Gallery: Electric Mayhem
01buying-advice-8
*Photo: Greg Broom* ### Read the Reviews [Zero DS](/reviews/2012/03/reviews_electricmotorcycles/?pid=2231) [BRD RedShift SM](/reviews/2012/03/reviews_electricmotorcycles/?pid=2230) [Brammo Enertia Plus](/reviews/2012/03/reviews_electricmotorcycles/?pid=2229) [Zero MX](/reviews/2012/03/reviews_electricmotorcycles/?pid=2228) The Basics __These are really scooters, right?__ Nope. Last year, electric racing prototypes started turning lap times that rival their 600-cc gas brethren and are capable of hitting speeds over 200 mph. These electric street versions are not quite as quick, but they've got plenty of muscle for keeping up with freeway traffic and, thanks to weights as low as 200 pounds, pulling ahead when the light turns green. These are very much motorcycles. __Then why haven't any of the big manufacturers gotten involved?__ They're about to. In November, Honda showed off a concept electric superbike thought to be built around the electric motor from its Insight hybrid car. And Austrian dirt-bike manufacturer KTM is getting into the game later this year. But just as the move to electric cars let innovators like Tesla jump ahead of established automakers, the electric-motorcycle scene has been dominated so far by startups — mainly BRD, Brammo, and Zero. Brammo locked down $28 million in a second round of funding last year, while Zero raised $26 million. __OK, but how's the range?__ If you're sticking to the city, you can get upward of 100 miles on a single overnight charge (about 10 cents of electricity). But all current electric motorcycles use single-speed transmissions. That means they're turning very high, energy-draining rpm's at top speeds: Freeway travel can cut your range by half or more. So you probably wouldn't want to ride your electric moto to Sturgis. Actually, we wouldn't recommend riding one of these to Sturgis regardless. Buying Advice If you're in the market for an electric motorcycle, make sure you buy one with a brushless motor. Brushes can help generate more power, but they also collect debris and dramatically shorten motor life. Also, don't let initial sticker prices scare you away. Depending on where you live, federal and state tax breaks can knock off thousands of dollars. Colorado's Alternative Vehicle Tax Credit, for example, will refund as much as 85 percent of the price difference over a gas-powered equivalent.
02zero-ds
*Photo: Greg Broom* ### Read the Other Reviews [The Basics and Buying](/reviews/2012/03/reviews_electricmotorcycles/) [BRD RedShift SM](/reviews/2012/03/reviews_electricmotorcycles/?pid=2230) [Brammo Enertia Plus](/reviews/2012/03/reviews_electricmotorcycles/?pid=2229) [Zero MX](/reviews/2012/03/reviews_electricmotorcycles/?pid=2228) __Zero DS__ Until the industry giants get into the game, this California company is the biggest electric motorcycle player. And the DS is easily the most versatile, practical bike we tested. True to its name (DS stands for "dual sport"), the street-legal bike marries a highway-worthy top speed of 80 mph to the 9-inch suspension travel and knobby tires of a dirt bike. It's a go-anywhere moto perfect for exploring. And with a 75-mile range — 112 with optional battery pack — the DS can do a lot of it. The no-hassle belt drive (as opposed to a chain) and brushless motor bring the maintenance costs down to almost zero. __WIRED__ Tall, beefy suspension lets you see over cars and roll over obstacles. Maintenance plan consists of keeping air in the tires. __TIRED__ Bigger battery costs $2,500 extra. Not even pedestrians can hear the weak horn. $11,495 | [Zero DS](http://www.zeromotorcycles.com/zero-ds/)
03brd-redshift-sm
*Photo: Greg Broom* ### Read the Other Reviews [The Basics and Buying](/reviews/2012/03/reviews_electricmotorcycles/) [Zero DS](/reviews/2012/03/reviews_electricmotorcycles/?pid=2231) [Brammo Enertia Plus](#) [Zero MX](/reviews/2012/03/reviews_electricmotorcycles/?pid=2228) __BRD RedShift SM__ This bike is as nimble as a Silicon Valley startup, which makes sense, since that's exactly what BRD is. The company was founded in 2007 by three moto-addicted industrial designers, and the RedShift is their first effort. It's an off-road-inspired street cycle that can beat a 250-cc gas equivalent on the track, thanks to a power-to-weight ratio that lets the 265-pound rig launch out of turns and hit a max speed of 85 mph. The RedShift steered and accelerated faster than the KTM 250 XC-F we tested it against at California's Infineon Raceway. It's also twice the price, but the brushless motor should run 10 times longer than a gas engine before needing service. __WIRED__ Tron-worthy looks. Enough battery for a weekend of racing. __TIRED__ Sticker shock. BRD is taking orders, but no delivery until later this year. $15,495 | [BRD RedShift SM](https://www.faster-faster.com/bikes.html)
04brammo-enertia-plus
*Photo: Greg Broom* ### Read the Other Reviews [The Basics and Buying](/reviews/2012/03/reviews_electricmotorcycles/) [Zero DS](#) [BRD RedShift SM](/reviews/2012/03/reviews_electricmotorcycles/?pid=2230) [Zero MX](/reviews/2012/03/reviews_electricmotorcycles/?pid=2228) __Brammo Enertia Plus__ For $1,000 extra, the Plus doubles the range of the three-year-old base-model Enertia to 80 miles. That's more than enough for urban commuting, which is exactly what this bike was made for. Though it looks like it might have been designed by an Ikea focus group, the Enertia can handle city abuse, with a Marzocchi suspension and Brembo brakes more often seen on Ducatis. And in a refreshing twist, it not only hits but exceeds the claimed top speed of "60 mph plus" — we had it going nearly 70 mph uphill. __WIRED__ Relaxed position and twist-and-go operation make this an ideal first bike. Tight geometry is dialed for carving up traffic. __TIRED__ A passenger seat would be nice. Slowest in our test from a dead stop. $8,995 | [Brammo Enertia Plus](http://www.brammo.com/enertia-plus/)
05zero-mx
*Photo: Greg Broom* ### Read the Other Reviews [The Basics and Buying](/reviews/2012/03/reviews_electricmotorcycles/) [Zero DS](#) [BRD RedShift SM](/reviews/2012/03/reviews_electricmotorcycles/?pid=2230) [Brammo Enertia Plus](#) __Zero MX__ The DS's little brother is a dedicated dirt racer. But the silent-running engine is so quiet, taking it into the wilderness feels about as disruptive as riding a mountain bike. Well, riding a mountain bike capable of well over 50 mph. The MX weighs just 200 pounds and has no gears or clutch, meaning no stalling. So it's perfect for newbies. But the fully adjustable suspension and twitchy throttle will reward experienced riders. The flimsy brakes leave much to be desired, though. __WIRED__ So light you can pick it up. Removable, charge-anywhere battery pack! __TIRED__ Small tires — 19-inch front and 16-inch rear — feel kiddie-sized. Solid brakes ... for a mountain bike. $9,495 | [Zero MX](http://www.zeromotorcycles.com/zero-mx/)
