The Trump Administration’s 25% tariffs are set to hit the auto industry today, targeting imported sedans, SUVs, vans, pickups, and even the parts required to keep existing vehicles on the road. But, crucially, the tariffs do not impact motorcycles.
So, if you’ve been searching for an excuse to buy a new motorcycle, The God Emperor Donald J. Trump might have just handed you one!
If you’re serious about reducing carbon emissions and finding the most efficient way to get from A to B, a motorcycle is almost always been a better bet than cars – and that’s typically true whether you’re talking about ICE or battery-powered bikes. And, for 2025, the electric motorcycle market is finally bringing some options to US shores that don’t feel like glorified toasters with “Power Wheels” performance and charging times.
Here are few of the bikes I think you should considering:
LiveWire S2 Mulholland
With a 3 second 0-60 mph time and up to 120 miles of range, the LiveWire Mulholland isn’t the bike to live out your Easy Rider fantasies on. But if you’re under 40, you probably have no idea what I’m talking about, anyway – and you’re not looking for bike to define your lifestyle. Instead, you’re looking for a bike that fits into life you’re already living, and the $16,499 Mulholland can probably do just that.
With a price tag roughly $30,000 lower than the average transaction price of a new car, the LiveWire S2 models are definitely worth a look.
Ryvid Anthem
American motorcycle startup Ryvid began deliveries of its Anthem model in 2023. And, at US $7,800, it’s one of the most affordable, highway-capable electric motorcycles in the US.
As our own Micah Toll wrote in his original review of the Ryvid, the bike’s claim to fame isn’t just an affordable price tag, but rather an innovative design full of never-before-seen tech:
One of the biggest differences between the Ryvid Anthem and other motorcycles on the market is the aircraft-style chassis that relies on folded metal plates instead of welded tubes. It allows Ryvid to use an assembly method that is comprised almost entirely of mechanical fasteners, reducing assembly time and relying on California-based production.
In another nod to nonconformity, the bike also includes an actuator that can raise and lower the motorcycle seat by up to 4″ (10 cm), even while riding. That allows multiple riders to get the perfect fit on the same bike, or lets riders drop the seat height while at a traffic light and then raise it back up while riding.
MICAH TOLL
Since its launch, Ryvid has lowered prices and improved specs, even launching a new model, the Outset, as a $5,995 all electric alternative to bikes like the Honda Grom or used Rebel/Virago 250s. If you happen to find yourself near an Electrify Expo this summer, give one a test ride.
Vespa Elettrica
If you’re a Vespa purist, you love its steel body and rakish, wasp-inspired styling. You probably also hate the fact that it’s not powered by a two-stroke motor with a manual transmission, too – but give the Elettrica a chance and its instant torque, class-leading fit and finish, and timeless style will win you over.
With a 45 mph top speed and confidence-inspiring handling, this Italian two-wheeler is one of the quickest ways to conquer the concrete jungle. Prices start at $7,999.
The big green hybrid option
If you’re ready to ride but not quite ready to ride fully electric, the new Kawasaki Ninja 7 Hybrid ABS might be the bike for you.
Somewhere between a standard and a sport bike, the Ninja 7 seems to occupy the niche previously defined by bikes like the legendary Yamaha Seca II or, more recently, the Suzuki SV650 or Honda Hornet. With a 451 cc liquid-cooled twin backed by a 48V battery sending power to an electric motor that absolutely blasts the Kawasaki down the road in a way that you are definitely not expecting a 451 cc twin to be able to. And, at just $12,499, it will get you from A to B with a monthly payment less than a third of the new car average.
Electrek’s Jo’s Take
I’ve been writing about EVs since 2008, and turned wrenches on my first ever electric vehicle – the little RamChop at Mosler Automotive – all the way back in 1997. When it comes to four wheels, I’m all about plug-in cars.
Motorcycles, though? I’m not quite there, yet … but the Mulholland is really, really close. If they could get DC fast charging to work and drop the charging time into the 10-15 minute range I’d be all over it, but an hour (plus) on the sideline for every 90 minutes of riding ain’t it. Not for the highway adventures I want to have on my bike.
That’s my take, anyway. What about you guys? Are electric motorcycles ready for prime time? If you think they are, which one’s at the top of your take-home list? Let us know in the comments.
Original content from Electrek; featured image by Maeving.
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