It is no surprise that the market for electric motorcycles is rapidly growing, especially with the issues of climate change and the current fuel prices…
With the government planning to ban all petrol and diesel cars by 2030, We know it's just a matter of time before the motorcycle market is affected, hence why we have seen an increase in manufacturers deciding to bring out their own electric bikes.
This is a comprehensive guide for electric motorcycles for beginners, so if you are looking for something bigger (and with a bit more power), check out our guide for the 10 Best Electric motorcycles for plenty of premium options.
This list is in no particular order, so let's get into it, shall we?
Zero FXE 7.2 (11kw) ‎
Replacing its popular FXS Supermoto, Zero has released the completely remodelled FXE.
The FXE was designed as a collaboration between Zero’s engineering team and Bill Webb, owner of Huge Design based in San Francisco.
Carrying over the much-loved FX chassis, battery, and motor, the FXE is one of the lightest electric bikes on the market weighing 135kg. The top speed is limited to 85mph in the interest of preserving battery life. However, with 15hp continuous power and 78lbft of peak torque, it makes for a fun ride while remaining A1 compliant—ideal for beginners.
Following in typical Zero style, the FXE comes fully equipped with Pirelli Diablo Rosso II tyres, a fully adjustable Showa suspension, and Bosch ABS that works alongside the superb breaking hardware from J-Juan. The FXE screams premium for an entry-level zero.
In the city, the FXE will take you as far as 100 miles, but the moment you reach highway speeds, this decreases to 40 miles. Although when it comes to charging Zero has missed a trick, with no option as of yet for fast charging, if you want to charge your bike from flat it can take up to 10 hours.
Engine: | Z-Force® Li-Ion intelligent integrated (15hp) |
Battery: | Max 7.2kWh/ Nominal 6.3 kWh (Top Speed: 82mph) |
Charge Time: | 9.2 hours (100% charged) / 8 hours (95% charged) |
Range: | City: 100 Miles Highway: 40 Miles |
Brakes: | Front brake: 320mm disc, J-Juan asymmetric dual piston floating caliper Rear brake: 240mm disc, J-Juan single piston floating caliper |
Seat Height: | 836mm |
Weight: | 135kg |
Price: | £12,670 |
Miku Super ‎
The Miku Super is a great equivalent to a 125cc petrol-powered bike which is easily accessible for 17-year-olds, or those with a learner licence and CBT.
The 3kW engine delivers power smoothly and effortlessly all the way up to 50mph without the need for gear changes. With £0 road tax and minimal maintenance, the Miku focuses on the element of fun!
The Chinese brand Sunra has nailed it with the smart, street-savvy styling, coming fully equipped with plenty of competitive performance and modern features such as LED lights, a large smart digital dash, Smartphone connectivity, a USB charging point, and even touch ID security.
An added bonus to this bike is its removable batteries, which can be removed in under 60 seconds and fully charged in 4 hours, making charging easy and practical whether you’re at work, college, or even a friend's house- providing you remember!!!
If you like what you see and you’d like to know more, we at Bike Matters have actually reviewed this model. Check out our YouTube review for the Miku Super.
Engine: | 100% electric FOC Sunra motor (Top Speed: 50mph) |
Battery: | Two x 72V 20AH lithium-ion removable batteries |
Charge Time: | 4 Hours |
Range: | 65 Miles |
Brakes: | Front brake: Twin-piston hydraulic caliper with 220mm disc Rear brake: Single piston hydraulic caliper with 190mm disc |
Seat Height: | 760mm |
Weight: | 109kg |
Price: | £3,499 INCLUSIVE OF GOVERNMENT GRANT |
Supersoco TC Max ‎
The Supersoco TC Max makes the ultimate urban commuter.
The TC Max has the equivalent power output performance of a mid-range 125cc motorcycle, giving you 5kW peak power and around 12.9Nm of torque, all meaning you can quite happily get to 60mph. The twist-and-go acceleration means that it is easy to ride on city roads, as well as being a pretty nippy overtaker too (in the right circumstance).
The Supersoco is a rather stylish bike, packed with bright LED’s, keyless ignition with an alarm, digital display, and app connectivity. The bike also comes with CBS braking, USD front suspension, and mono rear shock helping to inspire confidence while handling- ideal for someone just starting out.
Like the Miku Super, the TC Max batteries are removable from the bike, and with a 3–4 hour charge time can make charging easy to integrate into your schedule without the hassle of worrying about when you'll next be able to charge it up.
Thanks to the Government grant, this motorcycle has a pretty decent price tag coming in at £4,399, alongside the £0 road tax and impressively low running costs, this may be one for you to consider.
If you like what you see and want to know more, check out our Supersoco TC Max review!
Engine: | Air-Cooled (7hp) |
Battery: | Lithium battery, 72V capacity |
Charge Time: | 3-4 Hours (Fast charging is now available as standard) |
Range: | 60 Miles |
Brakes: | Front & Rear Disc with CBS |
Seat Height: | 770mm |
Weight: | 101kg |
Price: | £4,399 (ALLOY WHEEL), £4,499 (SPOKED WHEEL) INCLUSIVE OF GRANT |
Zero S 14.4 (11kW) ‎
The Zero S is a tidy, sleek, yet premium offering, perfect for beginners who have a bigger budget!
Providing you with the naked bike styling, minimal bodywork, and an upright riding position with relaxed footpegs, this bike allows you to be seated in a position that is secure for entry-level riders or those who are looking to commute comfortably. Being available in an 11kw A1 licence-friendly version, the premium Zero S can be ridden on a CBT.
However, as we have seen with the other Zero on this list, charging can take a little while. When using the standard charger, you will be looking at a charge time of 9 hours. The option of a fast-charging pack is available that will cut your charge time down to three hours, but this is already one of the more expensive bikes on this list, without the added costs.
Engine: | Z-Force® 75-5 passively air-cooled |
Battery: | Max 14.4 kWh/ Nominal 14.4kWh |
Charge Time: | 9,8 hours (100% charged) / 9,3 hours (95% charged) |
Range: | City: 178 Miles Highway: 90 Miles |
Brakes: | Front brake: 320mm disc, J-Juan asymmetric dual piston floating caliper Rear brake: 240mm disc, J-Juan asymmetric single piston floating caliper |
Seat Height: | 807mm |
Weight: | 185kg |
Price: | £14,850 |
Horwin CR6 ‎
The Austrian-designed and Chinese-built Horwin CR6 is the ultimate retro-styled, commuter electric motorcycle.
Horwin claims that the air-cooled motor produces 8hp and can reach top speeds of 60mph. And while the Horwin main purpose is to nip around city streets, the CR6 can nibble away at empty backroads with ease.
The CR6 is slim, with the cafe-racer seating sitting at 815mm. The chassis is nimble and easy to manoeuvre through city traffic at its lightweight of 134kg. The ‘fuel tank’ can double up as a small storage space that has a USB port, ideal for charging your phone on the go.
Compared to a few of the bikes on this list, the £4,999 price tag seems reasonably affordable in comparison. So, if you are looking for something that looks timeless, giving bougie on a budget, then maybe the Horwin CR6 is for you.
Engine: | High Torque Central Moto (Top speed: 60mph) |
Battery: | 72v 55Ah Lithium-Ion |
Charge Time: | 3 Hours |
Range: | 68 Miles |
Brakes: | Front brake: 265m disc, perforated Brake disc CBS Rear brake: 220mm disc, perforated Brake disc CBS |
Seat Height: | 815mm |
Weight: | 134kg |
Price: | £4,999 INCLUSIVE OF GRANT |
Artisan EVO ‎
Set in all aggressive naked styling, the EV0 is the perfect monkey-style naked bike.
While the EV0 3kW only gives off 4hp, the Artisan has a generous amount of torque, and combining this with its extremely lightweight chassis makes this bike a nippy character on the roads able to get off from traffic lights and roundabouts safely and effectively.
One of the EV0’s best features is the number of adjustments available to the rider, from anodised foot-pegs to the adjustable mono-shock suspensions and fully personalised seat covers and materials, the EV0 is crafted around you and for you.
The EV0 also comes with a large digital dash, displaying a speedometer and a 10-segment battery level meter with a percentage read out. There are some reports though that the screen does struggle a little bit with glare in bright conditions.
A downside, however, as we’ve seen with a few bikes on this list is the long charging times. To charge the EV0 from flat to full you are looking at over 7 hours - No removable battery on this one either.
Engine: | Central Motor - 3000w (Top speed 50mph) |
Battery: | 72v 40Ah Lithium-Ion |
Charge Time: | 7 Hours |
Range: | 60 Miles |
Brakes: | Front & Rear Disc Brakes (with CBS) |
Seat Height: | 765mm |
Weight: | 88kg |
Price: | £3,495 |
Lexmoto Cypher ‎
While this may only be a 50cc equivalent, this model takes on the traditional looks of a motorcycle instead of a scooter, making it great if you are just starting out and want to avoid scooters.
With a top speed of 30mph, the Cypher is more accessible than most other motorcycles on this list as it can be ridden on an AM category licence (available to 16-year-olds) and those who passed their driving test before 2001 - A bonus if you’re looking to dip your toes into the two-wheeler pool.
As it is a moped, power isn’t one of Cypher’s strong points, however, it still is surprisingly quick. The Cypher has two modes, eco and power. Power makes this moped particularly nippy, perfect for shopping trips, college, or even commuting in major cities.
As typical with Lexmoto, the Cypher is a budget-friendly option, the spec and quality won't blow you away but for the price, it makes an option for those wanting a motorcycle-styled moped on a tight budget.
Engine: | Air-cooled, QS 1500W (2.5hp) |
Battery: | Lithium-Ion |
Charge Time: | 6 Hours |
Range: | 28 Miles |
Brakes: | Hydraulic Disc |
Seat Height: | 750mm |
Weight: | 84kg |
Price: | £2,599 INCLUSIVE OF GOVERNMENT GRANT |
Zero DSR (A2 Licence option) ‎
The Zero DSR is an ambitious yet aggressive dual sport bike perfect for an A2 license.
How is this A2 friendly you ask? Well according to the EU directive, if the electric motorcycle's continuous power is below 35kW, and the power-to-weight ratio does not exceed 0.2kW/kg then it can be ridden with an A2 license (hence how the DSR scrapes into the A2 category).
The DSR delivers 102hp and 116ft-lb of torque instantly, allowing you to leave your petrol-fuelled friends in the dust. The Z-force powertrain allows effortless riding without any fear of shifting, vibration, or fumes.
Controlled by the Cypher III operating system, managing your motor, battery, Bosch ABS and Bluetooth connectivity are all in your hands and ready for customisation.
Again, as we have mentioned on the previous Zero’s in this list, the standard charging time of 9 hours could be a bit of a limitation for some. Can you get a faster-charging pack? Yes, but it means an additional charge on a purchase with an already large upfront cost.
Overall, the Zero DSR is another one of those bikes which can be of interest to entry-level riders with a bigger budget available.
Engine: | Z-Force® Li-Ion intelligent integrated (102 mph) |
Battery: | Max: 14.4 kWh/ Nominal: 12.6 kWh |
Charge Time: | 9,8 hours (100% charged) / 9,3 hours (95% charged) |
Range: | City: 163 Miles Highway: 78 Miles Combined: 105 Miles |
Brakes: | Front: 320mm discs, J-Juan asymmetric dual piston floating caliper Rear: 240mm disc, J-Juan asymmetric single piston floating caliper |
Seat Height: | 843mm |
Weight: | 190kg |
Price: | £16,190 |
Supersoco TSX 1500 ‎
The SuperSoco TSX1500 is another great option available for those with an AM/CBT license holder from 16 years old.
Powered by the 3kW Bosch hub motor, the TSX can reach a top speed of 28mph making it easier for first-timers to feel more comfortable handling a larger format bike. Another thing that makes this bike beginner friendly is its lightweight chassis sitting at 83kg again, making handling and manoeuvring the TSX easier.
The carbon steel frame and aluminium steel subframe in combination with the wider seat makes for comfortable riding around town. Although what stands out to me is its aggressive, sleek styling and colourway. The black and red together makes for the ultimate road presence, even though it's a 50cc - a small motorcycle with a big personality.
The SuperSoco can hold two batteries, and while the extra battery may take you back an additional £1000, it can help to increase your range mileage further. I’d debate that the upgrade would totally be worth it without pushing the budget too far, but it all depends on what journeys you'll be using it for.
Engine: | Bosch Hub Motor (28mph) |
Battery: | Removable - Lithium Ion (Capacity for two) |
Charge Time: | 3-4 Hours |
Range: | 1 Battery: 44 Miles 2 Batteries: 80 Miles |
Brakes: | Front & Rear Disc with CBS |
Seat Height: | 770mm |
Weight: | 83kg |
Price: | £2,899 (SINGLE BATTERY), £3,399 (DUAL BATTERY)* INCLUSIVE OF GOVERNMENT GRANT |
Maeving RM1 ‎
The British Heritage Maeving RM1 is a new player in the electric age, with a century of British engineering behind it ready to take on the Chinese-built competition.
It is no secret that Maeving prioritises urban riding over range and performance. Producing a maximum of 5.8hp and reaching a top speed of 45mph, the RM1 isn't the speediest machine on this list. You can also order the bike to be A1 or AM licence-legal, however, if you go for this ‘50cc’ option the bike is restricted to 28mph.
The battery is removable, meaning you do not have to worry about charging stations, or range anxiety, letting you ride freely without worries. However, if you are someone who would prefer a bit more range out of their motorcycle, there is an option to buy an additional battery at an additional cost of £995.
The 1920’s board tracker retro-styling certainly makes the RM1 stand out thanks to its unique looks in the electric motorcycle pool. A favourite feature of mine is definitely the option of 7 different colourways. Yes, you heard me right, 7 (the Maeving Blue is a personal favourite to me).
Engine: | Bosch hub motor, 5.6hp (top speed : 45mph) |
Battery: | 2.03kW/h, 50.4V, 42Ah |
Charge Time: | 4.2 Hours |
Range: | 80 Miles |
Brakes: | Front & Rear Disc Brakes with pot caliper |
Seat Height: | 785mm |
Weight: | 124kg (Two batteries) |
Price: | £4,995/ £5990 INCLUSIVE OF GRANT |
Can I use a Government Grant? ‎
As some of our bikes fall under the £10,000 price mark (which is the current limit on the low-emissions vehicle grant), the answer is yes, some of these bikes are currently able to make use of the grant.
That being said, always remember to check with your electric motorcycle dealers for full details on what is possible at the time of your purchase.
The end! ‎
So, there you have it, the rundown of our favourite electric motorbikes for beginners is complete. - Let us know in the comments below, do you agree?
If this article has tempted you to dip your toes into the electric motorcycle pond, or you already have an electric motorbike - make sure to get an Electric Moped & Motorcycle Insurance quote direct with Lexham!
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