Could the Original Electric Motorcycle Brand’s Surprising New Release Be More Impactful Than a Bike?

As Zero continues to stake out electric territory, its latest two-wheeler is less glamorous and more practical for many urbanites.

Close-up of a black motorcycle rear with a clear taillight and a red reflector below it.

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By Steve Mazzucchi

Published 3 hours ago

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Amidst the glut of electric moto startups and traditional brand forays over the past few years, it’s easy to forget that the first true electric motorcycle brand has been at it for almost two decades now.

That’s right, Zero was founded in 2006, and in 2025 it is continuing the forward progress of the All-Access initiative it announced around this time last year.

Two modern electric scooters, one white and one gray, parked side by side against a textured stone wall. — In either color, the Zero LS1 is easily one of the sleekest, coolest scooters you’ll see.

Which means the most significant rollout at Milan’s massive moto show, EICMA, is a vehicle that might not be as sexy as its sport bike siblings, but makes a lot more sense for most city dwellers.

That’s right, Zero made a scooter. Meet the new LS1.

Battery believer

Full disclosure: Historically I have been both an electric skeptic and a scooter snubber, so you’d think I’d let this news slide right by.

However, I got a chance to rip around on Zero’s XE and XB dirt bikes last month, and I had so much damn fun I’m inclined to believe that, amidst some corporate upheaval, Zero is starting to hit its stride.

Close-up of a black motorcycle dashboard with a digital display showing battery, trip, and ABS indicators. — Like on so many innovative Zero bikes, a big, handlebar-mounted interactive screen is standard.

While these bikes are completely different from the LS1, they adhere to a similar mindset.

Unlike so many great but pricy predecessor Zero bikes that bore some resemblance to gas motos, these vehicles seek to leverage the power of electric to serve folks who may have never thought of themselves as motorcyclists before.

Two people riding modern electric scooters with headlights on in an urban setting with historic buildings. — The LS1 is ideal for zipping around a city — and even going some places motorcycles can’t go.

Plus, the brand has so much experience building excellent electric two-wheelers, I am inclined to feel like that could make a real banger of a scooter.

Not to mention the fact that it’s probably fast AF.

City star

Right off the bat, the LS1 offers something special derived from the X Line bikes: lightweight and swappable batteries.

With the LS1, they reside in the floorboard, fueling a center-mounted motor that should keep handling balanced and nimble.

Battery compartment with an orange cable inside a white Zero LS1 electric scooter. — Located int the floorboard, the batteries keep the center of gravity low — and are easy to remove for swapping and charging.

Adding to the ease of use are a short wheelbase, ABS and traction control, plus a low seat height.

The LS1 also features an unde- seat storage compartment that can hold a helmet and everyday essentials or other small items you need to lug.

It can also be used to carry a third battery (sold separately) to extend the 115-kilometer (71-mile) range to a class-leading 170 kilometers (about 106 miles).

Hand placing a black Biltwell helmet on a white Zero LS1 electric motorcycle seat. — The under-seat storage compartment offers space to stash a helmet, personal belongings or even the day’s groceries.

As I hinted earlier, just because it is a scooter doesn’t mean the LS1 can’t move, either.

The top speed is 100kph (62mph), so it’s primed to zip through city traffic and leave other forms of transportation in the dust.

Availability and pricing

Zero says deliveries of the LS1 will begin in the second half of December 2025. It’s specifically for the European market, at least at first. Pricing has not yet been announced.

Sleek gray and black electric scooter parked on pavement in front of a textured stone wall.

Zero LS1

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About the Author:

Now managing editor, Steve has served in a variety of roles with GP since 2019. Having previously written and edited for such publications as Men’s Health, Men’s Journal, Esquire and ESPN, he enjoys covering a range of topics — but mostly those pertaining to cycling, snow sports, pocket knives and motos — and dreams of a utopian world in which everyone’s bike seat is at the proper height.

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