Compact daily rides that are leading the charge in 2024
Electric cars might be under fire for being overpriced, over-reliant on unreliable public charging networks and underperforming battery ranges, but one of the most efficient ways to navigate the busy urban environment has always involved two wheels.
What’s more, today’s scooters and learner-friendly motorcycles haven’t escaped electrification, and we now have a solid choice of battery-powered models that can silently whisk you to work as you simultaneously dodge traffic and any local emissions taxes the authorities may have imposed.
Granted, going electric is still predominantly pricier than opting for petrol-powered counterparts, but there is less in the way of regular maintenance (often no chains to oil and air filters to replace). You also have the option of topping up from a standard domestic wall socket, which can be pleasantly inexpensive if timed correctly.
The lack of clutch levers and gearing also makes electric motorcycles and scooters generally more approachable to ride for the newcomer.
With that in mind, we’ve collated some of the best learner-friendly electric bikes and scooters on sale now, drawing on first-hand riding experience, to deliver our recommendations for those looking to make the two-wheeled EV switch.1. Kawasaki Z e-1
Available in either the naked version (the Z e-1) or a fully-fared Ninja e-1, the latest crop of small capacity electric motorcycles represents Kawasaki’s first move towards electrifying its two-wheeled offerings. In doing so, it’s arguably the first major manufacturer to inject some battery power into the A1 Light Motorcycle category.
Although the zippy Z e-1 can only manage a top speed of 52mph (61mph for short bursts via an e-boost mode) and an official range of 44 miles (expect that to be more like 20 in the real world), it can be ridden by those as young as 17 in the UK via the Compulsory Basic Training initiative, or 16 years old in the US (depending on your state).
This makes it a very easy way for younger, less experienced riders to get on the open road, while the distinct lack of oily parts makes it a doddle to maintain and keep running – but you’ll still have to maintain an old-fashioned chain.
That said, ensure it is cleaned, the tires are inflated and the brake pads checked intermittently and there’s little else to worry yourself with outside of the standard service intervals.
We spent a few weeks with the Kawasaki Z e-1 model recently and came away impressed by its ‘big bike’ approach, with the powerful braking system, front forks and rear swing arm clearly borrowed from its latest petrol-powered machines.
There’s also a clever ‘Walk Mode’ that offers a little electrical assistance when moving the bike around at slow speeds. It even works in reverse, so backing the bike out of a hilly parking spot is now simple.
Therein lies the real draw, as this is the first electric motorcycle of its kind to be produced by a manufacturer with a history as long and illustrious as that of Kawasaki. But we were a little underwhelmed by the range – it’s just not enough to even consider venturing further than 10 miles away for fear of running out of juice on the return leg.
In terms of pricing, it is slightly cheaper than BMW’s futuristic CE 02 scooter (mentioned below) at £7,199 (around $9,000 / AU$14,000) but a lot more expensive than something like Super Soco’s cheap and cheerful TC Max, which simply can’t compete on build quality.2. BMW CE 02
First unveiled late last year to offer something original, eye-catching and slightly off-the-wall to join the German giant’s more traditional CE 04 electric scooter, the BMW CE 02 is a 125cc equivalent that leans heavily on slightly madcap futuristic styling and cutting-edge tech to tempt punters to part with their budgets.
