There is no surprise that electric motorcycles will be the bikes of the future, in fact, some will say they are the bikes of today! With the UK government pledging to eliminate the sale of all combustion engine cars by 2030, we know two-wheeler machines won’t remain unaffected.

Heading into 2022 it is fair to say there is an ever-growing selection of electric motorcycles for sale, with spec and technology always improving.

So, join me as we begin to look at some of the best bikes this year, and the benefits to owning one (feel free also to read our full article on the benefits of electric motorbikes!).  

Before we get truly into it, if electric mopeds and scooters are more up your alley, feel free to check out our 10 Best Electric scooters and mopeds article!

There is no denying that this list is of premium electric motorcycles, so expect to see a lot of Zero and Energica who are currently leading the way at the top of the electric motorcycle chain. Don't fear though, if you are wanting something a bit more budget-friendly, we have a Top 10 electric motorcycles for beginners too (with plenty of cheaper electric motorcycles).

The Energica Experia is an electric green tourer bike purposely designed and built for that purpose from the ground up.

In terms of power delivery, the Energica motor is very much tuned more with efficiency in mind rather than outright power. One of Energica goals is touring, and by creating the 22.5 kWh battery (the largest in a production motorcycle) they are certainly well on their way to achieving that goal. The throttle delivers immediate acceleration, still giving off a fairly decent 101hp.

Innovations on the brand-new model for 2022 include a reengineered EMCE electric motor, revised battery chemistry, and a new frame and chassis design, all intended to reduce weight while improving balance and rideability. The Experia feels deceptively light and nimble in comparison to its siblings in this list, making corners and manoeuvring a breeze.

One benefit of this bike is its charging capabilities. This bike can be charged at three different levels, with the fastest refill from flat to 80% only taking 40 minutes.

Engine:	HSM (Hybrid Synchronous Motor) Liquid-Cooled (169hp) Limited at 150mph
Battery:	EGO Max 13.4 kWh / Nominal 11.7 kWh (Charger onboard)
Charge Time:	Fast Charge: 400km/h OR 6.7km/min   Slow Charge: 63.5km/h OR 39.5miles/h
Range:	City: 261 Miles Combined: 160 Miles Extra-Urban: 130 Miles
Brakes:	Front brake: Dual 330mm discs with 4-piston radial caliper Rear brake: 240mm disc with 2-piston calipers
Seat Height:	810mm
Weight:	282kg
Price:	£21,990

When you think of gorgeous yet aggressive visuals and formidable high performance the Energica Ego springs to mind.

This superbike comes packed with 147hp that is instantly available. However, at peak power the Ego can reach up to 169hp and top speeds of 150mph, making her an absolute powerhouse.  Coupling this with the increased acceleration from the RS version, there you have one of the best performers from any electric motorcycle on the open road.

With three new impressive colourways, including one which gives homage to its Italian heritage, the Ego is undoubtedly a bike with style and noticeable road presence much like the bigger petrol-fuelled boys on the scene.  Although, one of the downsides to this beauty is its heavy kerb weight, something which is noticeable at slower speeds or when manoeuvring the bike. And while Energica has tried to resolve this issue by providing a reverse gear, the heaviness is still very much felt by the rider.

The spec isn’t half bad either, coming fully equipped with fully adjustable Marzocchi forks, Bitubo rear shock, riding modes, traction control, ABS, battery regen and a full-colour dash with integrated GPS - Helping guide you to the nearest charging station.

Speaking of charge, this bike can cover around 100 miles on a single charge, and according to Energica, no electric motorcycle has a longer range or charges as quickly.

Engine:	Permanent magnet-assisted synchronous resistance motor (101hp)
Battery:	22.5kWh – Nominal capacity 19.6kWh (Onboard charging)
Charge Time:	Fast Charge: 400km/h OR 6.7km/min   Slow Charge: 63.5km/h OR 39.5miles/h
Range:	City: 261 Miles Combined: 160 Miles Extra-Urban: 130 Miles
Brakes:	Front brake: Dual 330mm floating disc with 4-piston radial calipers Rear brake: 240mm disc with 2-piston calipers
Seat Height:	847mm
Weight:	260kg
Price:	£27,790

If you want a true electric hyper-naked, aggressive bike with an urban mojo, the EVA Ribelle is the one for you.

The HSM motor gives off a healthy 147hp and 159ftlb of torque, while the 21.5kWh Lithium-polymer battery enjoys the longest range of any motorcycle on this list, particularly at higher speeds.

New for 2022, Energica is offering the EVA Ribelle with the Tricolore fairing and bodywork giving tribute to its Italian roots, centuries of brilliant engineering, and aggressive spirit of competition, rendered in full Energica style.

As mentioned earlier, this bike screams super naked. Its rear-set pegs and cantered forward bars in combination with the upright seating allow you to sit in an attacking position without being uncomfortable.

A department in which Energica never lacks is the spec. The standard equipment includes fully adjustable Marzocchi forks, Bitubo rear shock, colour dash, riding modes, traction control, ABS, and battery regen, similarly to the EGO.

However, with the hefty price tag of £26,690, when compared to the petrol-fuelled equivalent the Energica isn’t cheap.

Engine:	HSM (Hybrid Synchronous Motor) Liquid-Cooled (147hp)
Battery:	Max 21.5 kWh / Nominal 18.9 kWh – lithium polymer (onboard charging)
Charge Time:	Fast Charge: 400km/h OR 6.7km/min   Slow Charge: 63.5km/h OR 39.5miles/h
Range:	City: 261 Miles Combined: 153 Miles Extra-Urban: 123 Miles
Brakes:	Front Brake: 330mm, Double Floating Discs with 4Pistons Radial Caliper Rear Brake: 240mm disc with 2-piston calipers
Seat Height:	790mm
Weight:	260kg
Price:	£26,690

According to Zero, the SR/F is the world’s first fully ‘smart’ motorcycle.

The latest Cypher III+ app allows you to personalise your bike to your taste and riding style completely. The app in combination with the dash allows you to gain insights, helping to improve charging speeds, and providing navigation and parking mode too.

Loaded with 5 different modes to choose from, the Zero SR/F reaches top speeds of 124mph, giving off 110 hp that is instantly available—providing that instant gratification that even the biggest petrolhead would struggle to dislike.

The steel-trellis frame, custom swingarm, and Showa suspension deliver an athletic yet intuitive riding experience. The bike also has a reverse, making the bike easier to manoeuvre.

So, if you are looking for a premium naked bike that’s better for the environment then maybe this one would be the one for you.

Engine:	Z-Force 75-10, air-cooled (110 hp)
Battery:	Max 15.6 kWh/ Nominal Capacity 13.7 kWh
Charge Time:	2.7 hours (100% charged) / 2.2 hours (95% charged)
Range:	City: 169 Miles Combined: 85 Miles
Brakes:	Front Brake:  320mm discs with dual J-Juan radial 4-piston calipers                                             Rear Brake: 240mm discs with J-Juan single piston floating caliper
Seat Height:	787mm
Weight:	227kg
Price:	£21,620

Zero has made waves in 2022 with the Zero SR, making an effective and more affordable sibling for riders to enjoy.

Built on the award-winning steel trellis frame and coaxial power pivot chassis that made the SR/F and SR/S the pinnacle of electric motorcycling performance, the SR is powered by the ZF 75-10 motor, which gives off a decent level of 47hp making this bike A2 compliant.

An added bonus on the SR is the Zero Cypher store, allowing you to buy upgrades to unlock your bike's full potential. This means that on the SR you can enable a ‘speed and performance boost’, increasing peak power to 90hp and torque to the same 140lbft that the SR/F manages.

However, with the cheaper price tag of £17,810 comes a slightly less impressive set of tech. This Zero doesn’t have the semi-active suspension, radar-controlled cruise control, or full-bling goodies that some of the other £22,000 bikes on this list do have.

Engine:	Z-Force Li-Ion intelligent integrated (74hp)
Battery:	Max 14.4 kWh/ Nominal capacity 12.6 kWh
Charge Time:	4.5 hours (100% charged) / 4.0 hours (95% charged)
Range:	City: 156 Miles  Motorway: 77 Miles
Brakes:	Front Brake: 320mm discs with dual J-Juan radial 4-piston calipers                                            Rear Brake: 240mm discs with J-Juan single piston floating caliper
Seat Height:	787mm
Weight:	222kg
Price:	£17,810

The Zero SR/S is the first faired roadster from the Californian electric manufacturers Zero.

With higher and wider handlebars and a seat that is larger and longer, this bike intends to add practicality over performance. However, the SR/S is not a slow bike, when switched into full-power sports mode this bike gives off 110bhp and 140lb. ft of torque making it a fun, fresh, and fascinating ride. 

Zero claims that the SR/S new fairing makes it 13% more aerodynamically efficient than its other models, allowing it to cover a claimed 161 miles of city riding, although this drops to 82 miles on a highway and a combined use range of 109 miles. Although, these ranges can be extended through the addition of Zero’s Power Tank (but it comes at an extra cost).

Engine:	Z-Force Li-Ion intelligent integrated (110hp)
Battery:	Max 15.6 kWh/ Nominal capacity 13.7 kWh (TOP Speed: 124mph)
Charge Time:	2.7 hours (100% charged) / 2.2 hours (95% charged)
Range:	City: 161 Miles  Motorway: 82 Miles
Brakes:	Front brake: dual 320mm discs with radial 4-piston calipers Rear brake: 240mm disc with single-piston floating caliper
Seat Height:	787mm
Weight:	235kg
Price:	Standard: £20,180 Premium: £22,240

Bigger, aggressive-styling and powerful is what I think when I see the Zero DSR - All while being A2 Licence friendly (a massive bonus).

Delivering a peak power of 70hp and 116 ft-lb of torque instantly, this stealth force will have you hurling forward, leaving plenty of petrol-fuelled bikes surprised. The Z-force powertrain allows you to drive effortlessly without any shifting, vibration, or fumes - giving you all the big bike vibes while being electric!

The DSR, similarly to the Zero S and DS is also controlled by the Cypher III operating system, managing the motor, battery, Bosch ABS, and Bluetooth connectivity, that connect to your mobile phone for customisation. This model also benefits from the full-coloured, 5-inch TFT display, a nice added touch on this bike.

If you use a bike for pleasure, this may not be the one for you though. If you are a rider who prefers longer commutes, using the standard charging, you’ll certainly struggle. The DSR takes over 9 hours to charge to 95%, so while it may be the cheapest on the list, it certainly isn’t the best for some riders.

Engine:	Z-Force Li-Ion intelligent integrated
Battery:	Max 14.4 kWh/ Nominal capacity 12.6 kWh (TOP Speed: 102mph)
Charge Time:	9.8 hours (100% charged) / 9.3 hours (95% charged)
Range:	City: 163 Miles  Motorway: 78 Miles
Brakes:	Front Brake: Bosch Gen 9 ABS, J-Juan dual piston floating caliper                                       Rear Brake: Bosch Gen 9 ABS, J-Juan single piston floating caliper
Seat Height:	843mm
Weight:	190kg
Price:	£16,190

The LiveWire from Harley Davidson certainly came as a large surprise for all the Harley lovers out there.

Like most bikes Harley has produced, the LiveWire simply looks drop-dead gorgeous. Unlike their traditional cruisers, the LiveWire is more like a modern super naked motorcycle, sharing the aggressive stance and top speeds of 114mph that super nakeds tend to have.

When it comes to the motor, it puts out 105hp, and thanks to instant power delivery, it can manage 0-60mph in just three seconds. The battery power is decent too, covering around 100 miles on a full charge, and thanks to the LiveWire quick charge mode it can be fully charged in just under an hour!

However, it isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. While this bike is a beauty, it comes with a pretty hefty price tag of £28,995. If you have the money to dip your toes into the EV Harley scene, it has all the specs and style you'd want and need. Fully equipped with Brembo brakes, Showa suspension, ride modes (including fully customisable ones!), GPS tracking system, switchable traction control, and Bosch ABS, all as standard.

Engine:	Water-cooled internal permanent magnet synchronous motor (105hp)
Battery:	15.5 kWh Rechargeable Energy Storage System (RESS)
Charge Time:	15 km for each hour of charging
Range:	158km/98-mile minimum
Brakes:	Front Brake: Brembo® Monoblock Dual-4 Piston                                                                    Rear Brake: Brembo® Monoblock Dual-4 Piston
Seat Height:	780mm
Weight:	151kg
Price:	£28,995 (+ £500 for Yellow Fuse and Orange Fuse)

The FXE is the perfect mix of a road bike and motard in looks while giving you an A2 licence-friendly option.

The FXE carries over the much-loved FX chassis, battery and motor, making it one of the lightest electric bikes at 135kg. The top speed is limited to 85mph in the interest of preserving battery life. However, with 46hp and 78lbft of torque, there is great fun on tap meanwhile remaining A2 Compliant - ideal for beginners.

As Zero models typically do, the FXE has come fully equipped with some pretty neat hardware. From the Pirelli Diablo Rosso II tyres, and fully adjustable Showa suspension to the Bosch ABS that works alongside the breaking hardware from J-Juan, the FXE screams premium in the budget.

However, when it comes to charging this is where Zero struggles slightly. In the city, the FXE will take you as far as 100 miles in the city. But the moment you reach motorway speeds, this decreases to 40 miles, and with the standard charging time of nearly taking 10 hours. The FXE is definitely one for the short commuter journeys.

Engine:	Z-Force Li-Ion intelligent integrated (44hp)
Battery:	Max 7.2kWh/ Nominal 6.3 kWh (Top Speed: 82mph)
Charge Time:	9.7 hours (100% charged) / 9.2 hours (95% charged)
Range:	City: 100 Miles  Motorway: 40 Miles
Brakes:	Front Brake: 320mm discs with J-Juan asymmetric dual piston floating caliper                           Rear Brake: 240mm discs with J-Juan single piston floating caliper
Seat Height:	836mm
Weight:	135kg
Price:	£12,670

The Zero S is a tidy, sleek, yet premium offering, that can be ridden on a CBT/ A1 licence, making it perfect for beginners who have a bigger budget!

The Zero S provides the naked bike style with minimal bodywork, while the riding position is fairly upright with relaxed foot pegs and higher handlebars, making this a good posture for those who are entry-level riders or those who are looking for something to commute on comfortably.

Giving off a peak power of 59hp and 80 ft-lb of torque, acceleration from standstill is relatively impressive, despite being one of the lower in this list. According to Zero, the S boasts a maximum speed of 98mph with a sustained top speed of 80 mph.

However, as we have seen with many of the Zero’s on this list, the standard charging time isn’t the quickest. Using the standard 1.3kW charger, you are looking at over 9 hours in charging time. With the quick charging pack, you can reduce your charging time massively down to just under 3 hours, but this will take you back in terms of money (which is something to consider wisely after making an already large investment).

Engine:	Z-Force® 75-5 passively air-cooled (59hp)
Battery:	Max 14.4 kWh/ Nominal 12,6 kWh (Top Speed: 84mph)
Charge Time:	9.8 hours (100% charged) / 9.3 hours (95% charged)
Range:	City: 178 Miles  Motorway: 90 Miles
Brakes:	Front Brake: 320mm discs with J-Juan asymmetric dual piston floating caliper                          Rear Brake:  240mm discs with J-Juan single piston floating caliper
Seat Height:	807mm
Weight:	185kg
Price:	£14,850

Much like any new vehicle, there are always pros and cons. Some premium electric motorcycles can come at quite a cost, with many being a larger investment in comparison to their petrol-fuelled siblings.

On the other hand, let's look at some positives, reducing your carbon footprint in an age where climate change is worrying, is an incentive on its own. But, if we are here to keep things strictly practical, there are plenty of other advantages to consider when deciding to make the switch.

It is an initially steep investment? Yes, there is no denying that. That being said, the cost of running and maintaining electric bikes is a lot less. There are no petrol costs for a start, but on top of that maintenance of the bike is a lot simpler too. No need for oil changes, no air filters or spark plugs, and in most cases no gearbox or clutch. As your travel begins to add up, you are guaranteed to start saving money.

The reduction in components means these machines are easier to store, so if you’re putting your bike away for the winter months or are someone who rides just for pleasure, the only thing you must worry about is charging it up.

If you want to know more about the benefits of electric motorcycles, check out our Electric Motorcycles: Is It Time to Upgrade.

As all the bikes on our list exceed £10,000 (which is the current limit on the low-emissions vehicle grant), none of these bikes are currently able to take the use of the grant.

However, if you decide on going for a cheaper model under £10,000 (providing the grant hasn’t changed) you could potentially be able to use the grant. Remember to check with your electric motorcycle dealers for full details on what is possible at the time of your purchase.

So, there you have it, the rundown of our favourite electric motorbikes of 2022 is complete. Let us know in the comments below, do you agree?

Yes, the list is dominated by Zero and Energica, but that really is because they are leading the way with premium electric motorcycles in the UK for 2022 and these bikes are available to buy now!

With other major brands developing their electric offerings, such as the likes of Kymco’s Revonex, Damon hyper models seemingly on their way soon, the list will surely get more and more diverse over the forthcoming years.

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!