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Zero Motorcycles Now Has An Electric Motorcycle That's Cheaper Than a Scooter

For EICMA 2024, Zero Motorcycles is bringing something truly intriguing to the table, and I don't say that lightly. I mean, what's one of the biggest pain points that both motorcycle enthusiasts and those moto-curious folks who are thinking about getting into the sport have with EV motorcycles? 

That's right; price. Range, battery technology, and charging times are also factors, but none of that matters if the prices are too high for people to want to pony up the cash for them. Right? Beginning with its 2025 lineup, Zero Motorcycles is taking steps to combat this problem, with the introduction of its new X lineup, as well as the announcement of a new development program that it's calling All Access. 

The 2025 Zero XE and XB are the first two bikes in the All Access lineup, which is planned to consist of a total of six new Zero EV motorcycles in the next two years, all priced under US $10K. Here in the US, both the XE and XB will be sold as off-road machines, while street-legal versions will be available for sale in Europe. Both feature light weight, as well as swappable battery packs so you can keep the fun going (or just charge your battery off the bike, if you prefer). 

We'll get to the specs on both bikes in a moment, but for now, I want you to consider the pricing on both of these bikes. Why? Because it marks the first time an EV motorcycle maker has offered motorcycles with prices that stack up against combustion bikes you might also be considering.

The specs aren't directly comparable, of course. But for now, please take a look at these price charts. All prices are listed in USD, and are accurate as of November 5.

The 2025 Zero XE sits neatly between the Honda CRF300L Rally and the 2025 CFMoto Ibex 450 in price. That's honestly kind of astonishing.

And if we move on to the jaw-droppingly inexpensive 2025 Zero XB, the price chart is even crazier. Take a look.

One look at the XB and XE, and it's immediately clear that these bikes are designed to take on the Sur-Ron crowd. The XB is a couple of hundred dollars less than the Sur-Ron X; but even more than that, it's priced right in between the Honda Trail 125 and the Honda Dax 125. 

That's right; for the first time ever, Zero Motorcycles is offering an EV motorcycle for Honda miniMOTO money. While it probably had to happen at some point if EV motorcycles are ever to evolve, I don't know that I expected it to happen yet

Gallery: 2025 Zero XE and XB

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That's Great, But What Are The Specs?

Without further ado, here's what you get for your admittedly far-fewer dollars than anyone has ever spent on a new Zero before.

First, the higher-performance model of the two, the 2025 Zero XE. Please note, all figures are claims from Zero, and have not been independently verified.

2025 Zero XE  
Peak Power 21 horsepower (15.5 kilowatts)
Peak Torque (at the wheel) 635 newton-meters (about 468.352 pound-feet)
Top speed 53 mph (85 km/h)
Range (at 31 mph or 50 km/h) 65 miles (100 kilometers)
Battery capacity 4.3 kWh
Charge time 5.5 hours
Weight 223 pounds (101 kg)
Seat height 35.4 inches (900mm)

Now let's take a look at the specs on the 2025 Zero XB, which is the even more budget-friendly little sib.

2025 Zero XB  
Peak Power 10 horsepower (7.5 kW)
Peak Torque (at the wheel) 373 Nm (about 275.11 pound-feet)
Top speed 28 mph (45 km/h)
Range (at 31 mph or 50 km/h) 47 miles (75 km)
Battery capacity 2.4 kWh
Charge time 3 hours
Weight 139 pounds (63 kg)
Seat height 32.7 inches (832mm)

Both bikes get fully adjustable front and rear suspensions, though their comparative levels of suspension travel are slightly different. The XE has 215mm up front and 248mm in the rear, while the XB has 195mm up front and 176mm in the rear.

Both bikes also come with IP65 water resistance ratings, so you don't need to be alarmed if you go through a puddle here or there. Additionally, the XB gets 19-inch wheels front and rear, while the XE gets a 21-inch front wheel and an 18-inch rear wheel. Both bikes get hydraulic disc brakes of unspecified provenance. At the same time, with prices like these, you're probably not expecting Öhlins and Brembo, are you?

Are you already a Zero owner, or do you own another EV motorcycle right now? Whether you've had one before or not, would the X lineup make you think about getting one? Let us know why or why not in the comments.

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