Connect with us

Published

on

Zero Motorcycles, the California-based manufacturer of 100% electric motorcycles, has just revealed its new 2024 model line. The release includes several new models that expand upon the company’s previous top-tier frame design, now bringing it to several new models.

The update is described by Zero as representing “an expansion of the company’s vast array of products that are already purchased by more of the world’s motorcycle-riding population than any other electric manufacturer.”

The announcement, made today at the 2023 EICMA Milan Motorcycle Show, builds upon Zero’s extensive legacy as the oldest major electric motorcycle manufacturer, explained CEO Sam Paschel:

“Every innovation from Zero Motorcycles stands as a testament to over 16 years of relentless development and a staggering 165 million miles ridden by our loyal owners. In an industry where every launch from Zero shapes history we are proud to unveil the latest chapters in our legacy.”

Zero S

Among the biggest announcements made today is the streamlining of Zero’s motorcycle frame platforms, resulting in new models for 2024. Previously, Zero Motorcycles operated three different frame and motor platforms. The FX and FXE were built on the company’s smallest platform, followed by the middleweight S, DS and DSR, and the largest platform was used on the SR, SR/F, SR/S and DSR/X.

Now Zero is removing that middle tier, presenting new models to replace the previous Zero S and DS motorcycles.

The new Zero S, now built on the familiar trellis frame that debuted on the SR/F in early 2019, comes with a larger motor and battery than ever before. The 51 kW motor is paired with Zero’s 14.4 kWh battery pack, offering a 101 mile (162 km) mixed city/highway range. Similarly, the DS now comes on that same frame and features the same drivetrain, boosting the entry-level dual sport bike from the company.

Both bikes can reach a maximum speed of 104 mph (167 km/h). The 2024 Zero S will start at US $14,995 while the dual-sport Zero DS will start at US $15,995. The higher spec DSR uses the same frame but has a larger 60 kW motor and a higher capacity 15.6 kWh battery pack. Full specs for the new models are available on Zero’s website.

zero motorcycles ds 2024

The Zero FX and FXE are now the only two models sporting the company’s smaller 34 kW motor and frame platform.

Both bikes come with 7.2 kWh battery packs, offering around 58 miles (93 km) of mixed city/highway riding. The bikes top out at 85 mph (137 km/h). The 2024 FX and FXE both start at US $12,495.

I had the pleasure of testing out the FXE upon its release and found it to be one of my favorite models in the lineup due to its small size and increase agility. As an urban commuter, it’s an an easily approachable bike for new riders and seasoned pros alike.

Zero’s flagship lineup of the 2024 SR/F, SR/S, and DSR/X all come with Zero’s top loadouts. That includes the highest power motor in the lineup, offering up to 84 kW of peak power for a maximum speed of 124 mph (200 km/h).

The bikes also come with the largest battery option of 17.3 kWh offering approximately 116 miles (186 km) of mixed city/highway range.

One note about battery capacities: Zero uses a different method of calculating battery capacity than most electric vehicle companies, which results in figures that are somewhat higher. Instead of using maximum voltage as Zero does, a more true-to-life calculation using average voltage would result in Zero’s 17.3 kWh, 14.4 kWh, and 7.2 kWh packs being rated at closer to 15.2 kWh, 12.6 kWh and 6.3 kWh of nominal capacity, respectively.

Interestingly Zero also offers a lower power version of the FXE, S, and DS models in Europe and other markets outside of the US. With just 11 kW of power, these models fit into the limits of lower level motorcycle licenses often found outside of the US, allowing new riders to access Zero’s electric motorcycles.

Zero’s power limiting feature, which can be controlled by a local Zero dealer, also allows some of its models to grow with riders as they achieve a higher level of motorcycle license. As the company explained, “the 2024 SR and DSR models come as the first A2 license-compliant models from Zero as well as being the first and only electric motorcycles on the market to enable simple dealer installed upgrades to A3 license-compliant performance.”

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Continue Reading

Environment

Wheel-E Podcast: 65 MPH ONYX moped, lightweight Dahon e-bikes, more

Published

on

By

Wheel-E Podcast: 65 MPH ONYX moped, lightweight Dahon e-bikes, more

This week on Electrek’s Wheel-E podcast, we discuss the most popular news stories from the world of electric bikes and other nontraditional electric vehicles. This time, that includes a new ONYX RCR 80V electric moped, new lightweight e-bike motors, Aventon’s powerful update, California cops catching illegal e-bike riders with drones, a super lightweight new e-bike from Dahon, and more.

Today’s episode is sponsored by CYCROWN, an e-Bike company born from a passion for cycling. Its lineup now includes the new CYCROWN Dremax – a high-performance urban commuter e-bike now on sale in the US and Canada. Use Electrek50 to save $50 off your new eBike when you order.

The Wheel-E podcast returns every two weeks on Electrek’s YouTube channel, Facebook, Linkedin, and Twitter.

As a reminder, we’ll have an accompanying post, like this one, on the site with an embedded link to the live stream. Head to the YouTube channel to get your questions and comments in.

Advertisement – scroll for more content

After the show ends, the video will be archived on YouTube and the audio on all your favorite podcast apps:

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Overcast

Pocket Casts

Castro

RSS

We also have a Patreon if you want to help us to avoid more ads and invest more in our content. We have some awesome gifts for our Patreons and more coming.

Here are a few of the articles that we will discuss during the Wheel-E podcast today:

Here’s the live stream for today’s episode starting at 9:00 a.m. ET (or the video after 10:00 a.m. ET):

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Continue Reading

Environment

China’s nationwide ‘cash for clunkers’ trade-in program causing huge e-bike boom

Published

on

By

China's nationwide 'cash for clunkers' trade-in program causing huge e-bike boom

While much of the Western world is still figuring out how to get more people on electric bikes, China just flipped a switch, and the results are staggering. Thanks to a generous nationwide trade-in program rolled out around six months ago, China has seen an explosive surge in electric bicycle sales, with over 8.47 million new e-bikes hitting the road in the first half of 2025 alone.

The program, which offers subsidies to riders who trade in their old, often outdated electric bikes for newer, safer, and more efficient models, has sparked a new e-bike sale boom in a country already dominated by e-bike travel. In major provinces like Jiangsu, Hebei, and Zhejiang, over one million new e-bikes were sold in each region in just six months. That’s a tidal wave of e-bike sales.

The incentives vary depending on location and the model being traded in, but for many consumers, the subsidies cover a substantial portion of a new e-bike’s price – enough to turn a “maybe next year” purchase into a “right now” upgrade. And these aren’t just budget bikes either. The program has driven demand for higher-quality models with better batteries, safer braking systems, and more reliable electronics, accelerating both adoption and innovation across the industry.

The move has proven successful in replacing the millions of older models with lower-quality lithium-ion batteries that had posed safety risks around the country. Instead, China has pushed for higher-quality lithium-ion batteries, a return to a newer generation of higher-performance AGM batteries, and even interesting new sodium-ion battery options.

Advertisement – scroll for more content

Most e-bikes in China look more like what we’d consider seated scooters

According to China’s Ministry of Commerce, more than 8.4 million consumers have participated in the e-bike trade-in program so far, contributing to a sales increase of 643.5% year-over-year and more than doubling sales month-over-month. Meanwhile, production of new electric bicycles rose by nearly 28%, as manufacturers scrambled to meet demand. The sales boosts have already been seen in the financial reports of major industry players like NIU.

And it’s not just the big players benefiting – over 82,000 small independent e-bike dealers reported average sales increases of ¥302,000 (around US $42,000), giving a serious boost to local economies.

What’s particularly striking here is how fast this happened. The program was officially launched late last year as part of a broader effort to stimulate domestic consumption and phase out outdated vehicles and appliances. But while most analysts expected gradual growth, the e-bike sector responded much more quickly. In less than a year, the trade-in subsidies have reshaped the electric bicycle market, creating a consumer-driven boom that shows no signs of slowing.

For those of us watching from outside China, it’s hard not to wonder what might happen if other countries tried something similar. While most families in Chinese cities already own an electric bike and thus see this as an opportunity to trade it in for a newer model, Western countries like the US are still figuring out how to stimulate commuters into buying their first e-bike.

It’s too soon to know exactly how long the boom will last or whether the momentum will carry into 2026 and beyond. We’ve seen bicycle industry bubbles grow and burst before. But one thing’s clear: with the right incentives, even modest ones, it’s possible to ignite real, large-scale change. China just proved it with nearly 8.5 million new e-bikes to show for it.

And if you’re wondering what it looks like when a country takes electric micromobility seriously, this is it.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Continue Reading

Environment

Day 1 of the Electrek Formula Sun Grand Prix 2025 [Gallery]

Published

on

By

Day 1 of the Electrek Formula Sun Grand Prix 2025 [Gallery]

Today was the official start of racing at the Electrek Formula Sun Grand Prix 2025! There was a tremendous energy (and heat) on the ground at NCM Motorsports Park as nearly a dozen teams took to the track. Currently, as of writing, Stanford is ranked #1 in the SOV (Single-Occupant Vehicle) class with 68 registered laps. However, the fastest lap so far belongs to UC Berkeley, which clocked a 4:45 on the 3.15-mile track. That’s an average speed of just under 40 mph on nothing but solar energy. Not bad!

In the MOV (Multi-Occupant Vehicle) class, Polytechnique Montréal is narrowly ahead of Appalachian State by just 4 laps. At last year’s formula sun race, Polytechnique Montréal took first place overall in this class, and the team hopes to repeat that success. It’s still too early for prediction though, and anything can happen between now and the final day of racing on Saturday.

Congrats to the teams that made it on track today. We look forward to seeing even more out there tomorrow. In the meantime, here are some shots from today via the event’s wonderful photographer Cora Kennedy.

Stay tuned for more!

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Stay up to date with the latest content by subscribing to Electrek on Google News.

You’re reading Electrek— experts who break news about Tesla, electric vehicles, and green energy, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow Electrek on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our YouTube channel for the latest reviews.

Continue Reading

Trending