High Torque, Futuristic Designs, and Innovation
The world’s fastest electric motorcycle….Lightning LS-218
The world’s fastest electric motorcycle in 2022 notably named the Lightning LS-218 can reach a top speed of 218 mph and accelerate 0 to 60 mph in a dizzying 2.2 seconds. In fact, the LS 218 is the fastest production bike in the world…gas or electric. Powered by a liquid cooled 150 kW (200 HP) direct drive electric motor that creates an astonishing 168 ft-lbs torque and weighs in at 495 lbs this is arguably a rocket on two wheels. The LS-218 is offered with 3 different battery pack options that are capable of delivering a range of 100 to 180 miles per charge, based on highway speeds. The battery pack can be charged in as little as 30 minutes using a DC fast charger. Retail price starts at $38,888 USD.
The most innovative electric motorcycle….Damon HyperSport
The most innovative motorcycle on the market today goes to a bike with Canadian roots, known as the Damon Hypersport. Riding a motorcycle in today’s world of congested roads and freeways can be treacherous at best. The company, Damon, has incorporated some of the same technology in their motorcycles that have been deployed to elevate the safety of modern automobiles. Using a embedded radar along with 1080p front and rear cameras the HyperSport comes equipped with an onboard safety system referred to as CoPilot Advanced Warning System. This system uses AI (artificial intelligence) to scan a 360 degree view around the motorcycle collecting and processing up to 64 objects simultaneously to warn the rider of any imminent hazards. This is really amazing when you think about it as riders often face numerous dangers on the road and having this technology act and react as another set of eyes is simply priceless. In the event the bike senses a situation where another vehicle presents in a blind spot an LED light bar will present on the windscreen notifying the rider of the potential danger or if the radar anticipates a forward collision vibrations are felt in the grips informing the rider to react. As these real world scenarios play out in daily riding the neural system collects this data using machine learning to then anticipate these future dangers and reacting faster over time. Damon refers to this technology as predictive collision avoidance and honestly I simply can’t imagine not having this on any future motorcycle. The mind boggling technology doesn’t stop there because the HyperSport also features an adjustable ride position they call Shift. This feature allows a rider to adjust the ergonomics of the bike on the fly allowing for a sports or commuter orientated riding position. The foot pegs, seat and handlebar position can elevate or lower depending on the riders needs usually dictated by riding conditions and speeds. In a commuter position the rider has more of an upright position in addition to more relaxed steering whereas, on a high speed open highway scenario the rider is in a more crouched race-like position reducing wind drag. This is all incorporated to reduce rider fatigue and adapt to various riding conditions making the bike highly versatile. Damon has also developed an ecosystem that connects the bike to the rider via an app used on a smartphone that can relay telemetry including battery status and range while informing a rider of the nearest charging point. The HyperSport bikes offered by Damon are without argument loaded with game changing technology and come in several packages all user defined based on power and range. The Hypersport line up starts at $16,995 and can climb to $39,995 depending on buyer specs.
The most premium electric motorcycle….Arc Vector
If you are willing to pony up for the goods then the British born Arc Vector certainly delivers them in spades. Featuring an industry first carbon-fiber monocoque body the bike completely eliminates the typical metal frame structure yet sets up for an exotic cafe racer profile. This specific design allows for a 399-volt 16.8 kwH battery that is stated to offer excellent range. If the futuristic lines alone aren’t enough to get you excited then consider the unique riders jacket that provides haptic feedback warnings and the HUD (heads-up display) projected onto the visor of the helmet. This “human machine interface” is incorporated into the bike to provide real time connection between the rider and the machine allowing the rider to focus exclusively on the task at hand, riding the bike. Outfitted with a 95 kW (127 HP) electric motor that delivers a massive 293 ft-lbs of torque the bike can reach a top speed of 124 mph and a 0 – 60 mph in 3.2 seconds. Of course this doesn’t come without a hefty cost and if you want to live out your inner Tony Stark (Iron Man) you’ll need to shell out a cool $122,000 USD.
The most budget friendly electric motorcycle….Sondors Metacycle
If a laundry list of features and options are not at the top of your priorities yet you insist on clean lines and solid curb appeal then the Sondors Metacycle will likely check the boxes and definitely fit your budget. Equipped with a peak 14.5kW (20hp) electric motor capable of 130 ft-lbs of torque can reach a top speed of 80 mph. Mounted on a weld-free “exo-frame” the Metacycle 4kwH battery returns a range of 80 miles on a single charge, which is more than ample for most operators. The motorbike is not completely stripped of features as you may think being a budget oriented electric motorcycle. In fact, the Metacycle offers adjustable suspension, hydraulic brakes, full color digital display and even a reverse for parking in tight spots. The motorbike ships with a compact charger that is capable of delivering a full charge in 3 hours and 45 mins using a standard wall plug. The charging unit is stated to be highly portable weighing in at just 7lbs allowing mobility, if necessary. The Sondors Metacycle retails for a modest $6,000 USD before taxes, which is roughly a third of the cost of most electric motorcycles. If you’re on the fence about owning an electric motorcycle the Sondors Metacycle offers an excellent entry level option to scratch the proverbial itch.