteries which give it a range of 120km, but this can be raised to 280km by installing more batteries! It doesn’t hang around either with a max speed of 115km/h. This 125cc equivalent scooter can be yours for £5,599.
Cezeta 506/04 A1
If you are looking for THE most retro electric scooter, this is it. Based on the Cezeta 501 which was launched by the Czech company in 1951. It may look very much like the original but the 506/04 features a Panasonic lithium battery which offers 87 miles of range and a top speed of 56mph. Like modern F1 race cars, the Cezeta uses the (KERS) Kinetic Energy Recovery System or regenerative braking system in which energy from braking is returned to the battery. This retro styling with modern guts will cost you £5,403.
Super Soco appears again with another 50cc equivalent machine, this time with traditional scooter styling. Powered by a 1.3kw Bosch motor, the CUx has a range of 40 miles with a max 28mph top speed. As with the TC this bike is available to 16-year-olds with a CB and AM category licence holders. It’s one of the more lightweight electric scooters weighing in at just 74kg, 10kg of which is the removable battery. The LED display is very bright and clear, there is a USB charging port and an app is available to change the scooters settings. The standard version costs £2249, but there is a Smart Ducati version available for an extra £200.
Zapp i300 Carbon
As its name alludes, the futuristic i300 Carbon is. according to Zapp. the only carbon fibre scooter in the world and the first two-wheeled vehicle to use the sort of bodywork technology you’d usually find in an Aston Martin Valkyrie or a McLaren Senna. Its permanent magnet motor makes it super torquey and the addition of removable batteries that can be charged anywhere eradicates the need to spend half of the 90km range (in ECO mode) searching for the nearest charge point. Zapp will also deliver your new i300 Carbon directly to you.
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Details for electric NEO’s to come in the weeks ahead
Yamaha Motor Europe outlined its plans for electric two-wheelers, revealing a range of scooters, bicycles and a moped. The announcement confirmed our report last week that it would include an electric scooter called the “NEO’s”, but the 50cc-equivalent model was only scratching the surface.
The presentation provided a general outline of Yamaha’s approach to electrification, though it did leave us wanting more. While electric motorcycle brands like Zero and Energica offer a range of models and Harley-Davidson‘s LiveWire spin-off is preparing to offer its second model in a few months, Yamaha is much more conservative about electrification.
Of the models mentioned, the NEO’s is the only one that go into production this year. The NEO’s name (pronounced “Nay-OSS”) has been around since 1997 as a 50cc gas-fueled scooter, and it will continue to exist as an electric model, offering a similar level of performance. As we reported, the new NEO’s will be based on the E02 concept shown at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show.
The 50cc scooter class used to be more popular in Europe, but as Paolo Pavesio, marketing and motorsport director for Yamaha Motor Europe, explains, tougher emissions controls and the prevalence of more powerful 125cc scooters has eaten away at the class. There’s still a place for vehicles of this level of performance, however, and Yamaha sees it as a a logical target for electrification. Yamaha will release further details about the NEO’s in the weeks ahead, but it did confirm the NEO’s will use removable batteries.
The second electric scooter, a 125cc-equivalent model, will be a much longer time coming. Based on the E01 concept also shown in 2019, the as-yet-unnamed model (“E-Max” seems the obvious choice, but Yamaha’s branding seems to FOCUS on incorporating a stylized “O” somewhere, so we’ll stick with the concept name for now) will be introduced in a European city as a vehicle-sharing fleet model. Yamaha will use the vehicle sharing as a proof of concept, and to gather data for a consumer launch in two to three years.
Yamaha also presented three ebike prototypes, a mountain bike, a touring bike and an urban model, all powered by Yamaha’s electric drive units. Specifications for the three bicycles will be released in the summer, with a target launch of late 2022.
The presentation concluded with a moped model called the B01. The B01 was designed in collaboration with Fantic Motors, and very closely resembles its Issimo Fun. The Issimo Fun is equipped with a 250 watt motor producing a claimed 59 lb-ft. of torque, with power supplied by a 630Wh 36 volt lithium-ion battery.
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Yamaha is doing the minimum to keep the money generating, err environmental agencies, off of their backs. On the other hand, they are doing everything they can to keep the ICE alive and for that I applaud them.