2023 is going to be an exciting year in the world of electric transportation. We compare five electric motorcycles arriving at a showroom near you for your daily commute.
1. Kawasaki Z
The Japanese automobile giant used ECIMA to showcase two electric motorcycle releases based on the popular Z and Ninja families. The new motorcycles are scheduled for release in 2023 and will be manufactured to comply with the European A1 vehicle license regulations.
These electric vehicles are a part of what Kawasaki is calling Go Green with Green Power, which is the name of its carbon neutrality initiative.
Performance is relatively sedate and the two electric motorcycles are primarily aimed at the commuter market. A1-compliant motorcycles in Europe have a maximum motor power of 11 kW and this puts both bikes in the 125cc equivalent class.
The motorcycles will come equipped with a battery capacity of up to 3.0 kWh with two 12 kg battery packs that can be removed for charging. Having removable batteries for charging is useful for taking into the office or apartment but does limit the capacity due to weight.
3.0 kWh is minimal compared to other electric motorcycles on the market such as the Sondors Metacycle with a 4.0 kWh battery and the Pursang E-Track a 7.2 kWh battery.
Looking at the prototypes at ECIMA we can see the engine is centrally mounted and the final drive is by chain, and in true electric fashion there is no clutch lever or gearshift pedal.
Specifications on both models are currently scarce but with a 11 kW motor we could expect a top speed of 87 mph (140km/h).
Kawasaki Z Specifications
Price: To Be Announced
Max Range: To Be Announced
Max. speed: 87 mph (140km/h)
Motor: 11 kW (14.8hp)
Battery Capacity: 3.0 kWh
Drivechain: Centrally mounted motor with chain drive
Charging Time: To Be Announced
Weight: To Be Announced
Seat Height: 800 mm (31 in)
2. Ryvid Anthem
The Ryvid Anthem electric motorcycle was one of the more innovative light electric motorcycles announced in 2022 at an impressive price especially when taken into account it’s designed and assembled in the US.
Designed for the commuter the Ryvid Anthem’s performance is never going knock your socks off but it comes with some really clever customisable features. For example seat height is simply adjusted by the press of a button on the handlebars. Meaning the shorter rider can have the seat up for the highway but lower when tackling urban intersections and traffic lights. You can also choose between two gear ratios on purchase, one more designed for torque in urban traffic and the other for maximising highway speeds.
The battery is removable via a clever design with built in wheels that let you pivot the battery down and then roll it into your workplace or apartment. The Ryvid Anthem has a stated range of 75 miles (120 km) in Eco mode and 40-50 miles (64-80km) in Sport Mode. Top speed is 75 mph (120 km/h) so the highway can be part of your daily commute but range will markedly decrease on doing so.
The company is currently taking orders via its website with delivery expected before end of 2023.
Ryvid Anthem Specifications
Price: US$7800 (€7519)
Max Range: 75 miles (120 kms) – (Eco Mode)
Max. speed: 75 mph (121 km/h)
Motor: 7.5kW (10hp) continuous, 13.5kW (18hp) peak
Battery Capacity: 4.3 kWh
Drivechain: Rear Hub Direct
Charging Time: 3 hours (240V) – 6 hours (110V)
Weight: 109 kg (240 lbs)
Seat Height: Adjustable: 762 mm – 864 mm (30 in – 34 in)
3. BMW CE 04
The CE 04 may not have the looks to everyones taste but we think this bold design from BMW should be applauded. With its rapid acceleration and slim design the CE 04 can take on clogged urban streets and it also comes with a handy reverse gear for parking and loads of on-board tech. There’s a massive 10.25” TFT display with BMW Motorrad Connectivity, 3 ride modes, stability control, ABS brakes and LED lighting. And if that isn’t enough there is a long list of options such as heated grips.
You can charge the CE 04 from your standard domestic socket or via the optional quick charger which will give you a 0% to 80% in around 65 minutes. Maximum output is just shy of 42bhp at 4900rpm which may not seem that exciting, but with a claimed top speed of 75mph (121 km/h) and acceleration of 0-60mph (97 km/h) in 9.1 seconds the CE 04 is no slouch.
Built in storage is where most scooters win over motorcycles and the CE 04 is no different. Under seat provides enough storage for a full-face helmet, which is neatly accessed from the side. Upfront there’s an additional water resistant storage compartment for a phone, cooled by electric fan to prevent overheating. To make things simple the ignition and storage compartments are all keyless and lock automatically as you leave the bike.
The main stumbling block the CE 04 has to widespread success is the price. At US$11,795 (€11,070) for the base model up to US$14,435 (€13,496) when you include features such as the Comfort Package and Quick Charger the CE 04 is one of the more expensive models in this lineup and twice the price of its equivalent combustion machines.
For more information on the BMW CE 04 you can visit the companies website.
BMW CE 04 Specifications
Price: US$11,795 (€11,070)
Max Range: 81 miles (130 kms)
Max. speed: 75 mph (121 km/h)
Motor: 15kW (20hp) – Max 31kW (42hp)
Battery Capacity: 8.9 kWh
Drivechain: Toothed belt and gearbox with fixed transmission
Charging Time: 4.3 hours – 100% (standard outlet)
Weight: 231 kg (509 lbs)
Seat Height: Adjustable: 780 mm (30.7 in)
4. NIU RQi Sport
Another electric motorcycle showcased in ECIMA was the RQi Sport by Chinese manufacturer NIU. The world’s largest manufacturer of electric urban mobility products, NIU has produced more than two million vehicles since its creation 2014.
The RQi Sport is the electric equivalent of a 125cc petrol bike, and A1-legal, powered by a 7.5kW electric motor with two removable 2.6kWh batteries. It has a top speed of 63mph (100 km/h), which can be briefly boosted to 70mph (112km/h) via Launch Mode feature.
NIU claim a range of up to 75 miles (120 km) in Eco mode. The dual 72V removable batteries, weighing in at 25kg each, will take 5 hours to fully recharge.
As we’ve come to expect from NIU there’s also some clever technology included. The TFT dash can be paired to your phone via an app, there’s a USB port, cruise control and power modes. For safety and security you have a forward and rear camera to record your ride, keyless ignition and keyless steering lock.
The RQi Sport is due for release in 2023 and may be a good choice for those looking for the thrill of an electric motorcycle without the costly price.
NIU RQi Sport Specifications
Price: US$7470 (€6999)
Max Range: 75 miles (120 kms)
Max. speed: 63 mph (100 km/h) – (70mph (112km/h) in Launch Mode)
Motor: 5kW (6.7hp) – (7.5kW in Launch Mode)
Battery Capacity: 5.2 kWh
Drivechain: Centrally mounted motor with chain drive
Charging Time: 5-7 hours – 100%
Weight: 186 kg (410 lbs)
Seat Height: Adjustable: 825 mm (32.4 in)
5. Kollter RS1
Its name may suggest a German manufacturer but the RS1 motorcycle is actually produced via Jiangsu Keyroad Transportation Technology Company in China. Their previous electric model was the ES1, a smaller supermoto styled electric motorcycle with a lower top speed and battery capacity than the RS1.
The RS1 is a mid-power commuter class electric motorcycle set to rival existing models such as the Zeros S, DS and FXE. All three Zero motorcycle are in the same price bracket and when you compare the RS1 to say the Zero S the RS1 has similar power at 47hp but more battery capacity with 8 kWh. This provides the RS1 with more range at 125 miles (201 kms) compared to 89 miles (143 kms) with the S for city commuting. The RS1 also comes standard with fast charging which is an additional cost on the S.
Suspension for the RS1 is an inverted front fork and rear monoshock. Dual hydraulic disc brakes are activated via two hand levers instead of the more traditional right hand brake lever and right foot brake pedal. The RS1 has 17″ wheels front and rear and includes technology such as a color LED display, keyless operation and an anti-theft alarm system.
Kollter RS1 Specifications
Price: US$11,995 (€11,290)
Max Range: 125 miles (201 kms)
Max. speed: 80 mph (130 km/h)
Motor: 35kW (47hp) Peak
Battery Capacity: 8 kWh
Drivechain: Centrally mounted motor with belt drive
Charging Time: 6 hours – 100%
Weight: 189 kg (417 lbs)
Seat Height: Adjustable: 787 mm (31 in)
