Most Interesting Electric Motorcycles of 2023

Range anxiety, extra weight, steep pricing, the dearth of charging infrastructure, etc, etc. The swell of complaints about electric motorbikes never seems to recede, but believe it or not, those oft-repeated concerns are continually being addressed by current manufacturers (albeit slowly), and the sheer diversity of electric models available in 2023 should signal to many riders that an oncoming era of battery-powered motorcycling isn’t going to slow its roll anytime soon.

Whether you embrace or dismiss them, there’s no denying that electrics are creeping into almost every segment of our sport; this list alone runs the gamut from motocrossers to utility mopeds to tourers and scooters, so really there’s something for everyone in the brave new electric world. If you’re a fan of swappable batteries, stylish designs, cutting-edge electronics, and silent commuting, read on.

Related: 2021 Electric Motorcycles With the Best Range

2023 Cake Makka | 1.3–3.75 hp | From $4,170 (Flex shown)

Part short-haul commuter, part workhorse, the new street-legal Makka stands out from the rest of the two-wheel e-crowd by sheer virtue of its funky aesthetics. But it’s not all window dressing; Cake’s most compact and lowest priced model to date can also serve as an excellent short-range commuter. The light yet robust e-moped is available in two versions, the Flex and the Range, both rolling with an aerospace-grade aluminum chassis on 14-inch motorcycle rims and powered by a permanent magnet hub-mounted motor designed for short-haul errands in tight city environs.

Per Cake, the more powerful Makka Flex trim has a top speed of 28 mph and can squeeze 34 miles out of its 31Ah battery (in mixed city riding), while the Makka Range has a top speed of just 15 mph but a longer range of 41 miles. (There’s also a Work trim, which doubles battery capacity and range, but that version is only available in Europe.) Cake says you can completely charge the removable battery in three hours with the provided 10a external charger, and weight for both versions is 154 pounds with the battery. MSRP starts at $4,140.

2023 UBCO 2X2 Adventure | 3.2 hp | Starting at $4,999

UBCO and Cake have more in common than weird names; their designs also reveal a shared sense of purpose. UBCO’s 2X2 Adventure, however, takes things farther on the utility front, with the electric moped boasting a 1kW hub motor in each wheel and 19 built-in lugs on the frame to secure your gear to.

While the bike’s estimated 3.2 hp won’t win any drag races (top speed is 30 mph), two-wheel drive means you can claw your way over almost anything. Decent suspension travel—5.1 inches in front and 4.7 inches rear—helps smooth out most bumps, and hydraulic disc brakes with regenerative braking easily slow the 145-pound machine (with 2.1kWh battery). The ADV is on/off-road ready and features 17-inch spoke wheels and multiuse tires, a headlight plus turn signals and a license plate mount attached to a rugged alloy frame. UBCO says the ADV will go 43 miles with the standard 2.1kWh battery; the bigger 3.1kWh unit will add 11 pounds, but you’ll also get 75 miles of range.

The ADV’s biggest sticking point used to be its $6,999 MSRP, though the company recently dropped that to a palatable $4,999, which feels reasonable for the only two-wheel-drive vehicle here.

2023 KTM SX-E 3 | 2.68 hp | Starting at $5,099

If you’re looking to get your youngster into motorcycling, an electric minibike is an especially compelling option. With fewer maintenance requirements, less noise, and no emissions compared with its ICE counterparts, the beginner-friendly KTM SX-E 3 joins the brand’s electric range below the more powerful KTM SX-E 5, with a less intimidating

package. Although both share the same 48-volt brushless air-cooled motor, the E 3′s lower 2.68 hp output, smaller 648Wh battery, adjustable seat, and 10-inch wheels make it more mechanically and ergonomically accessible, and a great choice for youngsters just figuring out the whole throttle thing.

On the plus side, SX-E 3 exhibits typically robust KTM build quality, with impressive components like an inverted 35mm WP Xact fork, disc brakes front and rear, and a robust chromoly steel frame to hold it all together. The motor’s slim design nicely matches the compact chassis, and its six ride modes can be locked to prevent overzealous tykes from doing their best Travis Pastrana impression. A handy rollover sensor cuts power in case of a fall, and juicing up the lithium-ion battery to 100 percent takes just 70 minutes with a standard 110 outlet.

2023 Sur-Ron Ultra Bee | 16.7hp | $6,499

Although we’ve yet to sample one in the, er, metal, Sur-Ron’s latest trail bike has piqued our interest mainly for the fact that the Ultra Bee marries up-to-date technology with a new middleweight platform, along with a reasonable price—considering the specs. For $6,500 you get a lightweight forged aluminum frame, a fully adjustable 37mm inverted fork with a healthy 9.4 inches of travel, three ride modes (as well as regen and three-mode switchable traction control), and a permanent magnet synchronous motor putting out a peak of 16.76 horses and 325 lb.-ft. of torque. The Ultra Bee rolls on 19-inch wheels front and rear (though upgrades are available) and weighs in at just 187 pounds with a claimed top speed of 56 mph and max range of 87 miles at 25 mph, depending on terrain (remember, this is a dirt bike). The removable battery is a 74V/55Ah lithium-ion unit, with a claimed charge time of 4.5 hours (to 100 percent).

In the US, the Sur-Ron Ultra Bee will be sold as an off-road model only, without lights.

2023 Sondors MetaCycle | 20 hp (peak) | $6,500

Even with a longer-than-expected gestation period and some unexpected production delays and design changes along the way, Sondors’ first foray into electric motorcycles, the lightweight Metacycle, continues to garner interest both for its specs and price tag. The bikes are finally being shipped to customers now, and even if the price is currently $6,500 rather than the original $5,000, that’s still one of the lowest here for a street-legal, highway-capable bike. With its unique cast aluminum “exo” frame, the Meta looks more like a big moped (fitting, as Sondors is better known as a bicycle company), but it can hang with full size motos thanks to a claimed output of 20 hp and a peak torque of 130 lb.-ft. from the 14.5kW (peak) permanent magnet hub motor. That may not sound like much, but it’s good for a top speed of 80 mph, and three ride modes let you dial in your preferences. A pair of two-piston hydraulic brakes slow your roll, while the chunky 4,000Wh lithium-ion battery (removable, but with tools) can be charged to 100 percent in 3 hours and 45 minutes with the standard compact 110c AC charger.

2024 BMW CE 04 | 42 hp | $12,195

BMW’s sci-fi-looking CE 04 was already eye-catching as a concept, and in production form, the maxi scooter is still a conversation starter. Most folks will focus on the 42 hp power output (claimed peak) and 75 mph top speed, but the 10.25-inch TFT display and low-slung, stretched-out steel body will get their share of comments too.

That healthy power output comes courtesy of a liquid-cooled permanent magnet motor, with juice coming from a 8.9kWh battery mounted right at the bottom of the chassis, allowing it to be air-cooled. BMW says it’ll take about six hours for a full 100 percent charge from a standard household 110V outlet (though an optional fast charger is available), which will get you 80 miles of range under normal conditions. That mondo TFT display allows you to make phone calls, have a Bluetooth helmet connection, and choose music and navigation, as well as accessing the three ride modes.

As an exquisite piece of engineering and thoroughly practical urban commuter, the CE 04 scores major points, and it’s currently the only midsize electric scooter you’ll find from a mainstream motorcycle manufacturer. But with a starting MSRP of $12,195, it’s clearly not a budget option.

2023 Stark Varg | 80 hp | Starting at $12,900 (60 hp option)

With the new Varg, Stark Future clearly means business. The firm’s motocrosser is well thought out, with a meticulously constructed design utilizing a streamlined engine shape that minimizes bulk and a chromoly steel frame joined to a honeycomb-structure battery case for strength with flex. On our first ride with the bike last year, we crowed that the Varg was “battle-ready…and feels absolutely competitive.” Helping matters is a fully adjustable 48mm fork and piggyback shock with 12.2 inches of travel at each end, a claimed 80 hp and an incredible 664.5 lb.-ft. of torque at the rear wheel, courtesy of the lightweight carbon sleeve motor. The 6kWh battery can be topped off with the standard 120V charger in 150 minutes.

You can dial in preferences via the smart display to keep the power usable (Stark says there are 100 ride modes!), but it’s still a massive amount to control at your fingertips. We’ve also heard that ordering a Stark online is fairly painless: Simply pony up your down payment; specify power output (a 60 hp option saves you $1,000); choose a hand- or foot-operated rear brake; choose rear wheel size; enter rider weight for the suspension setup; and choose your color.

2023 Fuell Fllow | 47 hp | $12,995

Erik Buell’s long-awaited electric motorcycle promises many things, and the elegant, organic design is just a start. Preliminary press releases for the Fllow claim a city range of up to 150 miles, a fast charge to the integrated 10kWh battery in under 30 minutes, and ripping acceleration, thanks to a curb weight of only 400 pounds. The Fllow’s proprietary rear hub motor comes in two sizes—11kW and 35kW (15 and 47 hp, respectively)—and doles out a whopping 553 lb.-ft. of torque. Tech features include ABS brakes with integrated regeneration at the rear brake and traction control along with two ride modes. An inverted fork, patent-pending monocoque chassis, and useful touches like 50-liter secured storage and a connected dashboard and app make for a well-thought-out electric tailor-made for the urban jungle, though we’ll have to wait another year to really test those features out; although the bike is currently in production, Fuell says deliveries are not expected until 2024, with preorders and deposits being taken at fuell.us.

2023 Zero FXE | 46 hp | Starting at $12,995

Slim, stark, and super moto-y, the Zero FXE instantly conveys the fun factor you don’t often find in the current crop of seriously-styled electrics. With a lightweight aluminum frame, an inverted (and adjustable) 41mm Showa fork, and onboard 5-inch TFT dash, the FXE isn’t exactly bare bones either, though there are a few compromises to save weight and keep the price down. That shows up in the performance category, with power ratings at 46 hp and 78 lb.-ft. of torque, and while that might not sound like much, we found the power pulse from the air-cooled mid-drive ZF 75-5 permanent magnet motor was more than enough on our first ride of the bike, with easy-to-access ergonomics and light handling making round-town jaunts a simple affair. The sub-300-pound weight helps the FXE accelerate fast too, and the top speed of 85 mph should satisfy most.

According to Zero, the onboard 650W charger will top off the 7.2kWh battery in 9.7 hours off a standard household socket; a rapid charger available for additional cost will do the job in a little more than three hours. As a peppy, stylish, in-town commuter, the FXE checks all the right boxes.

2023 LiveWire S2 Del Mar | 84 hp | $15,499

LiveWire’s second model, the S2 Del Mar, is lighter, cheaper, and less powerful than its One sibling, but that’s by design. We’re fans of the bike’s street-tracker-ish styling, and the brand has confirmed the S2′s output at 84 hp, with peak torque of 194 lb.-ft. and a 0–60 time of three seconds, and a top speed of 103 mph. Range estimates include a claimed 113 miles in the city, with a highway rating of 70 miles (that’s at 55 mph—so way less if you really pin it), which clearly means the S2 is aimed at an urban audience. Still, no other road-legal electric under $20,000 we can think of can do 0–60 in three seconds, so it seems like LiveWire is counting on its high performance to attract folks to the S2.

The S2′s battery capacity is 10.5kWh, with Level 2 charging getting the brick to 100 percent in 2.4 hours, and 8.4 hours with a standard home outlet (the Del Mar doesn’t have Level 3 charge capabilities of the LiveWire One). The Del Mar is in production now, with current MSRP ringing in at $15,499.

2023 LiveWire One | 105 hp | staring at $22,799

When Harley-Davidson debuted the $30K OG LiveWire in 2020, we mostly heard the sound of wallets snapping shut. Fortunately, the rebranded LiveWire One carries much of the same tech as that first H-D electric, with a beautiful design and user-friendly tech, and the punchy Revelation powertrain with its 15.5kWh battery for motivation (along with a lower price tag). Its 105 hp and 86 lb.-ft. of torque give the One plenty of power without making it overwhelming, and the quiet operation with easy handling will appeal to most commuters. Standard equipment includes a color touchscreen, fully adjustable suspension, Brembo brakes, and safety tech (with electronic cornering-enhanced antilock braking and traction control), with regenerative braking and a security system also included. The onboard H-D Connect feature pairs riders with their bikes through an LTE-enabled Telematics Control Unit using the Harley-Davidson app, so you can check on your ride remotely. LiveWire says the One is good for 146 miles of city riding, with 95 miles in a combined environment scenario, and a DC fast charge will take one hour. The One’s price tag still isn’t for the frugal, but given the feature set, build quality, and factory support, it’s understandable.

2023 Zero DSR/X | 100 hp | $24,495 |

An all-electric adventure bike—sure, why not? Since Zero boasts the deepest portfolio here, with more than 15 years of experience in the electric space, we probably shouldn’t be too surprised to see the brand push the DSR/X into the ever-growing adventure category.

Make no mistake, the DSR/X is not just a dressed-up DSR—it’s an entirely new bike with a new frame, subframe, and swingarm all designed to absorb the extra demands of off-roading. So you get long-travel fully adjustable Showa suspension, increased ground clearance, plus 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels for off-road work. The DSR/X shares the same 17.3kWh battery pack as Zero’s other premium offerings, though the new Z-Force 75-10x motor doles out the most torque of any Zero, with a peak of 166 lb.- ft. of torque and 100 hp. Five ride modes, switchable ABS, and traction control also confer confidence in the dirty stuff. The DSR/X’s charging capability is also quick; an optional Rapid Charge Module gets you a 95 percent charge in just 60 minutes, though that jumps to two hours with a Level 2 charger and 10 hours with a regular plug.

Sure it’s pricey, but still a solid adventure option that could at least take a few swings at most of the mainstays in the big ADV space.

2023 Energica Experia | 100 hp | Starting at $25,880

Energica is looking to shake off range anxiety with its Experia. The Italian brand’s latest model brings the biggest battery capacity in a production electric motorcycle, and the firm says it’s optimized for long-range, two-up comfort.

The big news is the 22.5kWh battery, which although larger in capacity has a lower overall weight. The liquid-cooled permanent magnet motor, meanwhile, is rated for a peak of 100 hp, with 85 lb.-ft. of continuous torque to back it up. Four riding modes, cruise control, and Brembo brakes with cornering ABS and ZF Sachs suspension round out the impressive component list. Range is where the Experia looks to improve upon, and Energica quotes an impressive 261 miles, though that’s in city riding; in mixed riding, that goes down to a less impressive 160 miles of range, though the ability to use Level 3 fast charging (0–80 percent in 40 minutes) will certainly help those seeking longer adventures.

The Experia also adds touring-friendly accessories like an aerodynamic sport-touring fairing, adjustable windscreen, and ample hard luggage capacity, with hard panniers and top case with a total capacity of 112 liters. If you’re an eco-conscious road warrior, you might want to take a closer look.

Related: Energica Building 180 HP Electric

2023 Lightning LS-218 | 244 hp | $38,988

Generally speaking, most electric motorcycles are just quick—full stop. Then there’s the LS-218, a bike purpose-built for head-snapping acceleration. We’re talking 0–60 in about 2 seconds, and Lightning quotes the LS-218 as outputting 244 hp, courtesy of an IPM liquid-cooled 150kW-plus 10,500 rpm electric motor, with 220 lb.-ft. of torque at the ready. The claimed 188-mile average range at highway speeds is almost as impressive, and you can choose from three battery options: the base 15 kWh unit which nets you over 180 miles, the mid-line 20kWh pack which can go as far as 255 miles per charge in real-world riding or the top-line 28kWh battery with Lightning Fast Charge system, which is claimed to give you a whopping 355 miles of range. Track-friendly accoutrements include Brembo brakes, fully adjustable Öhlins suspension front and rear, and a superfast charge time (of course) of 35 minutes on a DC fast charger. Naturally, that will cost you: The base model LS-218 starts at $38,988. For the Land Speed Record package? You’ll just have to call them.

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