Zero Motorcycles expands line with lighter, lower-cost models

by Yaron


Zero Motorcycles announced its 2025 lineup with two new lightweight electric on- and off-road models that expand its reach to the e-bike and light e-motorcycle markets. Zero’s current electric commuter, touring, and adventure motorcycles cost more than $12,000.  Zero plans to roll out six new sub-$10,000 models during the next two years in what it terms an “All Access” strategy to meet the needs of additional riders. The new models will comprise Zero’s new X Line.

The Zero X-Line

A rider sitting on a Zero XE watching another rider doing donuts in the dirt on a Zero XB.

Courtesy of Zero Motorcycles

The XE and XB motorcycles resemble motocross bikes with narrow knobby tires, flat saddles, relatively flat bars, and ample clearance between the wheels and fenders. When they arrive at U.S. dealerships in the summer of 2025, they will be sold for off-road riding only, although both will be sold as street-legal models in Europe.

The XE and XB will have removable batteries, switchable traction control, and factory-tuned suspensions.

The Zero XE

2025 Zero XE right profile with a dark gray rock wall background.
Positioned as its first true trail bike, the Zero XE is the larger and more powerful of the two X-Line motorcycles. Powered by a 4.3kWh battery, the XE’s electric motor produces 21 horsepower and 468 pound-feet of torque. Zero claims the top speed will be 53 mph and rates the range at 65 miles, traveling at 31 mph. The actual range any rider will experience varies on many factors. Charging is estimated to take 5.5 hours.

A rider on a Zero XE riding on a rocky mountain trail.
The XE will weigh 223 pounds and have a 35.4-inch seat height with a 21-inch front wheel and 18-inch rear wheel. The front fork suspension will travel 215 mm, and the rear monoshock will travel 248 mm. Both front and rear suspension are adjustable. The XE features dual-piston DOT hydraulic brakes with clamp on a single 240 mm front rotor and 220 mm rear rotor.

The Zero XE will start at $6,495.

The Zero XB

2025 Zero XB parked in front of a dark gray rock wall background.
The smaller, less powerful Zero XB is a beginner’s off-road bike. The XB’s specs position it as an e-bike competitor, with a 28 mph top speed and an estimated 47-mile range. The battery stores 2.4kWh of energy to power the 7.5kW motor, producing 10 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. Zero estimates it will take three hours to recharge the battery.

A rider kicking up dust on a 2025 Zero Motorcycle XB.
Weighing in at 139 pounds, the XB seat height is 32.7 inches with 18-inch wheels front and rear. Single-piston hydraulic disk brakes have a 220 mm rotor on the front and a 203 mm rotor on the rear wheel. Also fully adjustable, the front fork suspension has 195 mm travel, and the rear monoshock has 176 mm travel.

The Zero XB will start at $4,195.

Could extended range EVs be commonplace? Experts think so
Scout Motors Terra truck front

We’re all familiar with traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and electric vehicles (EV), but there are actually vehicles that are kind of in between the two. The most common is the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), which has a smaller electric battery that’s designed to allow a vehicle that would otherwise be gas-powered only to drive shorter distances on electric power or to improve their gas mileage by combining the two.

The PHEV approach is still largely gasoline-first, considering the fact that its electric range is typically very low, and much of the time PHEV drivers will end up using their vehicle in hybrid mode anyway — not to mention the fact that the electric motors often aren’t that powerful.

Read more

  • Cars

Now anyone in LA can take Waymo robotaxi rides 24/7
A Waymo robotaxi picking up a passenger.

It just got much easier to take a robotaxi ride in Los Angeles. Waymo announced on Tuesday that anyone in the California city can now take fully autonomous rides, removing the need to join a wait list.

Alphabet-owned Waymo started offering paid robotaxi rides in Los Angeles earlier this year via its Waymo One app, but strong demand resulted in a wait list of nearly 300,000 people wanting to join the service.

Read more

  • Cars

Rivian, VW venture kicks off next-gen platform for R1, Scout EVs
Rivian R2, R3, and R3X

The big challenge for Rivian, the EV maker known for its innovative electric and software systems, has long been how to reach the next stage of growth.

That stage came within reach in June, when the California-based company and Volkswagen announced a joint venture involving a $5 billion injection from the German automaker.

Related Posts

Leave a Comment