Trying to choose between an e-bike and electric motorcycle? We have chosen five e-bikes that act very similar to an electric motorcycle.
Both options have advantages and disadvantages, here’s some to help in your decision.
E-bike Advantages:
No licence required
No registration cost
Flexible parking options
Less upfront cost
Easier storage
Electric Motorcycle Advantages:
More suitable to longer commutes
Can keep up with traffic rather than to the side of it
Motorway accessibility
Intercity travel
Improved pillion passenger options
Here is our list of five e-bikes that blur the line between bike and motorcycle:
Super73 RX Series
Super73 are a California company well known for their stylish urban electric bikes since their first release in 2016. Their RX Series has an off-road motorcycle look with its inverted forks, rear monoshock and high front fender. LED lighting, four piston disc brakes and dual purpose tires help compliment the aggressive look. Most manufactures keep the battery low for centre of gravity handling but Super 73s placement on top of the frame as a faux pas fuel tank completes the motorcycle finish.
The RX Series hub motor produces 2000 watts of power and has a top speed of 32mph (51 km/h) with a range of 35 – 75 miles (56 – 120 kms) depending on the level of assistance. Components and quality of finish on the Super 73 model is very good with Its energy dense 960 watt-hour lithium-ion battery, aircraft grade aluminium frame, 20 inch wheels with lightening holes and extended seat.
The Super 73 RX Electric Moped is more aimed at the urban adventure/off-road market than a daily commuter but if you’re looking something stylish to add some fun to your daily ride it could be a good choice.
Specifications:
Price:
Base R Model US$2,995 (€2805 Euros)
Premium RX Model US$3,495 (€3272 Euros)
Power: 750 watts nominal, 1200 watts peak
Battery Capacity: 960 watt-hours
Curb Weight:
76 lb. (R, w/ battery)
80 lb. (RX, w/ battery)
For more information on Super 73 electric bikes visit their website
Vintage Electric Roadster
Hand built in California the Vintage Electric Roadster has an elegant retro look combined with power and technology for silent and stylish travel.
Its V-twin shaped battery pack provides that classic American motorcycle look, complimented with chunky spoked tires, inverted forks and a circular LED headlamp.
Power is delivered via a 48-volt, 1123 watt hour rear wheel hub motor. There are two power delivery options for the rider, one via pedal assist (with 5 levels) and the other with a thumb lever throttle which removes the need to pedal. In Street Mode the Vintage Electric Roadster produces 750 watts with a limited speed of 21 mph (34 km/h) and a range of up to 75 miles (120 km) on a single charge.
The Vintage Electric Roadster also comes with the option of Race Mode, which allows the bike to reach 40 mph (64 km/h), but this mode is not street legal and intended for use on private land only.
Components are good quality with decent Promax Lucid hydraulic disc brakes, bar mounted LCD screen, and 26-inch Schwalbe Fat Frank tires. The ride can be hard on the Roadster as the front forks only offer 60mm of travel and there is no shock absorption in the saddle. With a weight of 39 kg (86 pounds) and a single speed you will very much rely on the pedal assist and throttle riding this bike around, it will be quite a shock should you run out of battery.
The Vintage Electric Roadster comes in one size so depending on your height may not be a perfect fit. The price tag of US$6995 (€6711 Euros) may also be somewhat off-putting but this bike does have a real quality finish and stands out in the congested world of urban e-bikes.
Specifications:
Price:
Base Model US$6,995 (€6711 Euros)
With Optional Race Mode US$7144 (€6834 Euros)
Power: 750 watts nominal, 4000 watts peak
Battery Capacity: 1123 watt-hours – 72 Volt
Curb Weight:
86 lb – 39 kg
Range:
40 – 75 miles (60 – 120 km)
For more information on Vintage Electric Bikes visit their website
Juiced Hyperscorpion
The Juiced Hyperscorpion is a high powered electric bike, come moped from Juiced Bikes. With speeds of up to 30 mph (50 km/h) and 70 miles (112 km) of range the Hyperscorpion offers a whole other level of utility and enjoyment for the rider.
The Hyperscorpion really does give off the vibe of a moped or motorcycle. Wether you’re after a powerful bicycle for thrills or a commuter than can not only keep up with, but pass congested traffic this could be a good option. A large LED headlight and turn signals provide good visibility for yourself and other road users, the rabbit ear mirrors allow you to see what’s happening behind without turning the head and the tail light also illuminates under braking. Comfort is very good with both front and rear suspension, combining with the chunky street tires for a more comfortable ride.
The HyperScorpion comes in only one size, with a comfortable fit seeming to be from 5’2’’ up to 6’2’’ (157 to 188 cms) where the frame starts to feel too small.
Race Mode on the Hyperscorpion may take you up to 31.5 mph (51 km/h) but remember that most countries have speed restrictions of 20 – 28 mph (32 – 45 km/h) so legally this mode is designed for private off-road use only. But for someone looking for a transport that saves all the legal requirements of a moped or a stepping stone into the world of motorcycles this could a good option.
Specifications:
Price:
Base Model US$2,799 (€2693 Euros)
Power: 1000 watts nominal, 1600 watts peak
Battery Capacity: 1000 watt-hours – 52 Volt
Curb Weight:
102 lb – 46 kg
Range:
Up to 70 miles (112 km)
For more information on Juiced Bikes visit their website
Monday Motorbikes
Started in 2015 Monday Motorbikes is a California based company and their latest model the Anza pays homage to the San Francisco street where they tested their first production model.
The Anza has a cafe racer, come scrambler look to it. The large off-road chunky tires not only help with the aggressive style but also provide some measure of comfort as the frame and forks are rigid without suspension. The Anza may look like it wants to hit the dirt trails but it’s definitely going to be a bumpy experience for the rider.
The Anza is available in two power options, 500W with a top speed of 20 mph (32 km/h) or 750W which can reach 35 mph (56 km/h). The battery plays a part in the cafe racer look, hidden inside the faux fuel tank. Capacity is somewhat underwhelming with 25 miles (40 km) of range for the 500W version and 35 miles (56 km) for the 750W model. The battery is removable though via a lock which can make charging much more convenient. Drivechain is via a rear Bafang hub motor and single speed tensioned chain. Brakes are hydraulic disc in the front and mechanical disc at the rear.
The seat is quite long at 23″ so you could squeeze a pillion on, or be it with dangling legs as there is no rear footpegs. There is a large vertical colour LCD display which shows range, amps, battery life, speed, power assist mode and an odometer. Also available is a handy USB plug for phone charging on the go.
Overall the Anza definitely has the style, it’s a good looking e-bike. But lack of suspension, good quality brakes and range due to the small battery means it’s more of a fun urban or beach cruiser rather than an off-road machine or serious commuter.
Specifications:
Price:
500W Model US$2,199 (€2087 Euros)
750W Model US$2,899 (€2751 Euros)
Power:
Bafang Hub Motor – 500 Watts
Bafang Hub Motor – 750 Watts
Battery Capacity:
500W Model – 11.6Ah – 48V
750W Model – 14Ah – 48V
Curb Weight:
73 lb – 33 kg
Range:
500W Model – 25 miles (40 km)
750W Model – 35 miles (56 km)
For more information on Monday Motorbikes visit their website
Onyx RCR
The ONYX RCR is one beast of an e-bike. In truth it really is an electric motorcycle it just happens to have pedals and an Eco mode which restricts the speed to 20 mph (32 km/h). So how much you’re going to get out of your ONYK RCR really depends on the laws in your state or country and whether the use is on public or private roads. Go past a police cruiser doing 50 mph in California and you’re going to have some explaining to do.
Top speed of the ONYK RCR is 60 mph (100 km/h), very impressive for a bike with a 3kW motor (5.4 kW peak). This is aided by the 72V 23Ah battery, which is removable, and the relatively light weight (compared to other electric motorcycles) of 66 kg. The RCR really can behave like a true electric motorcycle, the problem is good luck registering it in that class at your local government office as the RCR lacks vital parts like turn signals, mirrors etc. So the RCRs true abilities are restricted to where regulations allow and private areas.
Ride quality on the RCR is good. The large 17″ wheels provide a confident, rigid feel while the front and rear suspension soften any bumps along the way. Brakes are decent with a large front hydraulic disc brake and smaller rear disc. Rear braking is assisted via the RCRs powerful regenerative braking. There are three modes on the RCR, Eco Mode with a speed limit of 20 mph provides up to 75 miles (121 kms) or range. Normal mode provides a top speed of 40 mph (64 km/h) and 40 miles of range, and Sport mode will max you out at 60 mph (100 km/h) with only 20 miles (32 kms) or range.
The ONYX RCR definitely blurs the line between e-bike and electric motorcycle, it can easily be both but like a lot of hybrids does it do either really well? For an e-bike 66kg is quite heavy, good luck lifting this on your bike rack, and it may have pedals but run of battery and you’re not going to enjoy the ride home. Motorcycle wise it’s definitely capable but lacks the legal framework to make the most of it.
If you’re looking for a bike with retro style that can take you to work via the cycle paths, then provide some off-road hooning on the weekends the ONYK RCR could be the perfect fit.
Specifications:
Price:
Standard 23AH/5AH Model US$4,349 (€4136 Euros)
Power:
3kW continuous (5.4 kW peak) rear hub motor
Battery Capacity:
72V 23Ah (1.66 kWh) removable battery
Curb Weight:
145 lb (66 kg)
Range:
Eco Mode – 75 miles (121 kms)
Normal Mode – 40 miles (64 kms)
Sport Mode – 20 miles (32 kms)
For more information on Oynx Motorbikes visit their website
