The Birth of Electric Motorcycles and Modern Pioneers

The creativity and ingenuity of American manufacturing should never be underestimated, and nowhere is that more true than in the world of electric motorcycles. Ever since Ohioan Ogden Bolton, Jr. applied for the first electric motorcycle patent in 1895, American engineers have been putting electricity to use propelling their two-wheel experience. The United States, and Ohio in particular, is still an incredible hub of innovation when it comes to electric motorcycles, though the bikes have gotten significantly better, the electric motors have become more powerful, and the speeds are much higher than they were 130 years ago. 

The modern era of electric motorcycles began when Craig Bramscher’s Brammo, Inc began building the Enertia beginning in 2008. The carbon frame two-wheel EV was innovative and futuristic in a world before electric propulsion was as ubiquitous as it is today. That said, with just 12 horsepower from an AC synchronous motor and about 325 pounds to carry around, it wasn’t exactly quick. Cycle World found the bike could manage no quicker than a quarter-mile run of 20.19 seconds at 60.78 mph. By 2015, however, the company had found its stride and was purchased by Polaris and folded into the company’s now-defunct Victory motorcycle brand. 

Around the same time the company that would become known as Alta Motors was developing an all-electric dirt bike in Northern California. The resulting Alta Redshift was among the best dirtbikes ever built, and is still regarded highly in the electric motorcycle community. Unfortunately, the startup invested heavily in its manufacturing facility and offices, and the sales didn’t come as quickly as the company had hoped. Alta closed down its facilities in late 2018, and the remaining assets were purchased by Canada’s Bombardier Recreational Products. 

American motorcycle behemoth Harley-Davidson jumped into the electric motorcycle market, showing off the first prototype of its LiveWire EV in 2014. The bike didn’t actually hit the market until 2019, but it was immediately deemed overpriced and antithetical to the wants and needs of Harley’s dealership network. Jalopnik called the bike “a quick, fun to ride, competent two wheeler with enough tech baked in to help keep you rubber side down.” LiveWire was spun off into its own company in 2021 and launched a few additional lower-priced models. Through a tumultuous lifetime, LiveWire is still dedicated to building an electric motorcycle future. 

Probably the most famous of all the American electric motorcycle brands is the Scotts Valley, California-based Zero. Former NASA engineer Neal Saiki started tinkering with electric motorcycles with his startup Electricross in 2006, though the company’s first bike, the Zero S, didn’t reach production until 2010. In the intervening 15 years Zero has grown into the largest electric motorcycle manufacturer with ten different models on offer. 

There are a few other American electric motorcycle manufacturers which have entered and exited the zeitgeist in recent years. Take, for example, FUELL, the sport bike company started by Buell namesake Eric Buell in 2019. With French financiers and an Indiegogo campaign, FUELL attempted to market and sell an e-bike called Flluid and an electric motorcycle called the Fllow, though it didn't survive the economic conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic and filed Chapter 7 bankruptcy in 2024. Similarly, Damon, Inc. (formerly Mission Motors), promised a 200-horsepower 200-miles-of-range electric sport bike at the Consumer Electronics Show in 2020, though it has not yet managed to deliver on that promise. Meanwhile the company has been delisted from the New York Stock Exchange, and Chief Technical Officer Derek Dorresteyn (formerly of Alta Motors) has jumped ship. Damon’s doors are still open for now, but the company has shifted its focus away from building motorcycles. 

Ryvid is a relative newcomer to the electric motorcycle industry, delivering its first Anthem models to customers in late 2023. The California-based company chose a rear-wheel hub motor for its bikes, unlike every other manufacturer on this list, to keep costs down. The Anthem and Outset models are short-range bikes, ostensibly built with urban commuting in mind, with extra-modern aesthetics and convenient features. 

Electric motorcycles should be easy to ride and simple to use, which is the design brief of Cleveland, Ohio’s LAND Moto District models. The District is the least expensive highway-legal electric vehicle on the U.S. market today, and beats the competition with an optional 5.5 kWh nominal capacity battery pack. With around 23 horsepower and a ready-to-ride weight of just 200 pounds, the District is quick and nimble in ways that no other electric motorcycle on the market can be. Of everything else discussed here, LAND Moto builds a bike at least 100 pounds lighter than the competition. This bike means business. 

Electric motorcycling began in Ohio 130 years ago, and LAND Moto continues to build on that legacy today in 2025. There’s no doubt about it, LAND has the best EV motorcycle on the market. 

The Evolution of American Electric Motorcycles: Innovation from 1895 to 2025

The ingenuity of American manufacturing shines brightly in the electric motorcycle sector. From Ogden Bolton Jr.'s pioneering patent in Ohio back in 1895 to today's high-performance models, U.S. engineers have continually advanced electric two-wheelers. Ohio remains a key hub, but innovation spans from California to the Midwest. Electric motors are now more powerful, bikes are lighter and faster, and the industry has evolved dramatically over 130 years.

A Brief History of Electric Motorcycles in the USA

The story begins in the late 19th century when Ogden Bolton Jr. filed the first U.S. patent for an electric motorcycle in 1895, featuring a hub-mounted motor and basic battery setup. Early models were rudimentary, limited by battery technology and infrastructure. By the 1940s, fuel rationing during World War II spurred inventors like Merle Williams to create electric conversions, laying groundwork for modern designs.

The modern resurgence started in the 2000s, driven by environmental concerns and tech advancements. Companies experimented with lithium-ion batteries, efficient motors, and lightweight frames, transforming electric motorcycles from novelties to viable alternatives to gas-powered bikes.

Pioneers of the Modern Electric Motorcycle Era

Brammo, Inc. (2008–2015)

Craig Bramscher founded Brammo in Oregon, launching the Enertia in 2008—a carbon-fiber framed electric bike with 12 horsepower and a top speed around 60 mph. It was ahead of its time but slow by today's standards, clocking a quarter-mile in over 20 seconds. Polaris acquired Brammo in 2015, integrating it into the Victory brand (now defunct).

Alta Motors (2010–2018)

Based in Northern California, Alta Motors focused on off-road with the Redshift dirt bike, praised for its performance and handling. Despite high regard in the EV community, overinvestment in facilities led to closure in 2018. Assets were bought by Canada's Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP).

Harley-Davidson / LiveWire (2014–Present)

Iconic American brand Harley-Davidson entered the EV space with the LiveWire prototype in 2014, launching production in 2019. Initially criticized for high pricing, it offered quick acceleration and advanced tech. Spun off as LiveWire Electric Vehicles in 2021, the company now offers affordable S2 models like the Del Mar ($9,999 MSRP after incentives), Mulholland ($10,999), and Alpinista ($11,999) in 2025, with features like over-the-air updates and reverse mode. Incentives up to $6,250 off run through October 2025.

Zero Motorcycles (2006–Present)

Founded by former NASA engineer Neal Saiki in California, Zero started with the Electricross in 2006 and launched the Zero S in 2010. Now the largest U.S. electric motorcycle maker, Zero offers 10+ models in 2025, including the off-road XE (20.1 hp, 468 lb-ft torque) and XB (10 hp, 274 lb-ft). Known for street and dirt bikes, Zero emphasizes range (up to 200+ miles) and power.

Other Notable Players

• FUELL (2019–2024): Erik Buell's venture aimed at sport bikes like the Fllow but filed for bankruptcy in 2024 amid COVID challenges.

• Damon Motors: Promised 200 hp and 200-mile range in 2020 but faced delays, delisting from NYSE, and a shift away from motorcycles.

• Ryvid (2023–Present): California-based with hub-motor bikes like the Anthem and Outset for urban commuting, emphasizing affordability and modern design.

• Dust Moto: American-made with high power-to-weight ratios for off-road.

• Can-Am (BRP): Though Canadian-owned, U.S.-influenced models like the 2025 Pulse and Origin feature liquid-cooled batteries and quick charging.

LAND Moto: Ohio's Lightweight Contender (2023–Present)

Cleveland-based LAND Moto embodies simplicity and affordability with the District series. Starting at $6,995, these highway-legal bikes feature a 5.5 kWh swappable battery, 23 horsepower, 200-pound weight, 75 mph top speed, and up to 110-mile range. Reviews praise its nimbleness, value, and urban prowess—lighter by at least 100 pounds than competitors. In 2025, models like the Super District with "WTF Mode" for extra boost have garnered attention for fun, accessible riding. LAND raised $7M in 2023 and $3M in 2024 for battery tech, with positive buzz at events like The One Motorcycle Show. Recent X posts highlight test rides in Colorado and funding success, positioning LAND as a strong value option in 2025.

Comparing Top American Electric Motorcycles in 2025

Here's a high-level comparison of key models based on available specs (data approximate; check manufacturers for latest):

The Future of American Electric Motorcycles

From humble beginnings in Ohio to 2025's diverse lineup, American electric motorcycles blend heritage with cutting-edge tech. While Zero leads in scale and LiveWire in accessibility, newcomers like LAND Moto excel in affordability and agility, making EVs approachable for urban riders. With battery ranges pushing 300 miles and prices dropping, the sector is poised for growth—proving U.S. innovation remains unstoppable. Whether for commuting or adventure, these bikes offer silent, efficient thrills.