In 2021, the global electric two-wheeler market surpassed 10 million units sold, a 77% increase from the 2019 pre-pandemic levels. However, there are some things to note here.
Asia is leading the electric two-wheeler charge. The three largest markets in terms of units sold are China, India, and Vietnam. Moreover, by "electric two-wheeler," we also refer to scooters. Even though we don't have any specific data, it's undoubtedly clear that most of these sold units are scooters and not motorcycles.
Adoption Drivers
Some factors drive adoption, while others hinder the industry's growth. On the positive side, more riders are embracing electric motorcycles due to advantages like cheaper "fuel," eco-friendliness, and the high-tech features that typically accompany these EVs, at least high-end ones.
Many city dwellers opt for electric two-wheelers as an efficient and typically fast solution for zipping around the streets. Furthermore, adoption is pushed by policies like zero-emission zones, a growing culture around sustainability, and increased availability of motorcycle models.
Tax breaks and subsidies reduce the upfront costs of electric motorcycles, making them more appealing to budget-conscious shoppers.
Finally, technological integration and advances in connectivity can also make electric motorcycles more attractive, at least for the younger generation. Furthermore, declining battery costs, the introduction of charging station ecosystems, and better battery management technologies boost growth.
Over-the-air updates are common for electric two-wheelers, and they can unlock new features or even improve performance. Take the Stark Varg, which I'll also discuss below. An over-the-air update made earlier this year improved the powertrain efficiency, resulting in a whopping 10% increase in range.
Industry Challenges
One of the biggest hurdles in adoption, especially in rural areas and developing countries, is the lack of a widespread charging station network.
Sourcing for key raw materials such as lithium, nickel, and cobalt is still problematic. Moreover, inconsistent policies create a complex environment for manufacturers, repair networks are still lacking, and standardization among different charging systems can cause inconvenience for users and slow adoption.
However, one of the biggest hurdles that I see is the general feeling toward electric motorcycles. With electric cars, the general view has shifted a bit (although the majority still prefers ICE cars). However, electric motorcycles are lagging, with most enthusiasts convinced that conventional bikes are better.
The majority of riders prefer the traditional sensations, like the smell of gas and smoke or the engine's vibration and roar. They are not convinced that EVs can match or surpass the performance of ICE motorcycles.
And, truth be told, they don't since they cannot do that by default due to how they operate. They're better in some scenarios and worse in others. I believe it's critical to find the bike that best matches your wants and needs, whether electric or ICE.
I feel the most common factors that keep people from buying an electric motorcycle are price and range. Most electric motorcycles available now are priced quite high and designed as premium products, while range is an issue with most all-electric two-wheelers.
Electric Motorcycle Models to Watch Out For in 2025
I wanted to include some models you should keep an eye out for. Most of these are coming out next year, with just one scheduled for a later release. I'll start with the ones I have ridden.
1. Stark Varg EX
Spec Highlight:
- Motor: 360 V carbon fiber sleeve motor
- Battery: Integrated, 6.5 kWh
- Power: Max 80 hp
- Torque: 938 Nm (691 lb-ft.) on the rear wheel
- Weight: 412 lb. (187 kg)
- Estimated Range: up to 6 hours of riding time
- Charging Time: 2 hours @ 240 V, 3.5 hours @ 120 V
The Stark Varg is a literal game-changer. It is an electric dirt bike that has pioneered a new level of performance that surpasses not only other electric motorcycles but also the top gas-powered bikes. I tested out the Varg MX a couple of months ago and was blown away by it.
Recently, Stark Future announced the road-legal Varg EX, which includes some improvements, such as a slightly bigger battery, a 4,000-lumen headlamp, 20% more range compared to the MX, and more.
Both the MX and EX offer pure riding exhilaration wherever you take them. But the cool bit is that you don't have to learn to ride the bike at its full capacity of 80 hp. You have easily customizable riding modes that let you choose anywhere between 10 and 80 hp. After you set them, you can cycle through them at the touch of a button, even while riding.
Other notable details regarding the EX are the high-tech electronics, from the military-grade Android device that serves as an almost indestructible screen to adjusting engine braking and regeneration systems, turn-by-turn navigation, a reverse gear, and more.
You can learn more about the EX by checking out the article I wrote about it following its release or reading my extensive review of its motocross brother, the Varg MX.
2. Can-Am Pulse
Spec Highlight:
- Motor: Rotax E-Power, liquid-cooled
- Battery: Integrated, lithium-ion, 8.9 kWh
- Power: 47 hp peak (35 kW) / 27 hp continuous (20 kW)
- Torque: 53 lb-ft (72 Nm) from 0 to 4600 RPM
- Weight: 390 lb. (177 kg)
- Estimated Range: combined 80 miles (130 km), city 100 miles (160 km)
- Charging Time: 50 minutes (20%-80%) with 6.6 kW charger
3. Can-Am Origin
Spec Highlight:
- Motor: Rotax E-Power, liquid-cooled
- Battery: Integrated, lithium-ion, 8.9 kWh
- Power: 47 hp peak (35 kW) / 27 hp continuous (20 kW)
- Torque: 53 lb-ft (72 Nm) from 0 to 4600 RPM
- Weight: 412 lb. (187 kg)
- Estimated Range: combined 71 miles (115 km), city 90 miles (145 km)
- Charging Time: 50 minutes (20%-80%) with 6.6 kW charger
The Can-Am Pulse and Origin electric motorcycles were unveiled this year by Can-Am, which is seeking to make a comeback in the motorcycle industry. They will be launched in early 2025 and have sleek, minimalistic designs with several features that make them stand out.
I didn't just do some extra research on the two bikes. Can-Am invited me to test them both out on the beautiful roads of Nice, and boy, were they a blast to ride. To keep things short, they were incredibly zippy, responsive, and fast.
Each bike has the ideal construction and capabilities to fulfill its purpose. The smaller Pulse felt light and very easy to maneuver through traffic, while the Origin felt at home both on and off the beaten path. Although they look different, they're surprisingly similar, as they share the same platform.
My favorite parts about them were the active regeneration features that almost make braking obsolete in day-to-day use and the unique chaincases and high-tech connectivity options. You can check out a much more detailed analysis of the specs and capabilities in my review of Can-AM's two upcoming electric motorcycles. They're a fresh offering that's worth looking into.
4. 2025 KTM Freeride E
Spec Highlight:
- Battery: 5.5 kWh lithium-ion removable battery
- Power: 11 kW nominal, 19.2 kW peak
- Torque: 37 Nm (27 lb ft.)
- Weight: 109 kg (240 lb.)
- Estimated Range: between 2 and 3 hours of riding time in enduro riding style
- Charging Time: 20-80% in 4-5 hours, full charge in 8 hours using household plug
Four years ago, KTM entered the electric motorcycle industry with the Freeride E-XC dirt bike and later added SX-E and SX-E 3 mini cross motorcycles to its roster. However, the Austrian brand is now taking things up a notch by offering a fresh hard enduro machine, the 2025 Freeride E.
The SX-E 5 and SX-E 3 are also getting new versions for 2025, but all eyes are on the recently announced 2025 Freeride. KTM presented a concept ten years ago, which serves as a basis for this all-electric two-wheeler.
At the core of the Freeride E is an 11 kW electric motor powered by a 5.5 kWh lithium-ion removable battery. It churns out 37 Nm of torque and can take you up to 59 mph (95 kph).
The bike can handle up to three hours in enduro riding style, a 20% increase compared to its smaller predecessor.
It weighs just 247 lb. (112 kg) and is built on a new chrome-molybdenum steel frame with revised geometry and a wider wheelbase, paired with an aluminum and glass-fiber reinforced nylon subframe.
The 2025 Freeride E will be available at KTM dealers starting in January 2025, but its price is still unknown. To make things even better, it is fully road-legal.
5. Surron Hyper Bee
Surron has skyrocketed in popularity recently, mainly due to the LBX (Light Bee X) dirt bike. Although I (and others) call it a dirt bike, it's also quite similar to a bicycle in terms of weight and agility—and that's what made it so popular.
Surron also offers the Storm Bee full-size dirtbike and the Ultra Bee as an "in-between," mid-sized option.
There's little information available about the upcoming Hyper Bee. It was unveiled in August this year and designed for youngsters and adults interested in pit bikes.
Here's what we know. The Hyper Bee sports 112-inch front and 10" rear wheels, just like popular kids' bikes) and a mid-drive motor powered by a removable battery. Other notable features are an upside-down fork and an aluminum frame and swingarm.
6. Royal Enfield Flying Flea
Another renowned brand that announced it's trying its hand at electric two-wheelers is the iconic Royal Enfield. Its biggest announcement at EICMA 2024 (Milan Motorcycle Show) was unveiling its new electric motorcycle, the Flying Flea. It will be available in two versions: the classic-styled C6 and the scrambler-styled S6.
In fact, the Flying Flea is the name for the entire electric sub-brand launched by Royal Enfield. While these two machines are the only ones we know so far, the brand will include a range of light to middleweight urban electric motorcycles.
As implied by the bikes' and series' names, Royal Enfield took inspiration from its Flying Flea 1940s motorcycle. It has quite a wild history, as it was airdropped into WWII alongside paratroopers for quick battlefield mobility.
This new e-motorcycle is on point regarding aesthetics. It has a slick design with stand-out details like the girder fork or the vintage saddle. But what's more important is what this great-looking package hides.
And the answer is... we don't know. Royal Enfield is still keeping us guessing, as it hasn't shared a spec sheet. That's what we have to look forward to in 2025—getting some exact info to decide if the performance will be fine or breathtaking.
By the looks of it, we shouldn't expect much regarding range and performance. Since the bike is rather small, I don't expect it to fit a huge battery or a powerful motor, but that's not a bad thing.
By not shooting for the stars, Royal Enfield might be able to provide decent specs for a very attractive bike at an accessible price. It's definitely worth keeping an eye out for. What's more, the company doesn't expect the Flying Flea to go on sale until Q1 2026.
7. Zero Motorcycles X-Line Models
Zero Motorcycles is the global leader in the niche segment of high-performance electric motorcycles. A month ago, the American company announced its "All Access" strategic plan, its next transformation era in two-wheeled transportation. Over the next two years, Zero plans to introduce six brand-new models priced under $10,000, making electric bikes accessible to more riders.
The plan's first phase is the X-Line, which consists of the XE and XB models. Building on Zero Motorcycles' signature advanced engineering and performance, these bikes are suitable for off-road and urban riding. Stand-out details for both models are switchable traction control, calibrated suspension as standard, and a forged aluminum frame.
Zero XE
Spec Highlight:
- Battery: 4.3 kWh removable lithium battery
- Power: 15.5 kW (20.1 hp) peak
- Torque: 58 Nm (43 lb-ft.) or 636 Nm (468 lb-ft.)
- Weight: 223 lb. (101 kg)
- Estimated Range: 65 miles (100 km) riding at 31 mph (50 kph)
- Charging Time: 5.5 hours using a standard 110V outlet
The Zero XE is the brand's first true trail bike. It's equipped with a swappable 4.3 kWh battery mated to a 15.5 kW permanent magnet motor with 635 Nm (468 lb-ft.) of rear wheel torque. The bike is built around a 6061 forged aluminum frame and swingarm and can go as fast as 47 mph (75 kph).
Zero XB
Spec Highlight:
- Battery: 2.4 kWh removable lithium battery
- Power: 7.5 kW peak
- Torque: 42 Nm (31 ft-lb.) or 373 Nm (275 ft-lb) on rear wheel
- Weight: 139 lb. (63 kg)
- Estimated Range: 40 miles (65km) riding at 31 mph (50 kph)
- Charging Time: 0-100% in 3 hours using a standard 110V outlet
The Zero XB is a record-holder among the line-up, as it's the smallest bike. It tips the scales at a mere 63 kg (139 lb.), yet its 7.5 kW motor delivers a good 373 Nm (275 lb-ft.) to the rear wheel. Speed is capped at 45 kph (28 mph), making it suitable for AM license holders, which comes standard in Europe with the car driver's license.
All in all, even though there are some slight hiccups, the electric motorcycle industry is growing, and we'll see some exciting two-wheelers in the near future. Let us know in the comments below what bike you're looking forward to most.
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