As a bonus, check the upcoming 2022 electric motorbikes that we’re most excited about after the list.

After our ranking of the best electric motorbikes of 2022, take a look at our buying guide to see what you should pay attention to when shopping for an EV bike. We also explain the methodology behind our ranking of the top bikes of the year.

1. Energica EGO+ / RS: Overall best electric bike in the world

All the pizzazz, speed, and power, without the harmful emissions? Sounds too good to be true, doesn’t it? Well, our need-for-speed friends, say hi to the Energica EGO+ / RS electric motorbike, giving petrol bikes a real run for their money.

Widely considered the best full-production electric sports bike available on the market today, the EGO+ / RS boasts a mammoth battery, supporting an out-of-this-world range of 261 miles (420 km). For perspective, that’s just shy of the mileage between Paris and London. Cool, right? Thanks to the new EMCE motor (new for 2022), the already-impressive range has increased by 10%.

And, not only will you travel far, but you’ll get there fast. Yes, with a max speed of 150 mph (240 km/h), you’ll be leveling with the Porsches on the highway. Just as good for zooming to work as it is for racing (safely, please), the Energica EGO+ / RS ticks every single one of our boxes a thousand times over.

2. Zero SR/S: Best value electric motorcycle

While the near-$20K price tag on this motorcycle doesn’t necessarily render it the cheapest of the bunch, the collection of features, impressive stats, and skillful manufacturing represented by the Zero SR/S make it a valuable buy for anyone looking for a good electric motorbike. 

The previous model SR/F was a ‘halo product’ for Zero Motorcycles; the brand meant it to present the height of the company’s capabilities – and to lead the way for EV motorcycles of the future. As such, they poured all of their knowledge and expertise into it. This premium motorbike has a ZF15.6kWh lithium-ion battery, as well as a ZF75-10 enhanced thermal efficiency motor. This lends the bike class-leading power (as claimed by Zero Motorcycles) and extremely competitive range. 

An acceleration of 0-60mph (0-100 km/h) of less than 3.5 seconds; a top speed of 124 mph (just under 200 kilometers per hour). Joining this bike’s impressive stats is instantly intriguing styling. The bike looks sleek and nimble, despite weighing slightly more than its predecessor at 518lb. And, its classic look lets this bike blend in with high-performance gas-powered bikes with ease. An electric motorcycle for sale below $20,000 is a great deal too.

3. Harley-Davidson LiveWire: Best premium ev motorcycle

It is, perhaps, no surprise that an e-motorcycle from such the popular-yet-fabled brand Harley-Davidson makes it into the top three. Its street bikes are known to offer top quality and outstanding performance. 

Its electric motorcycles for adults are no different. The LiveWire cycle, powered entirely by batteries, has the same ability to accelerate as any of Harley Davidson’s gas-powered equivalents – a hugely important factor in a motorcycle, a vehicle purchased often for the thrill and the fun of high-powered speed. With the LiveWire, you amp up your sustainability, without sacrificing your bike’s stats. 

Easy to handle, comfortable, well-built: This motorbike offers something for everyone. It’s got excellent suspension and shocks, which makes for as safe a ride as an electric cruiser motorcycle can provide. 

With an acceleration of 0-60 mph (0-100 km/h) of 3 seconds, the electric Harley-Davidson LiveWire measures up to many of this year’s hypercars. The electric Harley offers a range of 146 miles (235 km) and a top speed of 95 mph (153 km/h). And it’s on sale for less than $40,000.

4. Lightning LS-218: Fastest electric motorbike in the world

The purr of a high-grade motor, that feeling of sprinting down a straightway: The reason you get a motorcycle, electric or otherwise, is to feel the intensity of free speed when the rubber hits the road. If you’re looking for the fastest electric motorcycle of 2021, look no further. 

Meet the Lightning LS-218. It’s built specifically for speed (and that build, in our opinion, was a smashing success). Its top speed is 218 mph (350 km/h). It can accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-100 km/h) in 2.2 seconds. 

With that kind of power, you’d expect this ev motorcycle to have won awards. It has. In 2011, this bike blazed around the Bonneville Speedway in Utah, breaking all previous electric motorcycle speed records. In the over-a-decade since that event, no other motorbike on the market has challenged its title.

Lightning bikes are known for speed, durability, and power. However, their LS-218 (in addition to being the fastest production electric motorbike in the world) also has an elegant, lightweight style. When considering electric motorcycles that offer both quality workmanship and electrifying speed, the Lightning LS-218 has to rise to the top of the list.

And yet, there’s another contender in the running: the Stark Varg serves up insane performance, but you’ll have to wait—is just coming out of prototype testing and scheduled for full-scale production in 2023. So, watch this space.

5. Arc Vector: Most stylish electric motorbike

We’ve seen what a value-based bike can do. What about the other end of the spectrum? When money is no object, what can a luxury electric motorbike do? 

Enter: The Arc Vector. From its nostalgic, trendy neo-cafe racer design to the innovative tech it offers, there’s something awe-inspiring about this premium motorbike for everyone. Everything that’s used to build the Arc Vector is high-quality, and its performance speaks to that fact: The Arc Vector can accelerate from 0-60mph (0-100 km/h) in 3.2 seconds, and it has a top speed of 125 mph / 200 kilometers per hour.

Lovers of classic motorcycles will appreciate that, while the Arc Vector has neither clutch nor gears, it does have variable power modes and cruise control that owners can manipulate. With a sophisticated chassis and impressive shocks, this bike is truly a pleasure to ride. The Samsung battery that powers it gives it longevity and boast-worthy performance. 

(And, if you’re interested in accessories, look no further: The Arc Vector comes with its own stylish, tech-enabled helmet and jacket.)

6. Damon Hypersport: Best electric motorbike for commuting

While we all dream of hightailing around the globe atop our motorbike à la Mad Max, chances are we’ll do a lot more commuting than bombing across continents. If you plan on using your electric motorbike as a regular run-around, there’s no better option than the Damon Hypersport:

With a maximum range of 200 miles (321 kilometers), you can whip to work even if you live in Monticello and work in NYC—no extra charge necessary. Not to mention, the incredibly lightweight design will see you accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in as little as three seconds, so it’s truly a case of power-up and hasta la vista baby.

Of course, if you’re zooming to and from work, you’ll value reliability. Fortunately, the Hypersport has it by the truckload—featuring an (almost) zero-maintenance design, those not hot on DIY can skip the oily hands and endless tinkering, and enjoy fuss-free travel on every journey.

7. Pursang E-Tracker: Best offroad electric bike

Call Europe home? It’s your lucky day. The Pursang E-Tracker electric bike is already in full production on the continent, ready to propel you off the beaten track and to the wildest and most beautiful places on Earth—or, just down the local dirt tracks—but you do you. 

Made in Barcelona, the long-awaited Pursang E-Tracker retains the quintessence of a classic motorbike, but with all the cutting-edge mod-cons suiting the demands of a 21st Century market.

Comfortable to ride whether you’re hitting rocky trails, teetering mountain paths, or winding hill paths, the E-Tracker is going down a storm in terms of off-road performance. Given the max range of 75 miles (120 km) and a top speed of 68 mph (110 km/h), it’s a little steep price-wise. But then, so are those climbs you’re itching to conquer, and the E-Tracker will certainly see you there in comfort and panache.

8. Gogoro Smartscooter 2: Best for varied terrain

HTC, one of the biggest smartphone makers in the world, owns subsidiary Gogoro. The same attention to detail and high-quality engineering process that makes HTC’s phones renowned the world over is found in their electric motorbikes – including the Smartscooter S2 Adventure. With this bike, Gogoro took their best-selling standard S2 and replicated the best features of the beloved model – adding, this time, features to make the Smartscooter S2 Adventure the perfect motorcycle for any terrain. 

The idea? That, with this ev motorcycle, you can (very simply) go where you please. Adventure is yours; the world is your oyster. 

The Smartscooter S2 Adventure has a 68-mile (109 kilometers) range, a top speed of 57 mph (92 km/h), and a 2.5 hour recharge time. This places it in a distinctly different category than the high-performance vehicles above, but its rugged suspension and impressive braking technology make it perfect for casual off-roading and amateur adventuring. 

This electric motorbike performs extremely well in wet or muddy conditions, comes with waterproof storage bags and remote servicing, and even has fingerprint authentication. If you’re looking for a sustainable sidekick for your off-the-beaten-path investigating, the Smartscooter S2 Adventure was made for you.

 9. Damon Hypersport Pro: Best electric motorbike for range

The future of motorcycling: Canadian startup Damon has a bold claim for their electric motorbikes, but, perhaps, they have a point. Motorcycles are widely regarded as dangerous. With an impressive portfolio of truly innovative safety tech, Damon’s Hypersport Pro has also been called the safest electric motorcycle in the world. 

It’s also one of the most practical. This electric motorbike has a claimed range of 200 miles highway + 300 miles urban driving, or 321 and 482 kilometers, respectively. 

200 is a lucky number for this motorcycle: the Hypersport Pro can also reach a top speed of 200 mph (321 km/h). 

More than range and stats, Damon has equipped the Hypersport Pro with a co-pilot safety system. By using a comprehensive system of cameras, radars, non-visual sensors, and AI to monitor the speed of the bike and the direction, speed, and velocity of everything moving around the motorcycle, the Hypersport Pro can be more aware than you are of your surroundings. If the AI co-pilot senses a collision, the bike will alert you via haptic vibrations in your grip, as well as visual warnings on a 6-inch LCD screen. 

Safety, high-tech, high-speed, high-range. Sounds like the perfect electric motorbike to us!

10. Tarform: Best electric motorbike for tech lovers

The motorcycle of tomorrow: Tarform’s self-chosen title for its flagship electric motorbike reflects its ease of manufacturing and its ultra-sustainable focus. Each Tarform motorcycle is made of parts that have mostly been 3D printed; the remaining components are upcycled from kombucha-derived leather and pineapple-leaf fibers.

With its intriguing make and origin, it’s hardly surprising that tech lovers are interested. However, the Tarform’s tech features definitely don’t stop there. This electric motorbike comes with impressive power and stats, including 120 miles of range, a top speed of 120 mph (193 km/h), and a 0-60 mph (0-100 km/h) acceleration time of 3.8 seconds. 

For all of its features, the Tarform doesn’t look overly complicated or overwhelming: It manages to have a sleek look and aesthetic elements, such as a leather seat and a bronze ring around the instrument panel. 

For our part, we’re interested in the bike’s AI programming. The Tarform is built to be aware of its surroundings, allowing riders an almost omniscient real-time picture of impending obstacles or dangers. The bike communicates with the rider via haptic signaling, giving riders the information they need to keep themselves safe in an ultra-intuitive way.

11. Evoke 6061: Fastest charge electric motorbike

An electric motorbike that charges quicker than your phone? Count us in. One of the pitfalls of otherwise fantastic electric motorbikes is the forever-and-a-half charging time. But with the Evoke 6061, not so:

In just 15 minutes, this slick-as-anything motorbike will be at 80% charge thanks to the ultra-fast charging system—enough to see you through a good portion of the impressive 292 miles range (470 km). And, with a top speed of 142 mph (230 km/h), it’s not just the charging that’s lightning-quick.

Speed and range aside, the Evoke 6061 presents itself in a space-age style, perfect for satiating our lust for all things futuristic. Fast, furious, and feeling as cool to ride as it does to behold, this electric motorbike minimizes pesky waiting around and works to get us on the road ASAP.

12. Super Soco TC: Most classic styling

When you’re revving up a motorcycle, sometimes you want to look to the future – as sustainable, eco-friendly electric motorcycles inevitably do. You want the latest features. You want modern power upgrades. You want safety innovations and competitive top speeds.

However, you might also want a bike that nods to the gorgeous styling of retro, classic bikes. At that seductive intersection between the then and the now sites the Super Soco TC Max: the best electric motorbike in the world that features nostalgic, classic styling. 

Wild Grace: that’s the feeling that the TC Max’s team wants you to feel like you’re driving straight through the Fast and Furious franchise, and it seems that – with the iconic raised mirrors and slim body of this gorgeous motorbike – they’ve been successful. However, this bike is about far more than just looks: It also offers performance to match. 

This low-profile commuter motorbike can reach a top speed of just under 60 mph (75 km/h), and it can accelerate quickly, according to myriad user testimonials (though without specific 0-60/0-100 numbers to compare).

13. Sondors Metacycle: Best cheap electric motorcycle

Eco-friendly travel needn’t be limited to the likes of the rich and famous. Seeking an electric motorcycle under $5,000? Worry not, the Sondors Metacycle will see you joining the revolution without breaking the bank.

Designed for free-spirited riding, this affordable small electric motorcycle ensures you’re not limited by funds (or lack thereof). In fact, you’ll feel limitless when you’re bolting down the street on the Metacycle. With no fumes, vibrations, or ear-ringing noise to speak of, this ever-quiet motorcycle is stealthy, sleek, and stylish to boot. With a 128 km (80 miles) range and a top speed of 130 km/h (80 mph), your commute, weekend countryside ambles, and trips to see the in-laws are sorted.

The pared-back design is a little bit Batman, and we’re 100% on board. Minimalist, fuss-free, and incredibly smart in aesthetic, you’ll find yourself whipping around in surprising comfort, too. In short, if you’re seeking a budget-friendly electric street bike that offers style, speed, and value, the Metacycle is your guy.

Bonus: The upcoming electric motorcycles we’re most excited about

What’s that we see glinting on the horizon? Oh, just the hottest electric motorcycles hitting the market very soon:

• Switch Scrambler – Make it yours: the Switch Scrambler is totally customizable, and whatever style choices you make, you can be sure it’ll look slick. It’s currently in the ABS testing phase and will be heading for full production later in 2022.

• DAB Concept-E – One for the tech-fiends, the DAB Concept-E offers incredibly high-end components for a seamless experience. The slightly smaller-than-average battery means this one’s better for short-range city-riding rather than long journeys.

• Husqvarna E-Pilen – This electric motorcycle for adults is still in its conceptual phase, but it’ll be all the better for it. With a vroom-vroom aesthetic and plans for whippet-like speeds, the Husqvarna E-Pilen is certainly one to keep your eye on. Look out for full production within the next 2 years.

• Ducati Electric Racer – Still a bit of an enigma, the new model is currently being tested. When it’s finally released, the Ducati Electric Racer will be used for the MotoE series in 2023, taking the place of Energica as the official motorcycle supplier. Well, if it’s good enough for the pros…

The electric motorcycle that’s best for you

More powerful than an electric bicycle, lower-profile than an electric car: If you’re looking for a sustainable vehicle that’s a good all-around compromise between the two, you can’t go wrong with an electric motorcycle. In particular, they’re usually more cost-effective than an electric car – and they generally feature shorter recharge times, which is a definite plus.

If you’re looking to purchase an electric motorbike, there are a couple of features you should pay close attention to. These include: 

• Range. As an EV, an electric motorbike does have a specific maximum distance that it can travel before you’re going to need to find a way to recharge. If you’ll be using your electric motorcycle mainly for commuting, you may be able to select a bike with a lower range and prioritize other features. If you’re planning on adventuring further away from home, it might be a good idea to select one with a larger range – such as the Damon Hypersport Pro. 
• Comfort. Motorcycles aren’t known for being the most comfortable of vehicles, but if you’re planning on riding it a lot, a little comfort will go a long way. Check to see what the seat is made of, whether the pedals are adjustable, and if the shocks of your future bike promise a bump-free ride. 
• Safety. Motorcycles have gotten poor press in the past for their lack of safety features. The modern EV motorbike market is compensating for this with new high-tech safety features each year, such as 360-degree cameras and smart rider assistance. If you’re at all worried about your safety while you’re zipping around on your motorbike, it’s a good idea to invest in a high-tech motorcycle that has these options. 

Methodology: How we select, test, and rank the best options on the market

To find the best electric motorcycles on today’s market, we ranked the features we deemed most important – such as safety and range, as well as power, style, and comfort – and looked at all of the motorcycles that have come out recently (and will come out over the course of 2021). The master list we came up with featured several sophisticated, powerful motorbikes! 

We ranked each of these motorcycles, combing through reviews and testimonials until we had a ranking that we were ready to share. Finally, we picked one element from each bike to emphasize to award each a title as winner of a specific category. 

Frequently asked questions about the best electric motorcycles