Top Ten Most-Powerful Electric Motorbikes
Stereotypes die hard. But let this sink in for a second: Harley-Davidson, the company known for its ear-drum bursting “hogs” has declared its electric-powered LiveWire the most powerful bike it’s ever produced – the times they are a ‘changing.
The LiveWire accelerates from 0-60 mph in three seconds flat. Reviewers say the LiveWire superbike is “easy to handle,” “well-built,” “enjoyable to ride” and even “comfortable.” When driven non-demonically, the LiveWire has a range of 146 miles. Should you wish to unleash the beast, it’ll give you close to 90-95 miles. Despite Darley-Davidson’s noble entry, however, the LiveWire isn’t close to the most-powerful battery bike out there. The firms making top 10 lists are mostly small and new, but boy, do they pack a punch.
We recognize there are some riders who aren’t ready to embrace a hum over a roar, but the future waits for no one. And so, in acceptance and appreciation of our inevitable future, let’s take a ride down electric avenue. Considering “top ten” lists remain an internet favorite to compare the top brands, we’re going to stick with the formula.
Here are the world’s top-ten most-powerful electric motorbikes
Number 1: Thee Lightning LS-218- U.S. manufacturer Lighting Motorcycles has only been in the game since 2006, but CEO and Founder Richard Hatfield is one of those Elon Musk-types who got an idea in his head and couldn’t let it go. His fledgling firm first took a Yamaha ex-race bike and “electrified” it in 2006. Lighting Motorcycle’s first offering gave you 60 horsepower, and a top speed of 100 mph. Fast-forward to 2014 and the company had developed at, well, lightning speed to give the planet the LS-218. This creation is the fastest production motorcycle on earth – electric or not. Top speed: 218 mph (or 315 kph) – a speed not legal or recommended anywhere other than a racetrack. Horsepower: 200. Torque: 68 ft.-lbs. The LS-218 weighs just under 500 pounds and has a range – depending on what you do with it – of anywhere from 160 to 180 mph.
Number 2: Damon Hypersport HS – Canadian company Damon Motorcycles claims its bikes can hit 200 mph and have a range near 200 miles – you can order one now, but delivery is currently scheduled for 2021, and orders are backed up till 2022. Depending on who you ask, the Hypersport HS price tag is reasonable at US$24,995. One caveat: As the bikes themselves are not on roads at present, it’s hard to gauge quality and reliability, but they look extremely promising.
Number 3-4: Energica Eva Ribelle – This Italian bike has the tagline, “The world’s first 100% electric streetfighter.” With 145 horsepower, a top speed of 145 mph, torque at 159 ft lb and a lithium-ion battery with up to 250 miles of city range, this may well be an excellent choice for many. Sleek and sexy, the fact that it isn’t the fastest is offset by the many pros. The Energica Ego is in fourth place; another offering from the same Italian firm. Specs are similar but toned down. The price for the Ego is US$19,540; while the Ego Plus hits US$23,870.
Number 5-6: The 2020 Zero SR/F and SR/S – Riders and reviewers complained that the 2019 Zero model was something more suited to a teenager than a real motorbike enthusiast. The Zero SR/F and SR/S appears to have alleviated those concerns, with one review noting, “the SR/S tosses away all the toy-like trappings of past Zero models and offers a truly compelling reason to go electric on two wheels.” Using a permanent-magnet, single, air-cooled motor, you get 110 horsepower and 140 pound-feet of torque. Having no transmission and owing to its belt-style drive, these bikes are surprisingly quiet and seriously strong. Only downside? –The price: US$25,000.
Number 7: The Brutus V9 – This family-owned American business named Bell Custom Cycles (BCC) rolled out a model in February 2011. Since then, BCC has packed on the pounds, literally. The Brutus V9 is well-named. It weighs 780 pounds and looks like it would beat a Harley in a barfight. Top speed 115 mph, which is rather impressive for a such a muscular vehicle.
Number 8: Harley-Davidson LiveWire – Many bikers remember the moment in mid-2019 when Harley-Davidson finally unveiled the LiveWire with a “jolt of Zen.” With a top speed of 95 mph, those who want to stick to the classics have a clear choice.
Number nine: Johammer J1.200 - This Austrian creation “only” hits 75 mph, but will turn heads with its one-of-a-kind mixed retro and futuristic design.
Number ten: Gogoro Smartscooter S2 Adventure – While not actually a motorcycle, we have to give this Taiwanese electric scooter a little press as it beats Vespa’s version (32 mph) to hit 57 mph. With a range that can reach 105 miles and a ridiculously easy-to-change and charge battery system, this little scooter company could be on the edge of global greatness.