Electric motorcycles are no longer just a niche experiment—they’re here, and they’re growing fast. But what’s interesting is how the EV motorcycle world is following a trajectory that feels eerily familiar.
Think about it: when gas-powered bikes took off, we saw superbikes emerge with insane horsepower, while more sensible folks enjoyed practical commuters. Of course, dirt bikes, cruisers, and everything in between took off. And indeed, you could say that the same thing is happening with electrics. We’ve already got high-performance machines like the Zero SR/F and the now-defunct Energica Ego.
But what about off-road? Yep, that space is booming too, thanks to machines like the Stark Varg, KTM Freeride E-XC, and even the upcoming electric Kawasaki KX. And now? Now we’re seeing something completely different—a full-fledged electric cruiser. Enter the Sine Cycles King Current, a handcrafted piece of rolling art that proves electric bikes can be just as cool, custom, and character-filled as their gas-powered ancestors.
Created by Swiss engineer Bruno Forcella, the King Current is a one-of-a-kind electric custom that blends modern tech with old-school style. Unlike most EV bikes that look like they belong in a sci-fi movie, this one is straight out of a classic chopper shop. It’s got a softail-style frame with a custom cantilever rear suspension, an S-shaped swingarm, and a stretched-out stance that screams custom cruiser.
Performance-wise, it’s packing a Zero FX drivetrain, meaning it’s running a three-phase permanent magnet motor with 44 horsepower and 96 Nm (around 70 pound-feet) of torque. That may not sound like much, but in the world of electric motorcycles, torque is everything. This thing launches. It claims a top speed of 78 miles per hour, and a rather lackluster 62 miles of range from its 6.5 kWh battery. Not a touring machine by any means, but probably just enough for stylish city rides.
What makes the King Current stand out is the attention to detail. Forcella designed and built almost everything himself—the battery housing, heat sinks, belt tensioner, brake adapters, fiberglass covers—you name it. This isn’t just an electric bike; it’s a handmade, one-man passion project that rivals the craftsmanship of high-end choppers.
The King Current made its public debut at the 2024 Custombike Show in Germany, where it stood out as the only electric motorcycle in a sea of loud, fuel-burning machines. It didn’t win any awards, but it made a statement: electric motorcycles can be just as unique, stylish, and personal as traditional customs.
For a long time, EV motorcycles were seen as soulless appliances. Sure, they’re fast. Sure, they’re efficient. But the character, the noise, the vibration—gone. The King Current challenges that mindset. It’s proof that an electric bike can have personality.
If we follow the same trajectory as the gas-powered world, the next wave of EV bikes should be baggers, tourers, and cafe racers. Harley-Davidson has already dipped its toes in the water with the LiveWire One, but imagine an all-electric Road Glide or Gold Wing? Or maybe we’ll see something radical—like electric bobbers, retro-styled muscle bikes, or even stripped-down scramblers.
One thing’s for sure: the future of electric motorcycles isn’t just about speed or efficiency anymore. It’s about style, identity, and culture.
Sources: Sine Cycles, The PACK
