If you are searching for an Australian electric motorcycle, you usually want one of two things: an electric motorcycle you can buy and register in Australia, or a bike that is designed or built here. This guide covers both, using the models and specifications in our range, and explains the basics of LAMS and registration. For current registration rules, always check your state transport authority.
Road-registered electric motorcycles and mopeds
The NIU NQi GT electric moped is listed as LAMS approved, with a 3,000 watt motor, a 72V 26Ah dual removable battery, a 70 km/h top speed and up to 100 km of range on dual batteries, at $5,990 AUD. The Super Soco CPx is listed at 3kW, 65 km/h and 90 km of range for $5,490 AUD. The Vmoto Soco TC-Max is a 5kW road-legal electric motorcycle listed at 95 km/h and 120 km of range with WP adjustable suspension, for $8,990 AUD, and is described as LAMS compliant for road registration.
What LAMS means
LAMS is the Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme. A LAMS-approved bike can be ridden by a learner or provisional motorcycle licence holder. The NIU NQi GT is listed as LAMS approved and legal for L and P-plate riders in all states, but you still need the correct licence and registration for your state.
Australian-engineered electric bikes
Stealth Electric Bikes is listed in our range as an Australian engineered brand based in Melbourne. The Stealth B-52 Bomber is listed at 5.2kW, 80 km/h and up to 100 km of range, weighing 53 kg, at $12,990 AUD. The Stealth bikes are sold as off-road electric bikes for private property and tracks, so check before you assume any model can be registered.
Off-road electric motorcycles
The Sur-Ron Ultra Bee at 12.5kW and 90 km/h, the Talaria Dragon at 28kW and 110 km/h and the Stark Varg EX 80HP are high-performance off-road machines. They are supplied for private property and designated off-road areas. Browse them in our electric motorcycles for sale category.
How to read range and power figures
Range figures in our listings are manufacturer figures such as "up to" 100 km, and real range depends on speed, rider weight, terrain and temperature. Power is given in watts or kilowatts, and peak output is higher than continuous output.
Registration and licence
Road registration, licence class and insurance depend on your state. Our guides to road legal electric motorcycles in Australia and electric motorbikes vs petrol explain more. For basics on electric motorcycle technology, see the Wikipedia overview of electric motorcycles and scooters.
Three kinds of Australian electric motorcycle
The phrase covers three different buyers. The first wants a road-registered electric motorcycle or moped that is sold in Australia and can be registered in their state. The second wants a bike designed or built in Australia. The third wants a high-power off-road electric motorcycle for trails, tracks and private property. Each group needs different information, so this guide keeps them separate.
Road electric motorcycles and mopeds in detail
The NIU NQi GT has a 3,000 watt motor, a 72V 26Ah dual removable lithium battery, a 70 km/h top speed, up to 100 km of range on dual batteries and a 98 kg weight. The Super Soco CPx has a 3kW motor, a 60V 30Ah removable battery, a 65 km/h top speed, 90 km of range, an 85 kg weight, keyless Bluetooth start and regenerative braking. The Vmoto Soco TC-Max steps up to 5kW with a dual removable 4.8kWh battery, a 95 km/h top speed, 120 km of range, WP adjustable suspension and a 117 kg weight. Removable batteries let you charge at home or in an office without wheeling the bike inside.
How much does an electric motorcycle cost
In our range the road models run from $5,490 AUD for the Super Soco CPx to $5,990 AUD for the NIU NQi GT and $8,990 AUD for the Vmoto Soco TC-Max. Divide the price by the listed range to compare value: the NIU works out at about $60 per listed kilometre, the Super Soco at about $61 and the Vmoto at about $75, though each range figure is a manufacturer "up to" number and depends on how you ride. The Vmoto costs more per kilometre but adds power, top speed and suspension.
Registration, licence and insurance
Road registration, the licence class needed and insurance are set by each state. A LAMS-approved bike such as the NIU NQi GT can be ridden by a learner or provisional motorcycle licence holder, but you still need the right licence, registration and a roadworthy bike. Compulsory third-party insurance is arranged differently in each state, so check your state authority. Our guides to electric bike registration in NSW and road legal electric motorcycles cover the process.
Australian-engineered bikes
Stealth Electric Bikes is an Australian brand based in Melbourne, listed in our range as Australian engineered. Our product listings describe the Stealth B-52 Bomber as designed and engineered in Melbourne, with a chromoly steel monocoque frame, a 9-speed sequential gearbox and inverted front suspension, producing 5.2kW from a 2.5kWh battery for an 80 km/h top speed and up to 100 km of trail range at 53 kg. The Stealth H-52 competition bike is a 5.2kW track machine at 49 kg. These are off-road bikes, and a buyer who wants an Australian-engineered bike should check how the model can legally be used.
High-power off-road electric motorcycles
For trail and enduro riding, the Sur-Ron Ultra Bee is 12.5kW with 440 Nm of rear-wheel torque and a 4,070Wh battery, the Talaria Dragon is 28kW with a 5,100Wh battery and the Stark Varg EX 80HP is 80 horsepower with 938 Nm of torque. They are supplied for private property and designated off-road areas, not for the road. See our high-performance electric dirt bike guide for a full comparison.
Electric motorcycle vs petrol motorcycle
An electric motorcycle has no gearbox to shift on most models, runs quietly and has no oil changes, spark plugs or fuel stops. The trade-offs are range, which is limited by battery size, and charging time. Our guide to electric motorbikes vs petrol compares costs in detail, and our running cost comparison covers off-road bikes.
What to check before you buy
Check the legal status of the exact model in your state, the licence class you hold, the battery warranty and what happens to range as the battery ages, and whether the battery is removable for charging. Confirm delivery, the warranty and spare parts availability. Our 12-month Australian warranty and local parts support are listed on the warranty and service page.
Charging an electric motorcycle at home
The road models in this guide use removable batteries or large packs, so plan where you will charge. Removable batteries can be carried indoors, but should still be charged on a hard non-flammable surface and not left charging unattended. Use the charger that came with the bike, keep the connector clean and follow the storage advice on the NSW Government lithium-ion battery page.
Test ride checklist for an electric motorcycle
When you test ride, check how the throttle responds at low speed, how strongly the regenerative braking slows the bike, how the seat and bars fit your body, how heavy the bike feels when you push it, and how the display shows battery level. Ask how the removable battery is released and how heavy each pack is. For a LAMS-approved bike, ask the seller to confirm in writing that the exact model and year is LAMS approved in your state.
Costs beyond the purchase price
The price of the bike is only part of owning an electric motorcycle. Budget for registration and the compulsory insurance your state requires, a certified helmet and riding gear, a good lock, and the time and space to charge at home. Over time you will also pay for tyres, brake pads and servicing, and eventually a battery replacement. Ask the seller what the battery warranty covers and what a replacement battery costs, because that is the largest single running cost on any electric motorcycle. Our guide to electric dirt bike battery lifespan and replacement cost explains how to think about it.
Where to buy: electric motorcycle for sale in Australia
If you are looking for an electric motorcycle for sale, Electric Dirt Bike Australia stocks road-legal mopeds and motorcycles alongside off-road models, and ships from Mittagong NSW to every state. Shoppers comparing electric motorbikes for sale can browse our electric motorcycles and electric motor bikes categories, and anyone ready to order an electric motorbike for sale can add the NIU NQi GT, Super Soco CPx or Vmoto Soco TC-Max to the cart on its product page. Free freight applies to orders over $1,500 AUD, crypto and PayID payments receive 10% off, and each bike carries a 12-month Australian warranty.
Quick answers
Which electric motorcycles in your range are LAMS approved? The NIU NQi GT is listed as LAMS approved, and the Vmoto Soco TC-Max is listed as LAMS compliant for road registration.
Is there an Australian-engineered electric motorcycle? Stealth Electric Bikes is listed as an Australian engineered brand based in Melbourne. Its bikes in our range, such as the B-52 Bomber, are off-road bikes.
How far can a road-legal electric motorcycle go? Our listings give "up to" figures: 100 km for the NIU NQi GT on its dual battery and 120 km for the Vmoto Soco TC-Max. Real range depends on speed, load and conditions.
Official sources and further reading
For background on electric motorcycle technology see the Wikipedia overview of electric motorcycles and scooters. For battery safety see the NSW Government lithium-ion battery page and the Queensland Fire Department page.
Sur-Ron Light Bee X (60V 40Ah)
Australia's most popular electric trail bike with 6kW peak power, 60V 40Ah battery, and lightweight 50kg dry weight.