Table of Contents
Why Most Electric Motorcycle Reviews Miss the Point
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Long-Range Bikes (For People Who Actually Go Places)
Zero SR/F
Energica Experia
Harley-Davidson LiveWire One
Lightning Strike
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City Bikes That Don't Suck
Zero FXE
Cake Kalk OR
Super Soco TC Max
NIU RQi
Kollter ES1
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Fast Electric Bikes That Won't Overheat
Energica Ego+
Arc Vector
Damon Hypersport Premier
Verge TS Ultra
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Electric Dirt Bikes Are Real Now
Zero FX
Cake Kalk&
Sur Ron Light Bee X
Stark VARG
Your Phone Situation Is About To Get Complicated
Final Thoughts
TL;DR - What You Actually Need to Know
Stop obsessing over spec sheets. Figure out what you actually need the bike to DO
Range anxiety is overblown, but charging infrastructure still sucks in most places
City bikes need torque and tight turning, not top speed (you're never going 100mph in traffic anyway)
Performance models can overheat on track days. Ask me how I know
Electric bikes are keeping trails open because they're quiet. This actually matters
Your phone becomes your dashboard, which means you need a mount that doesn't suck
Why Most Electric Motorcycle Reviews Miss the Point
Look, I'm tired of electric motorcycle reviews that read like spec sheets. Zero to 60 in 3.2 seconds? Cool, but does that help you figure out if you can actually live with one of these?
Here's what I wish someone had told me: range numbers are basically lies, city riding is completely different from highway cruising, and your phone situation is about to get complicated.
So instead of another listicle organized by price or brand, I'm breaking these down by what you're actually trying to do. Commute without range anxiety? There's a section. Want something for weekend canyon runs that won't overheat? Got you. Need to sneak onto trails that banned gas bikes? Yeah, we're covering that too.
Like, will this thing actually make it to work and back? Can I get it into my third-floor walkup? And is it gonna go into limp mode halfway through Mulholland because the battery's overheating? That's the stuff that matters.
I've either ridden these or spent way too much time reading owner forums for each one. Some I put hundreds of miles on. Others I sat on for twenty minutes at a demo event. I'll tell you which is which.
When choosing the best electric motorcycle for your needs, consider how motorcycle maintenance requirements differ from traditional bikes. Electric models eliminate oil changes and valve adjustments entirely.
And honestly? The environmental thing is nice, but that's not why these bikes are getting good. It's the torque. Every. Single. Stoplight. You just gone.
Maintenance is weird if you're coming from gas bikes. No oil changes. No valve adjustments. No air filters. You check tire pressure and brake pads. That's basically it.
Long-Range Bikes (For People Who Actually Go Places)
Everyone freaks out about range anxiety. And yeah, it's a thing, but not in the way you think.
These bikes don't just pack bigger batteries. They optimize everything from riding position to motor efficiency to regenerative braking. You're looking at motorcycles designed for riders who need 100+ mile capabilities without hunting for charging stations or planning routes around infrastructure that doesn't exist yet.
Do you actually need 200 miles of range? Probably not. Most people ride 30-40 miles per day. But range anxiety is real, and knowing you *could* go 200 miles makes the 40-mile commute feel effortless.
Model |
Battery Capacity |
City Range |
Combined Range |
Fast Charge Time |
Starting Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Zero SR/F |
14.4 kWh (17.3 kWh w/ Power Tank) |
123 mi (161 mi) |
82 mi |
2 hours (Level 2) |
$19,000 - $21,000 |
Energica Experia |
22.5 kWh |
261 mi |
130 mi |
40 min (80%) |
$24,000 - $26,000 |
Harley-Davidson LiveWire One |
15.5 kWh |
105 mi |
70 mi |
60 min (80%) |
$22,000 - $23,000 |
Lightning Strike |
20 kWh |
200+ mi |
150 mi highway |
35 min (80%) |
$19,000 - $38,000 |
1. Zero SR/F
Zero's flagship solves the range equation by giving you modular power options. The standard battery gets you 123 city miles, but adding the Power Tank pushes that to 161 miles in the city (82 miles combined).
I put about 300 miles on the SR/F over a weekend, and the Power Tank is non-negotiable if you're doing anything beyond city riding. Without it, you're gonna be that person hunting for outlets at Starbucks.
The motor produces 110 hp and 140 lb-ft of torque, delivered instantly without the lag you've learned to expect from combustion engines. The first time you crack the throttle on the SR/F is genuinely shocking. You *know* electric bikes have torque, but knowing and feeling are different things.
The Cypher III operating system adjusts power delivery based on riding mode, and you'll actually use these modes because they dramatically affect range. Custom mode lets you dial in exactly how aggressive you want throttle response versus how far you need to go.
The 6 kW onboard charger means you can top up at any standard outlet, and Level 2 charging gets you back to full in under two hours. Street legal across all 50 states, this bike doesn't compromise capability for compliance.
The SR/F starts at $19,000. That's used Ducati Panigale money. You're not buying this because it's cheap.
Zero SR/F owners on the forums complain about the seat. It's apparently terrible for rides over an hour. Plan to replace it immediately.
2. Energica Experia
Energica built their first sport-touring model specifically for riders who want to cover serious distance without sacrificing comfort. The 22.5 kWh battery delivers up to 261 miles of urban range (though expect around 130 miles of combined riding).
The Experia's the first electric bike that didn't make me anxious on the highway. That DC fast charging actually works. I tested it at an Electrify America station and yeah, 40 minutes got me back on the road.
Here's the thing about the Experia: you can recover 80% charge in 40 minutes using a CCS combo charger (that's the same plug standard that most electric cars use, which means you can share charging stations with Teslas and Rivians). This makes multi-day touring feasible.
The riding position is upright and relaxed, with a seat height of 32.7 inches that works for a wider range of riders. The e motorcycle produces 102 hp, which sounds modest until you remember that 159 lb-ft of torque hits immediately.
The Experia includes heated grips (essential when you can't warm your hands on a hot engine), cruise control (your throttle hand will thank you on long rides), and a full-color TFT display (because squinting at a tiny LCD in sunlight sucks).
Energica almost went bankrupt in 2022, got bought out, and now they're back. The Experia is their comeback bike, released late 2023.
Energica Experia at $24,000 is expensive until you compare it to a BMW R1250RT at $19,000. Suddenly it doesn't seem crazy.
3. Harley-Davidson LiveWire One
I'm gonna be honest. The LiveWire confused me at first.
Harley's livewire electric motorcycle has evolved past its initial concept phase into something you might actually want. The LiveWire One delivers 105 city miles (70 combined) from its 15.5 kWh battery.
The permanent magnet motor produces 100 hp and 86 lb-ft of torque, with power delivery tuned for street riding rather than track performance. 100 hp is plenty when all 86 lb-ft hits the moment you crack the throttle. Gas bikes make you wait for it. This doesn't.
Level 3 DC fast charging adds 80 miles of range in an hour, or gets you to 80% charge in 60 minutes using a DC fast charger.
The seven-inch TFT touchscreen (that's the color touchscreen, not the old LCD screens) integrates with your phone for navigation and music, which becomes essential on longer rides when you're relying on apps to find charging stations. The LiveWire One sits lower than most livewire electric motorcycles at 30.9 inches, making it accessible for more riders who might be intimidated by the typically tall seat heights in this category.
Here's what nobody tells you about the LiveWire: it's actually comfortable for longer rides, which sounds obvious but most electric bikes feel like you're straddling a laptop battery. The seating position is neutral enough that I did a 150-mile day without wanting to die, and the seat itself doesn't feel like it was designed by someone who hates motorcyclists. Small victories.
For riders considering the LiveWire, understanding long distance motorcycle riding techniques becomes essential when planning multi-day trips with charging stops.
The LiveWire is overpriced. There, I said it. You're paying $23,000 for the Harley badge and 70 miles of real-world range. The Zero SR/F does more for less.
But the LiveWire has a cult following, and they all admit it's overpriced. They bought it anyway because it's a Harley and they wanted to support the effort.
The LiveWire One came out in 2022 after Harley spun off LiveWire into its own brand. The original LiveWire from 2019 is a different bike. Don't get them confused.
4. Lightning Strike
Lightning took a different approach to solving range anxiety. The Strike comes in three variants, with the top Carbon Edition packing a 20 kWh battery that delivers 150 miles of highway range (200+ miles combined).
The mid-drive motor produces 90 kW (120 hp) with 168 lb-ft of torque. Lightning uses cylindrical cells in a modular pack that's easier to service and replace than the custom pouches most manufacturers use.
The Strike includes DC fast charging as standard, recovering 80% in under 35 minutes. The carbon fiber bodywork on the Carbon Edition isn't just for aesthetics but drops 100 pounds compared to the standard model, which directly improves range and handling. The bike ships with adjustable suspension front and rear, letting you tune ride quality for loaded touring or solo sport riding.
The Lightning Strike specs look incredible on paper. Whether it actually delivers is another question. The company's had some production delays, and owner reviews are sparse.
Quick note on cold weather: batteries hate it. That 150-mile range estimate? Cut it by 30-40% when it's below freezing. The bike will also take longer to charge in cold weather, and regenerative braking gets weird when the battery's too cold to accept charge.
City Bikes That Don't Suck
City riding is where electric bikes make the most sense, and also where most of them fail.
You need tight turning (U-turns in traffic), instant torque (every gap is your gap), and something narrow enough to filter between cars without ripping off your mirrors. Weight matters more than horsepower. Seat height determines whether you can paddle through stopped traffic or tip over at every red light.
Why does weight matter so much for city riding? Because you're manhandling this thing through parking lots, paddling it through stopped traffic, and picking it up when (not if) you drop it at 2mph.
These bikes excel in stop-and-go scenarios where regenerative braking recovers energy and instant torque makes every gap in traffic an opportunity.
5. Zero FXE
Zero's urban specialist strips away highway pretensions to focus entirely on city performance. The 7.2 kWh battery delivers 100 city miles, which translates to a full week of commuting for most riders. The motor produces 46 hp and 78 lb-ft of torque, which is more than enough for urban scenarios where you rarely exceed 50 mph.
Full disclosure: I own a Zero FXE, so I'm biased toward Zero. That said, I almost bought the Energica Experia instead. Take my Zero recommendations with appropriate salt.
289 pounds. That's it. Light enough to maneuver through traffic without wrestling it, heavy enough that crosswinds won't kill you on the highway.
The seat height is 33.4 inches, and the narrow profile lets you filter through traffic in states where that's legal. The bike charges from a standard 110V outlet in under nine hours, or you can add the optional 6 kW charger to cut that time significantly.
Zero's Cypher Store is the sleeper feature here. You can add capabilities through software updates, which feels very Tesla but actually works.
The Zero FXE is the obvious choice here, but the Cake Kalk is the *fun* choice. Depends if you're buying with your head or your heart.
6. Cake Kalk OR
Swedish manufacturer Cake designed the Kalk OR specifically for urban environments where you need street legal capability but also want the option to cut through parks or take shortcuts that aren't exactly paved.
The 2.6 kWh battery delivers 50 miles of mixed riding, which sounds limited until you consider this bike charges fully in just 2.5 hours from a standard outlet. The motor produces 11 kW (15 hp), and the entire bike weighs only 152 pounds.
You can literally pick it up and carry it up stairs if your apartment or office doesn't have ground-level parking. I live in a fourth-floor walkup in Brooklyn. The Cake Kalk is the only one I could actually carry up the stairs.
The Kalk OR includes three riding modes that adjust power delivery and traction control for street, off-road, or mixed conditions. The minimalist design means there's almost nothing to maintain or break. No chain to lube, no oil to change, no air filter to clean. The 31.5-inch seat height and upright riding position give you excellent visibility in traffic.
I love the Cake Kalk. I also think it's overpriced. Both things can be true.
The Cake is cool, but it's also $13,000 for 50 miles of range. If that makes you wince, keep reading.
7. Super Soco TC Max
The TC Max targets riders who want adult electric motorcycle performance without the premium price tag. The 3 kWh battery delivers 55 miles of city range, and you can remove the battery to charge it indoors (which solves the biggest problem for apartment dwellers).
The Super Soco TC Max is under $4,000, which is finally electric motorcycle pricing that doesn't require a second mortgage.
The motor produces 3 kW continuous power with 5 kW peak, giving you enough acceleration to keep up with city traffic without overwhelming new riders. The bike weighs 209 pounds and includes a traditional motorcycle form factor with a fuel tank-shaped storage compartment.
The TC Max comes with LED lighting, a digital display, and disc brakes front and rear. The price point (under $4,000 in most markets) and the availability of spare parts through an expanding dealer network make this practical. The 30.7-inch seat height works for most riders, and the conventional styling helps you blend into traffic instead of announcing you're on an e motorcycle.
8. NIU RQi
NIU brings scooter expertise to the electric motorcycle category with the RQi. The 4 kWh battery delivers 80 miles of city range , and the motor produces 30 hp with 155 lb-ft of torque.
The RQi's secret weapon? Smartphone integration that actually works. The bike includes GPS tracking, remote diagnostics, and theft alerts through the NIU app. You can check battery status, locate the bike, and even limit top speed remotely if you're lending it to a new rider.
Quick note on theft: electric bikes get stolen. A lot. The NIU has GPS tracking built in, which is less about recovering your bike and more about watching it get chopped up in real-time. Get good insurance.
The RQi weighs 309 pounds and includes underseat storage large enough for a full-face helmet. The bike charges in four hours from a standard outlet, or you can add the fast charger to cut that time in half. The 30.3-inch seat height and low center of gravity make the bike feel planted and confidence-inspiring in traffic. NIU includes a two-year warranty with the option to extend coverage, which matters when you're relying on the bike for daily transportation.
The NIU looks like every other Chinese electric scooter because it basically is one. It works fine, but don't expect build quality that'll impress your friends.
9. Kollter ES1
Kollter's ES1 proves you don't need exotic materials or premium pricing to build a capable urban best electric motorcycle. The 4 kWh battery delivers 60 miles of city range, and the motor produces 8 kW (11 hp) continuous with 15 kW peak. The bike weighs 253 pounds and includes a removable battery that you can charge separately.
Here's why the ES1 works: practical features, not flashy specs. You get LED lighting, a digital display, USB charging port, and underseat storage. The bike includes three riding modes that adjust power delivery and top speed.
The 31.1-inch seat height and upright riding position give you good visibility in traffic. Kollter designed the ES1 to be serviceable at any motorcycle shop, using standard components instead of proprietary parts that require specialized tools or dealer access.
Urban Model |
Weight |
Seat Height |
City Range |
Charge Time |
Key Urban Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Zero FXE |
289 lbs |
33.4 in |
100 mi |
9 hrs (standard) |
Software updates (actually useful ones) |
Cake Kalk OR |
152 lbs |
31.5 in |
50 mi |
2.5 hrs |
You can carry it up stairs (I tested this) |
Super Soco TC Max |
209 lbs |
30.7 in |
55 mi |
3-4 hrs |
Cheap enough to not cry when it gets stolen |
NIU RQi |
309 lbs |
30.3 in |
80 mi |
4 hrs |
GPS tracking (because it will get stolen) |
Kollter ES1 |
253 lbs |
31.1 in |
60 mi |
5-6 hrs |
Standard parts, any shop serviceable |
Rain riding is actually better on electric bikes. No worrying about water in the airbox or wet spark plugs. Just don't submerge the thing.
Fast Electric Bikes That Won't Overheat
Let's talk about fast electric bikes.
The power isn't the problem. Instant torque means you're gone before gas bikes finish clutching. The problem is heat. Track days, canyon runs, sustained hard riding... that's where most electric bikes fold. Battery temps spike, motors derate, and suddenly your 200hp superbike is in limp mode.
These bikes solved that.
Performance riders pushing their e motorcycle hard should explore best motorcycle accessories that enhance both safety and riding experience during aggressive sessions.
10. Energica Ego+
The Ego+ is what happens when a company that races in MotoE decides to build a street bike. You get 145 hp and 159 lb-ft of torque from a motor that's been getting thrashed on race tracks for years, so you know it's not gonna grenade itself the first time you pin it.
The party trick here is thermal management. Liquid cooling for both motor and battery means you can actually do track days without the bike going into limp mode after two hot laps. Ask me how I know this matters. (Or don't. It was embarrassing.)
I've seen Energica Ego+ bikes run full sessions at Laguna Seca without derating. Would I trust a cheaper bike to do the same? Hell no.
Range is 143 miles combined, but if you're using all 145 horses, cut that in half. The bike weighs 573 pounds, which sounds porky until you realize the battery's down low, so it doesn't feel like a pig in corners. Öhlins suspension, Brembo brakes, Pirelli Diablo Rosso IIIs. It's got the good stuff.
The Ego+ includes four riding modes plus a custom mode that lets you adjust power delivery, engine braking, and traction control independently. DC fast charging gets you to 80% in 40 minutes, which is just enough time to cool down between sessions.
The Energica Ego+ feels planted at speed in a way that most bikes don't. The battery weight is all low and centered. You feel it in corners.
11. Arc Vector
Arc built the Vector as a statement piece that happens to be rideable. The carbon fiber monocoque chassis holds a 16.8 kWh battery that delivers 120 miles of range. The motor produces 133 hp and 118 lb-ft of torque, with power delivery controlled through a six-axis IMU (inertial measurement unit, basically an electronic gyroscope) that tracks lean angle, acceleration, and a bunch of other data to manage traction control.
The Vector includes a heads-up display in the helmet (included with purchase), haptic feedback in the handlebars, and a Knox-designed riding suit with built-in airbag.
The Vector weighs 485 pounds and includes fully adjustable suspension, carbon fiber wheels, and a custom-designed swingarm that houses the motor. The bike charges in 40 minutes using a DC fast charger. Arc only produced 399 units, making this more collector's item than practical purchase, but it demonstrates what's possible when cost isn't the primary constraint.
The Arc Vector costs $117,000. For that money, you could buy a Ducati Panigale V4, a used Toyota Corolla, and still have enough left over for therapy when you crash the Ducati.
Full disclosure: I haven't ridden the Arc Vector. At $117,000, I probably never will. But I've talked to two people who have, and here's what they said: it's incredible, totally impractical, and worth every penny if you have that kind of money lying around.
Want to test ride an Arc Vector? You can't. They made 399 of them, they're all sold, and you're not getting near one unless you know someone.
12. Damon Hypersport Premier
Can't afford a $117,000 motorcycle? Join the club. The Damon is almost as interesting for a third of the price.
Damon's approach to performance includes technology that actively helps you ride faster and safer. The Hypersport Premier produces 200 hp and 200 Nm of torque from a motor that uses a multi-speed transmission (unusual for electric motorcycles). The 21.5 kWh battery delivers 200 miles of highway range.
The HyperDrive system includes 360-degree warning sensors that alert you to vehicles in your blind spots, cars changing lanes, or obstacles you might not see. The bike also includes shift ergonomics that adjust handlebar position, footpeg location, and windscreen height electronically to switch between sport and commute positions.
The Hypersport has some interesting tech. Maybe too interesting? The 360-degree warning system sounds great until you think about how distracting it might be.
The Hypersport weighs 463 pounds and includes Level 3 DC fast charging that recovers 80% in under 30 minutes. The bike ships with a full-color TFT display, integrated navigation, and smartphone connectivity.
13. Verge TS Ultra
Verge eliminated the traditional hub motor design and built the motor directly into the rear wheel rim. This hubless design puts 150 kW (201 hp) and 885 lb-ft of torque at the wheel, eliminating drivetrain losses entirely. The 25.3 kWh battery delivers up to 233 miles of range.
The Verge TS Ultra is the most interesting bike on this list. Is it the best? No idea. I haven't ridden one and neither have you. But that hubless motor design is wild.
I spent 20 minutes on a Verge TS Ultra at a demo event. Not enough to really know the bike, but enough to know the hubless motor feels *weird* at first.
The engineering approach works for performance because of the reduced unsprung weight and improved heat dissipation from the rim-mounted motor. The bike includes six-piston front brakes, fully adjustable suspension, and traction control that manages the massive torque.
The TS Ultra weighs 506 pounds and includes DC fast charging that adds 124 miles of range in 25 minutes. The bike ships with a heads-up display that projects speed, navigation, and bike data onto the visor of your helmet. Verge includes over-the-air updates that continuously improve performance and add features.
The torque hits different than a gas bike. No building revs, no power band, no waiting. You twist, you go. It's more like a light switch than a throttle.
Electric Dirt Bikes Are Real Now
Electric motorcycles are changing off-road riding in ways that matter beyond performance. The lack of engine noise means you're not announcing your presence to every hiker, wildlife officer, and property owner within a mile radius. This single factor is keeping trails open that would otherwise be closed to motorized vehicles.
Electric bikes are keeping trails open because they're quiet. This actually matters.
These bikes deliver instant torque that makes technical climbing easier, and the lack of a clutch or shifting lets you focus entirely on line selection and throttle control. Weight distribution is lower and more centralized than gas bikes, improving stability on uneven terrain.
The silence takes getting used to. You don't realize how much you rely on engine noise for feedback until it's gone. First few rides feel like something's broken.
14. Zero FX
Zero's dual-sport model bridges street legal electric motorcycle capability with legitimate off-road performance. The 7.2 kWh battery delivers 91 miles of combined range, though expect closer to 40-50 miles when you're riding hard off-road.
The motor produces 46 hp and 78 lb-ft of torque, with power delivery that's smooth enough for technical terrain but aggressive enough for open trails. The FX weighs 289 pounds. Light enough to pick up when (not if) you drop it.
The bike includes three riding modes that adjust power delivery and regenerative braking. Ground clearance is 11.4 inches with suspension travel at 7.1 inches front, 8.3 inches rear. The bike ships with street-legal lighting and turn signals, but you'll want to swap the tires immediately if you're serious about dirt riding. The 35 -inch seat height is tall but necessary for the ground clearance you need on trails.
I learned about regenerative braking the hard way. Grabbed a handful of front brake out of habit and the rear brake was already slowing me down. Almost went over the bars.
15. Cake Kalk&
Cake refined the Kalk platform into a purpose-built off-road machine that happens to be street legal in some markets. The 2.6 kWh battery delivers 50 miles of mixed riding, and the motor produces 11 kW (15 hp). The entire bike weighs 152 pounds.
The Cake Kalk weighs 152 pounds. You can pick it up. With one hand. That's the whole selling point.
There are no screens, no modes, no complexity. You twist the throttle and the bike responds instantly. The minimalist design means there's nothing to break on the trail. The bike includes adjustable suspension, hydraulic disc brakes, and a bashplate to protect the motor and battery. The 31.5-inch seat height and narrow profile make the bike easy to maneuver through tight trees and over obstacles. Cake designed the battery to be removable, so you can carry a spare for longer rides or charge it indoors overnight.
The Cake Kalk is cool as hell. It's also $13,000 for 50 miles of range and 15 horsepower. You can buy a used Grom and a Sur Ron for less money.
16. Sur Ron Light Bee X
Sur Ron's Light Bee X occupies a gray area between bicycle and motorcycle, but the performance is real. The 3 kWh battery delivers 40-60 miles depending on how hard you ride. The motor produces 6 kW continuous (10 kW peak), which translates to enough power to clear obstacles and climb technical sections that would challenge much larger bikes.
The Light Bee X weighs just 110 pounds. The combination of power and weight means you can maneuver it through terrain that would be impossible on heavier machines, and the instant torque makes technical climbing almost easy.
The bike includes adjustable suspension, hydraulic brakes, and a bashplate. The 34.4-inch seat height is tall for the bike's size, but the light weight makes it manageable. The Light Bee X isn't street legal in most states without modifications, so this is primarily a trail and private property machine.
Is it street legal? Depends on who's asking and how fast you can ride away.
Sur Ron riders are constantly getting hassled by cops because the bike lives in a legal gray area. Street legal on paper, looks like a dirt bike, gets treated with suspicion.
Sur Ron vs Stark VARG: The Sur Ron is $4,500 and 80% as capable. The VARG is $13,000 and 100% as capable. You do the math.
17. Stark VARG
Stark entered the electric motorcycle market with a bike designed specifically to compete with 450cc motocross machines. The 6 kWh battery delivers 6 hours of casual trail riding or 40 minutes of full motocross intensity (equivalent to a typical moto length). The motor produces 80 hp, which matches or exceeds most 450cc gas bikes.
The VARG made me a believer. I've been skeptical about electric dirt bikes, but this thing rips.
The smartphone app lets you adjust power delivery, engine braking, traction control, and even the sound the bike makes. You can set up multiple profiles for different riders or different terrain types. You can make it sound like different bikes through the app, which is either the coolest or dumbest feature depending on whether you're 16 or 45.
The bike weighs 242 pounds without the battery, making it competitive with gas bikes once you account for fuel weight. Stark designed the VARG with a removable battery that charges in 1-2 hours depending on your power source. The bike includes fully adjustable suspension, hydraulic brakes, and a design that's been tested by professional motocross riders. The VARG is transforming how riders think about electric performance in the dirt.
The Stark is loud. Not engine loud, but the motor whine and chain noise are surprisingly aggressive. It's not silent.
I rode the Stark VARG at a demo event last fall. They're supposedly ramping up production now, but good luck actually getting one before summer 2025.
Stark VARG has a waitlist measured in months. People are putting deposits down sight unseen, which either means it's revolutionary or the marketing is really good.
Your Phone Situation Is About To Get Complicated
Here's something nobody tells you: your phone becomes critical on an electric bike in ways it never was on gas bikes.
You're using it to:
Monitor battery status (because the bike's display sucks)
Find charging stations (because they're not everywhere)
Navigate routes that account for range (because Google Maps doesn't)
Adjust bike settings (because everything's app-controlled now)
Play music (because electric bikes are quiet enough to hear it)
Which means you need a mount. A good one.
I've killed two iPhones learning this lesson. Cheap Amazon mounts vibrate loose, fall off mid-ride, and here's the fun part: the vibration destroys your camera's optical stabilization. Look it up. "Motorcycle vibration iPhone camera damage." It's a real thing that Apple won't warranty.
I switched to Rokform after the second dead phone. Magnetic mount, strong enough for highway speeds, releases when you actually want it to. The case protects against vibration damage. It's expensive ($100+ for mount and case) but cheaper than replacing phones.
Not sponsored, just tired of buying new phones. Check out Rokform's motorcycle mounts that work with your specific phone model and riding style.
Charging infrastructure is better than you think in cities, worse than you think everywhere else. PlugShare is your friend. It shows you where chargers are and whether they're actually working (spoiler: half of them aren't).
Home charging is the real solution. A Level 2 charger installed in your garage runs $500-2,000 depending on your electrical setup. Worth every penny.
Using car charging stations on a motorcycle feels weird. You're taking up a spot meant for a car, charging faster than most cars, and leaving in 30 minutes while Teslas need an hour. Some EV drivers get salty about it.
Final Thoughts
So that's 17 electric bikes, four categories, and way too many words.
Here's the only advice that matters: test ride before you buy. Electric bikes feel completely different from gas bikes. Different enough that the one you think you want might be the one you hate. I thought I wanted the LiveWire until I rode the Zero. Your mileage will literally vary.
Electric bikes make sense for commuting. They also make no sense if you live anywhere rural. Figure out which category you're in.
What I Got Wrong About Electric Bikes
I thought range anxiety would be crippling. It's not. You adapt faster than you think.
I thought charging would be a nightmare. It's annoying but manageable.
I thought electric bikes would be boring. The torque proved me wrong immediately.
I thought they were too expensive. They still are, but so are gas bikes now.
Electric Bikes Probably Aren't For You If:
You live in an apartment with no charging access
You regularly ride 200+ miles in a day
You live somewhere cold (sub-freezing temps murder range)
You need to carry a passenger regularly (most electric bikes are terrible two-up)
You're broke (even the cheap ones are $4,000+)
You do all your own maintenance (electric bikes are harder to DIY)
If You Made Me Choose:
Best overall: Energica Experia (if you can afford it)
Best value: Zero FXE (practical and fun)
Best for beginners: Super Soco TC Max (cheap, forgiving)
Most fun: Cake Kalk OR (impractical but smile-inducing)
Best performance: Stark VARG (if you can actually get one)
Don't buy: Harley LiveWire (overpriced, underpowered)
Insurance on electric bikes can be brutal. Some companies won't touch them, others charge superbike rates because they don't know how to categorize them. Shop around. I've seen quotes vary by $1,000/year for the same bike.
Some states offer tax credits for electric motorcycles. California gives you $750 back. Colorado offers up to $2,500. Check your state's incentives before you buy.
Running out of charge is worse than running out of gas. There's no gas can equivalent. You're calling a flatbed or pushing the bike to the nearest outlet (good luck). Range anxiety is real for a reason.
Zero has the best dealer network of any electric motorcycle company. You can actually find them, test ride them, and get them serviced. Most other brands? Good luck.
The used market for electric bikes is weird. Zero SR/Fs hold value surprisingly well. LiveWires depreciate like crazy because they were overpriced new.
First time I rode the LiveWire, I kept reaching for a clutch that doesn't exist. Took about 20 minutes to unlearn 15 years of muscle memory.
Electric motorcycle range estimates are like dating app photos. Technically accurate under perfect conditions that will never exist in real life.
And get a decent phone mount. Seriously. Don't cheap out on this one.
Now go ride something electric and stop reading articles.
