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csc rx1e electric motorcycle

The CSC RX1E is a rare breed of electric motorcycle in the US. It’s fast and powerful enough to hang with the big boys, yet it doesn’t come with an over-the-top price.

How well can a budget-priced highway-capable electric motorcycle ride? That’s what I set out to find out in this complete review of the CSC RX1E.

To be fair, I had test-ridden one last year for a couple of hours in the foothills over Los Angeles, having a blast while canyon carving on the bike.

But since this is really more of a mixed-commuter/street bike (despite the adventurous appearance), I knew it was going to be important to test it out in an everyday utility role as well.

So now that I’ve had several weeks on the bike, I can give you my complete thoughts on the CSC RX1E. And you can also check out my experience in my video review below. Or if you’re more of the reading type, keep on scrolling down for all of my thoughts on this fun electric motorcycle.

CSC RX1E Video Review

CSC RX1E tech specs

  • Motor: 8 kW nominal, 18 kW peak midmounted liquid-cooled motor
  • Top speed: 80 mph (130 km/h)
  • Max City Range: 112 mi (180 km)
  • Battery: 96V 64Ah (6,144 Wh)
  • Typical refueling cost: $1.40
  • Full charge time: 6 hours on Level 1 (110VAC wall plug), 20-80% in under 3 hours
  • Curb weight: 469 lb (212 kg)
  • Max load: 331 lb (150 kg)
  • Brakes: Hydraulic brakes with Bosch ABS
  • Suspension: Inverted hydraulic fork with 4.7” travel, rear monoshock with 4.3-inch travel
  • Wheels: 17-inch cast aluminum
  • Extras: Large glove compartment, rear pillion seat, LCD instrument display with analog speedometer, included crash bars and cargo boxes, USB port for phone charging, center stand
csc rx1e electric motorcycle

All the performance, fraction of the cost

CSC’s claim to fame with its electric motorcycles has always been finding an attractive balance between performance and cost. That usually sees CSC’s bikes landing at several thousand dollars below the competition, yet still coming with admirable specs and features.

That’s the case here too. With a top speed of 80 mph (130 km/h), a city range of 112 miles (180 km), and a peak motor power of 18 kW (24 hp), it’s fairly comparable in performance to a Zero FXE. But the $8.5K CSC RX1E saves some serious coin compared to the $13K Zero FXE.

Plus, CSC is kindly offering a $500 off discount when using the coupon code ELECTREK, making the bike even more affordable.

A deeper look at the specs comparison shows that they both have similar top speeds, battery capacities, and ranges. The Zero FXE has nearly twice the power and is around 130 pounds (55 kilograms) lighter, though. Both of those mean sportier acceleration, which will make the FXE more thrilling off the line. But the RX1E’s comfort and easy riding are its calling card, not its extreme power.

It’s got many of the standard features that come with most nicer electric motorcycles, such as Bosch anti-lock braking, adjustable brake lever, multiple ride modes, backlit display, and a spacious glove box for storage. But it also comes with several other features that many competitors lack, such as a reverse mode for maneuvering in a parking lot and a water-cooled motor to keep the bike working under sustained high-power situations, like long hill climbs and repeated hard acceleration.

csc rx1e electric motorcycle
csc rx1e electric motorcycle

A street bike in an adventure bike clothing

Don’t be fooled into thinking that this is an adventure bike. It sure does look like one at a passing glance, largely thanks to the included cargo boxes and crash bars. But this is really more of a street bike than anything else.

That doesn’t mean it doesn’t benefit from the adventure bike exterior. The stance has you riding up tall in what feels like a much more comfortable riding position for me. I do enjoy adventure bikes and feeling less cramped, so I appreciate the geometry here.

The tall windscreen helps guide the air stream around your meat sail of a body too, meaning you don’t pay as high of an aerodynamic price for sitting up tall and pretty. Between the large windscreen and a full-face helmet, you actually slip through the air more aerodynamically than you might expect.

csc rx1e electric motorcycle

The cargo boxes are great for running errands, food shopping, and general utility. They’re not amazing quality, though, so I wouldn’t trust them for actual security. Sure, they’re locking boxes. And CSC even takes the added step of making sure that all three cargo boxes share the same single key profile with the glove box and the key start, meaning you only have one key to deal with despite five lock cylinders on the bike. But the boxes are made from molded plastic instead of metal, and they feel like you could pry them open with a Harbor Freight screwdriver. So you should think of them more like saddle bag storage for carrying things with you, not as a high-security locking system for long-term storage. I can fit nearly a week’s worth of groceries on the bike, though, so they are a big plus.

The only downside is the top box makes it hard to swing a leg over. I’m only 5’7″ or 170 cm, and so I have to spear my leg over the center to mount the bike since there’s no way I’m going over the tail box without needing to ice my groin afterward. It’s fine, and it works to just spear a leg over the center, but you may wind up removing the top box if you prefer to swing a leg over easily. My sister tested the bike out too, and she’s only 5’3″ (160 cm), so it’s fine for shorter riders as long as you have the hip flexibility to get your leg over. Taller riders will naturally be fine.

The 30.9-inch seat is also low enough that you aren’t up on your tip-toes. I am able to flat-foot it in my riding boots, which isn’t true on all motorcycles I’ve tested.

If you want to remove the crash bars and cargo boxes, you’ll end up with a more street-looking bike that weighs around 33 pounds less. Considering the stock weight is 469 pounds (212 kilograms), dropping down to 436.5 pounds (198 kilograms) might be worth it for some.

What’s the real range?

The speed is plenty fast, and I GPS-clocked it at a true 80 mph (130 km/h). But it’s the range that most people will really be interested in. They claim a max range of 112 miles (180 km) at city speeds, and that checks out if you’re truly riding around at 25-30 mph (40-50 km/h). There are plenty of cities where it’s hard to get up above 30 mph, so I get it. But when you have a bike like this, you’re going to want to ride faster.

When I put it in Sport mode (you also have Eco and Comfort), I can blast right up to 80 mph, but the range takes a hit. I generally keep it in the middle mode (Comfort Mode), which lets me get up to around 70 mph or so and is easier on the battery. Once, after going too many exits at top speed on the interstate, I was getting a bit worried about range. So I put it in Eco Mode, and I got home just fine.

When I cruise at an average speed of 50 mph or so, meaning mixed city and highway, the range seems to drop to between 50-60 miles (80-95 km). Sustained purely highway riding will drain the battery even quicker, so this isn’t the best bike if you want to do long-distance highway trips. The battery is less than half the size of flagship electric motorcycles like the LiveWire One or the Zero SR/S. Of course, the price is also a third of those flagship models, so you get what you pay for.

What would I like to see improved?

Three areas irked me from the start. The first was that the weather stripping for the glovebox was cut too long, meaning it would lift up sometimes, and I’d have to push it back down into place. I eventually cut it to the correct length myself, which helped, but it still sometimes slips off when I pull something big out of the glove box. But then again, I’ve seen fit and finish issues on $20,000 motorcycles too.

Second, and this is a minor complaint, but I would have LOVED for the bike to include a helmet hook under the saddle. These are quite common and make it easy to lock your helmet on the bike. Since this is a commuter e-moto that is perfect for utility riding, meaning you could be on and off several times while riding through the city and making stops, being able to leave your helmet locked on the bike would be a big advantage. All of my scooters have this, and many motorcycles have it. It would have been a simple addition, just a metal hook welded to the frame under the saddle or even a plastic extrusion molded in. But alas, it doesn’t have a helmet hook for locking your brain bucket. That’s a shame.

Lastly, the center stand requires some serious muscle to use. I love to see a center stand included since it makes parking on an incline much safer and is also incredibly useful if you ever need to do some work on the bike. Many bikes and scooters are balanced such that it doesn’t take too much effort to rock the bike back on the center stand. But damn, the RX1E doesn’t do you any favors there. My 100-pound sister would never in a million years be able to do it. I can knock out 20 pullups in a row, but the first time I put this bike on the center stand, I still had to reset and brace for it with a second attempt. It’s certainly doable, but it ain’t easy.

The fact that I have to reach so far to find complaints, though, is a testament to the fact that the bike is actually really well designed. I can always nitpick about small details, but the big stuff is all spot on.

What is the CSC RX1E good for?

The RX1E is an awesome electric motorcycle and a great addition to the marketplace. But the somewhat limited range at high speeds means it’s important to keep in mind what the CSC RX1E is meant for. If you need to commute 60 miles on the interstate and then still have battery left for cruising the city once you get there, this is the wrong bike for you. You’ll cut it too close. But if you have a 20-mile interstate commute and then need to do another 5-10 miles of city riding, that’s a better use case and will leave you plenty of extra battery for “just in case.” If you have a 110V plug near work that you can use, you can, of course, double your effective range by charging while you’re at work.

The RX1E can also be a fun recreational bike, as I discovered in the canyons outside of LA. But then again, it’s not going to give you all day riding. The charger is a quite nice-looking unit that plugs into 110V AC, like your basic garage outlets, but it’s still going to need a good four hours or so to give you an almost complete recharge. So remember that this is a commuter motorcycle, not a long-distance tourer.

This is a motorcycle for anyone who wants to commute to work or school on a route that requires highway or interstate riding and who also wants a bike that looks good while being fun to ride hard. It’s got good power and great utility. The liquid-cooled motor and belt drive are an excellent setup for the drivetrain, and it’s even got plenty of battery capacity when used within its element.

Will it ever replace a LiveWire S2 Del Mar? No, but it’s not trying to. That bike can go from a standstill to 60 mph in three seconds flat. The RX1E does it in closer to eight seconds. That is acceptable for a highway on-ramp, but it’s just not a powerhouse for a thrill ride. As long as you’re looking for a dependable commuter e-moto and not a flagship bike, the RX1E is likely going to be a great option for you.

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Anker PowerCore Reserve station $88, Schumacher’s new portable level 1 EV charger $130, Aiper IrriSense system $100 off, more

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July 21, 2025

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This week’s Green Deals are starting with Anker’s PowerCore Reserve 60,000mAh Power Station down at $88 for all your device-charging needs. Next, we have Schumacher’s new SEV1670 12A Level 1 Portable EV Charger at its second-best rate of $130, as well as Aiper’s new IrriSense Smart Irrigation System getting second-ever savings to $600, which is where it was priced during Prime Day. We also have Hoverfly’s H3 16-inch Folding e-bikes getting add-on accessory bundles and a new one-day-only low price on Greenworks’ pro-grade 3,000 PSI Electric Pressure Washer waiting for you below. Plus, there’s all the hangover savings from last week at the bottom of the page, collected together within our Electrified Weekly roundup.

Head below for other New Green Deals we’ve found today and, of course, Electrek’s best EV buying and leasing deals. Also, check out the new Electrek Tesla Shop for the best deals on Tesla accessories.

Carry Anker’s 60,000mAh PowerCore Reserve station and keep devices running for $88

By way of its official Amazon storefront, Anker is offering its PowerCore Reserve 60,000mAh Power Bank Station at $87.99 shipped, with it also coming in a few dollars under the brand’s current direct pricing. Normally costing $150 at full price, we’ve mostly seen discounts over the last year dropping costs between $110 and $90, though there have been a few select falls to $80, and recently we saw Prime Day take things to $75. While it may not be the new lowest price, you’re still looking at the third-best rate we have tracked, saving you $62 off the going rate while equipping you with a sizably reliable means to keep your personal devices juiced up and running.

Anker’s PowerCore Reserve power station, which you’ll also find sold under the name 548 Power Bank, is a five-pound backup power solution to top off personal devices with while you’re camping, cruising the roadways, hanging out on the beach, and much more. You’ll have a totable 60,000mAh/192Wh battery capacity here that beats out most power banks on the market while also delivering up to 60W speeds through either its two USB-A ports or two USB-C ports.

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Aside from its easy-to-carry design, it also comes sporting a convenient pop-up light for when you’re out in the dark of the wilderness or even without power at home, coming with two brightness levels alongside an S.O.S. mode to signal for help in emergencies. You can completely recharge its battery by plugging it into a wall outlet or by utilizing up to its 60W solar input to charge via the sun.

schumacher SEV1670 level 1 portable EV charger lying in back of car

Schumacher’s 2025 level 1 portable EV charger plugs into any 120V outlet for on-the-go power at $130

Amazon is now offering the new Schumacher SEV1670 12A Level 1 Portable EV Charger at $129.59 shipped. This model hit the scene at the tail-end of May with a $160 price tag, which has only recently started seeing discounts, with the biggest of them being from the Prime Day sale event two weeks ago that saw the costs taken down to $128. Today’s deal comes in just $2 above that rate for the second-best pricing we have tracked, all while giving you $30 in savings.

If you want to learn more about this new model and its capabilities, be sure to check out our original coverage of this deal here.

Aiper IrriSense smart irrigation system watering lawn in front of house

Aiper’s new IrriSense smart irrigation system covers up to 4,800 square feet at $600 (second-ever discount)

Coming to us through its official Amazon storefront, Aiper is offering the second-ever discount on its new IrriSense Smart Irrigation System back to $599.99 shipped, matching directly from the brand’s website. This new smart irrigation device has only been on the market since May, with it usually going for $700 outside of the two price cuts we’ve seen. It first dropped to this same rate the day before Prime Day began, and hung on to the savings through the four-day event. Now, it’s coming back for a post-Prime second chance, saving you $100 while upgrading your lawn care routine with a smarter alternative.

If you want to learn more about this new smart device, be sure to check out our original coverage of this deal here.

man and woman riding side by side on Hoverfly H3 folding e-bikes

Hoverfly’s H3 16-inch folding e-bikes make great first-time rides with four add-on accessories starting from $406

Amazon is offering quite the affordable bundle on Hoverfly’s H3 16-inch Folding e-bike in its orange colorway, and coming with four add-on accessories at $406.09 shipped, while its other colorways are seeing smaller discounts at higher rates. It’s dropping down from the $580 price tag today, with this being the first time we’ve spotted this particular bundle dropping so low. Before the fall to $425 during Prime Day, we only ever saw costs fall as low as $450, with all those rates beaten by the 30% markdown here that gives you $174 in savings and a new all-time low price. Along with the bike, you’ll be getting a front carrier bag, a rear cargo basket, a phone holder, and a rearview mirror to upgrade and elevate your experience.

If you want to learn more about this budget-friendly e-bike, be sure to check out our original coverage of this bundle deal here.

greenworks pro 3,000 PSI electric pressure washer

Greenworks’ Pro-grade 3,000 PSI vertical electric pressure washer falls to lowest price tracked at $285 (Today only)

As part of its Deals of the Day, Best Buy is offering the best pricing yet on the newer Greenworks Pro 3,000 PSI Vertical Electric Pressure Washer for $284.99 shipped, with it beating out the brand’s direct website pricing while the closest match at Amazon is the newest counterpart that normally goes for $450. This model would normally run you $400 at full price, which we’ve seen discounts so far take as low as $300. For the rest of the day, you can take advantage of the 29% markdown here to pick it up at the best new price we have tracked, saving you $115 in the process.

If you want to learn more about this newer pro-grade outdoor cleaning solution, be sure to check out our original coverage of this one-day-only deal here.

Best Summer EV deals!

Best new Green Deals landing this week

The savings this week are also continuing to a collection of other markdowns. To the same tune as the offers above, these all help you take a more energy-conscious approach to your routine. Winter means you can lock in even better off-season price cuts on electric tools for the lawn while saving on EVs and tons of other gear.

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Hyundai goes on a ‘full-scale attack’ with its big three-row EV

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July 21, 2025

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Hyundai goes on a 'full-scale attack' with its big three-row EV

Hyundai-IONIQ-9-three-row-EV

Hyundai is gearing up to go on a “full-scale attack” as it ramps up exports of its new flagship three-row EV. The IONIQ 9 is now rolling out in the US, South Korea, and Europe.

Hyundai IONIQ 9 three-row EV production picks up

After launching the IONIQ 9 in South Korea earlier this year, Hyundai had high hopes. However, the flagship electric SUV has struggled to gain traction in the automaker’s home market.

Hyundai is betting on overseas markets, including the US and Europe, to drive sales. In Korea, it has been steadily ramping up IONIQ 9 with plans to go on a “full-scale attack on Europe.”

An industry insider explained (via NewsIs) that “As Hyundai Motor Company speeds up its entry into overseas markets with the Ioniq 9, export volume will increase rapidly.”

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Since it shipped the first models in April, IONIQ 9 exports have tripled. In June, Hyundai exported 1,781, up from 1,482 in May and 539 in April. The higher exports are in preparation for sales kicking off in Europe. Hyundai revealed last week that the IONIQ 9 will start at £64,995 ($87,500).

Powered by a 110 kWh battery, the three-row EV features a WLTP driving range of up to 385 miles. On the EPA scale, it’s rated with up to 335 miles of driving range.

Hyundai-three-row-EV
Hyundai IONIQ 9 at the Munich airport (Source: Hyundai)

Europe is not the only market that Hyundai is taking aim at. The automaker is using a two-track strategy. In the US, Hyundai builds the IONIQ 9 at its new EV plant in Georgia, alongside the updated 2025 IONIQ 5.

Production has been steady at Hyundai’s Metaplant America (HMGMA) plant since it began in April. Hyundai built 2,382 IONIQ 9 models in May and another 1,803 in June. Through June 2025, 1,013 Hyundai IONIQ 9 models have been sold in the US.

Hyundai-three-row-EV
2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 (Source: Hyundai)

With IONIQ 9 sales falling from 1,009 in April to 867 in May and then to 767 in June, Hyundai is betting on the US and Europe to make up for the shortfall.

After promising to maintain prices in the US earlier this year, Hyundai has stood by the guarantee. The 2026 IONIQ 9 (see our review of it) is surprisingly affordable with leases starting at just $419 per month.

Hyundai’s new and improved 2025 IONIQ 5 may take the cake as the best EV deal right now, listed with leases as low as $179 per month. To get owners started, it also offers a free ChargePoint L2 home charger with the purchase or lease of any new 2026 IONIQ 9 or 2025 IONIQ 5.

Want to see one for yourself? Use the links below to find 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 and 2026 IONIQ 9 models in your area.

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Another luxury automaker is slashing EV prices with over $15,000 in discounts

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July 21, 2025

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Another luxury automaker is slashing EV prices with over ,000 in discounts

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Another luxury automaker is offering over $15,000 in discounts on its newest EV models. However, you may have a hard time getting your hands on one of them.

Mercedes is the latest automaker to cut EV prices

Mercedes-Benz becomes the latest brand pushing massive discounts ahead of the EV tax credit deadline at the end of September.

With Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” set to end the federal tax credit, which provides $7,500 for new and $4,000 for used EVs, automakers are preparing for a big shakeup. The changes go into effect at the end of September.

Toyota, Ford, Honda, Stellantis, Hyundai, and Volvo are among a string of automakers adjusting production and pricing in the US due to the upcoming changes. At least for the next few months, that’s good news for those looking to buy.

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Mercedes-Benz will offer generous discounts on its 2026 EV models. Doug Horner, a Mercedes-Benz sales manager in Ohio, revealed the price cuts last week on social media.

Mercedes-cuts-EV-prices
Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV (Source: Mercedes-Benz)

The folks at CarBuzz spotted the post, claiming Mercedes is cutting prices of the 2026 EQS SUV from $105,250 to just $89,950. That’s a $15,300 discount from the outgoing model. At that, the electric SUV is about the same price as the GLC.

The EQE SUV’s price will drop from $77,900 to $64,950, representing a $13,000 reduction. Meanwhile, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz EQE sedan and EQS sedan will start at $64,950 and $99,900, respectively, or $9,950 and $4,500 less than the 2025 model year.

Mercedes is already offering some pretty significant EV deals. The 2025 EQE 350+ SUV is listed for lease at just $579 per month (for 36 months with $7,873 due at signing) with an $11,500 cash bonus and $3,000 loyalty bonus.

Mercedes-cuts-EV-prices
Mercedes GLC EV prototype with EQ Technology testing in Sweden (Source: Mercedes-Benz

Horner hinted that the savings won’t last long, as the tax credit is set to end at the end of September. Mercedes confirmed the price changes but added that production will be halted and order banks will be closed.

The company said it still “remains fully committed to electrification,” adding “the largest product offensive in the history of the brand is just around the corner.”

Mercedes plans to launch two new SUVs alongside the upcoming electric CLA based on its MMA platform.is the latest luxury automaker with extreme price cuts ahead of the EV incentive deadline.

Honda-Prologue-Acura-EV
2024 Acura ZDX (Source: Acura

Acura is offering up to $30,650 in lease cash on the 2024 ZDX in California and other ZEV states with leases starting at just $299 per month. In other regions, the Acura ZDX is still listed for lease at just $489 per month (for 36 months with $4,599 due at signing).

Hyundai’s Genesis brand is offering the 2025 GV60 at just $389 per month (for 33 months with $5,999 due at signing) with a $13,750 EV lease bonus. The Electrified GV70 SUV features a $16,000 EV lease bonus.

Looking to score the savings while they are still available? You can use our links below to find Mercedes, Acura, and Genesis electric vehicles in your area.

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