With the market still in its infancy, electric motorbikes are slowly beginning to make their mark on the motorcycling community. Unlike electric scooters, motorbike users are sometimes reluctant to swap their noisy internal combustion engine for a completely silent two-wheeler.
However, the arrival of noise radars and environmental concerns are pushing more and more people to convert to electric motorbikes in France.
Consultez sans plus tarder notre Top 10 des meilleures motos électriques 2023.
Why buy an electric motorcycle?
Today, many electric motorbike models compare favourably with their internal combustion engine counterparts. While the operation is quite different, there are more and more advantages to switching to an electric vehicle. Technology is advancing at a rapid pace and electric motorbikes offer maximum torque from the start, which is a key factor in urban riding.
Differences between electric scooters and electric motorbikes
The main difference between the scooter and the electric motorbike is in their use. The scooter is mainly used in an urban environment, whereas the electric motorbike is more at ease on fast lanes with better stability.
With smaller diameter wheels, the electric scooter has a lower centre of gravity. This gives it the edge in the middle of traffic with unbeatable manoeuvrability to weave in and out of traffic. The larger wheels of an electric motorbike, on the other hand, allow for greater stability at higher speeds when on a fast track.
Weight is also an important difference between the two vehicles. Because of its fairing, the scooter is heavier with the same power and therefore has more inertia.
While the price of an electric motorbike is more expensive than an electric scooter , the insurance is cheaper. Indeed, the scooter is considered by the insurance companies as more dangerous, as it is more frequently subject to claims.
It all depends on your use and your requirements for the bike. If you want excellent handling and more riding pleasure, you should opt for an electric motorbike, which will give you a much better feeling than a scooter.
Benefits of electric motorbikes in everyday life
Switching to a vehicle sometimes requires some sacrifices. The way it works is very different from a petrol motorbike engine and you have to be able to adapt to the battery. But there are many advantages that can tip the balance in favour of the electric two-wheeler, which represents the future of ecological travel.
The not inconsiderable financial aspect of electric
With low energy costs, especially at low and medium speeds, you can save money by not being dependent on the price of fuel. It is now calculated that it costs about 2 euros for an electric charge to cover a distance of 100 km.
The economic aspect therefore comes into play and is a huge step towards the electric vehicle. It requires simply having a power outlet available to recharge the battery, directly connected to the electric motorbike, or at home with a removable battery.
In the long run, the savings on fuel allow you to save money every month by not having to worry about this increasingly burdensome expense.
The battle against combustion engine pollution
At the request of the European Union, France must drastically reduce the air pollution present in the air of our cities. This is a crucial issue for this pollution representing nearly 48,000 deaths per year from cancers linked to the poor quality of the air we breathe.
More and more cities are refusing the entry of combustion engine vehicles to encourage users to switch to ecomobility models. There are now 12 low-emission zones (ZFE ) in the country, which are taking a tougher stance on the circulation of polluting vehicles in their areas.
But this is not the only pollution that French cities want to reduce. Noise pollution has been on the authorities' radar lately. Studies show that the noise generated by motorbikes can reduce the life expectancy of people who are exposed to this pollution too frequently. Cities are therefore starting to set up noise radars to limit the impact of noise pollution on local residents.
If the argument of the bikers is that the noise of the motorbike allows them to signal themselves on the road to avoid accidents, the studies show the opposite with an impossibility for the motorists in the traffic to pick up precisely where the screaming noise of the thermal motorbikes comes from.
It is urgent to react and swap the internal combustion engine for an electric brushless motor which is much more energy efficient and has a near-zero noise level.
The driving pleasure of electric cars
The pleasure of riding an electric motorbike is different but just as enjoyable. It is very comfortable to ride an electric motorbike, which is vibration-free and easy to operate. The engine torque on start-up responds instantly and allows you to quickly pull away from any other vehicles in your path.
Driving in silence and not queuing at the petrol station is a real pleasure. It is very difficult to go back after driving an electric motorbike. Especially when you know that these electric machines are much less susceptible to breakdowns.
Easy maintenance where only the battery needs your attention
The operation of the electric motor is particularly simple. It requires almost no maintenance or servicing to keep your two-wheeler in good working order. There is no need to get dirty to maintain your electric motorbike. This is a huge point that our customers stress when they switch to electric.
This simply requires that you preserve your battery as best as possible so that it delivers its full power for as long as possible. We therefore advise you to :
- Do not charge the battery while it is still warm. That is, just after using the electric motorbike
- Store the battery in a temperate place. Not too hot and not too cold to keep the battery cells intact.
- Do not let the battery run down completely. Ideally we recommend recharging before falling below 20% and not going above 80% to keep the cells in top shape.
- Recharge the battery at least once a month if not used for a long time
- Always use the original charger which is designed not to degrade the battery over time.
Top 10 des meilleures motos électriques de 2023 : Comparatif
Dans ce comparatif et Top 10 sans classement se trouve plusieurs catégories des meilleures motos électriques sur le marché en 2023.
Super SOCO TC MAX, electric power for everyone
Based on a steel/aluminium frame, the Super SOCO TC Max electric motorbike has a 3kW brushless motor. For a very attractive price, the TC Max offers a top speed of 100 km/h and a range of 100 km.
The quality of manufacture of the SUPER SOCO brand allows the TC Max to offer an excellent quality-price ratio. Perfectly balanced and relatively light (93kg), this electric motorbike allows you to weave in and out of traffic with ease thanks to its agile handling.
The energy transition becomes quite accessible with this 125cm3 equivalent model which benefits from several subsidies. Its removable 18 kg battery allows easy recharging but still requires some muscle if the socket is too far away.
With its competitive price and efficient suspension, the Super SOCO TC Max is the perfect eco-friendly two-wheeler to take the electric plunge and it was unthinkable not to mention this model in our comparison of the best electric bikes.
Lightning LS 218, the most powerful in the world
In a completely different price range, the LS 218 Lightning is a very high-end electric motorbike from the American manufacturer. The performance is mind-blowing and can be summarised in just a few figures:
- 350 km/h top speed
- 270 Nm of torque (200 hp)
- 224 kg on the scale
- Between 200 km and 300 km range depending on the battery chosen (12 kWh, 15 kWh, 20 kWh)
A super-powered luxury electric motorbike that puts combustion models to shame. Lightning Motorcycle and its Lightning LS 218 have set the standard for what a high-powered electric motorbike should be, with its sporty looks and high performance in both speed and range.
The price also makes many shudder with a starting price of 35,000 euros!
Harley Davidson Livewire, the American class
The famous American manufacturer Harley Davidson has also released its electric model and offers a model that is as classy as it is powerful. The Harley-Davidson Livewire retains the spirit of the American brand but in total silence with this elegant model that is sure to please the more classic bikers.
The 249kg machine can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in just 3 seconds and is powered by a 78kW (105hp) 'Revelation' motor. With a top speed of 180 km/h, this top-of-the-range electric motorbike can be purchased for just over 30,000 euros.
As for the range, the manufacturer claims 230 km in the city and 150 km on the road thanks to the Samsung 15.5 kWh battery. As with electric cars, recharging is carried out via a Type 2 socket thanks to the charger supplied, but it also offers the possibility of rapid recharging on an electric terminal via a Combo CCS type connector. Harley Davidson announces a 40% recharge in only 30 minutes. (1 hour for the complete charge from 0 to 100%).
Sur-Ron Light Bee, for off-road enthusiasts
For off-road enthusiasts, the Sur-Ron Light Bee is a high-performance electric motocross bike with a very modern look. The centrally positioned 2.1 kW electric motor allows speeds of up to 45 km/h on public roads and up to 75 km/h for the off-road model, which is intended for use on private land.
This electric motorbike is particularly light with its 50 kg, including battery, with very well distributed masses, being able to offer a range of 100 km maximum. Compared to the other two-wheelers mentioned above, this is nothing to write home about, yet this machine delivers an excellent torque of 210 Nm, which allows for strong acceleration in urban environments.
An electric motocross bike for fun that offers some great sensations on the road but also off-road for a very affordable price.
Arc Vector, British luxury
The unique Arc Vector electric motorbike is back in the spotlight with its futuristic look designed by a former Jaguar man. The British manufacturer, after going bankrupt, is offering an ultra-premium two-wheeler at a price of 99,000 euros.
Arc promises a top speed of 200 km/h (95 kW electric motor) with a 0 to 100 km/h time of just 3.2 seconds. The 16.8 kWh battery promises a maximum urban range of 436 km. A quick charge is available for a full charge in just 45 minutes.
The British manufacturer is betting on a range of connected accessories that promise to completely revamp the way people ride. A jacket with haptic feedback would be proposed to signal a series of warnings to the rider, as well as a helmet displaying driving information directly integrated into the visor.
Sunra Miku Super, 125cc big brother of the Miku Max 50cc
Building on the success of its Miku Max mini electric motorbike, Chinese manufacturer Sunra is moving into the 125cc electric motorbike range in 2022 with its Sunra Miku Super.
It is based on the original design of its little brother, but with the proportions of a real 125cc motorbike. Thanks to its 3kW brushless motor, the Miku Super can reach a maximum speed of 80 km/h. As a specialist in electric vehicles, Sunra equips the Miku Super with two removable batteries (72V 20Ah) offering up to 130 km of autonomy in eco mode and 80 km in mixed mode.
With its 12-inch wheels, the Sunra Miku Max is particularly easy to handle and a real pleasure to drive in urban environments. Offered at a very aggressive price on the market, the Chinese manufacturer does not cease to propose astonishing vehicles as well in terms of look as of quality of manufacture.
Horwin CR6, the classic Café Racer style
In a much more classic style, the Horwin CR6 combines power with the Café Racer style that bikers love. Its 6.2 kW engine has good acceleration with a 0-60 km/h time of just 6 seconds.
The driving experience is excellent with a vehicle developed and designed for the European market. Indeed, the seat position, seat length and co-driver comfort are optimised for taller drivers on the Horwin CR6(tested here).
A complete electric motorbike offering a good autonomy (150 km of range) as well as a comfortable ride and a frank acceleration (260Nm of engine torque). The only drawback is the large non-removable battery (72V 55Ah), which allows the rider to benefit from a larger subsidy from the government.
Zero DSR Black Forest Edition, efficient and complete trail
We could have listed the Zero SR/F in this comparison but instead we selected the Zero DSR Black Forest Edition for the adventurous, which with its rugged look is one of the best electric motorbikes of 2022. This Zero Motorcycles model with its 62 kWh "Z-Force" motor delivers 146 Nm of torque and a top speed of up to 160 km/h.
Excellent driving performance for this versatile Trail with many features: adjustable windscreen, Kit Top and Side Case as standard on this version, steel side protection, additional lighting and above all an integrated fast charger (Charge Tank) on the false tank.
With 150 km of mixed driving range, this Zero Motorcycles trail bike allows you to go for a nice ride while taking a lot of gear with you. It is possible to push the range to around 200km in more urban use, for example to get to work every day.
Energica Eva Ribelle 2020, the powerful Street Fighter
Dans un design nettement plus sportif, on retrouve dans ce comparatif des meilleures motos électriques de 2023, le Street Fighter ultra-puissant Energica Eva Ribelle 2020. Le constructeur italien a été choisi pour équiper le championnat MotoGP électrique (Coupe du Monde FIM Enel MotoE) avec cette moto électrique.
A true roadster developing 145 horsepower with a speed limit of 200 km/h offering a range of 200 km in mixed use and nearly 400 km in town. With new, more efficient and, above all, lighter batteries, this street fighter is almost 5% lighter than the previous version.
It has 4 maps, 4 regenerative braking modes, reverse gear, a fast charger that can recover 85% in just 20 minutes, a connected TFT screen, Bosch ABS and 6-stage traction control developed by Energica.
One of the most complete electric sport bikes in our comparison for a price of over 20,000 Euros.
Masai Vision 3000, a supermotard made for the city
On termine enfin ce comparatif des meilleures motos électriques de l'année 2023 avec la Masai Vision 3000 dans un pur style supermotard en équivalent 50cc. Il n'est donc pas nécessaire d'avoir le permis moto pour la conduire.
Its 3kW brushless motor with chain drive allows for a top speed of 45 km/h. Although this transmission is slightly noisier than the total silence of a motor placed in the rear wheel, it allows for a better performance.
The Masai Vision 3000 is an excellent electric motorbike for the city, promising up to 60km of range that can be doubled by adding a second battery. The Vision 3000 is also heavily subsidised, making it one of the best cheap electric bikes in our comparison.
Conclusion
The electric motorbike market is still in its infancy and the major manufacturers are also waiting to see the reaction of motorcyclists before making the switch to electric bikes. A huge upheaval for the motorcycle industry, but with plenty of possibilities still to come.
3 comments
Patrice Henras
Hello,
I am in the same situation as Mr Tony GALANTE, with a second generation Rocket III
Thanks
Best regards
Plbavis
Hello, strange that a Spanish manufacturer is not mentioned in your articles.
Urbet with its Gadiro e-125, having a motor of 3kw with peaks at 5kw, a real max speed of 83km/h and a real autonomy of 120 km with its two batteries cumulating 5kw/h.
All this for 3800€!
Nobody says better, super soco TC max the direct competitor has less autonomy, even if its central engine is a better solution, but it is especially much more expensive.
For city and intercity use, it is absolutely the right choice.
Moreover, its regenerative engine allows very efficient deceleration.
I am an engineer. I have a 650 thermal, which is my 5th bike after the BMW 75s, and my research led me to choose Urbet.
It's weird that there's no reference to it...
The price is too attractive, which could push the price of the bikes down. And make the customers who are asked to pay 15k€ for a bike with 150km of autonomy not so easy to catch...?
It's up to you to find out!
GALANTE TONY
Good morning, Madam, Sir,
It is very good all that,
Personally, I ride a TRIUMPH ROCKET 3 First generation, the biggest and heaviest 2300 cc 340 KG empty
I am 1.90 m tall and weigh 139 kg, which motorbike do you recommend?
Difficult in these conditions ?
What do you think?
Thank you for your answer,
Very kindly,
Mr GALANTE Antoine.