Electric motorcycles have become more than just a niche market; they’re a thrilling and practical transportation option for riders seeking fun, efficiency, and a reduced environmental footprint. As someone deeply immersed in the world of electric two-wheelers at streetsounds.net, I’ve had the unique opportunity to experience a vast array of these machines. Forget the outdated notion of electric bikes being slow or impractical – today’s street legal electric motorcycles deliver exhilarating performance, reduced maintenance, and a uniquely enjoyable riding experience.
My journey with electric motorcycles isn’t driven by environmental concerns alone, though the eco-friendly aspect is a definite plus. The real draw is the sheer joy and fun they offer. Trading four wheels for two and embracing the open road is an unparalleled feeling. And when that two-wheeled freedom comes with the smooth, silent power of electric, it elevates the experience even further. Compared to their gasoline counterparts, street legal electric motorcycles boast significantly lower maintenance, reduced running costs, no vibrations, and a host of other advantages that enhance ownership.
This extensive experience has allowed me to ride almost every street legal electric motorcycle currently on the market. While a few international models and low-volume boutique manufacturers might have eluded me, I’ve put in considerable miles on the major players in the US market, and even some soon-to-be-released models.
Consider this your comprehensive guide to the world of street legal electric motorcycles. We’ll explore the key manufacturers, the standout bikes they produce, and what it’s like to ride them on public roads. While this overview provides a broad picture, I encourage you to delve into the detailed reviews linked throughout for a deeper dive into each model.
To keep things organized and unbiased, we’ll proceed alphabetically by brand. Let’s kick things off with Arcimoto.
Arcimoto
Arcimoto might be known for their Fun Utility Vehicle (FUV), a unique three-wheeled electric vehicle. While classifications can vary, in many regions, the FUV and Roadster models are indeed considered street legal electric motorcycles, or autocycles.
And “fun” is definitely the operative word here. These electric three-wheelers are an absolute blast to ride. They do have their quirks, like the absence of power steering which can make low-speed maneuvering a bit heavy. However, once you’re moving, they transform into high-speed electric go-karts, capable of reaching 75 mph with ease. While they might not outpace a Zero or LiveWire in a drag race, they offer brisk acceleration and feel remarkably stable at higher speeds.
Arcimoto FUV three-wheeled street legal electric motorcycle
One of the most noticeable aspects of riding an Arcimoto is the attention it attracts. Whether in bustling San Francisco or sunny Miami, these eye-catching machines draw questions and comments from curious onlookers. Beyond the novelty, the FUV offers practical features like a locking rear trunk and a rear seat area that doubles as cargo space.
Range is reasonable for city riding, around 100 miles, but highway speeds will deplete the battery quicker. Long-distance touring isn’t the FUV’s forte. I’ve also tested the Arcimoto Roadster, an open-top variant with a sportier feel. While fun, the FUV is my preferred choice for everyday street riding.
Practicality-wise, Arcimotos occupy a unique space. They are too wide for lane splitting, yet too compact for carpool lanes in some areas. However, their sheer charm and the unique riding experience largely compensate for these minor drawbacks. One adjustment for motorcyclists is adapting to the triple-track nature of the vehicle, requiring more precise navigation around road obstacles compared to a traditional motorcycle. Despite this slight learning curve, the Arcimoto FUV and Roadster offer a distinctive and enjoyable street legal electric motorcycle experience.
CAKE
CAKE, with its distinctive Swedish design, offers a range of electric two-wheelers spanning dirt, utility, and urban mobility. Their lineup includes the Kalk electric dirt bike, the Ösa electric utility bike, and the Makka electric moped. While my experience is primarily with the Kalk and Ösa, both offer a taste of CAKE’s unique approach to street legal electric motorcycles.
The Kalk, CAKE’s original model, established the brand’s bold design language and performance capabilities. It’s a capable machine, frequently seen tackling jumps and challenging off-road terrain. These bikes offer strong performance and a lightweight feel, making them incredibly fun to ride. However, they come with a premium price tag, around $14,000.
CAKE Kalk street legal electric dirt bike performing a jump
The INK line offers a more affordable entry point, but CAKE bikes remain a premium option. Importantly, both on-road and off-road versions of the Kalk are available, ensuring street legal compliance for urban riders.
The CAKE Ösa utility bike lives up to its “workbench on wheels” moniker. Highly modular and customizable, the Ösa is designed for a wide range of applications, from urban deliveries to forestry work. Despite its utility focus, the Ösa is also surprisingly fun to ride. My own slightly overenthusiastic cornering on gravel in Munich led to a minor crash, a testament to the Ösa’s playful nature.
CAKE Ösa street legal electric utility bike in an urban environment
CAKE electric motorcycles are visually striking and enjoyable to ride, but they represent a premium choice. You’re paying for the distinctive Swedish design and brand cachet. If budget is a primary concern, other brands might offer more bang for your buck. However, for riders seeking a unique and stylish street legal electric motorcycle, CAKE delivers a compelling package.
CSC
CSC Motorcycles, based in California, specializes in importing well-made, primarily Chinese-manufactured motorcycles, both gas and electric, at competitive prices. Their commitment to quality imports and extensive US-based parts warehouse ensures reliable service and support. Having tested their entire electric motorcycle lineup, and with my sister owning a CSC SG250, I can attest to their quality and service. CSC provides accessible and dependable street legal electric motorcycles without compromising on support.
The standout model in their electric lineup is the CSC RX1E. My test ride near Los Angeles exceeded expectations. It features a comfortable adventure bike riding position, making it well-suited for urban commuting and beyond. With a liquid-cooled motor, an 80 mph top speed, and a 112-mile range, the RX1E is a capable all-around street legal electric motorcycle. Priced at $8,495, it offers comparable performance to entry-level Zero models at a significantly lower price point.
CSC RX1E street legal electric adventure motorcycle
The CSC City Slicker is a smaller, more city-focused street legal electric motorcycle, comparable in size to a Honda Grom. With a 45 mph top speed, it’s designed for urban environments. The removable battery adds convenience for apartment dwellers, while its motorcycle design still provides an engaging riding experience. The City Slicker is a fun and approachable entry into street legal electric motorcycles.
CSC City Slicker compact street legal electric motorcycle
CSC also offers the Wiz, an electric scooter with similar performance to the City Slicker but in a scooter format. The Wiz provides added practicality with a cargo trunk, step-through design, and comfortable seating for two. For riders comfortable with speeds up to 40 mph, the Wiz is a budget-friendly street legal electric scooter option.
CSC Wiz street legal electric scooter
Lastly, the CSC Monterey is a vintage-styled, Honda Cub-inspired scooter. Priced at just $2,195, it’s incredibly charming. While its 32 mph top speed is modest, its retro appeal and affordability make it a delightful street legal electric scooter for slower-speed environments. The Monterey is a head-turning, enjoyable ride, particularly well-suited for relaxed cruising.
Energica
Energica motorcycles represent the pinnacle of performance in the street legal electric motorcycle market. Having ridden the Ribelle, EsseEsse9, and Experia models, I can attest to their incredible power and exhilarating riding experience.
My personal preference leans towards comfort and cruising, making the EsseEsse9 with its relaxed ergonomics my initial favorite. However, the Energica Experia sport tourer has since claimed the top spot. The Experia combines Energica’s signature power with a comfortable, upright riding position and Level 3 DC fast charging capability, making electric touring a genuine possibility.
Energica Ribelle high-performance street legal electric motorcycle
While the Experia is my top pick, any Energica offers a thrilling ride. Even the sportier Ribelle provides an engaging experience, feeling planted and stable even on windy roads. Energica motorcycles deliver top-tier performance and Italian design for riders seeking the ultimate street legal electric motorcycle experience.
Energica Experia street legal electric sport-touring motorcycle in the Alps
Gogoro
Gogoro, while not yet officially available in the US, is rapidly expanding globally and deserves mention, especially given its potential US arrival. Having experienced Gogoro firsthand in Tel Aviv, Israel, where I reside part-time, I’m impressed by their innovative battery-swapping ecosystem and scooter performance.
Gogoro scooters utilize a network of battery swap stations, eliminating the need for charging. Range is ample for city riding, though highway speeds reduce it somewhat. The convenience of battery swapping, with stations readily available, makes range anxiety a non-issue. A monthly subscription provides access to the swap network.
Gogoro street legal electric scooter with swappable batteries
Gogoro scooters offer 125cc-equivalent performance, providing brisk acceleration and ample power for urban environments. The combination of a robust battery swapping network and a well-designed, liquid-cooled scooter makes Gogoro a compelling option for city dwellers. Hopefully, Gogoro will expand to the US and Europe soon, bringing their innovative approach to street legal electric scooters to a wider audience.
Kollter
Kollter, like CSC, offers well-built, Chinese-manufactured street legal electric motorcycles with a focus on quality and US-based support. The ES1 Pro is a capable commuter bike, reaching speeds of 65-70 mph, making it suitable for both city and highway riding.
Kollter ES1 Pro street legal electric commuter motorcycle
The ES1 Pro is available in both chain-drive off-road and belt-drive on-road versions. I prefer the belt-drive model for its quieter operation and lower ride height. While not the most powerful street legal electric motorcycle, the ES1 Pro offers sufficient performance for commuting, easily outpacing cars from a standstill. Kollter, known as Tinbot in Europe, is poised to release more powerful and faster models, making them a brand to watch in the evolving street legal electric motorcycle market.
LiveWire
LiveWire, spun off from Harley-Davidson as an all-electric brand, produces high-performance street legal electric motorcycles. My initial experience with the original Harley-Davidson LiveWire in 2019 highlighted its exceptional performance, albeit at a premium price. The relaunch as the LiveWire One addressed the price concern, making this exhilarating machine more accessible.
The LiveWire One delivers blistering acceleration, reaching 60 mph in just 3.1 seconds. It excels in both canyon carving and city riding, and its Level 3 DC fast charging capability allows for quick battery top-ups. Fast charging makes the LiveWire One a practical option for riders needing to cover longer distances with minimal downtime.
LiveWire One high-performance street legal electric motorcycle charging
I also had the opportunity to test the LiveWire Del Mar prototype, a more affordable model slated for release next year. Priced at $17,000, the Del Mar offers similar acceleration to the LiveWire One in a slightly more compact and comfortable package. While range is expected to be slightly less than the LiveWire One, it remains ample for urban commuting. The LiveWire Del Mar represents an exciting addition to the street legal electric motorcycle market, offering high performance at a more accessible price point.
LiveWire S2 Del Mar street legal electric motorcycle prototype
NIU
NIU specializes in city-focused electric scooters, offering practical and affordable urban transportation. My NIU NQi GT Long Range has served as my daily driver for over two years, proving to be a reliable and efficient city vehicle. NIU scooters provide a convenient and eco-friendly alternative to cars in congested urban environments.
While not the most powerful scooters, NIU models offer sufficient performance for city riding, keeping pace with 125cc gasoline scooters. The NIU NQi GT Long Range provides a comfortable and practical ride, though the battery placement slightly raises the foot platform. For riders seeking a more powerful option, the NIU MQi GT EVO offers increased speed and performance.
NIU NQi GT Long Range street legal electric scooter in an urban setting
NIU also offers the RQi Sport electric motorcycle, currently available in China. As NIU expands its motorcycle offerings, they are poised to become a significant player in the street legal electric motorcycle market, offering a range of urban-focused and accessible electric two-wheelers.
Ryvid Anthem
The Ryvid Anthem is a uniquely designed and innovative street legal electric motorcycle. Its lightweight, folded metal frame allows for customizable geometry, and the adjustable seat height, even while riding, provides personalized comfort. The Anthem offers a nimble and engaging riding experience.
Ryvid Anthem street legal electric motorcycle with adjustable seat
While not the fastest street legal electric motorcycle in terms of outright acceleration, the Ryvid Anthem prioritizes riding experience and style. Its comfortable ergonomics, particularly for smaller riders, and adjustable seat make it accessible to a wide range of riders. The removable battery pack, with integrated wheels for easy transport, is a standout feature for apartment dwellers. With a 75 mph top speed, the Anthem is well-suited for urban commuting and enjoyable weekend rides.
SONDORS Metacycle
The SONDORS Metacycle is a highly anticipated street legal electric motorcycle that blends affordability with a distinctive design. After delays, deliveries are now underway, bringing this unique machine to riders. The Metacycle offers a stylish and accessible entry into the street legal electric motorcycle market.
While the final production version saw some performance adjustments compared to the initial specs, the Metacycle remains a fun and nimble commuter bike. Its “turbo” mode provides short bursts of higher speed, while its standard top speed is suitable for urban and suburban riding. My test ride revealed a reasonable range for commuting, though sport mode usage impacts battery life.
SONDORS Metacycle street legal electric motorcycle in an urban environment
The Metacycle is incredibly easy to ride, making it a natural upgrade for riders transitioning from high-speed electric bicycles. Its unique features, like the see-through glovebox with wireless phone charging, add to its appeal. Even with a slight price increase from its initially announced price, the Metacycle remains a compelling value proposition in the street legal electric motorcycle market.
SONDORS Metacycle street legal electric motorcycle easy handling
Sur Ron Light Bee
The Sur Ron Light Bee occupies a unique niche, blurring the lines between electric bicycle and motorcycle. While technically not a high-powered motorcycle with its 8 hp motor, the Light Bee delivers surprising off-road performance and is often seen competing with and even outperforming gasoline-powered motorbikes in off-road races. It is street legal in some regions with appropriate modifications and homologation.
The Sur Ron Light Bee is incredibly lightweight and agile, offering a playful and engaging off-road riding experience. Its limited battery capacity is its main drawback, but for shorter, high-intensity off-road adventures, it’s a thrilling machine. Priced affordably, the Sur Ron Light Bee is a great entry point into off-road electric riding and, with modifications, can be made street legal in certain areas for dual-sport fun.
Sur Ron Light Bee electric motorbike being recharged in the field
Zero Motorcycles
Zero Motorcycles is the established leader in the US street legal electric motorcycle market, offering a diverse lineup of models catering to various riding styles and budgets. From the flagship SR/F and SR/S to the more accessible FXE and versatile DSR/X, Zero provides a wide range of high-quality street legal electric motorcycles.
The Zero DSR/X, the company’s newest adventure model, is particularly impressive. It offers a blend of high-performance, off-road capability, and rider aids, making it a capable and versatile adventure touring machine. While priced at the higher end, the DSR/X represents the pinnacle of Zero’s engineering and innovation.
Zero SR/S fully-faired street legal electric motorcycle
For riders seeking a more affordable entry into the Zero lineup, the FX line, particularly the FXE, offers a thrilling and accessible option. The Zero FXE provides strong performance, agile handling, and the quality and support associated with the Zero brand, making it an excellent commuter and all-around street legal electric motorcycle.
Zero FXE street legal electric motorcycle in an urban environment
While Zero remains the dominant force, emerging brands like Kollter, SONDORS, Ryvid, and CSC are offering compelling and often more affordable alternatives in the commuter segment. This increasing competition benefits consumers, providing a wider range of choices and price points in the street legal electric motorcycle market.
The Electric Revolution Continues
The street legal electric motorcycle market is dynamic and rapidly evolving. New companies and models are constantly emerging, pushing the boundaries of performance, range, and affordability. The future of electric motorcycles is bright, with continuous innovation promising even more exciting and accessible options for riders. The journey of exploring these new machines is an ongoing adventure, and one I’m eager to continue as the electric motorcycle landscape expands.
