Electric motorcycle sales lately are ruled by classic mountain bike brands like Specialized, Trek, Canyon, and Giant. But there are a growing number of motorcycle brands eager to get in on the electric motorcycle action. With apparent technological crossovers with electric mobility, it’s smart motorcycle brands know their future is electric. But do they offer anything more than electric mountain bikes sold through classic cycling brands?Let’s take a closer look at the motorized motors and walkers that are making major inroads into the e-MTB market.
The motorcycle brand that’s synonymous with MX and Enduro is part of the KTM group. And with the recent launch of the GasGas ECC (160mm) and MXC (140mm) platforms, both of which feature the new SRAM Powertrain, GasGas’s e-bikes have gained instant credibility.
GasGas clearly knows its customer base. For the diehard mountain biker, the full carbon frames have size specific chainstays for balanced handling. For the petrolheads, the top two models in each platform feature WP suspension, with its legendary Cone Valve technology (built by DVO). In fact, the 630Wh battery could be the only turn off for anyone that isn’t strictly focused on racing. Thankfully, there’s also a 250Wh range extender available aftermarket which will give you a whopping 880Wh to burn through. And because the entry-level ECC 4 forgoes the wireless AXS transmission and Auto Shift feature for a traditional cable-operated drivetrtain, it’s currently the cheapest way to get hold of the new SRAM motor.
Yamaha motors power all of Giant’s electric mountain bikes, but Yamaha is also launching its own line of electric mountain bikes. The Moro 07 full suspension motorcycle is designed around Yamaha’s PW-X3 engine and a unique Dual Twin chassis with dual head and rear. Tubes for optimised flexibility and handling. For £4,100, the Moro 07 is an entry-level electric motorcycle with a 160mm RockShox fork and a Super Deluxe surprise with a frame that offers 150mm of travel.
Obviously, Yamaha is just getting started, but with MX championships under its belt and all the engineering know-how since making everything from golf carts to boats, it’s only a matter of time before we see the equivalent electric mountain bike of the YZ125. Additionally, the YZ125 MX motorcycle costs £7,400, which is about the same price as most mid-range electric motorcycles.
This iconic Italian lopass motorcycle needs no introduction. But to go it alone in the e-bike market, Ducati has partnered with Italian e-bike lopass Thok. We brought in the flagship Ducati Powerstage RR a few months ago, and it was clear from the first pedal of the Shimano EP801 motor that had been designed to showcase Ducati’s racing heritage and win timed uphill stages. Hence the call and use of the lighter 630Wh battery.
Ducati also offers the MIG-S in its range, with 150/140mm of travel, an EP8 engine and a more off-road (read: steeper) geometry. Ducati’s electric motorcycles are obviously exclusive to the logo, but the logo seeks to bring another style of rider service, as Ducati needs to manage all facets of the rider experience, from motorcycle delivery to full technical support. Let’s hope it can be successful.
Husky, also a member of the KTM Group in Austria, makes everything from robotic lawn mowers to enduro motorcycles for the Paris Dakar. In 2024, its range of electric motorcycles will undergo a major overhaul, with its new range of electric Cross motorcycles. looking absolutely serene. That’s also great, that defining motorcycles by displacement and geometry, Husky did it across terrain. As such, Husky offers the Hard Cross (180/170mm travel) for rough terrain, the Mountain Cross (150mm travel) for rough terrain, and the Light Cross platform (130/120mm) for moderate terrain.
All motorcycles use Shimano EP801 motors and the Mountain Cross and Light Cross use a sleek frame design that synchronizes the motor and allows for simple removal of giant 720 Wh batteries. All models use an MX wheel format, some motorcycles are indexed with 27. 5-inch wheels on the Husqvarna website.
This isn’t Honda’s first foray into the world of mountain biking. The 2004 RN01 DH prototype motorcycle, with its boxshift transmission and Showa suspension, would remain state-of-the-art by today’s standards. That is, if Honda had already done a production edition. Now, 20 years later, Honda is back, this time with an electric mountain bike concept. Its new edition feels more like a proof of concept, which apparently isn’t entirely an idea, as there are apparent compromises in seat tube insertion depth, full clearance between the travel frame and wheels, and fundamental kinematics, as the surprise shock is driven directly from the swingarm. Hopefully this fast styling will never see the light of day, but if Honda can make something as modern as the old RN01, preferably an electric motorcycle with a low-drag drivetrain, we’d love to ride it.