Mar. 07, 2024
Automobiles & Motorcycles
The electric motorcycle you choose depends on personal preference and riding behaviour. The good news is that there is an electric motorbike out there for every rider.
The first generation of electric bikes meant well. They broke the mold, pushed the envelope, and paved the way for us to make the best two-wheeled wonders we can. However, they were often expensive, unreliable, and put safety as an afterthought.
Thankfully, in 2023, those days are long gone. Bike brands are releasing exciting new motorcycles with features never seen before in their EV predecessors or ICE counterparts. For example, here at Damon, we’re disrupting the status quo with the world’s first multi-variant powertrain platform and our award-winning 360° advanced warning system.
With so many factors at play when choosing the right battery-powered motorcycle, it can be difficult to know where to start. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
Whatever kind of rider you are, check out our electric motorcycle guide and the 9 key tips you should assess when choosing the best electric motorcycle for you.
Damon HyperSport HS PrototypeIn the past, the main motivation for purchasing an electric bike would be to reduce your carbon footprint. However, with electric motorcycles now going toe-to-toe with petrol models in terms of performance and variety, you can now choose bikes that fit your specific riding needs.
These may include:
The next tip will greatly determine whether you can take your electric motorbike across the country or if it’s better suited to going to and from the office.
Damon HyperSport HS in VancouverRange refers to the total distance your bike can do per charge. The total range estimate given on a motorbike’s specification can be affected by a few different factors, such as:
When considering the best electric bike for you, it’s essential to make some estimations. These will not only include your daily mileage but also the nature of your route (e.g. city streets, highways, rural areas, and access to charging stations).
This type of breakdown is important as all-electric motorbikes have a maximum range when fully charged. Look at the section of the manufacturer’s specifications, in particular, to make sure they’re quoting city, highway, or mixed battery mileage.
Take a look at how these electric motorcycles compare for range, top speed, horsepower, and charging time:
Most Futuristic Motorcycles in 2023 ComparedThe range of electric motorcycles varies from one model to the next. Lighter, scooter models deliver around 60 miles of range, whereas some heavier, cruiser models hit around 250 miles.
Here at Damon, our HyperSport HS and Premier models have a range capacity of over 200 miles (city and highway mix).
Now that you’ve considered what you’re using the bike for and the range it’s capable of, let’s move on to the bike’s power, torque, and speed. In other words, what can you expect when you nail that throttle?
There is some confusion about the difference in these terms within the riding community. So, we’re going to break down each one:
A question we’re frequently asked is, “Are electric motorcycles faster than gas?” This is a resounding yes.
Don’t believe us? Check out the power, torque, and top speed of the different Damon HyperSports below.
Damon HyperSport Versions ComparisonThe length of time it takes to put the life back into your battery is probably as important as the range available on a full charge.
Most electric motorcycles have built-in level one and level two chargers. Damon HyperSports also feature CCS fast-charging capability.
What’s the difference between the three?
To charge most electric bikes at home, you need to install a J1772-compliant EVSE (electric vehicle supply equipment). Alternatively, you can use level two charging stations while on the road.
EV charging infrastructure has improved in the last few years. In Canada, for example, Petro-Canada has completely rolled out its coast-to-coast EV charging network. The charging infrastructure in the US has also seen impressive growth; in California alone, there are 18,000 EV charging stations.
So where can you find a level two charging station? Practically everywhere! Use any level two charger locator app to find a station near you.
Damon HyperSport Charging at HomeElectric motorcycles have the benefit of being more technologically advanced than their ICE counterparts.
On top of a more interactive dash, the electric motorcycles are upping their tech game by implementing advanced safety features to enhance rider safety.
Damon HyperSports will feature our CoPilot™ advanced warning system. The system will use radar, cameras, and non-visual sensors to track the speed, direction, and velocity of up to 64 moving objects around the motorcycle in 360 degrees.
In addition to this, several bike brands have started to produce their own mobile apps to increase riders’ levels of connectivity. Through our mobile app, Damon HyperSport owners will be able to customize CoPilot™’s alerts based on individual preferences. You’ll also be able to access features like GPS tracking or your electric motorcycle’s settings all on a user-friendly interface.
Additional features will be made available and easily downloadable through over-the-air (OTA) updates, ensuring your electric motorcycle always remains fresh and up to date.
It’s essential that the bike you choose has the correct dimensions and weight as well as the right seat height. Proper motorcycle ergonomics means you’ll be comfortable and in control of your bike no matter your riding position.
However, motorcycle riding position changes depending on whether you’re commuting in the city in a more upright posture or out there leaning forward to carve canyons. Because your riding position changes, your motorcycle should, too.
This is why Damon HyperSports all feature SHIFT™ technology. This allows riders to adjust their footpegs and handlebars – all at a push of a button. This on-the-fly adjustable ergonomics is extremely useful for remaining relaxed in stop-start traffic or maintaining control on the freeway, making your ride more comfortable at all times.
Still need help visualizing? Well, first take a look at these different motorcycle riding positions.
A Guide to Different Motorcycle Riding PositionsAnd here are the different riding positions you’ll be able to do using SHIFT™.
Damon Shift™ Technology Riding PositionsThis is an important question – let’s face it, the battery is the very heart of the bike. To be clear, this is the number of times the battery can be recharged and not the range of a fully charged battery.
Just as ICE motorcycles get worn out after many kilometers under its belt, the same will happen with electric motorcycles. However, through the lifetime of the vehicle, you will spend much less time, energy, and money on maintaining your electric motorcycle than you would an ICE bike. No more needing to winterize, remove the battery, or put in fuel stabilization – now you can just plug it in and go!
Rest assured, the bike you choose will likely have a long battery life. By the time you begin to see battery degradation, you would be ready for a new motorcycle already.
Damon HyperDrive™All-electric motorbike manufacturers are obliged to provide a warranty. The small print differs significantly, but apart from covering frame and cycle parts, the warranty should cover the battery’s shelf-life.
The devil is always in the details though and the warranty small print will usually have a lot of bike specifics you should know. These details will relate to things like:
In order to stay within the warranty terms, you have to adhere to these terms.
There is an electric motorbike to suit any budget. No longer are electric bikes only available to the super-wealthy and environmentally conscious. Technology and bike engineering are now at a place where you can order a high-powered electric sports bike for as little as $264 a month.
Furthermore, an additional saving grace for riders of EVs is the various incentives on offer. It’s clear for all to see, that switching to going electric will have a very positive effect on air quality. The global goal of greatly reducing our carbon footprint has resulted in Canada and the US introducing various incentives, grants, and even an electric motorcycle tax credit.
Bike brands will be glad to make you aware of them, but, if at a loss, check your government and state funding options for electric motorcycles.
As you can see, whether you’re after an electric scooter or an electric motorbike, there’s something out there for everyone. Damon’s HyperSports are no different. So, whether you’re a canyon carver, track day junkie, or an everyday commuter, there’s a motorcycle out there for you.
We hope you found our electric motorcycle guide helpful and that you’re now clearer on the best electric motorcycle for your needs.
Whether you're already a motorcycle owner, or about to be one, don’t overlook buying an electric motorcycle. These top two-wheeled picks pack in the thrills and all the amenities.
There are plenty of benefits to riding an electric motorcycle. Thanks to the use of modern motor technology, electric bikes enjoy the benefits of instant power, thrilling acceleration, and hair-raising performance.
And since many motorcyclists ride their bikes in pursuit of high speeds and two-wheeled excitement, electric motorcycles appeal to a wide range of riders, both current and new motorcyclists alike.
Although electric motorcycles are not quite the environmental halo we may like to hope for, as they still have an impact, they are definitely the future. Cleaner air and less noise are big plusses, and gas motos aren’t as green as you might imagine, even when compared to automobiles.
Even the racing world sees the electric value. Supporting the MotoGP since 2019, the MotoE World Championship is a racing class that uses only electric motorcycles. That shows just how exciting electric motorcycles can be.
The Isle of Man TT has been promoting electric motorcycles for years — and if the most successful rider of the race, John McGuiness, can get a kick out of riding an electric motorcycle, then you probably will too.
At the moment, the industry has two kinds of electric motorbikes for adults: the smaller pedal-assist style and more heavy-duty e-motos equipped with powerful acceleration and a more conventional rider experience.
For this article, as we look at the best electric motorcycle models, we’re going to focus on the latter: the best electric motorcycle models that resemble the classic bikes we already know and love.
If you’re not clued in about the state of the industry (who the big names are, what models they have, and what the regular price for one of them is), then this article should help you brush up. Electric motorcycles are here to stay.
Let’s take a serious look at the best electric motorcycles that have been released so far. Here are some of our favorites worth considering.
$24,495
180 mi. (city); 85 mi. (highway)
112 mph
544 lbs.
(Photo/Zero Motorcycles)
Joe Appleton
$11,299
1-2 hrs. run time
50 mph
245 lbs.
(photo/KTM)
Joe Appleton
$25,880
124 mi.
150 mph
573 lbs.
(Photo/Energica)
Joe Appleton
$22,799
146 mi.
110 mph
549 lbs.
(Photo/Harley-Davidson)
Joe Appleton
$25,795
169 mi.
104 mph
489 lbs.
(photo/Zero)
Joe Appleton
$38,888
100 mi.
218 mph
495 lbs.
(Photo/Lightning Motorcycles)
Joe Appleton
$12,900
60 mi.
71 mph
242 lbs.
(Photo/Stark Future)
Joe Appleton
$13,799
70-130 mi.
Not listed
283 lbs.
(Photo/Tacita)
Joe Appleton
$38,000
124 mi.
124 mph
540 lbs.
(Photo/Italian Volt)
Joe Appleton
Under $10,000
124 mi.
124 mph
283 lbs.
(Photo/Emflux Motors)
Joe Appleton
The first thing you need to decide is how you plan to use your electric motorcycle. For daily commuters, a 100-plus-mile battery range isn’t necessary. But if you’re planning on touring across the country, you’re going to want a longer range. If you’re more of an adventure rider or track racer, higher power, torque, and speed will be a factor.
Once you’ve figured out the above, it’s time to dial in your range. If you want to use your bike primarily as a daily commuter, sub-100 miles per charge should be plenty. If you want your bike to be your road-tripping machine, shoot for higher mileage per charge.
These three factors will determine the “wow” factor of your ride. On electric bikes, power is usually listed in kilowatts. To determine a bike’s horsepower, multiply the kilowatts by 1.34. As far as torque goes, the higher the torque, the faster the acceleration.
Speed is self-explanatory, usually determined by the power and weight of the bike. Decide how fast you want to go, and then choose accordingly.
It doesn’t matter how awesome your ride is if it’s plugged in most of the time. Most bikes will charge to at least 80% in a few hours, and many will be fully charged in 13-16 hours at the lowest charge setting. This means you can plug it in at the end of the day and your bike should be good to go by morning.
This is common to every motorcycle, electric or not, but is still worth considering. Make sure the bike isn’t too heavy for you to handle, and that the seat height and riding position fits your preferences. Smaller people should opt for small motorcycles and vice versa for taller people.
Zero will test its DSR/X electric adventure bike on upcoming BDR trail projects, including EV charger installs on trails; (photo/Spencer Hill)It varies by state, but it can depend on the type of electric vehicle you ride. For instance, in California, you don’t need a license to operate a scooter or motorized bicycle, but you do need a license to operate a moped or electric motorcycle. Check the specific requirements where you live to make sure you’re riding legally.
There is a wide range of companies that make electric motorcycles. Quite a few specialize in electric vehicles, but there are bigger brands that offer electric motorcycles as well, including Harley-Davidson and Honda.
Electric motorcycles can vary wildly in terms of range. Much of it depends on the bike’s weight and the capacity of the battery. Some models have a range of 50-60 miles, while others get closer to the 300-mile range.
New electric motorcycles might be filled with cutting-edge equipment, but they’re actually reasonably priced considering the technology they use. For example, the Zero FX dirt bike model retails for around $13,990, which is actually quite reasonable for the performance it delivers. Similarly, the KTM Freeride E-XC’s price tag of $8,299 is cheap for the package that’s on offer.
Almost all electric motorcycles are automatic because electric motors can provide power directly to the wheels without the need for a gearbox. However, some manufacturers such as Tacita have been developing electric motorcycles with manual transmissions to make their motorcycles more familiar to traditional riders.
Electric motorcycles are just as safe as gasoline-powered motorcycles. The major concerns that road users have is their quieter nature and almost unbridled power delivery. They are quieter, but they’re not silent and you can hear them coming. As for the power delivery, most electric motorcycles have mode selects that keep power in check, making them safer to operate.
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