Best e-motorbike 2024: electric motorbikes to beat the traffic

Electric motorcycles and e-motorbikes are a convenient and economical way to commute. They’re better for the environment, are quieter, smoother, and need less maintenance than their petrol-guzzling black-leather brethren. Plus they can save you money in the long run as the price of fossil fuels goes up.

The odd thing is that the electric revolution currently sweeping traditional vehicle manufacturers doesn’t seem to have completely overtaken the motorcycle companies yet. Many of the best e-motorbikes are from newer firms with backgrounds in electronics, and who come from Asia or Scandinavia instead of Birmingham or Detroit. This doesn’t mean their products aren’t excellent, however: they definitely are, and with e-motorbikes of the kind of quality we see in the three highlighted here there’s no doubt that these are some of the best ways to get about.

Which is the best electric motorbike?

Maeving RM1 – £4995 from Maeving

What’s the story?

Shunning the ‘white goods’ looks of some rivals, Maeving’s gloriously retro RM1 fuses vintage cafe racer design with a modern electric propulsion system. This model has a max speed of 45mph and a range of around 80 miles; the battery is easily removed and charged at home (or in the office) in just 4hrs. Its Bosch hub motor provides 160Nm of torque for nippy acceleration.

Is it any good?

This brushed steel stunner weighs just 111kg, making it really easy to manoeuvre in and out of city parking spaces. Riding is simplicity itself, with a twist-and-go action coupled with a braking setup that’s no different to riding a bicycle. It’s plenty fast enough for urban traffic and a joy to thread through corners… plus it never fails to turn heads.

Super Soco TC Max – £4599 from Vmoto

What’s the story?

Chinese manufacturer Super Soco embraced the idea of lighter, cheaper, lower-powered electric motorcycling long before some of the established names. The TC Max is the ‘sportiest’ model in its range and therefore comes at a loftier price than most – but that money brings you a top speed of 60mph, a range of around 60 miles and nippy around-town performance.

Is it any good?

A total weight of 101kg makes this one about as approachable as it could be. The motor is punchy and acceleration is a real highlight. The front brake is weak, but the battery can be removed (although it weighs 22kg) and charged anywhere you like. Above all else, the TC Max’s mechanical simplicity equals wallet-friendly running costs.