Kawasaki Electric Motorcycles: Kawasaki shocked the motorcycle world by finally stepping into the electric game with not one, but two new e-motorcycles: the Ninja e-1 and Z e-1.
That’s a big win for riders who’ve been waiting for a real, road-legal electric bike from a trusted brand. But beneath the sharp styling and affordable price tag lies one big issue that’s hard to ignore—and it might just be a dealbreaker for U.S. riders.
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The Good: Kawasaki Finally Delivered What Honda, Yamaha, and Suzuki Haven’t
Let’s start with the praise. Kawasaki actually put electric motorcycles on the road, not just in press releases or prototype showcases. The Ninja e-1 and Z e-1 look great, ride well, and cost under $8,000—an impressive feat in today’s market.
These are not electronic toys; they are actual motorcycles with full-size wheels, ABS brakes, and high-end construction. Additionally, all models have enough zip for city streets and excellent handling, making them ideal for urban riders.
The Bad: A Tiny Battery That’s Holding Everything Back
The battery pack on these bikes is just 3.0 kWh, split between two removable 1.5 kWh units. That’s shockingly small—even some electric bicycles have similar battery sizes.
Real-world range? Depending on traffic, the weather, and your weight, allow 25 to 35 miles. Additionally, highway riding is impossible due to the vehicle’s top speed of 52 mph (65 mph in brief “e-Boost” bursts).
Yes, they’re marketed as urban commuters, but let’s be real: this feels more like a premium scooter wearing a Ninja costume.
The Significance of This for American Riders
Motorcycles are used for more than just commuting in the United States; they are also used for long-distance travel, open-road excursions, and weekend thrill rides. When you are accustomed to vast highways and expansive suburbs, a 3 kWh battery simply isn’t enough.
Even scooters like the Ryvid Anthem offer more: a 4.3 kWh battery, higher speeds, longer range, and better portability—all for about the same price.
Kawasaki’s Missed Opportunity (But Also a Huge Potential Win)
It’s frustrating because the foundation is solid. With just a 50% larger battery (around 4.5 to 5 kWh), these bikes could go from “niche urban rides” to mainstream commuter champions. A faster charger and slightly better top-end speed would seal the deal.
And here’s the thing: Kawasaki is already miles ahead of Honda, Yamaha, and Suzuki when it comes to real electric motorcycles. If they improve battery size and range in the next release, they could completely change the U.S. e-motorcycle landscape.
Bottom Line: Great Start, But America Needs More Power
Kudos to Kawasaki for getting in the game. The Ninja e-1 and Z e-1 are cool, capable, and competitively priced. But if electric motorcycles are going to make it big in the U.S., we need more than just good looks—we need real range, usable top speeds, and batteries that don’t leave us stranded.
Here’s hoping the next generation brings the performance to match the promise.
Brief Specifications in a Flash:
- 3.0 battery capacity (two 1.5 kWh packs)
- 52 mph is the maximum speed (65 mph with boost).
- Range: 25–41 miles (varies in the actual world).
- Price: $7,899
- Competition: Ryvid Anthem, SONDORS Metacycle, Zero FXE
Also Read: 12 Most Exciting New Motorcycles Launching in 2025