The 7 Best Electric Motorcycles in 2022
It’s no news that race bikes are built for performance. The challenge is translating that safety to the road. It is quite easy to maneuver speed bikes through streets in a virtual world, but we don’t live in virtual reality.
Thankfully, advancement in technology has made it possible to fuse together rider-aid technology, safety features, and real-world reliability into the very best electric motorcycles. This means you can safely cruise an electric motorcycle through city streets, and it’s all safe and legal.
You’ve come to the right place if you’re on the hunt for the best electric motorcycles that will check all the right boxes for you. Continue reading to discover which one best suits you.
Top 7 Electric Motorbikes
The electric motorcycle industry is moving in leaps and bounds, with several big names doling out new models ever so often. Improvements in previous iterations make for a smoother riding experience. While that is a good thing, it leaves enthusiasts, riders, and would-be riders in a bit of confusion. Which electric motorcycle should you pick? What model is the best?
To help you answer that question, I’ve come up with this list. Here is my list of 7 best electric motorcycle picks for men who wish to take their passion for riding to the next level.
Best Buy
1. Damon Hypersport Premier
The Hypersport Premier from Damon boasts of 200 horsepower, hitting an impressive 60 mph in under 3 seconds. With that type of power, it is not surprising that this electric motorcycle can reach a lightning speed of 200 mph.
The Damon Hypersport Premier features a powerful 21.5 kWh battery that charges in less than 3 hours with a level 2 charger and delivers up to 200 miles of range, whether cruising the city streets or the highways.
Top Speed: 200 mph
Range: up to 200+ miles
Battery Capacity: 21.5 kWh
Weight: 440 lbs
2. Brutus V9
Brutus V9 may not have the lightning-fast speed of some models, but it definitely is the best electric motorcycle when it comes to range. This beast can go as far as 280 miles on a single charge – the farthest any electric motorbike can go, at least for now. And it does that without the loud roar of an exhaust system. That’s pretty impressive, considering it has to pull its staggering weight of 784 pounds along every mile.
For maximum comfort, Brutus V9 features footpegs, two-up seating, and other options that easily turn the bike into a touring motorcycle.
Top Speed: 115 mph
Range: up to 280 miles
Battery Capacity: 18.8 kWh
Weight: 784 lbs
3. Harley-Davidson LiveWire
Whether you like Harley Davidson tattoos or not, there’s definitely something about the LiveWire electric motorbike that is likeable. This well-carved machine isn’t just good-looking on the surface. Beyond the sleek, modern design, it boasts of a powerful 15.5 kWh battery. Built for riders who want instant acceleration, this model can hit 60 mph from 0 in only 3 seconds. Little wonder the good folks at Harley Davidson described it as “a bolt of lightning that electrifies the urban grid.”
Livewire comes with an onboard level 1 charger complete with a power cord for putting life back into the bike. The electric motorbike offers three customizable ride modes in addition to four pre-programmed modes, including road, sport, rain, and range. You can expect to reach up to 146 miles of range with just a single charge.
Top Speed: 95 mph
Range: up to 146 miles
Battery Capacity: 15.5 kWh
Weight: 549 lbs
4. Energica Ego
Some electric motorcycles are built to be curvy and sexy. Case in point: Energica Ego. But this bike isn’t just about aesthetics. Instead, it is a powerful machine with a decent top speed of 150 mph. And like the LiveWire, this sleek beast can go from 0 to 60 mph in only 3 seconds.
The base model comes with a 13.4 kWh battery that can charge quickly. You can cruise through the city for up to 120 miles on a single charge. Like other modern electric motorcycles, this model comes with advanced features, including Bluetooth connectivity.
Top Speed: 150 mph
Range: up to 120 miles
Battery Capacity: 13.4 kWh
Weight: 585 lbs
5. Lightning LS-218
Lightning LS-218 is undoubtedly the world’s fastest electric motorcycle currently available. It can hit a mind-boggling speed of 218 mph with high speed and gearing and firing – that’s literally unmatched in the world of electric motorbikes. And to top it off, it goes from 0 to 6 mph in a mere 2.2 seconds, delivering instant power to the rider. The model has a 12 kWh battery that charges in 30 minutes on a DC fast charger or 120 minutes on a level 2 charger.
If you’ve ever had doubts about the capabilities of electric motorcycles, the Lightning LS-218 will put all that doubt to rest.
Top Speed: 218 mph
Range: up to 120 miles
Battery Capacity: 12 kWh
Weight: 495 lbs
6. Johammer J1.200
The future is now, and the Johammer J1.200 is here to prove it. The futuristic electric motorcycle is designed to be truly unique from scratch and delivers impressive performance. This is the best electric motorcycle as far as unconventional design goes. As may have guessed, this unassuming electric motorbike is lightweight and can go as far as 124 miles once fully charged.
Johammer integrated high-resolution displays in this bike’s rear-view mirrors, allowing you to see revs, warnings, speed, and other information at a glance. This model is sure to get heads turning any day, any time.
Top Speed: 75 mph
Range: up to 124 miles
Battery Capacity: 12.7 kWh
Weight: 390 lbs
7. Zero SR
The Zero SR exemplifies what street riding originally meant. Its sporty ergonomics, sharp lines, drool-worthy acceleration at any RPM, and formidable built can transform your daily ride into a breathtaking experience. This electric motorcycle reaches a top speed of 102 mph and will get you far before requiring a charge. The battery can deliver up to 179 miles of range from a single charge. But if that’s not good enough for you, upgrades are available.
Top Speed: 98 mph
Range: up to 179 miles
Battery Capacity: 14.4 kWh
Weight: 414 lbs
Tips for Choosing the Best Electric Motorcycle
Choosing a high-performance motorbike can be a bit tricky. Ultimately, your riding behavior and personal preference are among the major deciding factors for choosing the most suitable electric motorcycle for you. While there are various models available, there’s an electric motorbike for every rider.
Follow these tips to find the best electric motorcycle for you.
1. Decide on What You Want to Use the Motorbike for
For many people, one of the major reasons for choosing an electric motorcycle is to reduce their carbon footprint. That’s a praiseworthy motivation, but that’s not the only reason riders opt for electric motorbikes these days.
These bad boys are designed to give their petrol counterparts a run for their money when it comes to variety and performance, giving you more options and the chance to choose a model that meets your specific needs.
Consider whether you want an electric motorcycle for commuting, track riding, touring, canyon carving, or adventure riding. Once you’ve made up your mind on what you will use your motorbike for most, you can begin to sift through specific features that fulfill your need.
2. Range
The range of a motorbike refers to the total distance it can cover in a single charge. Keep an eye out for electric motorcycles with considerable range estimates. But note that the range is only an estimated figure. The range on the bike’s specs can be affected by certain factors, including:
- Traffic
- Your riding style
- Your weight and height
- The road type
- Weather conditions
Consider your average daily mileage and your usual route before you choose a motorbike with the range that can handle your need. If you ride mostly on rural roads, your needs will be different from a rider who uses the highways or city streets.
Expect to get around 60 miles of range or thereabout from lighter models. If the nature of your route and other factors require a higher range, you can opt for heavier models that can deliver up to 200+ miles of range.
3. Power, Torque, and Speed
Next, you’ll want to know what to expect from the motorbike when you nail the throttle. This may seem a bit technical for some people, but once you get the basics, it is fairly easy to understand.
First, the power of an electric motorcycle means its horsepower, and it is measured in kilowatts. Multiply the kilowatts by 1.34 to determine the motorbike’s horsepower. However, in most cases, the horsepower is indicated in the bike’s specs. So, if you see a 100 hp rating, it means you’ve got the power of one hundred horses between your legs!
Then, there’s the torque. This refers to the acceleration of the machine and is measured in ft-lb. A higher torque figure means greater acceleration. And lastly, there’s the speed. The speed of an electric motorcycle depends on its power and weight.
Regardless of how stylish and eye-catching the design of an electric motorcycle, it is a good practice to take your time to go through the specs before making a purchase.
4. Battery Life
Internal Combustion Engine motorbikes eventually get worn out after many kilometers. The same is true for the batteries of even the best electric motorcycle. The battery shelf life (not the range) is crucial to any electric motorbike.
Battery life varies widely from model to model. For example, some Zero motorcycle models have battery lives of 570,000 km, while other models are expected to have the anticipated million-mile battery lifespan from the Tesla lithium-ion battery technology.
Although most models have batteries with a decent lifespan, how you use the vehicle can affect its battery life.
5. Charging Time
You want to consider how fast you can get your motorbike’s battery up to full juice. The charging time for electric motorcycles depends on their type of chargers. Many models come with built-in level 1 or level 2 chargers, while a few others have a CCS (DC) fast-charging capability.
A level 1 charger uses a 120v connection and charges slowly. The typical charging time for a level 1 charger is between 10 and 13 hours. A level 2 charger uses a 240v connection and usually charges under 3 hours.
A CSS charger provides lightning-quick charging. These types of chargers can get your bike up 80% in about 45 minutes.
6. Bike Dimension and Weight
You want to pay particular attention to the bike’s ergonomics because if you are not comfortable on a bike, you’ll not be able to control it properly.
The seat height should be the correct dimension, and the weight should be something you are comfortable with. The best models will allow you to easily adjust your riding position to suit where you are riding your bike. The electric motorcycle should make your riding experience comfortable at all times, whether you are in stop-start traffic or leaning forward to carve canyons.
7. Warranty
Manufacturers of electric motorcycles provide a warranty that covers the cycle parts and frame. Ensure that the warranty also extends to the battery’s shelf life.
You have to adhere to specific terms to remain within the warranty’s cover. These terms include:
- The correct way to charge the battery.
- The maximum and minimum temperatures recommended for operating the bike.
- What level of charge should be left in the batter if you won’t be using it for a long period.
8. Advanced Technology
More than ever before, electric motorcycles are integrating more advanced features. These are not merely fanciful tech stuff. Instead, the technology is focused on providing safety for the rider using cutting-edge technology.
It is okay to be biased toward models with advanced warning systems, Bluetooth connectivity to mobile apps, GPS tracking, and others.
Why You Should Buy an Electric Motorcycle
Still on the fence about electric motorcycles? Check out some of the reasons these bikes are worth it.
Maintenance
With electric motorcycles, there’s literally no fluid – fuel, oils, etc. – to worry about. You don’t have to be a handy home mechanic to own any of these beauties – they won’t break down any time soon anyway.
Of course, some components will require occasional maintenance, but you definitely are not going to be fixing any leaking gaskets or changing oil.
Lots of Perks
You can reduce the total purchase price of an electric motorcycle by taking advantage of government incentives. Rebates can also be accessed at both the state and federal level.
Apart from the purchase price, you can also get special bonuses for electric vehicles (EV) in some areas. For example, you can enjoy tax exemption, exemption from emission inspection, HOV lane access, charging station installation rebate, and more.
Savings
No matter how you look at it, it is significantly cheaper to charge an electric motorcycle than filling up on gas or buying petrol. Here’s a clear example to drive the point home. It will cost you about $2.58 for a full “tank” on a 12.5 kWh battery. Question: how much does it cost to fill up your ICE motorcycle?
Fun
Let’s not forget about the thrilling experience of riding on one of these powerful machines. It doesn’t matter whether you can afford the fastest model or not; any electric motorcycle is sheer fun to cruise in.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is it necessary to get a license for electric motorbikes?
Electric motorcycles are road-legal vehicles. You will need a legal driver’s license to ride an electric motorbike just as you would need one to ride a regular motorcycle.
- What brand makes the best electric motorcycle?
Damon, Lightning, Energica Eco, Arc Vector, and Harley-Davidson LiveWire are among the top electric motorbike brands available.
- How practical is the range of an electric motorbike?
The range of an electric motorcycle or how far it can go on a full charge varies widely among models. For example, some models can go up to 60 miles while others like the Brutus V9 can go as far as 280 miles on a single charge. Keep in mind that the specified range figure for any bike is measured in controlled conditions. The results you get in real life may vary depending on riding style, road conditions, wind direction, and other factors.
- How expensive is it to maintain an electric motorcycle?
Electric motorbikes are almost service-free. Except for brake check and some few other services that are done solely for safety reasons, there’s hardly any need for servicing these electric vehicles.
- Which bike has the most range?
Currently, the Brutus V9 electric motorcycle has the most range with up to 280 miles on one charge.
- Which bike is the fastest?
Currently, the Lightning LS-218 is the fastest road-legal electric motorbike available. It can go all the way from 0 to 60 mph in 2.2 seconds and reach a top speed of 218 mph.
