Is the future electric? In most countries, electric bikes haven’t made the same impact as their four-wheeled counterparts. But despite the odd hiccup—such as the closure of Alta Motorcycles in 2018—the electric motorcycle is here to stay.
It’s likely to be the preserve of city slickers, due to battery pack range limitations when compared to the internal combustion engine. But the average price tag is likely to come down, and the local charging station will become a more common sight.
Custom builders are already looking at battery-powered motorcycles, with Zero models likely to be the most common platforms until the Harley-Davidson LiveWire builds up sales. And Honda Cub conversions are making waves in the East.
Here’s an up-to-date selection of the best custom electric bikes so far.
There’s much debate around the aesthetics of electric motorcycles. Should they follow traditional motorcycle design norms, or should they take advantage of their radically different drivetrains to tread new ground? This sharp prototype from NUEN MOTO in Vietnam does both, and we’re here for it. NUEN MOTO is an electrical motorcycle startup with its roots…
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We’re feeling both retro and futuristic this week, so we’ve rounded up bikes that cover the full spectrum. Leading the charge is Verge’s new Mika Häkkinen edition electric bike, followed by the new Fantic Caballero 700 scrambler. We then profile a Yamaha SR400 from Australia, before coming in to land with a fetching Triton from…
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Most conversations about electric motorcycles revolve around how they stack up against their petrol-powered counterparts. But there’s really no need to pick sides. Electric and ICE bikes are going to coexist for quite some time before one takes over from the other, so we might as well enjoy them both. “These two worlds can harmonize…
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First released last year as a limited edition, Cake’s new Bukk electric off-road motorcycle is now ready for mass consumption. And, as we’ve come to expect from the Swedish electric motorcycle company, it looks slick as heck. Off the bat, the Cake Bukk doesn’t look too different from the brand’s existing premium dual-sport bike, the…
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If the design of most electric motorcycles leaves you cold, a pair of young engineers from Hamburg might just have the answer.…
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Retrorides By Lourenço is well-known in custom BMW K-series circles. The Brazilian workshop has built some of the sharpest K-series café racers…
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There’s an unavoidable disconnect between a concept motorcycle, and the final production version of it. By the time you’ve added all the…
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If you think that electric bikes aren’t ‘real’ motorcycles, avert your eyes now. But if you love vintage BMX bikes, and believe…
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The flexor carpi radialis muscle is one you never thought you needed for motorcycling. This workhorse of your forearm is what does…
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We tend to be afraid of what we don’t understand, shying away from things that are ‘different’ or ‘foreign.’ Even something as…
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What’s the hardest part of converting a classic motorcycle to electric? You might think it’s sourcing an appropriate drivetrain, or wedging it…
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Modern dirt bikes are the epitome of form following function. Narrow fuel tanks are easier to grip with your knees, flat seats…
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In an era where everyone seems to be chasing their own tiny slice of internet fame, it’s refreshing to find someone that…
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Bizarro Corp.’s online store has a T-shirt that reads “café racer is dead.” It’s a little rich coming from a custom workshop…
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While some are skeptical about the future of electric motorcycles, others, like Adam Kay, are far more enthusiastic. So enthusiastic, in fact,…
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