In a bid to draw in more riders and make e-motos more accessible, Zero Motorcycles has unveiled a new 'All Access' plan. At its core are six newly developed motorcycles, all priced under US$10,000. The first two electric motorcycles from this pack were unveiled at EICMA 2024.
While technically correct, I feel like the headline should have mentioned that these two new models are aimed at the off-road market. As in, electric dirtbikes.
And while I am indeed thrilled that prices are pushing downward, I’m still not sure if $4200 is going to substantially move product, at least not without convincing buyers of the unique benefits with going electric. A cursory web search shows that 125cc dirt bikes are in the 7 kW class, but can be bought new for $3500. So the gap is definitely closing, but it’s still notable.
I do wonder if they plan to go even smaller, into the 3-4 kW class, which would roughly be the realm of 50cc or 80cc. That would definitely be an off-road only category, and is more atuned for kids. Or perhaps adults wishing to leisurely cruise around dirt tracks. It’s also a category where low-duty cycle (ie one season only) and short range are most common, and the immediate benefit of electric is not having to stabilize two-stroke fuel over the winter. An electric dirtbike that can sit in a shed but ready to use when pulled out three times a year, is the sort of product that suburban buyers might appreciate.
I think they’ll move. The lowest end zero they have here is basically a 72v modified surron. I bought a surron in Canada for $7100 out the door. Top speed is only 80km (75ish in reality unless conditions are perfect), 60km of range.
I live near tons of ATV trails and rural paths so this little bike was a real game changer. Did I overpay? Pls don’t remind me. But it was absolutely worth the price for my use case. I’m a small guy and the bike fits me perfectly. I’ve never rode anything other than bikes before but now after 2800km on a surron I’m looking at getting a motorcycle license and eyeing an electric motorcycle (gas is still superior in every way except for noise, weight, and off the line torque).
These little guys get beginners onto bikes. A zero emoto gets people eyeing their bigger lineup when 80km/h just doesn’t cut it.
Absolutely, 100%. In my dreams, the entry-level for e-motos would perfectly overlap with the mid- to higher-end of Class 3 e-bikes. It would basically be a two-wheel continuum where price and capabilities align in increasing fashion. From bicycles to e-bikes to e-dirtbikes to e-motos and beyond. I want this to be real one day, because it’s the sort of progression that allows new riders to get started and work their way to whichever suits their fancy.
The only caveat I can think of is that safety education should also scale in the same way, but in the USA, the most comprehensive two-wheel safety course is for a motorcycle license, which means dirt bikers and e-bikers don’t currently have the benefit of that training, unless they already had their motorcycle license. I do believe in “cross training” between the various two-wheel machines, but I don’t know how the pedagogical consideration would influence things.
Ya the law is slow to catch up and likely won’t. I foresee bans on these crossover type PEVs or treatment like they’re mopeds or motorcycles.
Where I live, police have no idea what they are and as long as you wear proper ppe they won’t even notice you. Even if you drive at speed on the roads without any license plate.
Taking advantage of that before the hammer drops (maybe after tariffs?)