Electric vehicles have exploded in popularity over the last decade, with most attention focused on electric cars. However, electric motorcycles comprise an exciting high-performance product category. Advances in battery technology and electric powertrain efficiency have enabled manufacturers to create ultra-fast, torquey e-motorcycles that outrun even gas-powered superbikes.
This industry guide will countdown today’s 10 fastest production electric motorcycles available globally. For each model, we analyze the latest technical specifications, innovations, pricing, intended riding experience, and manufacturer brand strength. By comparing top speed, acceleration, power, range, and charging metrics, we rank these elite performers pushing the limits of electric mobility.
Scope and Methodology
Models were evaluated based on verifiable statistics published by manufacturers for commercially available production electric motorcycles. Both street and some off-road designs were considered, focusing exclusively on battery-electric rather than hybrid powertrains. Metrics emphasized were top speed, 0-60 mph acceleration, peak power and torque, battery capacity and range.
We aimed to provide a representative global snapshot with latest model year data, although most companies originate from US, UK, Italy and China. Models are ranked with number one being the fastest electric motorcycle overall based on peak velocity. Esoteric boutique models were excluded to focus on leading brands moving the industry forward through engineering innovation and consumer adoption.
Surging Global E-Motorcycle Market
Electric motorcycles have surged over 400% growth since 2016 with projected sales exceeding 500,000 units by 2027, according to Market Research Future analysis. China currently leads the world in both production and purchases of e-motorcycles. However, North America and Europe represent enormous untapped markets ripe for conversion from gas bikes.
What’s driving this momentum? Electric motorcycles provide practically all plusses and few minuses compared to internal combustion counterparts. They generate nearly silent operation, emissions-free mobility, smoother torque delivery and lightweightengines removing excessive vibration. Owners skip oil changes, air filters and exhaust system repairs through simplified maintenance. Operating costs run around 95% lower compared to gas bikes in fuel and repairs.
While purchase prices run higher than combustion models, dropping lithium-ion battery prices paired with government subsidies are equalizing affordability. As reliability and range continue improving alongside charging infrastructure expansion, electric motorcycles promise to penetrate mainstream consumers beyond just early tech adopters.
10. Pursang E-Tracker – King of Electric Dirt Bikes
Kicking off the top 10 list is the only off-roader, the Pursang E-Tracker. As an electric dirt bike built for trail riding rather than street racing, the E-Tracker provides battery-powered performance for motocross enthusiasts. Weighing 147 kg with a balanced center of gravity, the E-Tracker‘s geometry lends well to low speed maneuvering over obstacles and uneven terrain.
With a seat height of 815 mm and 1,437 mm wheelbase, its dimensions can accommodate most riders rather than overly large motocross proportions. A waterproof 7.2 kWh battery feeds the drivetrain to achieve 87 miles of range, sufficient for hours of riding before recharging in 6 hours.
While top speed is restricted to 75 mph, acceleration still impresses at 0-60 mph in just 3.2 seconds – perfect for snapped wheelies out of corners! Priced very reasonably for an electric dirt bike at $14,800, the Pursang E-Tracker promises silent off-road fun without sacrificing torque or range.
9. Sondors Metacycle – Electrifying Urban Mobility
Transitioning on-road at number nine is the budget-friendly Sondors Metacycle at $5,000. The US-based company Sondors strives to electrify mobility through affordable well-designed electric vehicles for the masses. The Metacycle balances that mission with surprisingly strong performance via an 8000 W mid-drive electric motor.
Weighing just 91 kg with a 1,320 mm wheelbase, the Metacycle feels nimble darting through urban traffic. Seat height is set slightly low at just 800.1 mm while the steel tube frame stretches design constraints to integrate clever locking storage compartments. A 4 kWh swappable battery delivers an 80 mile range to satisfy daily commuting needs.
The Sondors hits 60 mph in 5 seconds on its way to a 80 mph top speed governed for road compliance. For just $5,000, the smartly equipped Metacycle proves electric bikes can meet practical transportation needs without breaking the bank.
8. Harley-Davidson LiveWire – An Electric Revelation
No compilation of elite performance motorcycles escapes without the legendary American motorcycle manufacturer Harley-Davidson making an appearance. The LiveWire represents a historic foray into electrification for the Milwaukee-based company. Retaining traditional Harley cruiser styling cues, the LiveWire packs an innovation punch beneath its iconic veneer.
With an imposing silhouette 2,135 mm long and weighing 249 kg, the LiveWire can accommodate two-up riding secure and planted at speed thanks to a lengthy 1,490 mm wheelbase. Power comes from the 78 kW (105 hp) Revelation electric powertrain developed in collaboration with Panasonic Automotive. This digitally controlled set of permanent magnet motors propel the sturdy cruiser from 0-60 mph in just 3 seconds.
The battery is a capacious 15.5 kWh capacity (13.6 kWh nominal) unit enabling 146 miles of range blended riding. Level 1 charging takes excessive hours, so most riders will prefer the one hour DC fast charging capability. With a $21,999 MSRP, the LiveWire presents a premium offering poised to electrify future Harley models.
7. Tarform – A Sustainable Swedish Beauty
Located in Stockholm, Sweden, Tarform focuses on achieving sustainability and traceability across the entire production system for its electric motorcycles. Applying principles of circular economy business models and digital manufacturing, Tarform aims far beyond building just an electric powertrain. With extensive use of 3D printing along with algorithmically optimized component design, the company transmits an electric pulse through antiquated motorcycle manufacturing traditions.
The model itself tips the scales at 199.6 kg with a friendly 838.2 mm seat height and generous 1,524 mm wheelbase to encourage relaxed riding posture. Yet it can sprint from 0-60 mph in a brisk 3.8 seconds before reaching a governed top speed of 120 mph. The 10 kWh battery feeds the motor 103 km (64 miles) mixed city/highway range sized for average daily commuting rather than long voyage touring.
Yours for $24,000 before customization options, the Tarform sets its sights on progressive urban riders captivated by sustainability and powered by electricity.
6. Zero SR/S – Pinnacle of Electric Motorcycling
Leading US electric motorcycle manufacturer Zero Motorcycles has made powering the two-wheeled electric revolution its mission for over 13 years. The 2021 SR/S model represents the state-of-the-art for Zero, melding comfortably ergonomics with savage straight-line acceleration. Rider-adjustable power output enables speeds suitable for city commuting or attacking winding back road curves. At max power mode, the SR/S leaps from 0-60 mph in 3.3 seconds fed by 190 Nm of electric torque with extra propulsion from regenerative braking.
With a featherweight 142 kg curb mass and adjustable rider geometry, the SR/S supplies serious speed while retaining nimble handling. Customizable 12.6 kWh of battery capacity translates to a market-leading range up to 203 city miles by independent testing. Rapid charging from empty to 95% occurs in just one hour using an optional quick charger.
Available for $19,995 the SR/S epitomizes the pinnacle of electric motorcycling with dominant power, leading range and intelligent features.
5. Arc Vector – A Tron Lightcycle Comes to Life
Hailing from England, Arc aspires to redefine how riders interact and feel connected to their motorcycle. Encased in a futuristic carbon fiber shell weighing just 169 kg, the Vector appears like a Lightcycle from the Tron movie franchise digitized into reality. The Human Machine Interface (HMI) leverages smart helmet technology to link rider analytics to the onboard computer for unprecedented situational control.
A few eye-popping metrics tell the performance story for this Tron descent. It can warp from 0-60 mph in 3.2 seconds spurred on by torque peaking at 85 Nm from the 8 kW motor. Max speed is electronically limited to 124 mph. The compact 16.8 kWh battery fast charges from 0-80% in a mere 40 minutes for a max range around 163 miles.
Priced at $120,000, the Arc Vector sets its sights on elite sophisticates taken with advanced electronics integrated into a revolutionary full-carbon motorcycle design.
4. Evoke 6061 – Blasting to 150 MPH
UK upstart Evoke Motorcycles focuses squarely on raw performance with its 6061 model, showcasing how electric drive systems can not just match but dramatically outpace internal combustion engines. Using an advanced EEMS energy management system to optimize power, the Evoke 6061 demonstrates physics-defying acceleration hitting 60 mph in 2.6 seconds thanks to 95 kW (127 hp) churning out 240 Nm torque fed by a massive 24.8 kWh battery.
That furious pace continues as the Evoke rockets all the way to a top speed of 150 mph, while still preserving 292 miles maximum range. Further heightening the performance envelope, a 125 kW charging system can transform the battery from flat to 100% in just 15 minutes!
Detailed specifications come few and far between from Evoke, but expect premium components like TTXGP racing-bred powertrain control and Ohlins suspension systems. The aluminum alloy chassis and swingarm mix rigidity with limited lightweight flexibility for uncompromising handling and control at speed. Price remains shrouded in secrecy as well, but buyers can anticipate paying handsomely for this exclusive ticket to enter the 150 mph electric motorcycle club!
3. Energica EGO – Italian Electric Superbike
Breaking the 150 mph barrier right alongside its British counterpart, the Energica EGO from Italy’s Energica Motor Company also unleashes true electric superbike performance. This European challenger rivals top superbikes from Ducati or Aprilia headquartered just 200 miles across the country. Designed by CRP Group utilizing its aviation and F1 experience, the EGO sports motorcycle construction revolves around a stout aluminum alloy frame supporting the powertrain.
Extreme performance pops from the specs sheet: 126 kW (167 hp) peak power paired to 200 Nm torque derived from a 21.5 kWh battery. This combo can slingshot the EGO from 0-60 mph in 2.6 seconds without drama before maxing out at a top speed of 150 mph. Generating these intense G-forces does incur a hefty 280 kg curb weight.
Yet that bulk brings stability hugging corners, aided by adjustable traction control, ABS, and four separate battery charging maps to fine tune power delivery. Blistering acceleration with leading range capability starts around $23,500 in the USA. For Electronic Grand Origins, Italy’s Energica brand challenges the American electric motorcycle leader Zero by delivering an irresistible electric crotch rocket!
2. Damon Hypersport – Safety Fused with Speed
Rather than chasing incremental performance gains, Canadian startup Damon Motorcycles pursues an innovative vision for electric superbikes: fully integrated safety and ergonomic flexibility. The Hypersport model projects a top speed over 200 mph but stands apart with its CoPilot system featuring 360-degree radar, cameras and sensor detection to identify multi-vector collision threats.
This advanced warning system enables added reaction time to avoid accidents. It works in conjunction with adjustable riding positions from sit-up sport tour to tucked-in race crouch enabled by an adjustable windscreen, handlebars, pegs and side pods – all controlled electronically. Adaptive suspension tunes compliance and firmness based on selected mode and detected road conditions.
Underpinning the versatility, a mid-mounted 21.5 kWh battery feeds a liquid-cooled permanent magnet AC motor with 212 Nm torque to deliver 3 second 0-60 mph acceleration. When paired with safety-centric ergonomic flexibility, the $24,995 Hypersport could convert many more riders to electric.
1. Lightning LS-218 – World‘s Fastest Production Motorcycle
Claiming the number one spot as the fastest production motorcycle money can buy: The Lightning LS-218. True to its name, this groundbreaking EV two-wheeler boasts a top speed of 218 mph making it the fastest accelerating production bike ever built. Able to snap from 0-60 mph in an incredible 2.2 seconds, the LS-218 out-sprints even the quickest supercars thanks to instant-on electric torque combined with its streamlined 223 kg weight.
The secret lies within a 20 kWh liquid-cooled battery powering twin air-cooled AC induction motors to generate maximum torque across the entire power band. That results in a riding experience described as faster than a piston-powered 1000cc superbike but with turbo-like torque rather than peaky horsepower delivery. Despite outrageous drag strip credentials, the LS-218 remains docile in traffic with a broad power curve.
Several battery configurations provide options from 12 kWh up to the 20 kWh velocity king. The modular battery design accepts new chemistry upgrades as technology improves for extended range. Expect prices ranging from $38,888 up to $46,888 for the privilege of hitting a double-ton on two wheels!
The Electric Future of Motorcycles
While still early days, electric motorcycles have already shattered expectations of what battery-powered bikes can deliver. As the march of technology continues, we will see further improvements in range, charging times, battery life, and sustainability. More models from legacy companies like Honda, Yamaha and BMW will accelerate electric vehicle adoption across global markets.
Performance leaders profiled here demonstrate electric drivetrains can readily outpace internal combustion counterparts. Instant torque afforded by electric motors provides unmatched acceleration and low-speed control. Shedding mechanical complexity of gas engines enables lightweight optimized designs. As production scales up, costs decline down to match conventionally fueled models.
Within the next five years, expect a spate of new offerings cracking the 200 mph apex speed from both established motorcycle marques and hungry startups. Ownership costs will achieve parity as lithium-ion battery prices plunge due to massive EV investments. 2030 should witness electric domination of motorcycle sales, as gas models fade away into the hydrocarbon haze.
