The electric revolution is well and truly underway, and one of the most popular forms of electric transport is, of course, the electric bike.
Electric bikes, or e-bikes, offer a fast, environmentally-conscious, low-effort way to get around, whether that’s on an urban commute, a rugged mountain bike trail, a dirt track or even a race track.
While an electric bicycle is usually the first thing that comes to mind when e-bikes are mentioned, the motorised road bike is not the only form an e-bike can take.
There are e-MTBs, e-mopeds, e-motorcycles and even e-bicycles that look like motorcycles, which are a fun way to cruise with a bit of extra power and style.
On this page, we’ll explore all the different kinds of two-wheeled electric modes of transport on the market, from e-bikes to electric motorcycles to electric mopeds, and take a look at the top 6 e-bikes that look like motorcycles for those who want the best of both worlds.
Types of Electric “Bikes”
There is a wide range of different e-bikes available to suit any rider’s needs, whether they’re hopping on a bicycle to work, undertaking a mountainous cycling expedition, or spinning through the dirt on an off-road track.
Depending on the intended purpose of the e-bike, it will be designed with different levels and modes of power and different physical designs, components and functionalities.
The commuter e-bike is the most popular type because they’re suitable for a wide variety of uses from travel to leisure in urban settings. They tend to look like a regular road bike, just with added electric functionality, and while they have a motor assist to help the rider achieve higher speeds with ease, the speed of the bike is limited according to local speed laws for road use.
Off-road e-bikes and electric mountain bikes are growing in popularity as people begin to realise what a difference electric assist can make on tough and hilly terrain. There are also electric fat bikes, which have (you guessed it!) fatter tyres for a smoother, grippier ride.
On the more powerful end of the spectrum are electric mopeds and electric motorbikes which, like electric cars, are entirely powered by the motor instead of pedals. They offer low-noise, fume-free and smooth rides like no other, so it’s no surprise that some say they could be the future of motorbiking.
Let’s go into a little more detail about each of these types of electric bike.
Electric Bicycle (AKA “E-Bike”)
The classic e-bike can come in many forms, from road bike to mountain bike, cargo bike to folding bike — and even electric bicycles that are designed to look like motorbikes.
As you pedal, an electric motor is activated which gives you a power boost, helping you to achieve higher speeds, tackle tough climbs, and carry heavy loads with less effort.
That said, it’s important to note that electric bikes come with speed limiters that cut out the motor when you hit a certain speed dictated by local speed limit laws.
In the UK, Europe and Australia, e-bikes are not allowed to go faster than 15.5mph on public roads. In the US, they can go up to 28mph depending on the class of e-bike.
However, this does not necessarily mean that getting an e-bike is not worth it when compared to a regular bike: you’d be surprised how much this motor assist can help, especially when it comes to avoiding arriving at work a sweaty, tired mess.
Another common concern surrounding e-bikes is that they are more likely to get stolen. While, of course, they are generally much more expensive than regular bikes, you absolutely can mitigate the risk of having your electric-bike by having a proper bike security system in place. It’s better to be safe than sorry, whether you have an expensive e-bike or a budget bicycle.
Electric Motorcycle
Thanks to the global push for green energy, electric motorcycles are now a popular high-power, high-speed and accessible mode of transport for those looking for a two-wheeled EV.
Unlike electric bikes, electric motorcycles are powered entirely by the motor (no pedalling required), and can reach much higher speeds — we’re talking in excess of 100mph. As such, you will need a valid motorcycle licence to ride an electric motorcycle, and details of the type of licence you need for different motorbikes in the UK can be found on the Government website here.
Electric motorcycles offer motorcyclists a quiet, low-emission, environmentally-sustainable way to enjoy their rides without compromising on the cool look of a traditional motorbike.
Electric Moped
Electric mopeds are popular with commuter riders and those who frequently travel in urban areas thanks to their compact size and decent range.
As a general rule, electric mopeds are limited to a speed of 28mph and are powered between 1000W and 4000W, and can be ridden by anyone over 16 years of age who has passed a CBT course and has a category AM or P on their driving licence. This is the same as for 50cc petrol mopeds and scooters.
They cannot, however, be used on motorways, and are best suited to short zips around city roads.
E-Bike vs Electric Motorcycle vs Electric Moped [DIFFERENCES]
| Electric Bike | Electric Motorcycle | Electric Moped |
|---|---|---|
| Pedal power and electric motor | Electric motor | Electric motor |
| Speed limited to 15.5mph in UK | Fast speeds | Limited to 28mph |
| Road bike, folding bike, MTB and more | Range of motorbike designs | Compact design for urban travel |
| Don’t need a licence to ride | Licensing restrictions apply | Licensing restrictions apply |
| Great for commuting and leisure | Great for longer distance travel | Great for short city rides |
E-Bikes That Look Like Motorcycles [Top 6]
- Super73 R-Series [REVIEW]
- C3STROM Astro [REVIEW]
- Texolabs La Panthère E-Bike [REVIEW]
- Vintage Electric Bikes Scrambler [REVIEW]
- Michael Blast Springer [REVIEW]
- Serial 1 E-Bikes [REVIEW]
1. Super73 R-Series
Motor: 250W
Throttle: No
Weight: 36.3 kg
Range: 120 km
Wheel Size: 20″
Gears: 8-Speed
Price (approximate):
£4,599
$ 4,599
€4,599
The Super73 R-Series offers a combination of super-cool motorcycle looks and a street-legal electric bike riding experience.
It has adjustable full suspension and four ride modes so you can customise your ride to your terrain. All of the Super73 models come street-legal per European regulations, so they don’t require a driver’s licence or registration, but this does mean that the speed is limited to 25 km/h with a continuous rated power of 250-watt motor.
The four ride modes incorporate a ‘default mode’ which is street legal for all European countries as well as modes which allow pedal-assist at higher speeds which are strictly for use on private land.
A stylish low-rise handlebar adds to the motorbike look, as do the GRZLY tyres which are made through a blend of motorcycle and bicycle tyre methods. These tyres’ proprietary SUPER73 tread pattern improves traction, reduces road noise and increases stability both on-road and off-road.
The bike is designed to be fully customisable when it comes to accessories and apparel, so you can carry cargo your way with ease.
Plus, the battery is removable so you can recharge it wherever you like, and the RX model has an estimated 64-120+km of range depending on the pedal assist mode.
2. C3STROM Astro
Motor: 750W
Throttle Yes
Weight: 42.6 kg
Range: 80 km
Wheel Size: 20”
Gears: 8-Speed
Price (approximate):
- £2,499
- $ 2,499
- €2,499
With top speeds of up to 32mph in off-road mode, the C3STROM Astro is a motorcycle-style e-bike that really packs a punch.
Its 4-piston hydraulic brakes are reliable whether you’re riding on-road or off-road, and the Lux headlight system means you can ride whenever, wherever.
The puncture resistant tyres are thick and sturdy, and the half-twist throttle gives you the motorcycle experience while still having all the fun of pedal power.
With a max range of 50 miles on a single charge thanks to the large 780WH lithium-ion battery, you can trust this bike to take you on an adventure — and you can get a full charge in 4-5 hours, so you’re ready to go again in no time.
The extra-long silicone-filled saddle reduces vibration for a smooth ride, so despite the hefty 750W motor, you’ll be as comfortable as can be.
Plus, you can switch between the multi-class ride modes with ease, so whether you’re going on an off-road adventure or trying to get from A to B on tarmac, you can legally ride without a licence, insurance or registration by selecting the appropriate speed limiter.
3. Texolabs La Panthère E-Bike
Motor: 250W
Throttle Optional
Weight: 36.0 kg
Range: 40km
Wheel Size: 26”
Gears: 8-Speed
Price (approximate):
- £2,650
- $ 2,650
- €2,650
As e-bikes that look like motorbikes go, this really is a beauty.
A sleek black frame is complemented by tan leather grips and saddle, and its large wheels and frame size make it an imposing but beautiful vehicle.
Plus, the Texolabs La Panthère E-Bike combines pedal power with a fierce throttle for a fun combination of e-bike and electric motorbike.
The 250W motor will get you up to speeds of 15.5mph with the speed limiter in place, making it road legal. A throttle is included but not installed, so you can add it for off-road use if you choose.
With a range of around 40km on a single charge, you can go a decent distance without worrying about your battery, and you can increase the battery power at an extra charge when purchasing the e-bike. It also charges in 4-6 hours, so you won’t have to wait long for your next ride.
4. Vintage Electric Bikes Scrambler
Motor: 750W
Throttle Yes
Weight: 39.0 kg
Range: 120km
Wheel Size: 26”
Gears: 1-Speed
Price (approximate):
- £6,995
- $ 6,995
- €6,995
This is one for the adrenaline junkies, for sure.
With a top speed of 40mph, a 750 watt motor that can deliver up to 4,000 watts in race mode, powerful hydraulic disc brakes and a thumb throttle included, the Vintage Electric Bikes Scrambler is a force to be reckoned with.
Five power modes are available depending on your needs, and the bike can tackle 15 to 20% grade hulls with ease. Plus, with up to 75 miles of range, the adventure can go on and on — and it can get a full charge in just 3.5 hours. However, the battery is not removable, so you need to be somewhere you can physically plug the bike in.
The satin black hydroformed aluminium frame is sleek and imposing, and the fork has 60mm of travel for a smooth ride. This is a really impressive looking bike, and whether you’re on gravel roads or tarmac, it’s designed with performance and fun in mind.
5. Michael Blast Springer
Motor: 500W
Throttle No
Weight: 28.0 kg
Range: 80km
Wheel Size: 26”
Gears: 7-Speed
Price (approximate):
- £1,495
- $ 3,299
- €3,299
The Michael Blast Springer is a really unique looking e-bike, designed in the boardtracker style with none of the noise or hassle of a vintage bike.
With a top speed of 22mph it’s great for cruising, and an 80km range means you can go on some fantastic long rides. The e-bike combines a Shimano Altus 7-speed and a 5-speed motor assist drivetrain, and the 5-speed backlit LED display gives you full control over your ride.
It feels like a motorcycle thanks to its size and weight, but can still comfortably be taken on paved roads and trails. The 500W motor makes tackling hills a breeze, but even at high speeds on flat terrain it’s solid and stable thanks to its aluminium frame and hydraulic brakes.
With three frame colours to choose from — black, red or blue — you can choose the look that suits you best, but whatever you choose, you’re sure to attract attention with this quirky but fantastic-looking bike.
6. Serial 1 E-Bikes
Motor: 250W
Throttle No
Weight: 27 kg
Range: 170 km
Wheel Size: 27.5”
Gears: 1-Speed
Price (approximate):
- £5,000
- $ 5,000
- €5,000
Okay, the Serial-1 e-bikes don’t particularly look like motorbikes. However, because they are made by the one and only Harley-Davidson, we’d really be remiss to mention them in this motorcycle-themed e-bike article.
The Serial-1 range consists of four bikes: the MOSH/TRIBUTE, RUSH/CTY, RUSH/CTY STEP THRU, and the MOSH/CTY. They start at €3999 for the entry-level model, MOSH/CTY, and go up to €6300 for the top-of-the-range MOSH/TRIBUTE, which might seem very expensive, but they’re designed to be a lifelong investment.
Each bike offers something different, and we go fully into the details here. All four of the bikes are packing a Brose S Mag motor, a max assistance speed of 25 km/h, and 90Nm of torque.
The two MOSH bikes have a single-speed, freewheel drivetrain, while the two RUSH bikes have the Enviolo AUTOMATiQ CVT drivetrain. The battery sizes vary too, but the series has a really impressive range of up to 170km depending on model and usage.
To top it off, they’re beautiful looking e-bikes — but what else would you expect from Harley-Davidson?
The post E-Bikes That Look Like Motorcycles [Top 6] appeared first on Discerning Cyclist.