Electric motorcycles are benefiting from the EV revolution in much the same ways as cars. There are already lightning-quick electric motorcycles that can go toe to toe with regular bikes, and the total range of these motorcycles is also catching up.
Highway driving and the efficiency loss related to aerodynamics is still an issue with e-motorcycles, but progress is being made. So, let’s look at the current kings of range in the e-motorcycle space and see how far they can go.
1. Damon HyperSport Premier
The Damon HyperSport Premier is one of the meanest-looking e-motorcycles currently for sale. Not only is this futuristic e-motorcycle one of the fastest electric bikes you can currently purchase, but it also features one of the most incredible ranges.
This bike tries to push the envelope in every way possible, starting with its unique monocoque architecture. According to Damon, its bikes are the only ones to offer this type of technology.
Every HyperSport is powered by HyperDrive – the world’s first monocoque-constructed, all-electric, multi-variant powertrain.
Thanks to unique features like this, the Damon HyperSport can push the envelope of what was thought possible with an electric motorcycle. Damon says on their site that the range is an astounding 200 miles combined. This is an amazing number for an e-motorcycle that claims to have 200 hp and a 200 mph top speed that challenges EVs like the ultra-fast Tesla Model S Plaid.
This is an astounding number for an e-motorcycle, and hopefully, the Damon leads the charge for more electric motorcycles that can truly go the distance. Although in the world of electrified vehicles, the fastest EVs also tend to have excellent range, so this isn’t unnecessarily unheard of. This is often the case when considering electric bicycles with the longest range as well.
If you’re in the market for an electric motorcycle to substitute your car, the Damon HyperSport Premier is an excellent choice, especially if you value extreme performance and extended range. The HyperSport Premier won’t come cheap, though. The $40,000 starting price will come as a shock to many people.
2. Energica Eva Ribelle
The Energica Eva Ribelle is an extremely aggressive-looking e-motorcycle. It has amazing performance thanks to its 159 ft-lbs of torque delivered by its electric motor and a jaw-dropping 171 peak horsepower.
This is enough to scoot the Eva Ribelle from 0 to 60 mph in 2.8 seconds, which is supercar quick, in case you’re wondering. There is an RS model that’s even faster, with a 0-60 mph time of 2.6 seconds.
It’s definitely a fast ride, but the range department is where the Energica Eva Ribelle really shines. It delivers 261 miles of range in a city setting. The Eva Ribelle is also rated for 153 miles of combined driving range. These numbers are great for an electric bike and will ensure that you can use this electric motorcycle for your daily commute.
Big batteries are important in these types of applications, especially if you want a considerable range. The Eva Ribelle checks this box off as well with its 21.5 kWh battery.
These numbers might not seem very impressive to ICE motorcycle drivers, but they are excellent for the class of vehicles the Eva Ribelle competes against. Eventually, electric motorcycles will continue to improve their combined driving ranges, which is currently one of the shortcomings associated with these vehicles.
However, if you want to have the Eva Ribelle in your garage, Energica will charge you $23,800 for it.
3. Energica Experia
The Energica Experia is a stablemate of the Eva Ribelle, but it’s a unique bike with tons of storage space for long trips. This electric motorcycle is perfect for touring across Europe, and it manages to package room for everything you might need, mixed with great looks.
The Experia produces 102 horsepower at its peak and produces a monstrous 664 ft-lbs of torque at the wheel. With power like this, you might be tempted to think the Experia is an inefficient ride, but this assertion is totally wrong.
Energica estimates that the Experia can travel up to 261 miles of city driving with a full battery, and the combined range is 160 miles. These numbers aren’t as impressive as some ICE motorcycles, and the price of electric bikes underscores this issue quite a bit, but it’s still a very useful range.
However, the best thing about the Experia is its practicality. It can travel long distances and also carry all of your things at the same time. But for this privilege, you’ll have to shell out $25,880.
4. Verge TS
The Verge TS is a bike that looks like it popped right out of the Tron movie. It has a unique electric motor that’s integrated into the rear wheel assembly. Due to this, the electric motorcycle doesn’t have a chain, and the rear wheel is hollow, which lends it an amazing sci-fi appearance.
It also features an earth-shattering 1000Nm of torque from the innovative electric drivetrain. The Verge TS will also travel up to 186 miles on a single charge if used for city driving and 124 miles for highway driving.
Again, these numbers are decent, but for the price, they’re not really anything to write home about. The Verge TS will set you back €24,990.
5. Harley-Davidson LiveWire
Harley-Davidson is a world-famous bike manufacturer, and the LiveWire electric motorcycle is definitely a bold step for the company. A Harley is more than just a bike: it’s a part of American popular culture. So, if Harley-Davidson decided to sell an electric motorcycle, you know it’s going to be good.
The LiveWire doesn’t disappoint, and looks-wise it is amazing. The appearance is classic Harley-Davidson, but with a hint of Tron aesthetic thrown in. This large motorcycle will deliver approximately 146 miles of driving range in the city.
The combined figure for the LiveWire is 95 miles, which means you can daily drive this bike around town with no problem. If you want ultimate comfort and are ok with shelling out $29,799, this might be the e-motorcycle for you.
E-Motorcycles Still Have Room for Improvement When It Comes to Range
There is a case to be made for purchasing an ICE bike if your true mission is to travel long distances on your motorcycle. The price of electric motorcycles is still quite prohibitive, and although the range aspect is getting better, you’re getting way less range for more money.
Nevertheless, the e-motorcycle segment is still growing, so it’s completely normal that the current offerings still have plenty of room for improvement. The biggest challenge these motorcycles seem to be facing is dealing with highway travel.
The range obviously suffers in these conditions, but the good news is that this is an area that will continue to be addressed by manufacturers. At the moment, it’s still feasible to daily drive these bikes, even over long distances.
But the next generation will surely be much better at highway cruising while hopefully sporting lower price tags.