15 Best Electric Motorcycles of 2023 | HiConsumption

The first years to immediately follow the invention of the motorcycle saw an enormous slew of small companies and startups enter the space, with literally hundreds of different outfits all simultaneously trying their luck in the emerging motorized two-wheeler market. More than a century later, and history is now repeating itself as this dramatic influx of manufacturers is occurring once again as the EV sector rapidly expands, constituting what’s been dubbed the “Electric Revolution.”

Thanks to several key players like Zero and Energica consistently pushing the envelope over the last decade, the proton-powered moto space has evolved at a staggering rate. And with production costs finally starting to decline as performance and range have hugely improved, the market has recently been witness to an increasingly impressive array of production models across a myriad of genres and styles. For this reason, there’s never been a better time to consider going electric, and with more options available than ever before, now seems the perfect time to round up our picks for the best electric motorcycles currently on the market, shining a light on the finest EV motos that money can buy while also delving into what makes these battery-powered bikes unique and what to consider when shopping for one.

Proton-Powered Personality

The 8 Main Areas That Make Electric Motorcycles Unique

When electric vehicles first rolled onto the scene, they were largely still novelties and their main selling point was undoubtedly their more environmentally-friendly nature. As time has gone on, however, both fully electric cars and fully electric motorcycles have experienced absolutely enormous technological and mechanical leaps and bounds. This has ultimately resulted in electric motorcycles that boast performance that’s on par with, if not objectively superior to that of their gas-engined counterparts, as well as a few other idiosyncratic traits that are largely unique to the battery-powered bike segment. Below, we’ll briefly touch on some of the factors and traits that make electric motorcycles unique.

Zero Emissions: Though performance and autonomy have massively improved, all-electric motorcycles remain completely devoid of emissions output, and as such are a much more sustainable, environmentally-friendly alternative to ICE bikes. Additionally, just like with electric cars, electric motorcycles can qualify their owners for tax rebates, use of HOV lanes, and other benefits, incentives, and perks.

Lack Of Noise: Alongside spent exhaust fumes, another thing that electric motorcycles are devoid of is sound. Aside from the somewhat quiet whirring of the electric motor and the sound of the two tires rolling across the tarmac, electric bikes don’t emit noise, offering a stark contrast to the roaring gas engines that power the majority of the bikes out on the road. This not only means your neighbors won’t hate you but also allows you to more readily connect with and appreciate your surroundings, letting you take further advantage of the completely unobstructed view of the road and your surroundings afforded in the saddle of a motorcycle.

Power Output & Deliver: Almost certainly the most distinctive and unique aspect that distinguishes electric motorcycles from traditional ICE models is power delivery. Unlike gas-engined motorbikes that deliver peak torque and horsepower at a certain point in the rev-range, electric motorcycles make 100% of their torque instantaneously at any time. What’s more, EV bikes don’t just deliver their torque instantly, but they deliver absolutely insane, unparalleled amounts of it, putting even the most high-performance gas-engined superbikes to shame.

Unique Designs: Without having to follow the design elements of traditional motorcycles which are at least partially dictated by the need for and presence of a gas tank and internal combustion engine, electric motorcycle designers are afforded markedly more freedom when penning electric bikes. As such, electric motorcycles can boast markedly more distinctive and unique designs and styles.

Twist-&-Go Throttles: While there is a growing handful of acceptions, the lion’s share of production gas-engined motorcycles come fitted with a manual transmission. The opposite is true with electric motorcycles, which, like most scooters, have automatic — or “twist-and-go”) throttles (or rather transmissions) that don’t require the rider to feather a clutch or punch through the gears — which is admittedly one of the more difficult and intimidating parts of first learning to ride. This ultimately makes electric motorcycles more accessible and conducive to new riders.

Power Output & Deliver: Almost certainly the most distinctive and unique aspect that distinguishes electric motorcycles from traditional ICE models is power delivery. Unlike gas-engined motorbikes that deliver peak torque and horsepower at a certain point in the rev-range, electric motorcycles make 100% of their torque instantaneously at any time. What’s more, EV bikes don’t just deliver their torque instantly, but they deliver absolutely insane, unparalleled amounts of it, putting even the most high-performance gas-engined superbikes to shame.

Unique Designs: Without having to follow the design elements of traditional motorcycles which are at least partially dictated by the need for and presence of a gas tank and internal combustion engine, electric motorcycle designers are afforded markedly more freedom when penning electric bikes. As such, electric motorcycles can boast markedly more distinctive and unique designs and styles.

Twist-&-Go Throttles: While there is a growing handful of acceptions, the lion’s share of production gas-engined motorcycles come fitted with a manual transmission. The opposite is true with electric motorcycles, which, like most scooters, have automatic — or “twist-and-go”) throttles (or rather transmissions) that don’t require the rider to feather a clutch or punch through the gears — which is admittedly one of the more difficult and intimidating parts of first learning to ride. This ultimately makes electric motorcycles more accessible and conducive to new riders.

Raw Performance: On top of the gobs of torque afforded by two-wheeled EVs, electric bikes generally possess their own personality and performance. They accelerate insanely fast off-the-line and tend to exhibit a low center of gravity (typically due to the battery placement). There are electric motorcycles capable of cracking the 200mph barrier, though most electric bikes do sacrifice top speed in favor of acceleration. With that said, this can always be tweaked by changing the gearing.

Technology & Connectivity: Today’s electric motorcycles utilize state-of-the-art motors and ultra-advanced batteries with wildly impressive energy densities. Because they rely so heavily on other cutting-edge elements, EV moto makers tend to lean into the high-tech nature, being outfitted with connectivity to smartphone apps for monitoring a bike’s battery level or GPS location or downloading over-the-air firmware updates. In addition to offering multiple power modes, electric motors can also be tuned on the fly on the bike itself or through a connected smartphone app. Onboard vehicle diagnostics, digital geofencing, and automatic data-logging have also started to become increasingly common.

Reduced Maintenance: Without one or more pistons pumping up and down within a cylinder(s) and the rest of the accompanying internals that keep the engine ticking, electric motorcycles require substantially less maintenance and upkeep. There are some factors like dealing with brake fluid and tires that you’ll still have to do, but as a whole, EV ownership is markedly less involved than doing upkeep on a gas bike.

Heft & Autonomy

What Factors To Take Into Account When Shopping

Because electric bikes possess so many unique traits, the factors one should take into account when shopping also differ in some ways from the normal motorcycle-buying process. Throughout this next section, we’ll be expanding on the most crucial areas to consider when in the market for a new electric motorcycle.

Intended Use: No matter what kind of bike you’re considering, your first question should always be asking yourself what your intended use will be. If you plan on using a bike for short-distance commuting duties, you’ll likely be considering different machines than if you planned on spending most of your time in the saddle at the track, in the canyons, or long-distance touring — the latter of which is now possible thanks to an ever-growing EV charging infrastructure and increasingly potent battery packs.

Weight: The battery packs on electric bikes have rapidly evolved, becoming increasingly potent and compact, though they unfortunately still weigh quite a bit, comprising a good chunk of the bike’s overall curb weight. And, while this weight is usually carried fairly low in the bike’s center-of-gravity, it’s nonetheless noticeable and is an area well-worth scrutinizing when reviewing a given model’s spec sheet.

Price: Electric motorcycles are quickly becoming more and more affordable, though they’re admittedly still more costly than ICE models. Luckily, prices are getting more competitive and you can now score a fantastic two-wheeled EV for less than five figures. There are also more premium, high-performance models that unsurprisingly, carry higher, more premium MSRPs. There’s nothing wrong with paying a lot, just be sure to consider the big picture of what all it is that you’re getting for your money.

Range: Just like with electric cars, range is one of the most commonly looked at specs. And, while range anxiety was once a realistic concern, today’s EV motos boast ranges of up to several hundred miles. There are also optional supplementary battery pack additions that can extend the range even further for some bikes. And, as controllers evolve and algorithms improve, many models offer the ability to receive firmware updates, allowing the bike to evolve and offer increasingly capable performance and range.

Charge Time: Just as important as an electric motorcycle’s battery’s range is its required charging time. This is another area that’s seen vast improvements in recent years, and complete charge times are now down to usually just a few hours (using a Fast Charger). The increasingly robust charging infrastructure has also made it easier than ever before to take on road trips and other long-distance travel with an electric.

Power & Performance: As one of its primary selling points, you’ll always want to check in on how much torque an electric motorcycle generates, as well as how much horsepower it puts down (though the latter figure will always be lesser remarkable). And it’s the incredible power output afforded by electric bikes that gives them lightning-fast 0-60mph times and at times even some noteworthy top speeds. Reviewing an electric motorcycle’s real-world performance abilities will give you a better sense of how its power output manifests itself.

Running Gear: Again, just like with regular gas-engined motos, proton-powered scoots can feature a wide range of running gear, from off-the-shelf budget-friendly offerings to top-of-the-line Swedish or Italian-made race-spec componentry. These factors directly determine handling and cornering, as well as stoping abilities, making it crucial to review parts like the fork, rear suspension setup, and front and aft braking hardware.

Technology: As previously mentioned, modern electric motorcycles are often brimming with cutting-edge technology. As such, if you’re shopping in this space, you’ll want to see if a model you’re thinking about possesses features such as geo-fencing capabilities, multiple power delivery modes, connectivity to smartphone apps for tuning and battery life monitoring, and so on.

Style: Though there are retro-inspired offerings, many of today’s electric moto manufacturers have opted to lean into the modern, cutting-edge nature of their two-wheeled wares with sleek, futuristic industrial designs. The point is, there’s a diverse array of different styles of genres of electric motorcycles currently in production, making it well worth your while to review all the available options before pulling the trigger on your purchase.

Don’t Let The Auto Throttle Fool You

Why New Riders Should Avoid High-Performance Electric Motorcycles

Without the robust security of a roll-cage, seat-belts, airbags, and crumple-zones, motorcycles are objectively more dangerous than cars, however, we’d still argue that motorcycles have an unfairly bad reputation for being more hazardous than they actually are because far too many riders start their motorcycling careers aboard bikes that are objectively too big and too powerful for their limited skill and experience level. Learning to drive behind the wheel of a high-performance car would be a bad idea, and doing the same thing on a motorcycle is no less ill-advised — something every motorcycle training instructor will tell you.

With even more torque — that’s instantly on tap — the larger, more high-performance electric motorcycles are a terrible choice for novice riders and should be avoided entirely if you don’t have several years of experience in the saddle under your belt. Without a displacement or number of cylinders, it’s hard to get a sense of an electric bike’s overall size (or what sized gas engined model it would be comparable to), though you can always reach out to dealers or manufacturers to ask. The good news is that there are electric motorcycle models to suit every rider’s skill level.

EVIPs

The 15 Best Electric Motorcycles

Now that you’re privy to what sets proton-powered bikes aside from their gas-powered counterparts and are armed with what areas to consider when shopping, let’s dive into our picks for the best electric motorcycles that are currently available for purchase or preproduction preorder.

Photo: Sondors

Sondors Metacycle

Weighing in at 300lbs, the Sondors Metacycle is a futuristic take on a standard commuter bike that’s kicked along by a 14.5kW, hub-mounted PMAC motor and a 72V, 4,000Wh Lithium-ion battery — a powertrain that allows for an 80-mile range, an 80mph top speed, and up to 130ft-lbs of torque. The entire bike is crafted around an ultra-unique cast aluminum frame design that’s been paired with WP suspension. Other details include a 31.5” seat height, all-LED lighting throughout, and a short 52-inch wheelbase, that, when paired with the bike’s top-shelf suspension,  allows for excellent handling. 

Style: Futuristic Standard
Power: 20HP & 130FT-LBS
Weight: 300LBs
Top Speed: 80MPH
0-60MPH Time: 6 Seconds
Range: 80 Miles

Photo: Ryvid

Ryvid Anthem

Pieced together around a proprietary stainless-steel chassis that weighs just 12lbs, the Ryvid Anthem is another ultra-sleek interpretation of an urban commuter motorcycle that sports an angular suite of bodywork. The Anthem pulls from an easily-removable 4.3-kWh Lithium Ion battery that offers a range of 75-mile (when in Eco mode, or 50+ miles when in Sport mode). Mated to a clutches transmission, the Ryvid’s powertrain is good for up to 250ft-lb of torque — all of which is sent through an HTD carbon belt drive. Alongside a 4.9” TFT display, the bike also features a seat height that can be adjusted from 30” to 34”.

Style: Futuristic Standard
Power: 250FT-LBS
Weight: 240LBs
Top Speed: 75MPH
0-60MPH Time: N/A
Range: 75+ Miles

Photo: Maeving

Maeving RM1

The Maeving RM1 combines modern tech and performance with old-school British bobber aesthetics. Equipped with. Top speed of 45mph, the RM1 is good for almost 120ft-lbs of torque, and features a swappable dual-battery setup that offers up to 80 miles of autonomy on a single charge. Alongside a diamond-stitched bobber-style seat, other highlights on this retro-inspired two-wheeler include LED lighting throughout, bar-end mirrors, Bosch ABS, a svelte 216lb curb weight, connectivity to a dedicated mobile app that includes tracking and geo-fencing capabilities, electronically-actuated compartments, and an instrumentation setup comprised of a single round speedometer with integrated warning lights.

Style: Bobber
Power: 5.9HP & 118FT-LBS
Weight: 216LBs
Top Speed: 45MPH
0-60MPH Time: N/A
Range: 80 Miles

Photo: Fuell

Fuell Fllow

The latest two-wheeled venture from motorcycling icon, Erik Buell, FUELL is an EV startup producing electric bicycles and a high-performance motorcycle dubbed the Fllow. Just as advanced and innovative as Buell’s V-Twin-engined superbikes, the Fllow features a patented magnesium monocoque chassis that accommodates a 400V 10kWh Li-ION battery pack in a magnesium housing that can be completely recharged in just 30 minutes when using a (CCS Type 2) Supercharger. The Fllow is kicked along by a proprietary rear wheel-mounted motor that allows the bike to put down an absolutely ludicrous 553ft-lbs of torque.

Style: Futuristic Standard
Power: 48HP & 553FT-LBS
Weight: 400LBS
Top Speed: 85MPH
0-60MPH Time: 2.7 Seconds
Range: 150 Miles

Photo: Zero Motorcycles

Zero FXE

Based on a custom build from Huge Moto, the Zero FXE is a futuristic take on an urban supermoto that’s nimble, flickable, and incredibly sleek. Paired with an electric motor that cranks out 46hp and 78ft-lbs of torque, the Z-Force Li-Ion intelligent integrated battery that powers the FXE can receive a 95% charge in as little as 1.3 hours (or 9.2 hours using a standard charger) and affords a 100-mile city range and 60-miles of autonomy on the freeway (or 75-combined). Weighing just 298lbs at the curb, the FXE offers a top speed of 85mph. Running off of Zero’s Cypher II operating system, the FXE also gets a Poly Chain HTD Carbon belt, a TFT display, connectivity to a smartphone app, Bosch gen-9 ABS, and a top-shelf suspension setup comprised of a 41mm inverted Showa fork and a 40mm monoshock.

Style: Futuristic Supermoto
Power: 46HP & 78FT-LBs
Weight: 298LBs
Top Speed: 85MPH
0-60MPH Time: 5 Seconds
Range: 100 Miles

Photo: CAKE

CAKE Kalk :work

Tipping the scales at just 183lbs, the CAKE Kalk :work is a more utilitarian street-legal version of the Swedish firm’s flagship electric dirt bike. Alongside gaining a suite of street-legal lighting, and a high-mount front fender, the Kalk :work also comes outfitted with a rear luggage rack, making this electric dual-sport all the more conducive to commuting and urban use. Allowing for a top speed of around 60mph, the bike’s battery and motor afford a range of around 53 miles and a power output of 14.75hp and a whopping 185.9ft-lbs of torque.

Style: Dual-Sport
Power: 14.75HP & 185.9FT-LBS
Weight: 183LBs
Top Speed: 56+ MPH
0-60MPH Time: N/A
Range: 53 Miles

Photo: Pursang

Pursang E-Track

Originally the name of a popular model from now-defunct Spanish marque, Bultaco, Pursang is a recently-revived motorcycle manufacturer that’s come out the gate swinging with a stylish high-performance EV that takes ample visual inspiration from dirt oval racers. Offering more than enough speed and range to take on daily commuting duties, the E-Track boasts carbon-fiber bodywork draped over a tubular Chromoly chassis and subframe, a 41mm USD fork, a TFT display and connectivity to the Bosch app, floating discs fore and aft, and a charge time of six hours.

Style: Street Tracker
Power: 14.75HP & 49.4FT-LBS
Weight: 324LBS
Top Speed: 75MPH
0-60MPH Time: N/A
Range: 87 Miles

Photo: LiveWire

LiveWire S2 Del Mar

Made by Harley-Davidson’s new EV sub-brand, the LiveWire S2 Del Mar is the MoCo’s interpretation of the ultimate electric street tracker, with this urban-focused two-wheeler boasting a 431lb curb weight that enables the bike’s 184ft-lbs of torque to propel it from 0-60mph in just 3.1 seconds. The S2 Del Mar draws from a Lithium battery pack that affords a 110-mile range and can receive a 20-80% recharge in just 75 minutes. The S2 Del Mar also wears a tracker-inspired set of bodywork that pays homage to Harley’s factory dirt oval racers like the XR750. 

Style: Street Tracker
Power: 80HP & 184FT-LBS
Weight: 431LBs
Top Speed: 100MPH
0-60MPH Time: 3.1 Seconds
Range: 110 Miles

Photo: Tactica

Tactica T-Race Motard R

Made by boutique Italian firm, Tactica, the T-Race Motard R is another ultra-high-performance electric dirtbike that’s been bestowed with a factory supermoto configuration with 17” wheels shod in sticky sweet rubber and tighter suspension. Sold with optional carbon fiber and Kevlar bodywork and produced with the choice of three motors (11, 27, & 34kW), the proton-powered motard packs a PMAC motor drawing from a 9kWh LI-PO Lithium Polymer battery and a single shell chrome-molybdenum frame paired with Mupo suspension and Brembo brakes fore and aft, though one of the hooligan machine’s biggest selling points is the fact that it’s equipped with a manual five-speed gearbox (operated via a hydraulic clutch with a Brembo master cylinder).

Style: Supermoto
Power: 45.6HP & 63FT-LBS
Weight: 370LBs
Top Speed: 105MPH
0-60MPH Time: N/A
Range: 70 Miles

Photo: Energica

Energica EsseEsse9+ RS

Made in Italy, the EsseEsse9 is a vintage-inspired version of Energica’s EVA Ribelle naked electric superbike. Taking lessons learned from Energica’s MotoE efforts, the RS-spec version of the EsseEsse9 takes the two-wheelers performance capabilities to new heights with over 150ft-lbs of torque on tap — a figure that allows for a supercar-esque 0-60mph time of just 28 seconds. This is made all the more impressive by the bike’s more than 260-mile range — not to mention the fact that its battery pack can gain 4.16-miles of range with every minute of fast-charging.

Style: Naked Superbike / Cafe Racer
Power: 107HP & 152.6FT-LBS
Weight: 573LBs
Top Speed: 125MPH
0-60MPH Time: 2.8 Seconds
Range: 261 Miles

Photo: Energica

Energica Experia Green Tourer

The world’s first true touring-capable electric motorcycle, the Energica Experia Green Tourer is a battery-powered adventure bike that boasts a slew of impressive specs. On top of a 3.5-second 0-60mph time, the Experia also boasts a 112-mph top speed, a 261-mile range, and a redesigned PMASynRM motor with a power output of 102hp and up to 664ft-lbs of torque. Making the bike all the more touring-friendly are multiple USB outlets and a set of side hard panniers and a top case that provide a collective 112 liters of storage space. 

Style: Adventure Bike
Power: 102HP & 664FT-LBS
Weight: 573LBs
Top Speed: 112MPH
0-60MPH Time: 3.5 Seconds
Range: 261 Miles

E-Racer Bestial-E

Based on the Zero SR or SR/F, the E-Racer Bestial-E is a cafe racer kit made by a boutique Italian firm that features a custom suite of bodywork crafted from 3D-printed nylon, Kevlar, and carbon fiber. Fitted with an Alcantara seat, this naked superbike weighs in at 485lbs, though is still able to achieve a 0-60mph time of as little as 3.3 seconds — all while still affording a range of 183 miles on a single charge. The Bestial-E can be purchased as a standalone kit or as a complete turnkey motorcycle.  

Style: Naked Superbike / Cafe Racer
Power: 110HP & 140FT-LBS
Weight: 485LBs
Top Speed: 124MPH
0-60MPH Time: 3.3 or 3.7 Seconds
Range: 183 Miles

Photo: Savic Motorcycles

Savic C-Series Alpha

Savic Motorcycles’ range-topping C-Series Alpha is a cutting-edge, fully-electric cafe racer that’s constructed around a cast backbone frame paired with a mono-shock-linked single-sided swing-arm and a Wilbers USD fork. Drawing from a 16.2-kWh battery that offers a range of around 125 miles, the bike is powered by a SM1 3-PHASE AC IPM motor that’s good for 80.5hp and 147.5ft-lbs of torque. Other highlights on the C-Series Alpha include dual Brembo M4 Monobloc calipers, up to 40° of lean angle, and a stacked headlight arrangement capped off with a 7” capacitive touchscreen display.

Style: Naked Superbike / Cafe Racer
Power: 80.5HP & 147.5FT-LBS
Weight: 617.3LBs
Top Speed: 118MPH
0-60MPH Time: 3.5 Seconds
Range: 125+ Miles

Photo: Damon

Damon Hyperfighter Colossus

The Damon Hyperfighter Colossus is a state-of-the-art naked superbike equipped with remarkable performance capabilities and a 360° camera and radar system. Powered by Damon’s HyperDrive system — the world’s first monocoque-constructed, all-electric, multi-variant powertrain — the Hyperfighter Colossus boasts 200hp and 147.5ft-lbs of torque, translating to a 170-mph top speed and a 0-60mph time of 3 seconds flat. On top of a 146-mile range, the Colossus-spec Hyperfighter also features top-shelf Brembo brakes and Ohlins suspension, a TFT display, and a single-sided swing-arm. 

Style: Naked Superbike
Power: 200HP & 147.5FT-LBS
Weight: 440LBS
Top Speed: 170MPH
0-60MPH Time: 3 Seconds
Range: 146 Miles

Photo: Verge

Verge TS Ultra

Freshly released for 2023, the Verge TS Ultra is a high-performance hyper-cruiser bike with a futuristic aesthetic design that includes a hubless rear wheel setup. In terms of performance, the Ultra-spec TS packs an in-wheel motor that cranks at 201hp and an astounding 855ft-lbs of torque, which allows for a 124-mph top speed and a 0-60mph time of just 2.5 seconds — all while maintaining a range of 233 miles on a single charge. Offered in matte or gloss color options and with Ohlins or Wilbers suspension, the Ultra version of the TS also gains a monoposto tail cowl and a front winglet surrounding its headlight. 

Style: Hyper-Cruiser
Power: 201HP & 855FT-LBS
Weight: 496LBs
Top Speed: 124MPH
0-60MPH Time: 2.5 Seconds
Range: 233 Miles

Honorable Mention

Photo: Ultraviolette

Ultraviolette F77

This far limited to the Indian market, the  Ultraviolette F77  is a cutting-edge and commuter-friendly superbike that’s pieced together around a steel trellis frame with an aluminum bulkhead, a mono-shock, and a 41mm USD fork. The F77’s PMAC motor puts down 40.5hp and 73.75ft-lbs of torque — allowing for a top speed of 95mph. Housed in an all-aluminum IP67-rated enclosure, the F77’s 10.3-kWh SRB10 battery offers a range of up to 190 miles and can gain up to 46 miles of range with every hour of charging. Loaded with tech, the F77 runs off of the UV Automotive Linux OS and features built-in GPS, ride history, on-board diagnostics, geo-fencing, and a multi-function 5” TFT display. 

Style: Superbike
Power: 40.5HP & 73.75FT-LBS
Weight: 456.3LBs
Top Speed: 95MPH
0-60MPH Time: 7.8 Seconds
Range: 190 Miles

The Best Motorcycles For Beginners

Photo: Husqvarana Vitpilen 401

Just beginning your two-wheeled journey and in search of something more learner-friendly? Then be sure to cruise on over to our guide to the best motorcycles for beginners for a handpicked list of small-bore models that are perfect for learning moto fundamentals.