Buying guide · 1970

Best electric motorcycles

Instant torque, no gearbox and a maintenance list that drops to tyres, brakes and software. The parts picture changes completely: no oil, no chain-driven engine services, but brakes and tyres still wear.

Who this segment suits

  • Urban riders with home or workplace charging
  • Owners who want minimal scheduled maintenance
  • Riders in cities with low-emission zone restrictions

Model picks — electric motorcycles

Every pick links to its fitment reference: chain spec, pad codes, tyre sizes and the parts that fit.

BikeTypeYearsWhy it makes the listOwn one?
Zero Motorcycles SR/FElectric20192026Streetfighter-style electric with instant torque and no gear changes.Find parts that fit →
Zero Motorcycles DSR/XElectric20232026Electric adventure platform aimed at mixed-surface riding.Find parts that fit →
Zero Motorcycles FXEElectric20222026Light supermoto-style electric built for urban riding.Find parts that fit →

What to check before you buy

  • Charging: onboard charger rate matters more day to day than headline range
  • Battery health records on used bikes
  • Tyre and brake condition — regenerative braking changes wear patterns, it does not remove them
  • Software and firmware update history
  • Warranty terms on the battery pack specifically

What it costs to run

  • No oil, filters or spark plugs; servicing collapses to brakes, tyres, fluids and inspection
  • Brake pads can last longer thanks to regeneration, but discs still corrode if unused
  • Tyres remain the main consumable — instant torque is hard on rear rubber

Part-cost ranges and workshop labour rates for 16 countries are in our price guides.

Tires & Wheels for electric motorcycles

The category electric motorcycles owners buy from first.

Sport Touring Tire SetVerified fit
Tires & Wheelsvia MotorcycleID

Sport Touring Tire Set

Dual-compound front and rear set balancing grip and mileage.

$289.00View
Tubeless Valve & Rim Tape KitVerified fit
Tires & Wheelsvia MotorcycleID

Tubeless Valve & Rim Tape Kit

Complete wheel service kit with rim tape, valves and balance weights.

$24.99View

Parts this segment needs first

All electric motorcycles in our catalog

3 models with fitment references and matched parts.

Other segments

FAQ

Do electric motorcycles need servicing?

Yes, but far less. There is no oil or filter change; you are maintaining brakes, tyres, suspension, coolant on some models and software.

Do electric bikes use chains?

Most use a belt final drive, which needs tension checks but no lubrication. Some models still run a chain.

Are electric motorcycles cheaper to run?

Energy and scheduled maintenance costs are lower. Purchase price and tyre wear are usually higher, so the total depends on annual mileage.