Electric motorbikes in Australia: models and costs

Electric motorbikes in Australia start from around $5,650 for entry-level commuters and run past $49,000 for premium touring models, with most road-legal options falling between $8,000 and $36,000. Running costs sit at roughly $2 to $5 per 100 km on electricity, compared with $8 to $10 per 100 km for a typical petrol bike. Here is what is available, what it costs, and what you need to know before buying.

Why electric motorbikes are gaining ground in Australia

The Australian electric motorbike market has moved well past the concept stage. Several brands now sell road-registered, LAMS-approved models through local dealers, and two manufacturers, Savic in Melbourne and LEKI in Adelaide, build bikes on Australian soil.

Prices have dropped steadily since the first wave of imports, and the range on a full charge now stretches past 200 km on mid-range models and beyond 280 km on premium sport bikes. For riders weighing up their next purchase, the question has shifted from "are they ready?" to "which one fits?"

Electric motorbike prices in Australia (2026)

Prices vary widely depending on whether you want a city commuter, a dirt bike, or a highway-capable sport machine.

Prices shown are as at August 2026 and may change. On-road costs (registration, CTP, stamp duty) are additional on most models.

Running costs: electric vs petrol

The biggest financial advantage of an electric motorbike is the running cost. Charging at home on a standard power point costs roughly $2 to $5 per 100 km, depending on your electricity rate. LEKI quotes $2.20 per 100 km for its models.

A typical petrol motorbike using 4 litres per 100 km at $2.10 per litre costs about $8.40 per 100 km. Over 10,000 km a year, that is a saving of roughly $340 to $620 depending on the electric model.

Maintenance costs are lower too. Electric motors have fewer moving parts than combustion engines. There are no oil changes, no spark plugs, no air filters to replace, and no clutch cable to adjust. Brake pads last longer because regenerative braking handles most of the slowing.

Battery packs typically carry a warranty of 5 to 8 years and retain 70 to 80 per cent of their capacity over that period.

LAMS and registration: what you need to ride one

An electric motorbike that can exceed 50 km/h is legally a motorcycle. You need a motorcycle licence, registration, and CTP insurance, the same as any petrol bike.

For learner and provisional riders, the bike must be on the state's LAMS (Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme) list. The key threshold for electric models is 25 kW or less of continuous motor output. Both LEKI models (E1 Bolt at 5 kW and E1 Surge at 10 kW) are LAMS approved. Several Fonz and Benzina models also fall under the 25 kW limit.

Higher-powered bikes like the Zero SR/F (84 kW) or the Savic C-Series (80 kW) require a full, unrestricted motorcycle licence.

Registration categories and costs vary by state. Check with your state transport authority before purchasing to confirm your chosen model is road-registerable and LAMS-listed if required.

Electric motorbikes that stay under 50 km/h and meet power limits may be classified as mopeds in some states, which can simplify licensing. Always verify the classification with your local authority.

Australian-made options

Two Australian manufacturers are building electric motorbikes locally.

Savic Motorcycles is based in Melbourne and builds the C-Series, a premium cafe-racer-styled electric motorbike priced from $29,990. Each bike is built to order with configuration options for bodywork, badging, seat, and headlamp. The C-Series produces 80 kW and 250 Nm of torque from its SM1 motor, with a range of approximately 220 km on a 16.2 kWh battery. Charging takes around 4.5 hours on a 15A Level 2 charger.

LEKI Electric assembles bikes in Adelaide and focuses on the commuter and mid-range market. The E1 Bolt ($8,799) offers 100 to 110 km of range and a top speed of 100 km/h. The E1 Surge ($12,999) pushes range to 160 km and top speed to 170 km/h. Both are LAMS approved, making them accessible to new riders.

Off-road and dirt electric bikes

Electric dirt bikes have become a strong category in their own right. Because they run quietly, they are often welcome on private land and tracks where noise restrictions apply.

The Stark VARG range starts at $18,990 for the MX1.2 60HP model, offering 100 km of range and 145 km/h top speed in a motocross-ready package. The 80HP variant costs $19,990.

At the budget end, Crossfire sells electric off-road bikes from $1,749 (ECR1500, 1500 W) to $3,849 (ECR3000HPU, 8000 W). These are not road-registerable but suit trail and property use.

Sur-Ron and Talaria offer mid-range electric off-road options. The Sur-Ron Light Bee X and Storm Bee are popular on trails and, depending on the model and state, some variants can be road-registered under LAMS.

Charging at home and on the road

Most electric motorbike owners charge at home using a standard 240V power point. Charging from flat to full takes 3 to 8 hours depending on battery size. A dedicated Level 2 charger (the same type used for electric cars) can cut that time.

Fast chargers, where available, can reach 80 per cent in 30 to 60 minutes. However, fast-charging infrastructure for motorcycles is still limited in Australia compared with the electric car network. Most public EV chargers use Type 2 or CCS plugs, and not all motorcycle models are compatible.

If you ride under 100 km a day, overnight charging on a home power point will cover most commutes without any special equipment.

For longer touring rides, the Zero SR/F (283 km range) and Energica Experia (256 km combined range) offer the most distance on a single charge, though planning charging stops remains part of any long-distance electric motorbike trip.

What to consider before buying

Electric motorbikes suit some riders better than others. Here is a quick checklist.

Best suited for:

• Daily commutes under 100 km
• Riders who want lower running and maintenance costs
• Learner and provisional riders (LAMS-approved models)
• Off-road and trail riding (quiet operation, no emissions)
• Riders with home charging access (garage or carport with a power point)

Worth thinking through:

• Long-distance touring still requires route planning around charging stops
• Resale market is smaller than for petrol bikes, though this is changing
• Battery replacement outside warranty can run into thousands of dollars depending on the model and battery size
• Not all mechanics service electric motorbikes yet, so check local workshop availability
• Some models are only available through online order or specialist dealers

This article is general information only and is not financial advice.