One of the most important recent breakthroughs has been electric transportation. Today, the number of electric cars is increasing as we see a steady decline in the production and purchase of gasoline-fueled vehicles. In addition to running quieter and having lower maintenance costs, electric transportation is one way we can reduce our carbon footprint.
Enter the electric motorcycle. Motorcycles are typically faster and a more entertaining ride than a car. There is a certain level of risk and thrill associated with riding a bike, especially when compared to a car. For this reason, the electric motorcycle industry has stepped up its game, so here are the 10 best electric motorcycles you can buy today.
10 Harley-Davidson LiveWire
For 116 years, Harley-Davidson has been a pioneer, and probably the best-known name in the motorcycle industry. In August 2019, we will see their first electric motorcycle, the LiveWire. The Harley-Davidson LiveWire was first unveiled in 2014, and over the past 5 years has undergone a significant improvement in its structure and design.
This bike has a max speed of 95 mph, a range of 140 miles, and comes with a 75 hp motor. If you are looking for an electric motorcycle from a well-known brand, the LiveWire is an excellent choice for you. The LiveWire will retail for $29,799.
9 Vespa Elettrica
If you’re not quite a motorcycle person, then presenting to you the Vespa Elettrica. Thought not quite a motorcycle, this scooter has a max speed of 30 mph, a range of 62 miles and was built for urban commuting. While you may not believe a Vespa is as appealing as a motorcycle, it gained popularity years ago through its cameos in classics such as La Dolce Vita and Roman Holiday.
While the company has come a long way, its emphasis on style is still present today. The Elettrica has a sleek and slender body while also producing zero CO2 emissions. As far as durability and safety are concerned, this one takes the prize. The Elettrica will retail for around $7,000.
8 Zero SR
The Zero SR is a part of the new generation of electric motorcycles that bring to the market a whole new level of torque and acceleration capabilities. This model weighs in at 414 pounds and has a durable and sturdy frame. The SR’s max speed is 102 mph, and it has a range of 140 miles.
The SR is set apart from the other bikes on this list due to the simple fact that it does not require a special charging station. You can power up this baby using a traditional outlet in your garage, or you can purchase a power pack to take with you on the go. The Zero SR will retail for $16,495.
7 Energica Ego
This little gem is famously claimed by Energica to be “the world’s first street-legal electric Italian sports motorcycle.” From the birthplace of the Vespa, Italy, we present the Energica Ego. In addition to its sleek and sexy figure, the Ego can reach maximum speeds of up to 150 mph, weighs anywhere from 250-280 kg, has a range of 80-120 miles, and has a torque of 210 Nm.
The Ego was first introduced as a prototype in 2013 and became available for purchase in 2015. The Ego also comes with Bluetooth capabilities and an LED display in order to monitor its productivity. The Ego will retail for $34,000.
6 Brutus V9
If you’re looking for an all American classic electric motorcycle, look no further than the V9. While the bike cannot match the SR or Ego's top speeds, the V9 makes up for it with endurance.
The V9’s maximum speed is a low 114 mph, but with a range of 270 miles, you can drive from Las Vegas to Los Angeles. The bike weighs in at 780 pounds and comes with traditional leather seats and a platinum look. The V9, in addition to being used by the public, is also used by law-enforcement officers across the nation. The Brutus V9 will retail for $32,490.
5 Gogoro Smartscooter 2 Deluxe Edition
While it is yet another scooter, we feel it is important to list the Gogoro Smartscooter 2 Deluxe Edition. The Gogoro not only serves as a cheaper alternative to the Vespa, but this Taiwanese invention comes with some tricks up its sleeve. To start off, the Gogoro has a max speed of 56 mph and a range of 68 miles.
The Smartscooter 2 has also gained attention on the global stage due to offering significant improvements over its predecessor. To mention a few, the Smartscooter 2 comes with a mobile app, Touch ID security, an LED panel between the handlebars, and an LED headlamp. The Gogoro Smartscooter 2 will retail for $3,200.
4 Johammer J1
The J1 exemplifies the uniqueness of Austrian engineering. The J1 200’s unusual shape is an excellent conversation starter. The maker of these bikes attributes the Johammer J1’s unconventional shape to a simple saying, “The shortest route between two points is a straight line.”
The producer of the J1 took this saying to heart and decided the placement of the motor on a traditional motorcycle took up too much space. To combat this issue, the J1’s motor is simply between its wheels, it’s that simple. The J1 200 has a max speed of 75 mph, and a range of 124 miles. Additionally, the bike produces 14 bhp of torque and is powered by a 16-kw battery. The J1 200 will retail for $38,894.
3 Victory Empulse TT
Next on the list comes the Victory Empulse TT. This American motorcycle maker is often compared with the greats such as Harley-Davidson and Indian. The first Victory bike was produced in 1998 to serve as a direct competitor to Harley-Davidson. The company was eventually purchased by parent company Polaris; however, in 2016, the Victory Empulse TT was released in an effort to compete with the LiveWire.
In 2017, Polaris announced plans to shut down production of Victory Motorcycles. Thankfully, the Empulse TT is still available for purchase. The TT reaches a top speed of 100 mph, has a range of 140 miles, a torque of 61 ft-lb and weighs in at 470 pounds. The Empulse TT retails for $19,999.
2 Lito Sora
Like the Johammer J1, the Lito Sora’s unconventional design makes it the perfect conversation starter. The Lito Sora came out in 2014 and has a max speed of 120 mph and a range of 120 miles. The Lito Sora also produces 66 ft-lb of torque and weighs in at 573 pounds.
Keep in mind, however, 2019 will see the release of the Lito Sora Generation 2. The maker of these bikes boasts that their latest creation will deliver 50 percent more range and will go from 0-60 in 3 seconds. The gen 2 however, is still not ready for purchase. The Lito Sora retails for $77,000.
1 Lightning LS-218
Last but not least, we have the Lightning LS-218. This electric bike has broken numerous records and is currently the world’s fastest electric motorcycle. The company was actually established after founder Richard Hatfield found the desire to make electric bikes after participating in an electric Porsche race team.
The LS-218 has a range of just 100 miles, but a top speed of 218 mph. Not only is the LS 218 the world’s fastest electric motorcycle, but it also conquers BMW's gas-powered S100RR. Beware, while the LS218 is tempting at a low price of $38,880, this bike is not for the faint of heart.