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Electric bikes are getting better, safer, and more affordable every year. Even so, in the US, e-bikes are still relatively expensive despite being such an incredibly price-sensitive market. Whenever someone asks me to recommend an e-bike for them, one of their first requirements is invariably that it doesn’t cost a fortune. Though the tradeoffs for dropping the price can sometimes rear their ugly head with their own hidden costs.

And let’s be real: the sub-$1,000 category has always been a bit of a minefield. For every great deal, there are a dozen cheap frames with underpowered motors, sketchy brakes, or batteries that make me nervous just looking at them. But with a lot of digging (and a lot of riding), I’ve managed to find a few standout electric bikes that prove you can get a surprisingly good ride without breaking the bank.

Whether you’re looking for a lightweight city commuter, a folding e-bike for multi-modal travel, or just something simple and fun to cruise around the neighborhood, there’s now a solid mix of options under the thousand-dollar mark. These bikes aren’t perfect – they cut costs in places – but many of them offer far more value than you’d expect at this price point.

I’ve personally tested every one of these e-bikes, putting them through real-world use to see what works, what doesn’t, and who each model is best suited for. Some are stripped-down budget beasts that prioritize performance. Others go for comfort and practicality. And a few genuinely surprised me with features I’d expect to see on bikes twice the price.

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Here are the best electric bikes I’ve tested for under $1,000.

Lectric XP4

There is one e-bike that deserves to be at the top of this list, and it’s the Lectric XP4. Everyone else is literally fighting for second place.

The Lectric XP 4.0 is the reigning king of budget folding e-bikes, and for good reason. At $999, it’s an almost absurd amount of bike for the money. It has no business costing this little, especially with such nice design and surprisingly good hardware.

This fourth-generation model builds on Lectric’s already massively popular XP lineup with refinements that make it more comfortable, more capable, and more versatile – all without raising the price! The step-thru frame makes it accessible for a wide range of riders, and the foldable design means it’s still compact enough to fit in a car trunk or tight storage space.

Under the hood, you get a powerful 1,092W peak (500W nominal) rear hub motor paired with a 48V 10.4Ah battery for up to 45 miles of range. The 8-speed Shimano Altus drivetrain and five pedal assist levels give you flexibility whether you’re cruising or climbing (plus the torque sensor makes pedaling feel quite natural), and the updated front suspension fork and 20” x 3” all-terrain tires add a noticeable boost in comfort and handling. Hydraulic disc brakes are a new and very welcome addition at this price point, offering better stopping power and less maintenance than mechanical setups. And to be frank, those hydraulic brakes are just too nice to be on a bike at this price – I don’t know how Lectric does it.

What really sets the XP 4.0 apart, though, is the level of polish and practicality packed into this budget-friendly frame. Integrated lights, fenders, and a rear rack all come standard, and the frame is rated for 330 pounds of total payload – enough to carry you and your groceries (or a friend with the passenger package installed on the rear!). It’s fast, fun, and wildly capable for the price. Whether you’re a first-time e-bike buyer or just want a second ride that doesn’t feel like a downgrade, the Lectric XP 4.0 is hard to beat. This is THE e-bike I recommend to most new riders.

Buzz Centris Folding E-Bike

The Buzz Centris is one of those rare sub-$1,000 folding e-bikes that doesn’t feel like a total compromise. At its current sale price of $899, it undercuts the XP4 by $100 and it manages to pack in a solid feature set that makes it a strong contender for commuters, apartment dwellers, and anyone tight on space. The folding frame, handlebars, and pedals let it collapse into a compact package, which is great for tossing in a trunk or storing in a corner. Despite its budget price, the Centris still includes some nice touches, like cast magnesium wheels that never need truing and a built-in rear rack that adds real utility for carrying bags or gear.

Power is modest and comes from a 500W rear hub motor paired with a 48V 10.4Ah battery (500Wh), offering up to 40 miles (64 km) of range under pedal assist, though you should definitely expect less if you’re heavy on the throttle and constantly ride at its top speed of 20 mph (32 km/h).

It’s not a powerhouse, but it’s plenty for city riding, light hills, or short commutes. The 7-speed Shimano drivetrain adds flexibility, and the mechanical disc brakes are basic but effective. Fat 4-inch tires on 20-inch wheels provide good comfort and traction, even on rough pavement or gravel paths.

The Buzz Centris is best suited for riders who need a compact, portable e-bike without sacrificing too much on quality like you would with all of those fly-by-night companies. It won’t win any races, and it’s not built for heavy-duty hauling or off-road adventures. But for casual riders, urban commuters, or RV travelers looking for an affordable folding e-bike with respectable performance and comfort, the Centris would be a nice compromise.

I’d still say that the extra $100 for the XP4 gets you a lot of upgrades, but if $899 is your limit, the Buzz Centris won’t do you wrong.

Lectric XP Lite 2.0

If $899 for the Buzz above is still too much, the Lectric XP Lite 2.0’s $799 price tag might fit your budget. Once you reach $800 or below, it’s hard to find a quality e-bike, and this is one of the few bikes I’d recommend in this price range. But I definitely recommend it all the time because of what a great deal it is and how well it’s made for the price! When someone asks me to maximize bang for buck, this is the e-bike I send them to.

You can think of the XP Lite 2.0 as the XP4’s lean, nimble little brother – built for simplicity, portability, and with a surprising punch. At just 41 pounds (18.6 kg), it’s one of the lightest e-bikes in its class, making it a top pick for riders who need something easy to lift, carry, or store. But don’t let the smaller size fool you, the XP Lite 2.0 still delivers an impressive ride, especially considering its $799 price tag.

lectric xp lite 2.0

Sure, the spec sheet lists a 300W nominal motor, but it really puts out over 800W of peak power. With the 48V 7.8Ah battery (375Wh), with an optional extended-range battery available for those who want to push well past the base model’s 40 miles (64 km) of range. It ships as a Class 2 e-bike, meaning you can easily hit 20 mph (32 km/h) on throttle, or you can use the pedal assist for more of a workout.

Like other Lectric models, it comes with integrated lights, a bright display, and compatibility with a wide range of accessories including racks, baskets, and passenger pegs. The XP Lite 2.0 is best suited for students, urban riders, or anyone looking for a lightweight, low-cost way to electrify their commute. It’s quick, affordable, and fun – basically the e-bike version of a no-frills city scooter, but with pedals and a whole lot more versatility.

Ride1up Portola

The Ride1Up Portola is a great example of a premium-feeling folding e-bike that sneaks in just under the $1,000 mark. To be fair, its MSRP is $1,095, but it’s currently on sale at $995, so we’re going to count it.

The Portola is one of the most refined and thoughtfully spec’d electric folders I’ve tested in this price range, at least until the XP4 came out, and it genuinely rides like a more expensive bike. Ride1Up is known for squeezing maximum value out of their builds, and the Portola is no exception. It folds down quickly and compactly, but what really makes it stand out is how good it feels when you’re actually on it.

You get a 750W rear hub motor paired with a 48V system. The bike ships with a 10.4Ah battery (500Wh), but you can also upgrade to a higher-capacity version if you want more range, and both come UL-certified. Other thoughtful specs include an 8-speed drivetrain, hydraulic disc brakes, and a front suspension fork.

At 59 pounds (26.8 kg), the Portola isn’t a featherweight, but it’s not bad for a full-featured e-folder with fat-ish 20” x 3” tires and a full rack and fender setup. It’s ideal for riders who need a compact e-bike for commuting, RV use, or apartment storage but don’t want to sacrifice ride quality. If you want a folding e-bike that feels like a “real bike” and not a compromise, the Portola is shockingly good for the money.

Velotric Fold 1 Lite

To be fair, I’ve tested the Velotric Fold 1 Plus and not the Lite, which is its pared down sibling, but much of the bike is quite similar.

The Velotric Fold 1 Lite is one of the newest budget-friendly e-bikes from a brand that’s been steadily gaining traction for making polished, reliable electric bikes at very reasonable prices. Priced at $999, the Fold 1 Lite delivers a surprisingly slick experience in a compact, folding format – and it manages to look good doing it. With clean lines, a slick paint finish, and tidy internal cable routing, this bike feels nicer than its price suggests.

Under the hood, the Fold 1 Lite features a 500W rear hub motor (55 Nm of torque) and a 48V 486Wh battery offering a range of up to 48 miles (77 km) with pedal assist in ideal conditions, though real-world range will usually fall somewhere around 25–35 miles (40-60 km) depending on terrain and throttle usage. The bike ships as a Class 2 with both pedal assist and throttle (up to 20 mph), and it can be unlocked to Class 3 for speeds up to 28 mph (45 km/h). You also get hydraulic disc brakes, 20” x 3” all-terrain tires, and a 7-speed Shimano drivetrain to round out a solid spec sheet.

What makes this bike stand out is how well-rounded it is. The ride feels stable and comfortable, and the folding mechanism is sturdy and intuitive. It includes fenders and integrated lighting, and while it doesn’t come with a rear rack by default, one is available as an accessory. It doesn’t have quite the same bang-for-your-buck as others on this list, but it’s a nicely made, attractive bike that still deserves a spot on the list. I just wish they gave it the fun color options found on the Fold 1 Plus and other models from Velotric.

Huffy eThunder Road Kids E-Bike

This one is definitely more teen-oriented, but smaller adults will fit just fine on it. Plus, I love how cool it looks. If you’re looking for an e-bike for your teen and you don’t want to spend a fortune, this one might do it for you.

At just $729, this mini-moto-style e-bike offers a fun and confidence-building ride for kids aged 13 and up, combining the look of a mini motorcycle with the simplicity of a pedal-free throttle setup. It’s also got pedal-assist, which is a great way to introduce younger riders to an e-bike (and you can just remove the throttle if you want to force your teen to only use pedal assist).

Keep in mind that at this price, you’re going to get modest but not incredible performance. The eThunder Road is powered by a 250W rear hub motor paired with a 24V 6Ah battery. That’s enough to hit speeds up to 15 mph (25 km/h), which probably feels fast to a kid. Sure, it’s clearly designed for short, supervised fun, not all-day excursions, but that’s exactly what it promises and delivers. The large 20-inch tires offer good ground clearance and cushion for light off-road riding, while the twist throttle makes acceleration easy and intuitive. And if you’re giving your kid an e-bike, I’d say the performance is enough to offer a fun ride without having to worry about them riding a powerful little motorcycle around.

Yes, this definitely isn’t a rugged off-roader, but it’s a solid little neighborhood cruiser. With a max rider weight of 120 pounds, it’s sized well for teens and preteens. It’s also surprisingly well built for the price, with a durable steel frame and fun styling that definitely turns heads. It’s not exactly the most elegantly designed or constructed e-bike, but you get what you pay for and this is definitely more affordable than the fancier models.

If you’re looking for an electric ride-on that bridges the gap between toys and real e-bikes, the Huffy eThunder Road is a great starter option.

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Review: The tech-forward Meepo Go electric skateboard is a smooth, speedy ride for all [Video]

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Review: The tech-forward Meepo Go electric skateboard is a smooth, speedy ride for all [Video]

Scooter here, back with another electric mobility review. This time, I tested out the Meepo Go electric skateboard. It is a sturdy, smooth deck designed for riders of all sizes, with some unique tech I had never encountered before. Be sure to check out my full video review below.

The Meepo Go is a versatile skateboard built for everyone

The Go electric skateboard from Meepo comes in one standard design. It usually has an MSRP of $699, but it is currently on sale for $569, so now is an excellent time to buy.

Features at a glance:

  • Bamboo and fiberglass deck provides durability, flexibility, and stability, suitable for heavier riders over 200 lbs.
  • Impact-resistant plates and a scratch-resistant underside.
  • Dual belt drive 1500 watt stator 4230 motors
  • 12s2p 345.6WH/8AH battery with flame-retardant and water-resistant protection
  • JK-FOC24B Electronic Speed Controller (ESC)
    • Offers smooth, jerk-free acceleration with customizable speed and braking settings
  • Four-speed modes:
    • L: 12 mph (20 km/h)
    • E: 20 mph (32 km/h)
    • S/S+: 28 mph (45 km/h) (S+ adds faster acceleration)
  • Adjustable braking intensity
  • Top Speed 28 mph (45 km/h)
  • Range: Up to 20 miles (32 km)
  • Incline capabilities: 30%
  • 2-year warranty

Electrek‘s take

Meepo is an exciting electric skateboard manufacturer whose goal is to make this particular form of travel accessible to anyone and help reduce carbon emissions. You know we love that.

The company has built hundreds of thousands of electric boards, all of which are rigorously tested and constantly revamped for better quality and efficiency. For my first-ever encounter with Meepo, I was sent its Go electric skateboard – a sort of all-in-one deck designed to support heavier riders.

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I didn’t realize this was a heavy rider board until I read its description on the website. I don’t think that was the reason Meepo recommended this one, but it’s nice to know I wouldn’t have to worry about breaking the Go for being too heavy (I’m only 200 pounds right now, okay?).

The unboxing was incredibly simple. You first unwrap your shiny new, assembled Meepo Go deck, complete with wheels, trucks, motors, and battery. Below that is some instructions, a charger with cables, a couple of adjustment tools, plus two extra motor belts.

Last but not least is Meepo’s J6S ergonomic remote. According to Meepo, the remote’s upgraded control logic allows riders to double-click to change speed modes, reducing accidental toggles, and can stay connected to the board at a max range of 46 meters.

My full haul is pictured above and in the video below. Zero assembly is required; simply plug and play. The Meepo Go electric skateboard can recharge when fully drained in four hours.

Aside from its sturdy design, thanks to a Bamboo and fiberglass deck, I found the Meepo Go quite aesthetically pleasing. I liked its unique grip tape design and carved-out handle for easier carrying (see below).

Meepo skateboard

Once the Meepo skateboard was fully charged, it was time to power up and take it out for a first spin. My initial impression was just how smooth a ride the Go is, thanks in part to its wheels, which Meepo recently revamped to enable better wet-weather traction and anti-slip capabilities.

The trucks initially took some getting used to as they are 45-degree as opposed to 50-degree on traditional configurations, but once I got used to the difference, I felt much more stable at high speeds and making sharp turns. Meepo also provided a truck tool to tighten or loosen your configuration to your preferences.

The Meepo Go’s dual 4230 brushless motors combine for a total output of 3,000 watts, offering a top speed of up to 28 mph or 45 km/h. While that’s pretty damn fast for an electric skateboard, Meepo said “not so fast” to new riders for their own safety.

Go riders must travel 10 km (6.2 miles) in the lower two “L” and “E” speed modes to unlock the S and S+ modes, which allow the 28 mph top speed and higher acceleration. S mode was honestly too fast for my liking, but it was nice to know I had those speed capabilities whenever I’m feeling saucy. The truth is, at my age and skill level, I’m beyond satisfied cruising and carving around 20 mph.

Luckily, the Meepo Go electric skateboard delivers both speed options and then some.

The Meepo Go also allows you to customize its braking intensity from 0% to 100%. This is a feature I had never personally seen on an electric skateboard that genuinely impressed me. It just adds to the overall smoothness this deck provides on all levels.

As mentioned in the key features above, the Go’s dual motors are powered by an eight-amp-hour battery, which enables an all-electric range of up to 20 miles or 32 km.

Aside from speeds nearing 30 mph, you really feel the Meepo Go’s capability on hills. It was configured to tackle 15-degree (30%) inclines with ease, and having tested it, it’s true.

What may be most impressive about this particular Meepo skateboard is its advanced JKFOC-24B electronic skate controller (ESC), which is essentially the brain of the entire powertrain. 

The ESC delivers smooth acceleration with no jerking or lag. It also enables full user customization of acceleration, top speed, and braking sensitivity, so once you get comfortable, you can tailor every aspect of your riding experience to your liking. This is another super cool feature that was new to me personally.

Meepo skateboard

Overall, the Meepo Go is smooth, powerful, and very tech-forward. With more than enough speed, I truly enjoyed the lag-free cruising and carving of the 45-degree trucks and the ease of use of its ergonomic remote.

I was genuinely impressed by the tech used to customize this skateboard, enabling anyone to customize their ride. As such, I’d highly recommend the Meepo Go because of its feel, utility, and universal rideability for virtually everyone, not to mention its competitive pricing.

If you’d like to try out the Meepo Go electric skateboard for yourself, click here. Be sure to check out my full video review below.

Buy a Meepo Go Electric Skateboard

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2025 Can-Am Origin test ride: a rugged, high-tech return to two-wheel fun

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2025 Can-Am Origin test ride: a rugged, high-tech return to two-wheel fun

The 2025 Can-Am Origin electric motorcycle is the pinnacle of fun, just as long as your good time can fit into 69 miles of riding between charges. What it lacks in long-distance range, it makes up for in versatility, rugged style, and instant torque that’s ready for the road and trail. Each twist of the throttle delivers immediate electric propulsion. Its futuristic design and stealthy motor hum make the Origin a dual-sport machine pulled from tomorrow that wonderfully celebrates Can-Am’s two-wheeled heritage of decades past. I also spent some time on the road with the more approachable Can-Am Pulse, a standard street bike with a slight range advantage.

Can-Am style and comfort through technology

The Can-Am Origin is unlike any electric motorbike that has entered my garage. Its tall stance, 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels, and high ground clearance practically beg to be taken off your routine street routes. Can-Am simultaneously delivers an infotainment system on a dual-sport bike that, respectfully, makes much more expensive electric motorcycles look like tech dinosaurs in comparison.

The Origin’s dashboard has specs that every electric motorcycle company should copy. Equipping this system to an electric dual-sport feels like a total luxury. The Origin features a giant 10.25-inch color touchscreen with BRP Connect and a clean user interface that automatically switches between light and dark mode and adjusts brightness. In addition to a digital speedometer, you can quickly switch between ride modes, view battery status, check estimated range, and more.

Ride modes include Normal, Sport, Rain, Eco, two different Off-Road modes. You can toggle traction control and fine-tune front and rear regenerative braking independently, each with Off, Mid, and Max settings. Controls are accessible via the touchscreen when parked or through handlebar-mounted thumb controls while riding.

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The UI adapts to show either large gauges or a split between speedometer and infotainment applets. Bluetooth connects the bike and your phone, and Can-Am has included built-in wifi for over-the-air software updates. These are the kinds of features you’d expect on a premium electric motorcycle in 2025, but they’re not guaranteed.

For iPhone users, there’s Apple CarPlay integration. Two caveats: first, the system uses USB-A instead of USB-C, so newer iPhones will require an adapter or a USB-A to USB-C cable that supports data, not just charging. Second, it only supports wired CarPlay, not wireless, despite the bike having both wifi and Bluetooth radios onboard.

Those two complaints aside, the CarPlay integration is next-level. The touchscreen is responsive when parked, and everything remains fully controllable through the handlebar controls while riding. Access to apps like Maps, Music, Messages, and Phone while on the move is a real convenience. There are also motorcycle- and EV-specific apps with CarPlay are right at home on the Can-Am system.

There are no built-in speakers, so Can-Am relies on Bluetooth audio outputs. The setup is clever, supporting two output channels: one for the rider and one for the passenger helmet comms systems. I experimented by tossing a Bluetooth speaker onto the handlebars and was surprised to find it worked well in sub 50 mph environments as an open-air audio solution.

My only real hardware gripe on a bike that otherwise outshines much of its competition is the lack of self-canceling turn signals. Not every bike has them, but every bike that lacks them is missing out. There’s nothing less cool than riding around with your blinker still flashing. Fortunately, the dash clearly displays active signals. Still, I initially thought the right indicator light on the dash wasn’t working until I realized a single cable runs directly in front of it from my seated position. It’s a small, oddly specific problem that may be specific to my loaner bike, but I can’t quite position the cable differently.

Overall, I give the look and tech a 9.75 out of 10 for delivering both style and features that I actually want and use.

How the Origin feels to ride

At 5’10” with a 30-inch inseam, I find the Origin’s seat height tall yet correct for a dual-sport bike. Throwing a leg over feels a bit like saddling up on a horse, and once I’m on, it’s immediately comfortable. I can straddle the bike confidently, with my left foot planted on the ground and the other hovering around the rear brake. Any taller, and it might feel like a stretch; any shorter, and the ride position wouldn’t feel as commanding. The elevated stance provides a clear, confident view of the road or trail ahead, and the headlight system works adequately. It sets the Origin apart from the lower, more compact feel of traditional street bikes.

With this bike, Can-Am delivers an awesome mix of rugged reality and futuristic aesthetic. The Origin’s angular black-and-white bodywork and tall riding position regularly invokes the feeling of a stormtrooper hovering through the moon forest of Endor on a speeder bike. That particular vibe is especially strong at speed, where the elevated stance and electric torque make it feel like you’re gliding just above the terrain. At lower speeds, the illusion shifts. The stealthy motor hum fades behind the subtle roll of tires on pavement, creating a sensation much like quietly cruising up on a skateboard. It’s stealthy, smooth, and serene.

In terms of performance, the Origin tops out at 79 mph for me, providing plenty of speed for highway rides. Can-Am rates the 0-60 mph acceleration at 4.3 seconds, but frankly this bike feels like it might toss you overboard if you push it that quickly. Can-Am estimates range of up to 90 city miles and 71 mixed environment miles. On one test ride, I ran the battery from 100 percent to 1 percent over the course of 2.3 hours, covering 58.7 miles at an average speed of 24 mph, according to the bike stats.

According to my stats, it was many more hours of fun in the sun with a break for lunch at the park by the water in between riding sessions. That ride was done entirely in Sport mode with regenerative braking turned off, and it returned an average energy consumption of 9 miles per kilowatt-hour. It’s a solid showing for an electric dual-sport, especially considering the aggressive mode and lack of regen for the most reactive and relaxed ride.

Sometimes I love the feel of regenerative braking on electric cars and motorcycles. It can add to the feeling of responsiveness. I found regen on this bike to feel a bit more tight and underpowered for my liking, but it’s there as an option for extending range. With regen turned off entirely, the Origin felt significantly more loose and natural to ride. On the Origin I consistently opted to leave both front and rear regen off. We’ll see how the Pulse feels when I test that model next.

I must have logged over 500 miles across four weeks with the Origin. The lasting impression is that when you gain muscle memory for how the bike responds to throttle spin and body movement, riding the Can-Am Origin feels like playing an amplified electric guitar. Every incremental finger and palm positioning has a result, and when you find your rhythm, suddenly you’re creating music.

The other piece of the Can-Am Origin experience that I didn’t anticipate is the conversational aspect. Electric vehicles are still novel to many, and electric motorcycles are an absolute enigma to most. “Can it get wet?” is still the classic question that many ask. But from day one to day 28 of test riding the Can-Am Origin, it was the brand itself that got people asking me about the bike.

My takeaway is that people have a real affinity for the Can-Am brand as well as a nostalgia for the days of two-wheeled Can-Am motorbikes. When they learn that Can-Am is back on two wheels in the form of a bad-ass looking electric dual-sport motorcycle, people react like they just met a the much younger version of a celebrity in their home town. It’s a fun thing to experience.

Can-Am has earned its place as an electric motorcycle brand to consider

The Can-Am Origin is an incredibly thoughtful and fun take on what an electric dual-sport can be. It pairs rugged styling with a high-tech, feature-rich interface, offers plenty of real-world performance, and never stops turning heads while doing it without trying. From its futuristic design and surprisingly refined touchscreen to the tall, confident riding position and intuitive handling, the Origin is a complete package, so long as your expectations around electric motorcycle range are in check.

Priced starting at $14,999, the Origin slots in competitively against other premium electric motorcycles, though it leans more toward adventure and off-road versatility than urban street performance. It doesn’t quite reach the power or fast-charging capability of more premium priced machines, yet it undercuts in price and adds very useful touches like Apple CarPlay, OTA updates, and dual regen tuning.

If money were no object, I’d gladly keep one in the garage. It’s just flat-out fun to ride. From quick errands and joyrides to weekend backroad escapes, the Origin is a thrill machine that leaves you smiling between rides. Can-Am has a huge selection of first-party accessories to customize your bike as well. This configuration above makes me drool.

Range will be the limiter on machines like this for a while, and while around 70 miles between charges is enough for plenty of use cases, it still has to be a part of the conversation when talking recommendations. But here’s the thing: despite that limitation, electric motorcycles are a ton of fun right now. And if you’ve got either a high pain tolerance for early adoption or healthy access to good charging infrastructure, you can absolutely push them further.

The Origin is compatible with both Level 1 (standard wall outlet) and Level 2 (240V) charging, but not Level 3 DC fast charging. Can-Am rates Level 2 charging at 0 to 80% in 1.5 hours and 0 to 100% in 3.5 hours. In practice, that translates to plugging in and waiting a few hours between fun sessions. For some riders, that’s no big deal, especially if spending time at your destination is part of the trip.

I certainly don’t live along the great electric freeway of California, but my coastal stretch of highway in South Mississippi is populated with electric charging stops.

In my testing, I used the Can-Am Origin for a roundtrip airport commute from home in Ocean Springs, MS to Gulfport, MS, and back. The airport was outside of the travel-there-and-back-without-charging range, but free charging infrastructure at the airport parking garage made it no problem. I rode there, parked, charged during my trip, and returned from the other side of the country to a full battery. So yes, it’s capable of handling local duties. But if long range is central to your riding lifestyle, it’s something to plan around. I think lower speeds and paid charging solutions along the way would allow me to reach New Orleans and return home, but I haven’t set out on that path with this bike.

The Origin isn’t perfect, but it’s arguably best in its category, well-executed, and just damn cool to experience. Can-Am absolutely executed on creating a great electric motorcycle experience despite not being solely focused on EVs or two-wheeled machines.

Can-Am Pulse experience

After 600+ miles on the Can-Am Origin, I had the chance to put some miles on a 2025 Can-Am Pulse electric motorcycle. My key takeaways? Both are excellent electric motorcycles with equally great CarPlay integration. The Pulse is more approachable with a low riding position and slightly more range. The larger storage capacity is also appreciated compared to the somewhat tight space on the Origin.

Pulse ’73 edition with two-up configuration

If I were choosing which to purchase without extensive riding experience, the Can-Am Pulse is absolutely the bike I would gravitate toward. It’s just a great standard street bike with awesome technology at a competitive price.

Above is a look at the redesigned CarPlay experience coming in September 2025 to iPhone in iOS 26, as seen on the Can-Am Pulse display. The new design flexibility makes CarPlay look more at home next to Can-Am’s UI that always appears on a third of the display. Since Can-Am supports CarPlay, the infotainment system will receive free upgrades as Apple enhances the iPhone-powered feature.

Can-Am also supports free over-the-air software updates to the bike itself. Updates are downloaded over wifi and installed using the built-in system on the bike. No visits to the dealership or firmware updates over USB drives required.

Here’s how both bikes compare on paper:

Feature Can‑Am Origin Can‑Am Pulse
Starting MSRP $14,499 $13,999
0–60 mph 4.3 sec 3.8 sec
City range 90 miles 100 miles
Combined range (WMTC) 71 miles 80 miles
Charging (20→80 %) 50 min (Level 2) 50 min (Level 2)
Peak power 47 hp (35 kW) 47 hp (35 kW)
Continuous power 27 hp (20 kW) 27 hp (20 kW)
Torque 53 lb‑ft (72 Nm) 53 lb‑ft (72 Nm)
Dry weight 412 lb (187 kg) 390 lb (177 kg)
Seat height 34 in (865 mm) 30.86 in (784 mm)
Suspension travel Front/rear 10 in (255 mm) Front/rear 5.5 in (140 mm)
Drive modes 6 modes (Normal, ECO, Rain, Sport, Off‑Road, Off‑Road+) 4 modes (Normal, ECO, Rain, Sport+)

Find more about Can-Am Origin and Pulse electric motorcycles here.

Electrek’s Take

I still think the Can-Am Pulse is the easier recommendation for most people, and you can kit it out as much as the Origin. Yet after around a month with each bike, I can’t help but think more about the Pulse. Can-Am really built a fun machine with that bike, especially with its commanding riding position and rugged style.

I would love to see a version with Level 3 charging speeds and greater range to expand the road trip potential, but both machines are super if your commute or leisure route works with the specs.

For now, Can-Am has delivered more than any other electric motorcycle maker when it comes to a giant display with CarPlay integration, attention-grabbing style, and options for two different riding preferences.

Want to learn more about the world of electric motorcycles and other two-wheeled EVs? Catch up on expert Micah Toll’s constant coverage, and subscribe to Electrek’s Wheel-E podcast for weekly updates.

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This $2,400 eight-wheeled dump truck from China is the toy every man needs

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This ,400 eight-wheeled dump truck from China is the toy every man needs

There’s something about the joy of playing around with Tonka trucks in a sandbox that men really never grow out of. Sure, we grow up, get real jobs, and most of us never take the toys back out of the dusty, long-forgotten box. But the desire is still there. And if you gave just about any former boy and reluctant adult the option, I’d be dollars to donuts they’d gladly play around with the life-sized version of their childhood construction toys in a heartbeat.

If that sounds like fun, then I’ve got good news for you. I just found the coolest grown-up toy construction vehicle and it’s unlike anything you’ve seen before. I’d argue that it slots in nicely as a perfect example of some of the coolest and weirdest things you can find from China’s endless supply of innovative EVs. So, for your viewing pleasure, I submit this week’s Awesomely Weird Alibaba Electric Vehicle of the Week: the Octo-dumper!

I really don’t know how to describe this vehicle. I’ve been at a loss for words before in this column, but at least there’s usually a general class of vehicle that these things fit into.

In this case, I’m hesitant to call it a dump truck – partly because it appears to be all dump and no truck.

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It’s remote-controlled, so you could call it an RC vehicle, but the fact that I’ve seen cars smaller than this rig makes me hesitant to lump it in with the remote-controlled toys.

Then there’s the 8×8 setup here. The last time I saw an eight-wheeled vehicle like this was, ironically, it was a mobile crane that was unloading one of my containers full of fun Alibaba construction equipment. Wow, I didn’t expect to come full circle there so quickly.

But despite being unable to quite classify this dumper, I still love everything about it, and I kind of want one.

Measuring around six feet long (197 cm), it seems capable of carrying a fairly large load. They rate it for 2,200 lb (1,000 kg) of cargo, and it looks every bit ready for it.

The top speed of 9 mph (15 km/h) might not hold up when fully laden, but this isn’t exactly a vehicle built for speed. Or comfort, for that matter. It’s built for by-god gettin’ stuff done! And with a claimed 5.4 kWh of battery capacity, it’s going to be quietly hauling your junk around for a good long time before it needs a recharge.

The cargo bed appears to have the classic pickup truck tailgate in the rear, though it also adds a pair of side gates like an old Corvair 95 Rampside pickup, except that the side gates run the full length. Finally, the front also has a tailgate–err, frontgate? Basically, it’s gates all around to turn this thing into a rolling flatbed capable of carrying just about any oversized junk you can think of!

Just don’t start tipping it up while you’ve got all those gates down or you might lose your load. That’s right, don’t forget that this is also a dumper! Not just a transporter around a job site, you can unload your dirt, mulch, gravel, friends, or whatever you carry in here with the push of a button.

Now I’m not exactly sure what I’d do with one of these if I owned one, but I’m sure I could find plenty of uses. You never realize what you can do with an octo-dumper until you own one, and then it’s suddenly like, “How did I ever manage without this thing!?”

Now it will set you back more than a Tonka truck. But I’d argue that the sticker price of $2,482 is a small price to pay in order to have the coolest vehicle in the neighborhood! Just try not to think yet about the thousands and thousands of dollars in fees, import charges, shipping, and other expenses of actually receiving one of these in the West. Instead, think of the fun hayrides you could give the neighborhood kids, at least assuming their parents signed the extensive liability waiver that this thing would probably require.

Speaking of liability though, before any of you get the bright idea to try one of these, please be warned that I’m telling you that’s a bad idea. As I always try to remind my readers during these fun tongue-in-cheek Alibaba articles: don’t actually try to buy one of these things. Seriously. These wild-looking Chinese EVs may be fun to look at, but this is just a lighthearted weekend column where I dig through Alibaba’s bizarre and fascinating collection of electric vehicles. While I’ve had a few successful (and fun) purchases from the site, I’ve also been burned more than once – so it’s definitely not for the faint of heart or anyone on a tight budget.

That’s not to say some brave (or stubborn) readers haven’t taken the plunge anyway, ignoring my caution and venturing into the unknown. But please don’t be the one who gambles and ends up with empty hands and a lighter wallet. Consider this your official heads-up – I’ve warned you!

For now, let’s enjoy how awesome it is that something like this octo-dumper exists, and leave it at that. Until next time, and until the next weird Alibaba EV, this is Micah signing off.

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