Summary

  • Sondors Metacycle offers impressive features like low seat height and weight for its affordable price of $6,500.
  • Super Soco TC is a retro-styled electric bike perfect for urban commuting with a top speed of 75 mph and a range of 78 miles.
  • Fuell Fllow, designed by Erik Buell, offers astounding torque of 553 pound-feet and a range of 150 miles, but may be overwhelming for beginner riders.

Love them or hate them, electric motorcycles are fast becoming a reality. From daily commuters to enduro and race bikes, we’ve seen all kinds of electric bikes hit the road over the past couple of years, and it’s about time we accept that we’ll have to eventually switch to one soon too. Lucky for us, there’s a vast array of electric bikes catering to riders of all shapes, sizes, and kinds. Here are our top 15 picks in the e-motorcycle space.

Updated December 2023: New electric motorcycles seem to be popping up every month these days! In an effort to keep our readers up to date, we have updated this article with all the latest and greatest models available on the market with a comprehensive list of pros and cons and a detailed specs to make your decision-making process that much easier.

Looking at information from the official manufacturer websites alongside several expert sites, we have compiled this list of the best electric bikes based on their power, features and overall performance.

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Sondors Metacycle: A No-Frills Bike For Commuters On A Budget

Base MSRP: $6,500

Sondors Metacycle Action
Sondors

Sondors had recently made waves by dropping the pricing on the already affordable Metacycle by more than a few pennies. That's an astonishing tactic in a market where most electric motorcycles cost more than your average Harley-Davidson. It's a handsome bike, with some nifty features, like low seat height and weight.

The 60-mile range will get you to work and back, provided you're not too heavy on the throttle. The brakes are a little bland and the rear shock may be inadequate, but even all those caveats aside, you simply can't beat that price. And if all you're doing is going to and from work, it may just be the best vehicle for you, hands down.

Specifications

Range

Real-world range of 60 miles; extended to 80 miles under ideal conditions

Power

8 kW (11 horsepower) nominal; 14.5 kW (20 horsepower) peak

Motor

PMAC Hub Motor (Permanent Magnet, Alternative Current)

Battery Type

4 kW Lithium-ion

Torque

80 pound-feet (nominal); 130 pound-feet (peak)

Top Speed

60 MPH (drive mode); 80 MPH (sports mode)

Curb Weight

300 pounds

Website

Sondors.com

Pros

  • A unique, head-turning style
  • Great package for its price
  • Good, fast charging speeds

Cons

  • Brakes may feel inadequate
  • Suspension isn't the most plush
  • The seat is hard and is not easily removable
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Super Soco TC: The Perfect Scrambler For Urban Adventure Seekers

Base MSRP: $4,140

SuperSoco TC
Super Soco

As much as we love high-performance bikes, an electric motorcycle will probably spend most of its life in the city. And, this is why the Super Soco TC is on our list. The Super Soco TC not only looks retro in a stylish way, but it also makes for a great commuter electric bike. With a top speed of 75 mph, it comes with a single or a double battery pack setup, claiming an impressive range of 78 Miles (with the dual battery setup), which is more than enough for city duties.

Meanwhile, features like LED lights, an anti-theft alarm, keyless ignition, and a semi-digital instrument cluster top off the package. It's pretty cheap, at approximately $4,140, but here comes the bad news. You can't get it in the U.S.

Specifications

Range

44 miles single battery; extended to 78 miles with dual battery

Power

3 kW (4 horsepower)

Motor

Bosch Hub Motor

Battery Type

1.8 kWh Lithium-ion

Torque

40 pound-feet

Top Speed

28 MPH

Curb Weight

167 pounds (without battery)

Website

supersoco.co.uk

Pros

  • The overall build quality is impressive
  • Agile and easy to maneuver through the city
  • Low seat height will inspire shorter riders

Cons

  • The relatively thin dealership network
  • Braking is a hit-and-miss affair
  • Not available in the States

Kuberg Cross Hero: An Entry-Level Dirt Bike

Base MSRP: $2,718

Kuberg Cross Hero
Kuberg

The Cross Hero is a dirt bike specifically for youngsters aged six to twelve, which has drilled brakes, Kenda tires, and a compact yet useful kickstand. It has a 50 mm suspension fork and a mono-shock absorber. As for speed, its peak speed is 17 MPH with four horsepower as the peak power that its electric motor produces. It also has a kill switch that, when activated, will turn off the engine, only to protect younger riders in uncertain situations. Buyers have the option of 110 or 220-volt charging, which requires six hours to finish charging and offers around two hours of off-road fun.

Specifications

Range

34 miles

Power

4 horsepower

Motor

3 kW, 36 V motor

Battery

3×12 Ah 12 V, sealed lead-acid

Torque

NA

Top Speed

17 MPH

Curb Weight

73 lbs

Website

kuberg.com

Pros

  • Value for money
  • Great beginner e-bike
  • Light weight design

Cons

  • Lacks any major power
  • Six-hour charging time
  • Not for taller riders

Pursang E-Tracker: Tailor-Made For Edgy Urban Riders

Base MSRP: $10,052

pursang etrack-motorcycles
Pursang

If the more modern styling excesses of electric motorcycles are too much for you (and your wallet won't stretch to a Curtiss One!) and what you really feel you need is a flat-track-inspired electric bike, then the Pursang is the best ev motorcycle for you. Taking its name from an old Bultaco model, the Pursang E-Tracker is a relatively normal-looking electric motorcycle, featuring a tubular chrome-moly tubed frame and carbon-fiber bodywork.

The range is quoted as 74 miles, but recharge time is a bloated six hours, which rules it out for any sort of competition riding, if that was ever a goal. It boasts a full-color TFT display that shows speed, range, riding mode, engine power regeneration, and of course, battery life. It even features smartphone connectivity and can be connected via the Bosch mobile app. It's now available in Europe for roughly $10,052.

Specifications

Range

74 miles

Power

7.2 kW (9.6 horsepower)

Motor

Bosch Hub Motor

Battery Type

3 batteries of 48 V

Torque

49.4 pound-feet

Top Speed

68 MPH

Curb Weight

324 pounds

Website

pursangmotorcycles.com

Pros

  • The timeless retro-modern look
  • Feels refined
  • Carbon fiber body panels

Cons

  • Long charging time
  • No established dealership in the mainland USA
  • Comes at a premium cost

Fuell Fllow: A Motorcycle For Erik Buell Fanatics

Base MSRP: $10,495

fuell-flow-8
Fuell

From the fertile engineering brain of Erik Buell comes the Fuell Fllow. Featuring a magnesium monocoque chassis and housing for the battery, the electric motor is housed in the rear wheel and produces a quite frankly astonishing 553 pound-feet of torque! Twist the throttle on this, and you don't move forward, the earth rotates underneath you. The top speed is 85 mph (max sustained) and a range of 150 miles.

Regenerative braking is employed on the Fllow, and using a CCS Type 2 charger gives you a full charge in 30 minutes. There is 1.76 cubic feet of storage in what used to be the fuel tank, which Fuell claims can take a full-face helmet and a soft bag. Unusually for Buell, he has not fitted the rim-mounted brake rotors that were such a feature on his gas-powered sport bikes.

Specifications

Range

150 miles

Power

35 kW (48 horsepower)

Motor

Integrated Transverse Flux motor

Battery Type

10 kWh battery

Torque

553 pound-feet

Top Speed

85 MPH sustained; 135 MPH on demand

Curb Weight

400 pounds

Website

fuell.us

Pros

  • Possesses a crazy amount of torque
  • A good 150-mile range
  • Regenerative braking works like a charm

Cons

  • Beginner electric riders may feel overwhelmed with the torque on offer
  • Shorter riders may find it difficult to maneuver the bike
  • May not be affordable for all riders
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Kawasaki Ninja e-1 ABS: An Electric With The Ninja Design Language

Base MSRP: $7,599

Kawasaki Ninja e-1 electric motorcycle
Kawasaki

Alongside the Z e-1 Super Naked, the Ninja e-1 ABS is Kawasaki's first attempt at an electric vehicle. It is equipped with the Ninja supersport visual language, and is the newest Ninja to hit the scene. It gets an adaptable electric motor that operates in two modes, drawing power from a twin detachable battery pack. It gets a max output figure of 16 horsepower and 27.5 pound-feet of torque.

The best aspect is that this bike is relatively inexpensive compared to other electric motorcycles. Its lightweight construction also makes it an excellent choice for regular urban riding. The maximum speed in eco-mode is 47 mph, while the maximum speed in road mode is 55 mph. The peak speed does, however, rise by 10 mph in road mode and 7 mph in eco-mode when the e-boost is used.

Specifications

Range

41 miles

Power

9.0 kW (12 HP)

Motor

Air-cooled, interior permanent magnet synchronous motor

Battery

Lithium-ion battery pack (2)

Torque

29.7 LB-FT

Top Speed

65 MPH

Curb Weight

308 pounds

Website

kawasaki.com

Pros

  • It is very reasonably priced.
  • For simple charging, the detachable battery is a fantastic feature.
  • In this price range, features like walk mode, reverse functionality, and smartphone connectivity are brilliant.

Cons

  • It doesn't have the longest range.
  • Just a single-channel ABS.
  • Lacks the top speed to do justice to the Ninja badge.

Cake Kalk&: A Bike For Dirt Riders Looking To Level Up

Base MSRP: $13,970

Calk Kalk Motorcycle
Cake

The good thing about electric motorcycles is that there are plenty of start-up companies that are manufacturing new models that have no corporate design language to adhere to and the results are refreshingly different. Swedish company Cake set out to create the ultimate, spare-no-expense, lightweight, high-performance electric dirtbike. Having done this, it then turned its attention to a street-legal version.

The oddly-named Kalk& is the result, and you could be forgiven for thinking it is a glorified bicycle, such is its skimpy design and construction. Skimpy it might be, but there is nothing skimpy about the specification: extruded, forged, and CNC-machined 6061 aluminum chassis, Öhlins suspension front and back, and bespoke forged and machined wheels. It's not cheap, but if you are looking for personal transport that is light and agile, then the Cake might just be what you are looking for.

Specifications

Range

53 miles

Power

10 kW (13 horsepower)

Motor

Interior permanent magnet motor

Battery Type

2.6 kWh battery

Torque

31 pound-feet

Top Speed

60 MPH

Curb Weight

174 pounds

Website

ridecake.com

Pros

  • High-grade hardware
  • Easy to maneavuer and simple to ride
  • A well-rounded fit and finish

Cons

  • Pricey
  • Not easily available everywhere
  • If you ever run into trouble, it would be tough to find parts

LiveWire Del Mar S2: Harley-Davidson Raises The EV Bar Again

Base MSRP: $15,499

Livewire Del Mar
Livewire

Designed around a modular Arrow platform, the Del Mar is the first of a series of models that will be released in the coming years and is certainly aimed squarely at the mass market of electric bikes. The platform includes batteries, electronics, a motor, and can have different steering heads and swing arms bolted to it to create the different variants.

It is due to arrive in showrooms by the latter part of 2023. The power output is a claimed 80 horsepower, while it weighs in at 431 pounds. The city range is expected to be 110 miles, with a 0-80% charge time in about 75 min.

Specifications

Range

110 miles

Power

80 horsepower (60 kW)

Motor

Yet to be revealed

Battery Type

10.5 kWh battery

Torque

184 pound-feet

Top Speed

124 MPH (approx.)

Curb Weight

431 pounds

Website

livewire.com

Pros

  • Offers great handling characteristics
  • Well-designed
  • Possesses decent power to take you around town

Cons

  • It is on the heavier side
  • Lacks the convenience of fast charging
  • Limited use for your out-of-town rides

Lightning LS-218: The Fastest-Production Bike In The World

Base MSRP: $38,988

Steady Shot of a White and Blue Lightning LS-218
Lightning Motorcycles

With several awards to its credit, the Lightning LS-218 is the fastest-production electric motorcycle in the world. When it was first introduced in 2015, it demonstrated its superiority at Le Mans and made several powerful gas-powered sports motorcycles appear like mini motos at Pikes Peak.

Its motor generates a massive 244 horsepower and 220 lb-ft of torque at 10,500 rpm, which is enough to make petrol engines pale in comparison. As for acceleration, it sprints from 0 to 60 miles per hour in under two seconds. The typical highway range of a 15-kWh battery pack is 188 miles. However, you may increase the range to 255 miles or 335 miles, by selecting extra 20-kWh and 28-kWh battery packs.

Specifications

Range

188 miles of highway range

Power

244 HP

Motor

Liquid-cooled IPM electric motor

Battery

Standard 15 kWh battery pack

Torque

220 LB-FT

Top Speed

218 MPH

Curb Weight

495 pounds

Website

lightningmotorcycle.com

Pros

  • The option of three available battery packs.
  • The world's fastest street-legal electric motorcycle.
  • Premium components.

Cons

  • The manufacturer hasn't revealed its electronic features yet.
  • Not for daily city riding.
  • The standard 15 kWh battery pack is overshadowed by competitors.

Damon Hyperfighter: An Innovative Motorcycle Keeping Riders Excited And Safe

Base MSRP: $19,000

Damon Streetfighter Motorcycle
Damon

Do you like sporty naked motorcycles? Let us introduce you to the newly launched Damon Hyperfighter. Unveiled in early 2022, the Damon Hyperfighter is an epic all-electric naked motorcycle that has a rather striking design. This radical design is complemented by equally striking numbers including a peak power of 200 horsepower, 170 mph top speed, and a 146-mile claimed range. The bike also packs a unique Shift technology, that lets the rider adjust the handlebar and footpeg position on the fly, along with 360-degree cameras to warn the rider about potentially dangerous objects and vehicles.

Specifications

Range

120 miles (combined range)

Power

150 horsepower

Motor

PMAC Liquid-Cooled Motor

Battery Type

15 kWh Battery

Torque

147 pound-feet

Top Speed

150 MPH

Curb Weight

440 pounds

Website

damon.com

Pros

  • Offers some impressive performance numbers
  • Lets you adjust the handlebar and pegs positions on the fly
  • 360-degree cameras

Cons

  • Lacks quality on a few parts here and there
  • Expensive
  • There are no confirmations from the brand about the curb weight

Zero SR/F: An Uncompromising High Quality Machine

Base MSRP: $23,795

Zero Motorcycle
Zero

Looking for a do-it-all e-motorcycle? Well, we believe it’s the Zero SR/F. Sure, its price of nearly $23,795 isn’t for everyone, but this is one of the most sought-after bikes out there. It comes equipped with a powerful motor-battery combo that has a claimed top speed and range of 124 mph and 187 miles (city) of range, respectively.

This ensures you’ll have plenty of power to have fun while steering clear of range anxiety. Then, you have high-quality underpinnings comprising fully adjustable Showa Big Piston forks and Showa monoshock, alongside Pirelli Rosso III tires. It also comes with all modern-day features like ride modes, TFT instrumentation, smartphone connectivity, LED lighting, and even a stability control from Bosch.

Specifications

Range

187 miles (city); 124 miles (city/highway combined)

Power

110 horsepower (82 kW)

Motor

Interior permanent magnet AC motor

Battery Type

17.3 kWh Lithium-ion

Torque

140 pound-feet

Top Speed

124 MPH

Curb Weight

500 pounds

Website

zeromotorcycles.com

Pros

  • One of the smoothest power deliveries in its segment
  • Low operating cost
  • Accelerates like the wind

Cons

  • At $23,795, it's safe to say it isn't cheap
  • Feels heavy while cornering
  • Doesn't feel at home on low speeds

LiveWire One: Leading Harley Riders Into The Future

Base MSRP: $22,799

Harley-Davidson's All-Electric LiveWire orange
Harley-Davidson Motorcycles

The Harley-Davidson LiveWire features a likable design, which shouts Harley in its own special way while promising a familiar torquey riding experience, too. Of course, there is no glass-shattering rumble here, but you do get 100 horsepower and 84 pound-feet of torque, right on par with Harley’s ICE bikes. Plus, all this power is instantly available and monitored by a handful of electronics to ensure you stay upright.

The LiveWire boasts a claimed range of 146 miles and a top speed of 95 mph, both more than enough for most riders. One item to note is that Harley spun LiveWire out into its own company, and is now producing LiveWire One in addition to the previously mentioned Del Mar.

Specifications

Range

149/91 miles (city/combined)

Power

100 horsepower (75 kW)

Motor

Revelation Electric Motor

Battery Type

15.4 kWh Rechargeable Energy Storage System (RESS)

Torque

84 pound-feet

Top Speed

110 MPH

Curb Weight

562 pounds

Website

livewire.com

Pros

  • Carries the quintessential Harley design
  • A capable, powerful engine
  • Good amount of features and tech on board

Cons

  • Is excessively expensive
  • The range is nothing to boast about, especially considering its price range
  • The 562-pound weight could be a big issue for many

Tarform Luna: A Futuristic, 3D-Printed And Sustainable Motorcycle

Base MSRP: $24,000

Tarform LUna
Tarform

The main point of EVs is to offer a sustainable means of getting around and if that’s your motive too, it doesn’t get any more eco-friendly than the Tarform Luna. We say this because nearly 55 percent of the bike’s parts are 3D-printed from recycled materials like pineapple-leaf fibers and recycled aluminum.

But, Tarform didn’t stop there and threw in an impressive motor and battery combo which gives the bike a claimed range of 120 miles and a top speed of 120 mph. Not to forget, this is accompanied by features like a circular digital instrument cluster with an HD display, all-LED lighting, three ride modes, a 180-degree rearview camera, keyless ignition, and smartphone connectivity via Bluetooth.

Specifications

Range

120 miles

Power

55 horsepower (41 kW)

Motor

PMAC (permanent magnet) electric motor

Battery Type

11.2 kWh lithium-ion battery pack

Torque

120 pound-feet

Top Speed

120 MPH

Curb Weight

440 pounds

Website

tarform.com

Pros

  • A modern, minimalist design language
  • Allow for swap-ability batteries in the future
  • Good road manners

Cons

  • Pricey
  • The range is nothing to boast about
  • No DC fast charging

Evoke 6061: An Electric Bike For Cruiser Fans

Base MSRP: $24,995

Evoke Electric Cruiser
Evoke

Rarely do we see electric cruiser bikes, but the Evoke 6061 happens to be one of them. However, this isn’t why it’s on this list. You see, the Evoke 6061, while being an e-cruiser, can also charge from zero to 80 percent in JUST 30 minutes! That's just a quick lunch! Before you get suspicious, let us tell you that this isn’t a marketing gimmick achieved by using a tiny battery. In fact, the Evoke 6601 packs a huge 25 kWh battery, giving it a range of 410 miles (city), which is accompanied by a beefy 120kW motor.

Specifications

Range

410 miles (city); 290 miles (mixed)

Power

120 horsepower (90 kW)

Motor

PMAC (permanent magnet) multi-wound synchronous motor

Battery Type

29.7 kWh lithium-ion battery pack

Torque

163 pound-feet

Top Speed

136 MPH

Curb Weight

705 pounds

Website

evokemotorcycles.com

Pros

  • Fast charging speed
  • Boasts a massive range
  • It's a cruiser!

Cons

  • Carries a hefty price tag
  • The design can draw some flack from some
  • Relatively limited dealer network

Energica Ego+: The Performance EV Machine To Beat

Base MSRP: $25,600

Energica Motorcycle
Energica

If you’re a sportbike fanatic who wants to go electric, the Energica Ego+ is probably THE best electric motorcycle for you. Not only does it offer sport bike-like performance, 170 horsepower and a limited top speed of 150mph, the Ego+ also has a claimed range of 261 miles which is a lot more than your ICE sport bike can manage.

Along with this, the Energica Ego+ boasts top-shelf underpinnings comprising a trellis frame, cast aluminum wheels, Marzocchi USD forks, and Brembo brakes at both ends. Not to forget, the Ego+ was also used in the MotoE world championship up until last year, so it’s safe to say that the bike is well kitted-out to tackle a racetrack.

Specifications

Range

261/160 miles (city/combined)

Power

171 horsepower (126 kW) peak; 149 horsepower (110 kW) sustained

Motor

300-volt Hybrid Synchronous Motor

Battery Type

21.5 kWh Lithium Polymer

Torque

875 pound-feet

Top Speed

150 MPH

Curb Weight

573 pounds

Website

energicamotor.com

Pros

  • Zippy and fast performance
  • Low running cost
  • Comes with top-of-the-line hardware

Cons

  • Carries a hefty price tag
  • Small battery capacity
  • Shorter riders will not like the ride handling

KTM Freeride E-XC: One From The Masters Of Off-Roading

Base MSRP: $11,299

2023 KTM E-XC
ktm.com

First things first: this bike is designed to be used on trails; it is not intended for churning up miles. So, it's wise to disregard the E-XC if the range is your first concern. Depending on your riding style, it has a range of 20–30 miles, but the good thing is that it takes roughly an hour and fifty minutes to charge from 10% to 100%.

The E-XC is equipped with huge tires on 18" alloy wheels, iconic KTM colours, and a respectable power output. Its frame gives the bike just the right amount of weight while providing strength and stiffness to support big leaps. Three different driving modes are available to experienced riders, the most sophisticated of which provides maximum performance.

Specifications

Range

20 miles (average)

Power

24 horsepower

Motor

18 kW synchronous brushless motor

Battery

260 V Lithium-ion KTM PowerPack

Torque

31 pound-feet

Top Speed

50 MPH

Curb Weight

245 pounds

Website

ktm.com

Pros

  • Fundamentally good quality elements
  • A motorcycle that everybody can ride and enjoy
  • Incredibly silent

Cons

  • Pricey
  • Battery life will prevent you from taking long trips
  • Most garages lack a 220-volt charger outlet socket

Verge TS Ultra: An Innovative And Cutting Edge Technological Wonder

Base MSRP: $44,900

Verge TS
Verge Motorcycles

One important consequence of the rise of the electric motorcycle is that much of the early development has been undertaken by small, and until now, obscure companies that previously had no presence on the world motorcycling stage. This in turn has led to more innovative engineering solutions than you can shake a stick at.

The specs are quite astonishing: 885 pound feet of torque is delivered instantaneously directly to the road, with no power-sapping chains or cogs to get in the way. Nor does the motor require cooling fluids. Four ride modes configure the power delivery to suit your mood or riding requirements and 80 percent charge is available in 25 minutes with the optional DC fast charger and range is quoted as up to 233 miles.

Specifications

Range

233 miles

Power

107 horsepower (80 kW)

Motor

Not revealed yet

Battery Type

20.2 kWh Lithium Polymer

Torque

885 pound-feet

Top Speed

124 MPH

Curb Weight

540 pounds

Website

vergemotorcycles.com

Pros

  • 885 pound-feet of torque
  • Low center of gravity
  • Scarily fast

Cons

  • It is not built for comfort
  • Availability in the US is limited
  • Pricey

BMW CE 04: A Reliable And Practical Urban Scooter For The Masses

Base MSRP: $11,795

BMW is taking a smart approach as it dips its toe into the electric motorcycle pool. They know that electric motorcycles are best suited for city commuting, and what better motorcycle to use in an urban environment than a scooter?

It's loaded with premium features like large TFT display and large storage compartments. Its design aesthetic is futuristic. It comes with a 3-year BMW warranty and its pricing is not too shabby either, starting at $11,795. It's built for urban commuters, with a range of 80 miles. You can pull up to work, plug it and have it ready to take you home when you're done.

Specifications

Range

80 miles

Power

42 horsepower (31 kW)

Motor

Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor

Battery Type

8.9/8.5 (gross/net) kWh Lithium-ion

Torque

45.7 pound-feet

Top Speed

75 MPH

Curb Weight

509 pounds

Website

bmwmotorcycles.com

Pros

  • Plenty of storage space
  • Looks futuristic and fresh
  • Affordable than many others on this list

Cons

  • Limited to short, quick jaunts in the city
  • Longer and heavier than it looks
  • It's a scooter, not an out-and-out bike

Arc Vector: An Electric Beast With Tons of Range

Base MSRP: $104,305

Arc Vector Electric Motorcycle
Arc

Range anxiety is a major concern for most people planning to go electric. But, there’s a radical solution to it, and it’s called the Arc Vector. The bike offers a range of over 270 miles, and if you still happen to run out of charge, it can be juiced up in just 40 minutes. Apart from this, the bike has a top speed of 124 mph and can get to 60 mph in merely 3.2 seconds. The Arc Vector is built around a unique monocoque chassis featuring Öhlins TTX mono shocks and Brembo Stylema brakes at both ends, making the package ever-so-premium.

Specifications

Range

200 miles (city); 120 miles (highway)

Power

127 horsepower (95 kW)

Motor

Permanent Magnet (PMAC) Motor

Battery Type

16.8 kWh Lithium-ion battery pack

Torque

128 pound-feet

Top Speed

124 MPH

Curb Weight

530 pounds

Website

arcvehicle.com

Pros

  • Best looking of the lot
  • Quick and agile
  • Offers a great mid-range torque

Cons

  • Look at that £90,000 (US$104,305) price point!
  • The instrument cluster is a little cluttered

Damon Hypersport Premier: The Safest Supersport Electric

Base MSRP: $40,000

Yellow Damon HyperSport Premier
Damon Motorcycles

The Damon Hypersport Premier is among the safest motorcycles available thanks to its cutting-edge radar technology. Damon added an array of electronic security systems to this bike; for instance, the 360-degree wide-range radar and wide-angle sensor at the top identify other vehicles in any kind of weather and send an alert on the dashboard.

Its exceptional aerodynamic qualities and strong electric motor enable it to reach a maximum speed of 200 MPH and accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in only three seconds. The most amazing feature of this model is the shape-shifting technology, which lets the rider switch from an aggressive, sporty riding stance to an erect city riding posture with a single button.

Specifications

Range

200-mile combined range

Power

200 HP

Motor

Liquid-cooled PMAC motor

Battery

20 kWh battery

Torque

148 LB-FT

Top Speed

200 MPH

Curb Weight

480 pounds

Website

damon.com

How To Choose The Best Electric Motorcycle For You

There are any number of reasons why a rider would choose an electric motorcycle. Some are attracted to the addictive torque and instant power of the electric motor. Others feel a social responsibility to invest in emerging, cleaner technologies. But regardless of the reasons, because it is a fairly new category in the world of motorcycling, it can be difficult to ascertain which available information is valuable and accurate. There are also multiple considerations that must be made that may not be an apples-to-apples comparison with a traditional, ICE-based motorcycle, such as battery capacity, charging time and range. Ultimately, identifying the type of riding you'll be doing on the electric motorcycle will go a long way of helping you in purchasing the right bike for the job.

  • Use: What will you be using your new motorcycle for? Will it be short, city riding to work and back? Weekend runs up and down the canyons? Or do you want to take the motorcycle on longer tours? This would help identify a motorcycle with appropriate range, and rule some out along the way.
  • Range: If you're planning on commuting to work every day, and the ride would take you less than 40 miles, each way, then a bike with smaller capacity battery, and lower cost may be the perfect approach. It also helps if you're able to plug it in at your destination to top off the battery. But the longer the range, the farther you can take your motorcycle without having to stop to recharge it.
  • Power/Torque/Speed: Some electric bikes are more practical than others, but if the thrill of speed is what you're looking for, then paying attention to power, torque and speed specifications for bikes from manufacturers like Damon, Energica and Zero would be your starting point, as those are known specifically for manufacturing true performance machines.
  • Charging Time: This also has to be considered, especially if you plan on using your motorcycle for touring and longer rides. Toping off your battery takes a considerably longer time than filling up a tank with gas. Even if the charging times have come down recently, plan on taking a long lunch break before heading back out again.
  • Weight/Seat Height/Position: Something that's applicable to all motorcycles are dimensions and ergonomics. For shorter runs, to work, cafe or for fun, forward leaning, sport bikes will work just fine. Upright, lighter machines are more practical for commuting and touring. But weight has to be considered in all Electric motorcycles, especially those with larger batteries.