Electrification of motorcycles,whether we like it or not, is becoming a freight train that cannot be stopped. Though not as mainstream as their car counterparts, electric bikes are gaining footing in the market with heavyweights like Harley-Davidson and Kawasaki introducing new models. They’re well-designed, with top of the line components and have next generation battery specs. Companies that are startups, comparatively speaking, like Zero, Energica and Damon are focusing on bringing costs down, while at the same time making sure that the battery technology is progressing forward.

But despite all that progress, it may be a long time before full-size motorcycles replace gas powered ones as the main choice for touring, adventure riding and track riding. However, there may be a perfect electric alternative for commuting, going to get groceries or heading to class in a city environment. And with battery technology so prevalent these days, any company with a vision and a bit of cash can build themselves a capable electric moped or scooter. While there are many more of these little scooter startups, BMW, Honda and Vespa haven’t been sleeping on this market either.

RELATED: 10 Electric Motor Scooters Taking The World By Storm

10 Honda Motocompacto

Starting MSRP: $1,000 (or less)

We’ll start with the least practical option, though probably one of the more exciting ones. Built on the legacy of the original 1980’s Motocompo version, this new Motocompacto will be an interesting product to follow. Priced under $1,000 and available at the end of 2023, the Motocompacto is made for short runs in a busy city. Whether you bring it with you in your car to use throughout the day while your car is parked or run around the school campus between classes, this little scoot will be a breeze to collapse into itself and stow away until it is needed again. There’s no storage to speak of, max speed is appropriate for its tiny wheels and the range is a mere 12 miles, but for such a tiny package, it may be the one option that is the most fun for your average person with no interest or experience with motorcycles or scooters.

Model Specifications

Source: Hondanews.com

RELATED: Honda’s Latest Electric Motorcycle Looks Like A PlayStation 5 On Wheels!

9 BMW CE 02

Starting MSRP: $7,599

Building on their previous effort of the CE 04, BMW perhaps realized that maybe it wasn’t the coolest kid on the block, despite that mode’s futuristic looks. That’s why its newest offering is the Grom-killing CE 02. Handsomely styled for urban riding, this electric scooter comes with some great features. It has two riding modes, SURF and FLOW, a reverse gear, phone connectivity, front wheel ABS, keyless start, a small TFT screen and a USB-C charging socket. BMW is also offering some key optional features like a third ride mode called FLASH, heated grips, external quick charger and additional color schemes. On top of that, there are some optional accessories to personalize the CE 02 with. You can outfit it with a more comfortable seat, a top case and side bags, a cockpit fairing and additional footrest options. All that adds up to be one of the cooler and practical options for city dwellers on the move.

Model Specifications

Source: BMW

RELATED: This CFMoto Electric Scooter Might Be Worrisome For The BMW CE 04

8 Aventura-X Electric

Starting MSRP: $3,295

A California company by the name of Aventura X has been producing a “Vespa-styled” electric scooter for a hot minute now. Though Vespa does manufacturer an electric scooter of their own (more on that later), those looking for a vintage look, with modern technology underneath to use during their commute may not find a cheaper alternative. Coming in several attractive colors, some of which fully embrace the playful retro nature of the bike, the Aventura X Electric is as basic as they come. Despite the lack of any serious technology, which is perhaps fitting given its style, the scooter does have a range of 35-70 miles, making it the ideal method of transportation to work, café and other city destinations. And with accessories that include windshields, front racks and even a woven basket, anyone can outfit this ride to suit their personal tastes.

Model Specifications

Source: Aventura

7 Zoom Electric Scooter

Starting MSRP: $2,699

Zoom is another one of those small companies that only does one thing, but does it well. Though the scooters themselves are very similar to those made by Aventura, these are slightly more modern looking, have entirely different color schemes and are a bit cheaper if you can catch them on sale. There is plenty of storage under the seat as well as an optional top box. USB phone charger, cup holder and bag hook come standard. And there’s even an anti-theft alarm with motor immobilizer included with the scooter.

Model Specifications

Source: Zoom

6 Vespa Elettrica

Starting MSRP: $7,999

Much like everyone thinking all cruisers are Harleys, most people tend to think of Vespa when they encounter a retro looking scooter. They are the epitome of Italian vibes, mod culture and running around European cities while looking dashing and cool. Vespa knows this. We know this. Vespa knows that we know that it knows this. But it doesn’t mean the Italian company is stuck in its old ways. And the Elettrica is its long term future strategy. With features like the multimedia system (MIA) that connects the scooter’s 4.3-inch TFT display with the rider’s phone, phone calls could be answered, messages replied to and songs skipped into perpetuity. Above all, however, it is the calming knowledge that this scooter was built by a company that’s been doing it for decades, that raises it above many of its imitators.

Model Specifications

Source: Vespa

5 GIO Italia Ultra

Starting MSRP: $1,899

The Italia Ultra is a cheap yet funky bit of scooting business. It is made by a Canadian company called Gio, which has been in the powersport business for over twenty years. Made to resemble, but not outright steal the design of a Vespa, this little champ costs less than $2,000, which is a fraction of the Italian real deal price. It’s also quite cheaper than the rest of its small company competitors, which is one of the reasons for its high placement on this list. And when you consider its main specifications, the rest of the reasons fall into place as well. Yes, it has an alarm, a USB port, an LCD screen and a rear storage compartment. What else do you need for your 15 minute trip to work and back?

Model Specifications

Source: GIO

4 Aventura-X Electric Sidecar Scooter

Starting MSRP: $7,495

Despite the fact that most motorcycle riders don’t like trikes, or three-wheel bikes, sidecars have always remained on the cool side. Their rugged capabilities, pet-friendly seating and decades long history have somehow made them immune to biker scorn. Perhaps capitalizing on all of that goodwill, Aventura introduced the world to their X Electric Sidecar scooter. Built on the same concept as the standard X Electric, this version of the bike gives scooter lovers the same joy that an Ural would give to a motorcycle rider. It doesn’t hurt that the sidecar would be handy in a city commute if the need arises to deliver something, or someone, from one place to another. Whether it’s your pet, a bag of groceries or a friend in need, the Aventura X Electric Sidecar is there to be your urban mule.

Model Specifications

Source: Aventura

3 Piaggio 1 Active

Starting MSRP: $4,799

There’s nothing like getting a product that was well-thought-out, manufactured using modern processes and designed to look great. Piaggio, the parent company of Vespa, did just that with the 1 Active. Somewhere between modern and retro, this electric scooter looks like it means serious business. With a large under-seat storage compartment, big enough to fit a helmet, comfortable ergonomics, on the road charging via a KERS system and a 5.5-inch color LCD display, 1 Active is one of the best, well-rounded electric scooter options for navigating a busy city.

Model Specifications

Source: Piaggio

2 SEAT MÓ 125 Performance

Starting MSRP: TBD

SEAT is pushing for a premium electric scooter experience. While other manufacturers scramble through their part bins to coble together a respectable scooter, SEAT is including premium equipment as standard. The brakes are from Galfer. The seat is made by SHAD. The suspension is from Öhlins. There are 3 riding modes plus a reverse gear. And the SEAT MÓ app allows the rider to seamlessly connect with the scooter. But the biggest ace up its sleeve is the removable battery. Pull it out in your high rise office parking lot, roll it with you and plug it in at your desk. Or get multiple batteries and always have one charged and ready to go. No word on how much it would cost, as it is to be released in 2024.

Model Specifications

Source: SEAT

1 BMW CE 04

Starting MSRP: $12,195

There’s a lot to be admired about a company that is willing to take risks. Some risks don’t really pay off, as was the case with Yamaha’s Niken. But others seem to work out well. BMW’s electric scooter, the CE 04 seems to be doing alright as its entering its fourth year on the market. It’s a pricey vehicle, especially so for a scooter with a sibling that’s half the price (CE 02). But BMW has made an exceptional bike, with a great ride quality, premium components and excellent features like a 10.25-inch TFT display, three ride modes, ABS, reverse gear, ventilated storage compartment with USB-C socket, side loading compartments, ECall emergency calling and a slew of optional equipment and accessories.

Model Specifications

Source: BMW