Electric motorcycles have surged in popularity, and for good reason. They offer thrilling performance, reduced maintenance, and an eco-friendlier ride compared to their gasoline counterparts. As someone who’s deeply passionate about electric two-wheelers, I’ve had the unique opportunity to test ride almost every street legal electric motorcycle currently on the market. Forget just being “green”; these machines are genuinely fun and offer a superior ownership experience.
This comprehensive guide dives into the world of Street Legal Electric Motorcycles, providing insights into various brands and models available today. While I haven’t covered every niche international model or ultra-boutique manufacturer, this article offers a broad overview of the major players in the US market and beyond. Consider this your go-to resource for understanding the exciting landscape of electric motorcycles.
To keep things organized and avoid any favoritism, we’ll explore these brands alphabetically.
Zero FXE electric motorcycle ridden by Micah Toll
Image: A rider expertly maneuvers a Zero FXE electric motorcycle on a paved road, showcasing its agility and street-legal design.
Arcimoto
Arcimoto might be known for their unique three-wheeled Fun Utility Vehicle (FUV), but these electric autocycles are indeed classified as motorcycles in many regions and are completely street legal. The FUV lives up to its name, delivering a fun and engaging riding experience.
While the absence of power steering can make low-speed maneuvering a bit heavy, at higher speeds, the FUV transforms into a 75 mph electric go-kart. It’s powerful enough for spirited riding, though it might not outpace a Zero or LiveWire in a drag race. Nevertheless, it reaches 75 mph swiftly and feels stable at speed.
One of the most noticeable aspects of riding an Arcimoto is the attention it garners. Whether in bustling San Francisco or sunny Miami, people are drawn to its distinctive design, often stopping riders to inquire about this eye-catching electric vehicle. Practicality is also considered, with a locking rear trunk and a rear seat that doubles as cargo space.
Range is suitable for city commutes, offering around 100 miles in urban conditions. However, highway riding will significantly reduce this range, making it less ideal for long-distance touring. The open-top Arcimoto Roadster offers a different, trike-like motorcycle experience with a sportier feel, though the FUV is generally more practical for daily use.
The FUV’s width means it can’t lane split, and it’s not quite large enough for carpool lanes, but its charm is undeniable. Riders need to be mindful of its triple-track nature, requiring more precise road positioning compared to two-wheeled motorcycles or cars when navigating obstacles.
Arcimoto FUV three-wheeled electric vehicle
Image: Front view of the vibrant Arcimoto FUV parked on a city street, highlighting its three-wheel configuration and street-legal features like headlights and turn signals.
CAKE
CAKE, known for its distinctive Swedish design, offers a range of electric motorcycles across three main platforms: the Kalk dirt bike, the Ösa utility bike, and the Makka moped. While I’ve primarily tested the Kalk and Ösa, both offer an enjoyable and street legal electric riding experience in appropriate configurations.
The Kalk, CAKE’s original model, established the brand’s bold design language and high-performance capabilities. It’s frequently seen tackling jumps and off-road terrain, demonstrating its robust build and power. While pricey, the Kalk offers both off-road and street-legal versions, expanding its usability. The lower-cost INK line provides a more accessible entry point, still maintaining CAKE’s quality and style.
The CAKE Ösa is designed as a versatile “workbench on wheels,” emphasizing modularity and customization. It can be adapted for various purposes, from deliveries to utility work, showcasing its practical design. Despite its utility focus, the Ösa is also powerful and fun to ride, as I discovered perhaps a bit too enthusiastically during a gravel lot ride. CAKE motorcycles are undeniably stylish and fun, though their premium pricing reflects their focus on design and unique appeal.
CAKE Kalk electric dirt bike in action
Image: A rider airborne on a CAKE Kalk electric dirt bike, demonstrating its off-road capabilities, while street-legal versions ensure on-road compliance.
CAKE Ösa electric utility bike
Image: Close-up of the CAKE Ösa electric utility bike showcasing its modular design and street-legal components like mirrors and license plate holder.
CSC
CSC Motorcycles, based in California, specializes in importing quality, largely Chinese-made motorcycles, both electric and gasoline-powered, and ensures they meet US street legal standards. They are known for competitive pricing and excellent parts availability from their large LA warehouse, providing strong after-sales support. My personal experience and my sister’s positive ownership of a CSC bike highlight their commitment to service and quality, dispelling concerns about Chinese-made vehicles.
The CSC RX1E stands out as a particularly impressive model. This adventure-style bike offers a comfortable riding position and surprising performance for its price point. With a liquid-cooled motor, a top speed of 80 mph, and a 112-mile range, the RX1E is well-suited for commuting and urban riding. Priced considerably lower than entry-level Zero models, it offers excellent value.
The CSC City Slicker is a smaller, Honda Grom-sized electric motorcycle perfect for urban environments. Its 45 mph top speed and removable battery for apartment charging make it a practical and fun city commuter. The City Slicker’s mini-moto charm often draws positive attention from onlookers.
The CSC Wiz electric scooter offers similar performance to the City Slicker but in a scooter format, adding cargo space and passenger comfort. For speeds up to the low 40s mph, the Wiz is a cost-effective and street legal option. Lastly, the CSC Monterey, a vintage Honda Cub-inspired scooter, boasts charming retro styling at an affordable price. While its 32 mph top speed is limited, its appeal and ease of use make it ideal for slower-speed environments.
CSC RX1E electric motorcycle on a paved road
Image: The CSC RX1E electric motorcycle parked on a scenic road, emphasizing its adventure bike styling and street-legal features for highway and city use.
CSC City Slicker electric motorcycle in an urban setting
Image: A CSC City Slicker electric motorcycle navigating city streets, demonstrating its compact size and street-legal maneuverability.
CSC Wiz electric scooter parked on a sidewalk
Image: The CSC Wiz electric scooter parked, showcasing its scooter design with step-through frame and street-legal lighting.
Energica
Energica motorcycles represent the pinnacle of power and performance in the electric motorcycle sector, all while being fully street legal. Having tested the Ribelle, EsseEsse9, and Experia models, I can attest to their exhilarating performance. The Experia, a sport-tourer, quickly became my favorite due to its blend of potent drivetrain, comfortable upright riding position, and Level 3 DC fast charging capability, making electric touring a viable option.
While the Ribelle offers a sporty, streetfighter experience, the EsseEsse9 caters to comfort cruisers with its more relaxed ergonomics. Regardless of the model, riding an Energica is always an exciting experience. Even the sportier models are enjoyable, though the Experia’s touring capabilities and comfort make it exceptionally appealing for longer rides and everyday use. Energica bikes are not just powerful; they are refined and technologically advanced, ensuring a premium street legal electric motorcycle experience.
Energica Ribelle electric motorcycle in motion
Image: An Energica Ribelle electric motorcycle speeding along a coastal road, highlighting its streetfighter styling and powerful presence, while adhering to street legal requirements.
Energica Experia electric sport-tourer motorcycle in the Alps
Image: A rider on an Energica Experia electric motorcycle riding through scenic mountain roads in the Italian Alps, demonstrating its touring capability and street-legal compliance in international settings.
Gogoro
Gogoro, while not yet officially available in the US, is a brand to watch, especially given its expanding global presence and focus on street legal electric scooters. Operating extensively in Asia and recently launching in Tel Aviv, Gogoro’s innovative battery-swapping network and high-performance scooters are gaining traction. As a Tel Aviv resident, I was among the first to experience the Gogoro S2 ABS, appreciating its convenience and performance firsthand.
Gogoro scooters utilize a unique battery-swapping system, eliminating the need for charging. With swap stations readily available, range anxiety is virtually nonexistent. The S2 ABS offers 125cc-equivalent performance, suitable for city and even some highway riding, though high-speed highway use reduces the range. The battery swap process is incredibly quick, taking as little as 30 seconds, and a monthly subscription provides access to the network.
The combination of a robust battery infrastructure and a stylish, powerful, liquid-cooled scooter makes Gogoro a compelling urban mobility solution. The hope is that Gogoro expands to Europe and the US, bringing its efficient and user-friendly electric scooters to a wider audience seeking street legal and convenient electric transportation.
Gogoro electric scooter rider in an urban environment
Image: A rider on a Gogoro electric scooter navigating city traffic, showcasing its urban maneuverability and street-legal design for city commuting.
Kollter
Kollter, known as Tinbot in Europe, offers quality Chinese-manufactured street legal electric motorcycles with a focus on commuter-friendly designs and reliable performance. The ES1 Pro model I tested proves to be a capable commuter bike, reaching speeds of 65-70 mph, adequate for urban and suburban roads. Available in both chain-drive off-road and belt-drive on-road versions, the latter offering quieter operation and a lower ride height, which I personally prefer.
While not the most powerful in the market, the ES1 Pro provides sufficient acceleration for city riding, easily outpacing cars from a stop. Kollter is expanding its lineup with new, more powerful and faster models on the horizon, making them an exciting brand to watch in the evolving electric motorcycle landscape. Their focus on practical, street legal commuter bikes positions them well in the growing market for electric urban transportation.
Kollter ES1 Pro electric motorcycle parked on a city street
Image: The Kollter ES1 Pro electric motorcycle parked on a city street, highlighting its commuter-focused design and street-legal features.
LiveWire
LiveWire, spun off from Harley-Davidson as an all-electric brand, delivers high-performance street legal electric motorcycles that are as thrilling as they are technologically advanced. My early experience with the original Harley-Davidson LiveWire impressed me with its performance but also highlighted its premium price. The relaunch as LiveWire One brought the price down, making this exhilarating machine more accessible.
The LiveWire One boasts incredible acceleration, reaching 0-60 mph in just 3.1 seconds. It’s equally at home carving through canyons or navigating city streets. Level 3 DC fast charging adds to its practicality, allowing for quick battery top-ups. The upcoming LiveWire Del Mar promises similar performance at an even more attractive price point. During a prototype test ride, the Del Mar impressed with its agility and comfort, potentially becoming a more urban-focused option with a slightly reduced range compared to the LiveWire One. Both models represent LiveWire’s commitment to high-performance, street legal electric motorcycles.
Original Harley-Davidson LiveWire electric motorcycle
Image: A rider on the original Harley-Davidson LiveWire electric motorcycle, emphasizing its groundbreaking entry into the street legal electric motorcycle market.
LiveWire One electric motorcycle charging at a fast charger
Image: A LiveWire One electric motorcycle plugged into a fast charger, demonstrating its street-legal usability for daily commutes and longer rides with quick charging options.
LiveWire S2 Del Mar electric motorcycle prototype
Image: A rider testing the LiveWire S2 Del Mar electric motorcycle prototype, showcasing its street-legal design and anticipated release as a more accessible LiveWire model.
NIU
NIU focuses on practical and stylish street legal electric scooters, ideal for urban commuting. While positioned after the high-performance LiveWire alphabetically, NIU offers a different kind of electric mobility solution – affordable, efficient, and city-focused. My NIU NQi GT Long Range has been my daily driver for over two years, proving its reliability and suitability for urban needs.
The NIU NQi GT offers 125cc-equivalent performance, keeping pace with city traffic. While the battery placement slightly raises the foot platform, it becomes quickly accustomed to. The top speed of 50 mph is sufficient for city riding, though the newer NIU MQi GT EVO, with a 62 mph top speed, offers a performance upgrade. The EVO’s quicker acceleration and higher top speed make it an excellent option for those wanting more performance or riding with a passenger. NIU’s scooters are practical, street legal, and perfect for navigating urban environments efficiently.
NIU NQi GT Long Range electric scooter in a city setting
Image: A NIU NQi GT Long Range electric scooter navigating through city streets, highlighting its street-legal scooter design and urban commuting capability.
Ryvid Anthem
The Ryvid Anthem is a uniquely designed and street legal electric motorcycle that stands out for its innovative features and customizable geometry. Riding the Anthem is a blast, thanks to its lightweight folded metal frame and nimble handling. The adjustable seat height, with a 4-inch range adjustable even while riding, caters to a wide range of rider sizes.
While not the fastest in terms of raw acceleration, the Anthem compensates with style and a unique riding experience. Its comfort is notable, especially for smaller riders, but the adjustable seat ensures taller riders are also accommodated. A key feature is the removable battery pack with integrated wheels, making charging convenient for apartment dwellers. With a 75 mph top speed, the Anthem is well-suited for commuting and urban roads, delivering a fun and practical street legal electric riding experience.
Ryvid Anthem electric motorcycle first ride experience
Image: A rider and the cofounder of Ryvid posing with the Ryvid Anthem electric motorcycle, emphasizing its innovative design and street-legal features.
SONDORS Metacycle
The SONDORS Metacycle is a highly anticipated street legal electric motorcycle that finally reached production after much anticipation. While the final version saw some changes from the initial design, including increased weight and a slightly reduced sustained top speed, the Metacycle remains a compelling urban commuter. A “turbo” mode provides short bursts of higher speed, useful for quick maneuvers.
During test rides, the Metacycle proved to be fun and nimble, perfect for city riding and traffic navigation. Its range is more suited for shorter commutes, particularly with frequent use of sport mode. The Metacycle’s ease of riding makes it an accessible upgrade from high-speed electric bicycles. Unique features like a see-through glovebox with wireless phone charging add to its appeal. Despite a slight price increase from its initial announcement, the Metacycle still offers good value as a stylish and street legal electric commuter motorcycle.
SONDORS Metacycle electric motorcycle test ride
Image: A rider on the SONDORS Metacycle electric motorcycle during a test ride, showcasing its street-legal design and urban riding suitability.
SONDORS Metacycle electric motorcycle in an urban environment
Image: The SONDORS Metacycle electric motorcycle parked on a city street, emphasizing its modern design and street-legal compliance for urban commuting.
Sur Ron Light Bee
The Sur Ron Light Bee occupies a unique niche as a lightweight, high-performance electric bike that blurs the lines between bicycles and motorcycles, and certain configurations can be made street legal with aftermarket kits. While technically not a “real motorcycle” due to its lower power output, the Light Bee delivers impressive off-road performance, often outperforming gasoline bikes in races. Its incredibly light weight and instant torque make it a thrilling ride, though its smaller battery capacity limits extended high-intensity use.
The Sur Ron is ideal for off-road adventures and recreational riding, easily transportable and fun to ride. Its affordability makes it an accessible entry into electric off-road riding. While primarily known for off-road use, with appropriate modifications, the Sur Ron can be adapted for street legal use in some areas, expanding its versatility.
Sur Ron Light Bee electric motorbike being recharged
Image: A Sur Ron Light Bee electric motorbike being recharged in a field using a portable power station, showcasing its off-road and potentially street-legal adaptable nature.
Zero Motorcycles
Zero Motorcycles stands as the undisputed leader in the US street legal electric motorcycle market, offering a diverse lineup catering to various riding styles and needs. From the flagship SR/F and SR/S models to the more accessible FXE and versatile DSR/X adventure bike, Zero provides a comprehensive range of electric motorcycles.
The new Zero DSR/X adventure bike is particularly impressive, offering high-power adventure riding capabilities with advanced rider aids and ample storage. While positioned at a premium price, it represents the pinnacle of Zero’s engineering and innovation. For those seeking a more budget-friendly entry into the Zero family, the FX line, including the FXE and FXS, offers thrilling performance and a taste of the Zero experience at a lower price point. As the market leader, Zero faces increasing competition from emerging brands offering more affordable commuter options, but their wide range, technological advancements, and established reputation keep them at the forefront of street legal electric motorcycles.
Zero SR/S electric motorcycle parked
Image: A Zero SR/S electric motorcycle parked, highlighting its sleek, fully-faired design and street-legal features as a premium electric motorcycle option.
Zero FXE electric motorcycle in an urban setting
Image: A rider navigating city streets on a Zero FXE electric motorcycle, demonstrating its urban agility and street-legal compliance for daily commuting.
The Future of Street Legal Electric Motorcycles
The electric motorcycle market is rapidly evolving, with new companies and models emerging constantly. This dynamic landscape promises exciting developments in the coming years. The increasing competition and innovation are pushing the boundaries of performance, range, and affordability in street legal electric motorcycles, making it an exciting time to be a rider or enthusiast. As more options become available, the appeal and accessibility of electric motorcycles will only continue to grow.
Add Electrek to your Google News feed.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
Stay up to date with the latest content by subscribing to Electrek on Google News. You’re reading Electrek— experts who break news about Tesla, electric vehicles, and green energy, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow Electrek on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our YouTube channel for the latest reviews.
