Like an electric car, the farther you can go on an electric motorcycle, the more you get to pay for that privilege. But the equation isn’t purely linear. Harley’s apple isn’t directly comparable to Zero’s orange (based on published specs).
But do those technologies make the LiveWire worth another ten grand – brand cache aside? Zero’s been building bikes for years, and its SR/F is poised to kick butt.
Speaking of buts – here’s a great big one:
all of this depends upon what type of rider you are, where you live and how far you need to routinely go. In Portland, OR you could run rings around the city on any of the expensive bikes. BUT if you have a solid daily commute on the freeway (assuming you can travel at freeway speeds!) range starts dropping quickly. Like an electric car, the faster you go, the less distance you travel.
BUT if you’re buying an electric motorcycle, you’re doing it partly because you like the idea of a whole lot of foot-pounds of instant torque. Crank the throttle on a LiveWire and you’ll see 60 mph in 3 seconds – without shifting. And while “loud pipes save lives” (I know this from personal experience) there is something to be said about slipping into your garage at midnight without raising the dead.
HARLEY LIVEWIRE from $29,799+ | Range (mi): 146 city / 95 combined
ZERO SR/F from $19,495+ | Range (mi): 161 city / n/a highway
ENERGICA EGO+ from $23,870+ | Range (mi): 250 city / 112 highway
KTM FREERIDE E-XC from $8,299 | Range (mi): NOT STATED
ZERO FX from $8,995 | Range (mi): 46 city / 19 highway
ZERO DSR BLACK FOREST from $18,995 | Range (mi): 157 city / 64 highway
And don’t forget about Federal and State tax credits.
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