Electric motorcycle prices range from about $7,000 to $15,000 for new models you can buy today, with used options starting around $4,000 to $6,000

The price you pay depends on the brand, battery size, and how far you want to ride on a single charge. A smaller electric motorcycle with a 50-mile range costs less than a larger one with a 150-mile range. Most people shopping for their first electric motorcycle spend between $8,000 and $12,000 new, or $5,000 to $8,000 used.

Beyond the purchase price, you need to budget for insurance, charging equipment, and maintenance. Insurance typically runs $300 to $600 per year, depending on your age and location. A home charging station costs $500 to $2,000 to install, though you can charge from a standard outlet if you have time to wait. Maintenance is cheaper than gas motorcycles because there are no oil changes, spark plugs, or transmission fluid — but battery replacement, if needed after 8 to 10 years, can cost $3,000 to $8,000.

Key Takeaways

  • New electric motorcycles cost between $7,000 and $15,000, with most models in the $8,000 to $12,000 range.
  • Used electric motorcycles are available for $4,000 to $8,000, but battery condition and remaining warranty matter more than mileage.
  • A home charging station adds $500 to $2,000 to your upfront cost, though standard outlet charging is free and slower.
  • Annual insurance, maintenance, and electricity costs are lower than gas motorcycles, but battery replacement is expensive if it becomes necessary.

Popular new electric motorcycle models and their prices

The Zero S is one of the most common entry-level models, priced around $8,000 to $9,000 new. It has a 100-mile range and is lightweight enough for new riders. The Harley-Davidson LiveWire costs about $15,000 and appeals to riders who want a familiar brand; it goes about 140 miles per charge.

The Energica Eva sits around $13,000 to $14,000 and is built for longer rides, with a 150-mile range. The Cake Makka is a smaller, lighter option at roughly $7,000 to $8,000, designed for city riding and short commutes. Prices vary by dealer and region, and some manufacturers offer discounts or financing options that can lower your monthly payment.

Newer brands like Sondors and Sur-Ron offer models starting around $3,000 to $5,000, but these are often classified as motorized bicycles or off-road vehicles rather than street-legal motorcycles, so check your local regulations before buying.

What affects the price of an electric motorcycle

Battery capacity is the biggest cost driver. A motorcycle with a 10 kilowatt-hour battery costs less than one with a 15 kilowatt-hour battery, because larger batteries take more materials and engineering. More battery capacity means longer range, so you pay more for the ability to ride farther between charges.

Brand reputation also matters. Harley-Davidson and Energica charge more because they have established service networks and longer warranty periods. Smaller manufacturers like Zero and Cake offer lower prices partly because they have smaller overhead costs and less brand recognition.

Motor power affects price too. A motorcycle with a 50-kilowatt motor costs less than one with an 80-kilowatt motor. More power means faster acceleration and higher top speed, which most riders do not need for commuting but want for highway riding or sport performance.

Used electric motorcycle prices and what to check

Used electric motorcycles typically cost 40 to 60 percent less than new ones. A used Zero S from 2021 or 2022 might sell for $5,000 to $6,500, while a used Harley-Davidson LiveWire could be $9,000 to $11,000. Prices depend on the model year, mileage, and how much battery capacity remains.

When shopping used, battery health is more important than mileage. Ask the seller for the battery report or have a dealer run a diagnostic test, which costs $50 to $150. A battery that has degraded to 70 percent of its original capacity will cost you range, and replacement is expensive. Check whether the original warranty is still active — some manufacturers offer 5 to 8 year battery warranties that transfer to the next owner.

Look for service records showing regular maintenance. Electric motorcycles have fewer moving parts than gas bikes, so there is less to break, but you want to know the bike was cared for. Ask about any accidents or frame damage, which affects resale value and safety.

Charging equipment and installation costs

You can charge an electric motorcycle from a standard 120-volt household outlet, but it takes 8 to 12 hours for a full charge. Most owners install a 240-volt Level 2 charger at home, which charges the same motorcycle in 3 to 4 hours. A Level 2 charger unit costs $300 to $800, and installation by a licensed electrician adds $200 to $1,200 depending on how far your garage is from the electrical panel.

If you rent or cannot install a home charger, you can use public charging networks. ChargePoint and Electrify America have stations in most cities, and charging costs $0.20 to $0.40 per kilowatt-hour. A full charge at a public station costs $3 to $8 and takes 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the charger speed.

Some apartment buildings and workplaces offer charging stations. If you have access to one, your charging cost drops to nearly zero, and you can charge during the day without installing anything at home.

Insurance, registration, and annual costs

Electric motorcycle insurance costs $300 to $600 per year for most riders, compared to $400 to $800 for gas motorcycles. Some insurers offer discounts if you take a safety course or have a clean driving record. Get quotes from at least three companies before buying, because rates vary widely by location and age.

Registration and licensing fees are the same as for gas motorcycles in most states — typically $50 to $200 per year. A few states offer tax credits or registration discounts for electric vehicles, so check with your state's motor vehicle department.

Electricity costs about $0.03 to $0.05 per mile, compared to $0.10 to $0.15 per mile for gas motorcycles. Over 5,000 miles per year, that saves you $250 to $600 in fuel. Maintenance is minimal — no oil changes, air filter replacements, or spark plugs — so you save another $200 to $400 per year compared to gas bikes.

Financing and payment options

Most electric motorcycle dealers offer financing through banks or captive lenders. A $10,000 motorcycle financed over 60 months at 6 percent interest costs about $193 per month. Some dealers offer 0 percent financing for may have access to buyers, which lowers the monthly payment to about $167.

A few manufacturers offer lease programs, though these are less common than for cars. Leasing lets you ride a new motorcycle for 24 to 36 months without owning the battery, which removes the risk of expensive replacement. Lease payments typically run $200 to $400 per month.

Check whether your state or local government offers tax credits or rebates for electric motorcycle purchases. Some states provide $500 to $2,500 back at tax time or as a point-of-sale discount. Federal tax credits for motorcycles are not available, but this may change — check the IRS website or your state's environmental agency for current programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to replace an electric motorcycle battery?

Battery replacement costs $3,000 to $8,000 depending on the motorcycle model and battery size. Most batteries last 8 to 10 years before needing replacement. If your motorcycle is still under warranty, the manufacturer may cover the cost partially or fully. Check your warranty documents or contact the dealer to understand what is covered.

Is an electric motorcycle cheaper to own than a gas motorcycle?

Over five years, an electric motorcycle is usually cheaper to own because fuel and maintenance costs are lower. You save $250 to $600 per year on fuel and $200 to $400 per year on maintenance. However, the upfront purchase price is similar, so the savings come over time, not when ready.

Can I charge an electric motorcycle at a gas station?

No, electric motorcycles cannot use gas station pumps. You charge at home using a standard outlet or Level 2 charger, or at public charging networks like ChargePoint or Electrify America. Some workplaces and apartment buildings have charging stations available to residents.

What is the cheapest electric motorcycle available?

The cheapest street-legal electric motorcycles cost $7,000 to $8,000 new, such as the Cake Makka or Zero S. Smaller brands like Sondors offer models around $3,000 to $5,000, but these are often classified as motorized bicycles rather than full motorcycles, so check local laws before buying.

Do electric motorcycles hold their value?

Electric motorcycles depreciate similarly to gas motorcycles — about 40 to 50 percent in the first three years. However, battery condition affects resale value more than mileage does. A well-maintained motorcycle with a healthy battery holds value better than one with battery degradation, even if it has fewer miles.