So the other day I’m standing in line at Dunkin’—just trying to get my usual large iced coffee and a questionable breakfast sandwich—and I overhear this teenager say, “Electric motorcycles are lame.”
And I swear to you, I almost dropped my phone.
Not because he’s wrong exactly (okay, maybe a little), but because I used to think that too. I was 100% “team gas” until about a year ago when I accidentally test-rode a Zero SR/S. Long story short: I screamed. Not like a biker scream. Like a rollercoaster scream. It moved. It moved too well.
That’s when I started realizing something: electric motorcycles aren’t the future—they’re already kinda here. Quietly sneaking up on us. Like a ninja in flip-flops. And now? I’m mildly obsessed.
⚡️ So… Why Are Electric Motorcycles Even a Thing?
Let me answer your question with a question:
Have you ever ridden something so smooth, so fast, so freakishly quiet that your brain just short-circuited a little?
That’s what these bikes are doing now. They’re clean. They’re mean. And they’re not just eco-toys anymore—they’re legit machines.
You don’t need to warm them up, don’t have to shift gears like you’re in Fast & Furious 12: Geriatric Drift. You just twist and go.
Also—side note—no gas station smell. Which, yes, I kinda miss, but my hoodie no longer reeks like I’ve been inhaling Exxon for 3 hours. So… win?
🛠️ Quick Real Talk: Pros and Cons of Electric Motorcycles
Stuff That’s Awesome:
- Instant torque – Twist the throttle and ZOOM, no delay. It’s wild.
- Low maintenance – No oil, no clutch, no spark plugs, fewer things to scream at.
- Eco-friendly – I mean… yeah. Mother Earth approves.
- Super chill riding experience – No noise = your brain gets time to enjoy the ride (or overthink your life choices, depending).
Stuff That Might Annoy You (at First):
- Range anxiety – The “what if I run out of battery and have to push it” fear is real.
- Charging time – Not as fast as gas yet, but we’re getting there.
- Price – Some of these bikes cost as much as a used Toyota.
- No “vroom-vroom” sound – You either miss it or you don’t.
🔥 The Best Electric Motorcycles Right Now (2025-ish)
Alright, now to the fun part. These are the ones I’ve drooled over, test-ridden, or at least deep-dived on YouTube at 2am while avoiding my actual responsibilities.
1. Zero SR/F
Nickname in my head: The Electric Pitbull
- Top Speed: 124 mph
- Range: Up to 187 miles (city)
- Price Tag: Around $20,000
- Ride Feel: Stupid fun. Also kinda terrifying (in a good way).
This was my gateway drug into electric. It’s got legit sportbike energy but also feels… smooth? Like a rocket-powered cloud. Only downside? I kept forgetting there’s no gears, and once accidentally throttled way too hard at a red light. Almost married a mailbox.
2. LiveWire ONE
(Yes, from Harley. No, it doesn’t sound like your grandpa’s hog.)
- Top Speed: 110 mph
- Range: 146 miles
- Price: ~$22K
- Vibe: Sleek, rebellious, doesn’t care what your dad thinks
This thing surprised me. Like finding out grandma listens to Kendrick Lamar. It’s Harley, but cooler. Feels premium. Looks modern. I took it around the block and actually felt… classy? I dunno. It was a weird, beautiful experience.
3. Damon Hypersport HS
AKA: The Space Motorcycle
- Top Speed: 200 mph
- Range: 200+ miles
- Tech: AI safety features, radar, touchscreen (???)
- Price: North of $35K but who’s counting?
This is the bike you get if you want to feel like Iron Man but also maybe don’t have a will to update yet. It’s absurd—in the best way. It adjusts riding position while you ride. Like, what??
If I ever hit the lottery or invent a wildly successful dog food delivery startup, this is what I’m buying.
4. Ryvid Anthem
Budget(ish) but not boring.
- Top Speed: 75 mph
- Range: 75–90 miles
- Price: $8,995 (which in EV world is practically free)
This one’s for city riders. Like if a scooter had a glow-up and studied minimalism on Pinterest. Super lightweight. Looks cool. Your non-biker friends will definitely ask if it’s from a sci-fi movie.
5. Energica Experia
For long-distance riders who want to bring snacks.
- Top Speed: 112 mph
- Range: 260+ miles (city)
- Style: Adventure/touring
- Price: Somewhere around $25K+
Feels like riding a Tesla SUV—but on two wheels. If you like road trips and hate oil changes, this is the move.
😂 Bonus Section: Weird Moments Riding Electric
- Pulled into a gas station out of habit. Realized mid-park. Bought gum and left.
- Had a guy chase me down on a bike path because he thought I was on a souped-up e-bike. I had to explain it was street legal.
- Scared a cat so bad once with my silent approach that it leapt onto a mailbox and stared at me like I was the Antichrist.
- Tried to make engine sounds with my mouth at a stoplight. Got weird looks. Did it again anyway.
⚡ Charging & Range Anxiety (The Big Electric Elephant in the Room)
I won’t sugarcoat it—you do need to think a little. Like, no more “winging it” rides where you forget your wallet and end up 100 miles from home with one glove and a granola bar.
But here’s what helps:
- Apps like PlugShare — tell you where all the chargers are
- Fast charging — many bikes now charge to 80% in under 45 minutes
- Charging at home overnight — game changer
And honestly, once you ride smart a few times, it becomes second nature. Like remembering your AirPods or making sure Netflix hasn’t kicked you off someone else’s account.
🧠 Final-ish Thoughts: Are Electric Motorcycles Really Worth It?
Let me put it this way:
If you love the feeling of riding—but not the engine headaches, the oil stink, or the cost of premium gas—you should seriously consider going electric.
They’re fast. Fun. Freakishly futuristic. And yeah, maybe a little silent. But honestly? I like that. It makes room for more of you in the ride. Your thoughts, road, playlist and snack run.
I’m not saying sell your gas bike tomorrow. But maybe—just maybe—test ride one of these bad boys next weekend. You might surprise yourself.
I sure did. https://bikelovezone.com/electric-motorcycles-are-the-future/.
🎬 TL;DR (because we all skim sometimes)
- Electric motorcycles are fun, fast, and no longer dorky
- Top picks: Zero SR/F, LiveWire ONE, Damon Hypersport, Ryvid Anthem, Energica Experia
- Good for: Commutes, road trips, showing off
- Challenges: Charging and range, but they’re manageable
- Pro tip: Don’t make engine noises at stoplights unless you’re fully committed to being That Guy™
Outbound Links (because I know you’re gonna Google this anyway):
- PlugShare Charging Map – Find chargers everywhere (even weird gas stations in Utah)
- RevZilla’s Electric Motorcycle Picks – For specs, nerdy comparisons, and gear recs
