Bikers REJOICE! Liberation Day is the perfect excuse to get back on 2 wheels
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.
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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Environment
Trilogy Metals shares soar nearly 200% in premarket after U.S. takes stake in minerals explorer
On today’s budget-conscious episode of Quick Charge, we’re building up to the reveal of a new, more affordable Tesla Model Y tomorrow that will almost definitely not be a cheap pile of misaligned plastic body parts with inconsistent panel gaps that’s utterly incapable of turning the tide on Tesla’s global decline.
Plus, we’ve got news that Tesla is in hot water with California over its alleged mishandling of its insurance business, revisit the lies told about Cybertrucks drag racing Teslas, and look at the incredible 110% increase in EV sales over at GM that’s driving Cadillac’s renaissance.
Today’s episode is brought to you by Climate XChange, a nonpartisan nonprofit working to help states pass effective, equitable climate policies. The nonprofit just kicked off its 10th annual EV raffle, where participants have multiple opportunities to win their dream model. Visit the site at CarbonRaffle.org/Electrek to learn more.
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Waev Inc. has just unveiled the GEM eX, a new electric utility vehicle designed to bridge the gap between street-legal low-speed vehicles (LSVs) and true off-road work machines. The company calls it the most versatile electric work UTV yet.
Unlike most golf cart–based UTVs or high-speed recreational rigs, the GEM eX is purpose-built for commercial, industrial, and government fleets that need to move between city streets, job sites, and rough terrain, all while staying emissions-free.
The vehicle features a top speed of 25 mph (40 km/h) and is said to be DOT street-legal as an LSV on roads up to 35 mph (56 km/h), giving it a clear advantage over most off-road-only competitors.
Power is provided by a 6.5 kW motor in a rear-wheel drive setup with a limited-slip rear differential. An 8 kWh battery provides enough juice for a claimed maximum range of 85 miles (137 km).
The eX comes with several fleet-focused safety and utility upgrades, including 3-point seat belts, roof crush protection, backup camera, mirrors, pedestrian noise emitter, and a robust bumper system. It rolls on street, winter, or all-terrain tires, and the chassis features 9.5 inches (24 cm) of ground clearance, 6.5 inches (16.5 cm) of suspension travel, and a 50-degree approach angle for climbing curbs or crossing uneven work terrain.
Hill-hold assist and single-pedal descent control make it easy to handle on slopes, while a limited-slip differential helps maintain traction without chewing up turf.
In the back, a 1,250 lb (567 kg) composite dump box can fit a full-sized pallet and comes with gas-assist or electric lift options, while towing capacity matches that at 1,250 lb (567 kg). Optional hard doors, roll-down windows, and HVAC with heat and A/C turn it into a true all-weather workhorse.
The lithium iron phosphate battery pack is said to provide a long lifespan for extra durability in extreme climates from –20°F to 140°F (–29°C to 60°C). Charging is flexible via 120V, 240V, or J1772 public stations, and Waev backs the battery with a 7-year warranty – on par with many passenger EVs.
“We field-tested the GEM eX everywhere from Arizona deserts to Minnesota winters,” said Sven Etzelsberger, Waev’s Director of Engineering. “Every piece of customer feedback went back into this vehicle. The result is a work UTV that’s refined, reliable, and ready to go.”
The GEM platform has expanded significantly over the years, from its humble beginnings as a simple people mover to more recent adaptations into everything from ambulances and emergency vehicles to the new GEM eX electric UTV.
Priced at $24,955, the higher purchase price may be one of the few downsides to the quieter, cleaner, and easier to maintain alternative to traditional gasoline-powered UTVs.
Electrek’s Take
Waev’s new GEM eX seems to hit a sweet spot that’s been missing – a street-legal, electric work UTV tough enough for real jobs yet affordable and easy to maintain. For fleet managers juggling both paved and off-road environments, this could be a serious game-changer.
While the price is high, it comes in at significantly less than other well-known models like Polaris’ Zero-powered electric RANGER UTV.
At the same time, there are still more affordable options like those from KANDI that offer more power for a lower price. However, without GEM’s storied brand legacy and increased national support, cheaper options may not have the staying power to compete.
So sure, it’s expensive, but at least I’m glad to see more options coming to the market, especially from brands that have been around for years. Here’s to hoping for more affordable options in the future.
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