When it comes to motorcycles, choosing an electric motorbike is the closest thing you can get to riding into the future. The lack of combustion engine means near-silent operation and minimal vibration, while the instant response of electric motor torque makes for a ride like no other.1
Then there’s the absence of exhaust fumes, great handling courtesy of a low centre of gravity, and reduced running costs – around half, depending on the electric motorcycle model and the electricity source.1
Some models also have regenerative braking, which improves efficiency and reduces wear on brake components.1 And if recharged with renewable energy such as solar, an electric motorcycle becomes an even more eco-friendly ride.
So far, so good. But what else is there to think about when looking into an electric motorbike? In this article, we look at the pros and cons of electric bikes, the various recharging options, as well as some of the considerations – including motorcycle insurance coverage – you might want to make before you buy.
Is it possible to buy an electric motorbike in Australia?
Electric motorcycling is still very new to Australia, says Rhys Griffiths, motorcycle manager for the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries.
“There’s not a lot of choice around and there’s not a lot of demand for electric motorcycles right now,” Griffiths says.
While most electric motorcycles currently for sale are from newer, lesser-known brands such as Energica, Zero and Evoke.2 Harley-Davidson launched a separate all-electric motorcycle company, LiveWire, in 2021,3 while Honda, KTM, Piaggio and Yamaha are collaborating on electric motorcycles of their own.4
Closer to home, Melbourne-based Savic Motorcycles delivered its first commercial orders in 2024 – powerful electric motorcycles designed, engineered and manufactured in Australia.5
How do electric motorcycles work?
An electric motorbike replaces the traditional petrol engine and fuel tank with a battery and an electric motor. An electric motorcycle is distinct from an electric scooter or moped – faster, larger, pricier and with a longer range.6
And if you’re wondering, are electric motorbikes legal in Australia? The good news is yes, they are.7 Just like any motorcycle in Australia, you need a motorcycle licence to ride an electric motorbike8 – rules vary by state and territory, so it may be worth looking up the relevant legislation for your area.
Pros of electric motorcycles
Are electric motorbikes any good? We’ve already touched on some of their benefits but, additionally, electric motorbikes for adults may be eligible for stamp duty exemptions and other government discounts, depending on where you live.
In the Australian Capital Territory, for example, buyers of zero emission motorbikes can benefit from the territory’s stamp duty waiver.1
A motorcycle is also obviously smaller than a car, making it easier to position near a power point for daily at-home recharging. Electric motorcycles require less servicing and, with fewer moving parts than combustion bikes, may be more reliable.1
Cons of electric motorcycles
Unfortunately, it’s not all good news.
“Disadvantages are many,” says Griffiths. “Weight, range and recharge time are top of the pops. Range will be, for quite some time, the limiting factor.”
A lack of long-range electric motorbike options might rule them out for long-distance riders. On a long trip, a petrol motorcycle can be refuelled in minutes at one of the many established service stations, while an electric motorcycle will require some time plugged into a charger – those capable of level 3, DC charging, for example, may take up to 40 minutes to reach 80% charge.1
High-performance models are also expensive – although one could reasonably anticipate prices to fall as more models come on to the market – and the quietness of electric motorbikes can be a danger around pedestrians and animals.2
5 things you may want to consider before buying an electric motorbike
1. Lifestyle
Will you be riding on bitumen or dirt? Mostly for fun or for commuting? Do you have somewhere you can park your bike at home and plug it in? Your answers could guide whether an electric motorbike would suit you. For example, Griffiths cautions against an electric dirt bike. “By its very nature, dirt bike riding means you’re normally in very remote areas where there’s no charging infrastructure,” he notes.
2. Range
How far do you need to go each day? The average Australian travels around 40km per day,9 so if you can plug in your electric bike each night, you may not need as much range as you think. Also consider that some electric motorcycles will use less power for city commuting than highway riding. For example, one Energica electric motorcycle claims a 246km combined range. However, this incorporates its highway range (up to 198km) and city range (up to 420km, which is more than twice as far as it can go on a motorway).10
3. Power
How much power do you need? If you’re a learner motorcyclist, there are plenty of petrol options in Australia, but there are limitations if you decide to go electric. In New South Wales, for example, your electric motorcycle cannot exceed 25kW.11
On the other hand, if you have your full licence, there are more options available to you. For example, Savic Motorcycles currently sells two models – the 60kW Alpha and the 40kW Delta.12 The Alpha can accelerate from zero to 100km/h in 3.5 seconds, and the Delta in 4.5 seconds.12 The Alpha is $26,990 ride-away while the Delta is $19,990 ride-away, meaning you could spend $7000 less if you’re happy with the Delta’s acceleration.12
4. Budget
How much is an electric motorbike? Prices currently start from around $7999 for the Chinese-built LEKI 5000W.13 Its 5.76kWh battery grants approximately 130km of range, rechargeable in six hours, and a top speed of 110km/h. At the higher end of the scale, the Italian-made Energica Ego+ RS costs around $56,365 and has more electric performance than most riders might need. With a claimed combined range of 230km and a charge time of six hours, the Ego+ RS can sprint from zero to 100km/h in approximately 2.6 seconds, on to a top speed of 240km/h.14
5. Brand
If you’re looking to buy an electric motorbike in Australia, Griffiths recommends going for brands that are more established. “Trusting and purchasing, and spending quite a bit of money, on a brand that is new to the marketplace would have to be something that you need to be very careful about,” he cautions. “I’m not suggesting these new brands aren’t good, but doing your research would be very important.”
How to charge your electric motorcycle
The best electric motorbikes come with a portable charging cable that can be plugged into a household wall socket, taking a maximum of five hours for a full recharge – depending on the model. Most people will not need to install dedicated charging at home for their electric motorcycle. However, a faster 15A wall socket might cost around $300 and reduce charging time to two to three hours.1
Are electric motorcycles safe?
Electric motorcycles are safe, even if their quietness can represent an additional hazard to pedestrians and animals.2 But as well as keeping extra awareness when riding a motorcycle on the road – no matter if petrol or electric – it’s important to make sure you’re kitted out in the right safety gear.
Of course, it always makes sense to test ride any brand-new motorcycle before purchasing it. If you decide an electric motorbike is a good option for you, you can check out Youi’s Motorcycle insurance options or start a quote today.
Note: Information in this article is relevant as of March 2025 and by its nature will change over time. Check relevant vehicle manufacturer websites for price and specification updates if this information is important to you.
1 Source: ACT Government – Zero emission motorbikes
2 Source: Australian Electric Vehicle Association – Facts about electric motorbikes
3 Source: bikesales – Harley-Davidson launches separate all-electric motorcycle brand, May 2021
4 Source: bikesales – Bike makers eye electric future, March 2021
5 Source: The Driven – First Victorian Savic customer tests Australian-built electric performance motorcycle, February 2024
6 Source: Apollo Scooters – The Ultimate showdown: Electric Scooter vs. Electric Motorcycle, December 2023
7 Source: Australian Electric Motor Co – FAQs (Are Electric Motorcycles Legal in Australia?)
8 Source: Australian Electric Motor Co – FAQs (Can I Ride An Electric Motorcycle With a Car Licence?)
9 Source: Transport for NSW – Why buy an electric vehicle?
10 Source: Australian Electric Motor Co – FAQs (Are electric motorcycles good for long range touring?)
11 Source: NSW Government – Approved motorcycles for learner and provisional riders
12 Source: Savic Motorcycles – Australia’s First Electric Motorcycle Prototype Hits the Road
13 Source: LEKI Electric – LEKI Electric Motorcycle 5000W White - LEKI Electric
14 Source: Energica UK – Ego + RS
