Five best electric motorcycles

Electric motorcycles are not only becoming more common but more varied and better, too. There was a time when US firm Zero was alone in offering a range of zero emission electric motorcycles and, although it still has the most comprehensive range, it’s alone no longer.
Firms like Energica offer phenomenally potent electric superbikes, Harley-Davidson has its LiveWire One and imminent LiveWire S2 Del Mar. Alongside the electric mopeds we’ll be looking at in isolation there are smaller, 125cc equivalent electric motorcycles as well, with Super Soco standing out along with the likes of Maeving, Sunra, Horwin and more. Here we pick five of the best…

Super Soco is among the UK market leaders in electric bikes with its stylish, Chinese-built range of 50cc and 125cc-equivalent scooters and bikes while its range-topping TC Max brings funky, biker style to cost-conscious commuters. As a 125cc equivalent machine you need to be 17+ with an A1 licence and CBT but if you want a credible electric motorcycle – as opposed to an electric scooter – at an affordable price, it’s out on its own. It’s stylish, unintimidating and there are plenty of clever touches such as three power modes, built-in immobiliser, keyless ignition and charger compartment. What’s it’s NOT, however, is quite the 125cc equivalent machine it claims to be, given the 5.3 horsepower and 50mph top speed are some way off the 15 horsepower and 70mph of, say, a conventionally powered Honda CBR125R.
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The FXE stands out in electric specialists Zero’s range in being A1 class compliant, so you can ride it at 17 with a CBT certificate. But due to a quirk in the law it actually has much more performance than equivalent combustion engined 125s. That, combined with its Supermoto style, is hugely attractive. On the downside, the new price of over £12,000 may have most wincing in comparison to an equivalent combustion powered alternative like an Aprilia SX125 and its range isn’t great. But its performance is in a different league compared to any regular A1-licence bike, while remaining just as accessible to new riders.
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Yes, another Zero – but arguably the best of all. Launched in 2022 it’s an adventure-style machine based on Zero’s top-spec SR platform. As such it’s arguably the firm’s current flagship machine and arguably, too, its best motorcycle. The Z-Force 75-10X motor produces a staggering 225Nm of torque to complement the 102 horsepower, range is around 80 miles and it’s comfortable, decent handling and adequately equipped. The big sticking point is the c. £24K price, though we have seen significant discounts.
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Italian performance electric motorcycle specialist Energica is unchallenged when it comes to exotic electric bikes. Little surprise in that context the latest RS versions of its Ego sportster, affordable EsseEsse roadster and, here, super naked take on the Ego make the most convincing electric bike argument yet. Straight line acceleration is breathtaking while build and spec levels (including Brembo brakes) are top notch. All good, but that range can be as little as 70 miles, its huge weight compromises handling and the near-£30K price is a major hurdle.
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Legendary US giant Harley-Davidson is to be commended for beating its rivals with the first mainstream electric motorcycle when it launched the LiveWire in 2019. But it also has to be said the LiveWire hasn’t been a commercial success, to the point Harley has since split it off into a standalone sub-brand. That said, it’s a credible electric motorcycle, has decent, performance, range of around 90 miles and good (if heavy) handling and equipment. If you want a credible full-size electric motorcycle, there’s still none better. The near-£30K price remains, however, too steep for most.
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