Skip to content

Electric Motorcycle Guide: Best Options Under $10,000 You Can Buy Today

Electric motorcycles have come a long way from their early beginnings over a century ago. What started as a niche technology competing with the rapid rise of gas-powered motorcycles has now transformed into a fast-growing market full of exciting, innovative options for riders.

In this guide, we’ll explore today‘s electric motorcycle landscape, focusing specifically on capable models available for under $10,000. You may be surprised by what kind of performance and features you can get without breaking the bank!

A Brief History of Electric Motorcycles

Before diving into what‘s available today, let‘s look back at some key events in the evolution of electric motorcycles over the years:

  • Late 1800s – Early experiments adding engines to bicycles, including steam engines and gas engines
  • Early 1900s – Electric motorcycles emerge as a niche alternative to gas-powered motorcycles
  • 1974 – Mike Corbin‘s electric motorcycle "Quick Silver" sets speed record of over 165 mph
  • 2011 – Chip Yates sets new speed record for electric motorcycles at nearly 197 mph
  • Present day – Electric motorcycle technology sees massive new investment and models proliferate

It‘s impressive looking back at early electric motorcycle achievements even with limited battery technology. With today‘s advanced batteries and motors, electric models can now compete head-to-head with gas motorcycles while offering unique advantages.

Main Electric Motorcycle Benefits

Before reviewing specific electric motorcycle models available, let‘s look at some of the main benefits this new category of two-wheelers provides compared to traditional gas motorcycles:

Environmentally Friendly – Electric motorcycles have zero emissions, helping improve local air quality and reduce environmental impact.

Less Maintenance – No more changing oil, air filters, or engine tune-ups required. Electric motors are very low maintenance.

Cheaper Operating Costs – Without purchasing gas, insurance and maintenance costs are greatly reduced.

Advanced Technology – Today‘s models come packed with connectivity, app integration, versatility and impressive power.

Quieter – No loud roaring engine means an easier, less fatiguing ride experience.

With lower operating costs and environmental benefits, electric motorcycles make a lot of sense for certain riders. Now let‘s see what‘s actually available today in 2022 at different price points.

Best Electric Motorcycle Options Under $10K

We‘ve researched all the electric motorcycle manufacturers and models available on the US market priced under $10,000 to come up with this shortlist of recommended options across categories:

1. Off-Road Adventure Electric Motorcycles

If you want to enjoy electric off-road riding, these capable and affordable adventure bikes deliver an exciting experience:

Sur Ron Light Bee X

Price: $4,200

The Sur Ron Light Bee X electric dirt bike is incredibly lightweight at just 121 lbs making off-road handling very nimble and responsive. It offers adjustable power modes to suit different rider abilities and experience levels. With almost 3 hours of ride time per charge, it‘s great for motocross tracks or trail riding.

Volcon Grunt

Price: $7,995

Touted as an "all-skill level" electric trail bike, the Volcon Grunt features fat tires for added stability, long-travel suspension for soaking up bumps, and a removable battery pack for quick swaps. Ride time lasts around 2 hours per charge. It‘s a great electric option for casual off-roading or exploring the outdoors.

For pushing limits off-road with longer ride times, more extreme performance and premium components, stepping up above $10K provides models like the KTM Freeride E-XC 2022. But the Light Bee X and Volcon Grunt are very solid choices under $10K.

2. Low-End Street Legal Electric Motorcycles

Want a street legal electric motorcycle on a budget? These options deliver good quality and features without breaking the bank:

Vmoto Super Soco TC Max

Price: $5,250

This retro-styled electric motorcycle offers great value with its 60 mph top speed and approx 78 mile range. Vmoto models offer removable batteries for quick swapping and the Super Soco line has racked up positive reviews. For a bargain commuter bike with solid quality, it‘s a top choice.

Sondors Metacycle

Price: $5,000

Another minimalist option, the Sondors Metacycle electric motorcycle touts upgraded 2022 model components. With an 80 mph top speed and estimated 80 mile range, it competes well on paper with alternatives costing much more. Sondors started in electric bicycles so brings e-bike experience to their electric motorcycle offerings.

While paying under $5K means some compromise on components, these two models impress reviewers with their overall quality relative to price. Those wanting even better performance can upgrade to models from Energica, Zero and others above $10K.

Key Electric Motorcycle Buying Considerations

With this overview of some current electric motorcycle options across budget levels, let‘s summarize a few key factors to weigh as part of your buying decision:

Intended Use Case – Will you ride primarily on the street, off-road, track days? This impacts priorities.

Range Requirements – Assess typical trip distances expected to determine necessary battery range.

Available Charging Access – Home, public, fast charging availability affects convenience.

Initial Cost vs Ongoing Costs – Higher upfront cost of some models gets offset by lower maintenance and energy costs over time.

Power & Performance Needs – Entry-level bikes offer modest power while premium models rival gas motorcycles.

Quality & Reliability – Comprehensively research individual electric motorcycle component quality and reliability via reviews.

As the electric motorcycle market continues rapidly maturing, it‘s important to assess your individual needs then thoroughly research manufacturer reputation and model capabilities to find the best fit.

The Future of Electric Motorcycles

Major motorcycle manufacturers like Harley-Davidson launching new electric models paired with agile startups pushing boundaries signals an exciting future for electric two-wheelers:

  • Rapid annual improvements expected in range, power and charging rate.
  • More motorcycle segments to electrify like off-road, touring, light urban.
  • Potential expanded tax credits for electric vehicles could help adoption.
  • Mainstream gas motorcycle enthusiasts slowly embracing the torquey, high-tech capabilities.

While still early in its adoption curve, the electric motorcycle market already offers very strong options across price levels only improving year over year. We hope this guide gives you a helpful head start researching the many possibilities available today!

Common Electric Motorcycle Questions

What is the typical range of an electric motorcycle?

Range can vary greatly based on battery size and power usage. Under $5K expect approx 50-80 mile range, from $5-10K around 80-150 miles, and over $10K up to 200+ miles from premium models. Always confirm range estimates for individual models under real-world conditions.

How long does it take to charge an electric motorcycle?

Most electric motorcycles include chargers that fully recharge batteries overnight by plugging into a standard wall outlet. For partial quick charging during a ride, advanced models may support DC fast charging networks that can add 50-80% charge in 30-45 minutes.

What kind of maintenance do electric motorcycles require?

Far less maintenance without oil, air filters, engine tune-ups, spark plugs, etc. Still recommend regular inspections, tire condition checks and replacement of wear items like brake pads when needed. Suspension, wheels and controls still require service but much less overall.

Do I need motorcycle experience to ride an electric model?

Not necessarily. Beginner-friendly options have lower power and speeds to safely learn. However, even entry-level electric motorcycles allow achieving higher speeds more rapidly than gas counterparts so respect the acceleration available and learn at your own pace. Taking a basic motorcycle safety course never hurts.

How do electric and gas motorcycles compare on performance?

Premium electric models actually outperform even high-end gas superbikes now in acceleration and torque thanks to instant power delivery. High-end electric motorcycles reach 60 mph in around 3 seconds and have higher lean angles in corners. However, gas models still offer higher top speeds and longer distances between refueling. Trade-offs exist across both categories that comes down to rider priorities and use case.

I hope this guide has provided a helpful introduction to the exciting electric motorcycle options available today! Let me know if you have any other questions in the comments. Whatever you end up choosing, get out there and enjoy the ride!