The main electric motorcycle makers selling now

The electric motorcycle market includes both established motorcycle manufacturers adding electric models and newer companies built around electric powertrains. Zero Motorcycles, Harley-Davidson (LiveWire line), Energica, Cake, and Brammo are among the brands currently selling electric motorcycles in the United States. Each builds different types — some focus on street bikes, others on dirt bikes or smaller commuter models — and they differ significantly in price, range, and where you can buy them.

The field is still smaller than gas motorcycles, so your choices depend partly on what type of bike you want and whether a dealer near you carries that brand. Unlike buying a car, you cannot walk into every dealership and find every brand. Some brands sell only through their own website or a handful of authorized dealers.

Key Takeaways

  • Zero Motorcycles and Harley-Davidson's LiveWire are the two largest electric motorcycle brands in the U.S. market, with the widest dealer networks.
  • Electric motorcycles range from small commuter bikes under $5,000 to high-performance models over $20,000, depending on battery size and motor power.
  • Range varies by model and riding conditions, typically between 50 and 200 miles per charge for street bikes.
  • Charging time at home on a standard outlet can take 8 to 12 hours, while a dedicated home charger cuts that to 2 to 4 hours.
  • Test-riding before purchase matters more with electric bikes than gas bikes because acceleration, braking feel, and weight distribution are different.

Zero Motorcycles — the largest U.S. electric motorcycle maker

Zero Motorcycles has been building electric bikes since 2006 and sells more units in the United States than any other electric motorcycle brand. They make street bikes, dirt bikes, and dual-sport models. Their street bikes include the SR/F (a sport-touring bike), the S (a standard street bike), and the FX (a lighter commuter model). Prices start around $8,000 for entry-level models and go up to $18,000 for their top-tier bikes.

Zero bikes typically offer 100 to 200 miles of range depending on the model and how you ride. The company has its own dealer network across the country, though availability varies by region. You can also order directly from Zero's website and have the bike shipped to a local dealer for assembly and delivery. Zero offers a 5-year warranty on the battery, which is longer than most competitors.

Harley-Davidson LiveWire — the brand's electric line

Harley-Davidson launched LiveWire as a separate electric motorcycle brand in 2022, distinct from their traditional gas bikes. The LiveWire One is their main model — a street bike designed for city and highway riding. It costs around $22,000 and offers approximately 140 miles of range under normal riding conditions. The bike is heavier than most electric motorcycles (around 550 pounds) but delivers strong acceleration and is built to Harley's durability standards.

LiveWire bikes are sold through Harley-Davidson dealerships, which means availability is broader than smaller brands but still limited to areas with a Harley dealer. Harley offers a 5-year battery warranty and includes a home charging unit with purchase. If you already ride Harley and want to stay within the brand, LiveWire is the obvious choice, though the price is higher than comparable Zero models.

Energica — Italian performance-focused electric bikes

Energica is an Italian manufacturer that builds high-performance electric motorcycles. Their models include the Ego (a sport bike), the Eva (a naked street bike), and the Experia (a touring bike). Energica bikes are known for quick acceleration and responsive handling, and they typically cost between $16,000 and $20,000. Range is generally 150 to 200 miles depending on the model and riding style.

Energica has a smaller U.S. dealer network than Zero or Harley, so you may need to order online or travel to find one. The brand appeals to riders who prioritize performance and are willing to buy from a less common manufacturer. Energica also offers a 5-year battery warranty and includes a home charger with purchase.

Smaller and emerging brands

Cake, a Swedish brand, makes lightweight electric bikes designed for urban commuting and off-road riding. Their models are smaller and cheaper than Zero or Energica — typically $3,000 to $8,000 — and they focus on simplicity and fun rather than long range. Cake bikes have 50 to 100 miles of range and are sold through a limited number of dealers and online.

Brammo (now part of Polaris) makes the Empulse, a sport-touring electric bike priced around $12,000 with approximately 100 miles of range. Sur-Ron builds lightweight off-road and commuter bikes starting under $2,000, though they are sold mainly online and through specialty dealers. Sondors makes affordable commuter bikes in the $2,000 to $4,000 range. These smaller brands appeal to specific riders — commuters on a budget, off-road enthusiasts, or people who want a second bike for short trips.

How to compare electric motorcycles

When looking at different brands, focus on three things: the type of bike (street, dirt, commuter, touring), the range you actually need for your daily riding, and whether a dealer is near you. A bike with 200 miles of range is not useful if you cannot find someone to service it. Check the manufacturer's website for their dealer locator, and call ahead to confirm they have models in stock or can order one for you.

Range numbers from manufacturers assume ideal conditions — flat terrain, moderate speed, mild weather. Real-world range is often 10 to 20 percent lower, especially in cold weather or if you ride aggressively. If you commute 30 miles each way, a bike rated for 100 miles of range will work, but one rated for 60 miles will leave you anxious. Test-riding is more important with electric bikes than gas bikes because the riding experience is genuinely different — acceleration is when ready, braking feels different, and the bike's weight distribution changes how it handles.

Charging and ownership costs

Charging at home on a standard 120-volt outlet takes 8 to 12 hours for a full charge. Installing a dedicated 240-volt charger (the same type used for electric cars) costs $500 to $2,000 depending on your electrical setup, and cuts charging time to 2 to 4 hours. Most electric motorcycle owners charge overnight and start each day with a full battery.

Operating costs are significantly lower than gas motorcycles. Electricity costs roughly $1 to $3 per charge depending on your local rates, compared to $8 to $15 in gas for a similar distance. Maintenance is also cheaper — no oil changes, spark plugs, or transmission fluid. Brakes last longer because electric bikes use regenerative braking (the motor slows the bike and recovers energy). Insurance rates for electric motorcycles are comparable to gas bikes, though some insurers are still learning to price them accurately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I ride an electric motorcycle in the rain?

Yes. Electric motorcycles are sealed and waterproofed the same way gas motorcycles are. Rain does not damage the battery or electrical system. You should avoid deep water crossings and extremely wet conditions the same way you would on any motorcycle, but normal rain riding is safe.

How long does a battery last before it needs replacement?

Most manufacturers warranty the battery for 5 years or 50,000 to 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. Real-world battery life often extends beyond the warranty period. Degradation is gradual — you lose a few percent of capacity per year, not a sudden failure. Replacement batteries cost $3,000 to $8,000 depending on the model, which is expensive but spread over many years of ownership.

What if I need to ride more than 100 miles in a day?

Plan charging stops into your route, the way you would plan gas stops on a long road trip. Public charging networks for motorcycles are growing but still sparse. For regular long-distance riding, a gas motorcycle or a hybrid approach (using a gas bike for long trips and an electric bike for daily commuting) makes more sense than an electric bike alone.

Are electric motorcycles heavier than gas motorcycles?

Yes, typically 20 to 30 pounds heavier because the battery adds significant weight. A Zero SR/F weighs around 400 pounds; a comparable gas sport bike weighs 350 to 380 pounds. The weight is low and centered, so handling is not dramatically different, but you notice it when moving the bike by hand or parking on a slope.

Do I need a special license to ride an electric motorcycle?

No. Electric motorcycles are classified the same way as gas motorcycles for licensing and registration purposes. You need a motorcycle endorsement on your driver's license, and the bike must be registered with your state's motor vehicle department, just like any other motorcycle.