Rider advice
Electric motorcycle FAQs
Choosing your first electric bike or looking after the one you own? Find answers on licences, charging, costs and buying from EEMC.
Choosing a bike
What types of electric motorcycle can I buy?
Start with how you want to ride. Road motorcycles, commuter bikes and mopeds, and off-road bikes have different licence, range and charging requirements.
Explore Zero, Energica and Stark, or look at Talaria and Sur-Ron. Check the exact model: an off-road bike is not automatically legal on public roads.
Compare our electric motorbikes and current used electric bikes.
Can I use an electric motorcycle for long-distance riding?
Yes, with a bike and route suited to the trip. Compare real-world range at your intended speeds, charging time and compatible stops. Weather, luggage and motorway riding can change how far a charge takes you.
Explore Zero and Energica models, then use our EV charging guide to plan charging around the bike you choose.
Licences and costs
What licence do I need to ride an electric motorcycle?
Your age, licence entitlement and the bike’s approved category determine what you can ride. CBT is training, not a driving licence. Learners also need the appropriate provisional entitlement.
Mopeds can be ridden from age 16 with the required entitlement and training. Learner motorcycles are for riders aged 17 or over, within the applicable power limits. A1, A2 and full A licences cover different motorcycle categories. Check the bike’s approved power rating and any licence restrictions before buying.
Start with our licence and bike guide or moped licence guide. See GOV.UK motorcycle licence guidance for Great Britain. Northern Ireland has separate licensing guidance.
How much does electric motorcycle insurance cost?
Your premium depends on the bike, your age and riding history, postcode, security and intended use. Get a quote for the exact model before committing to a purchase.
Our electric motorcycle insurance guide explains the options. You can also request a quote from a specialist broker such as BeMoto. Tell the insurer about any modifications.
Do electric motorcycles need an MOT?
Yes. Most electric motorcycles in Great Britain need their first MOT at three years old and an annual test after that, unless an exemption applies. Electric power does not remove the requirement. Northern Ireland has different testing arrangements.
The inspection covers roadworthiness, including brakes, tyres, lights and steering. Check GOV.UK MOT guidance for your vehicle. For maintenance and preparation, see our electric motorcycle servicing page.
Do electric motorcycles pay road tax?
Yes. Electric motorcycles have paid vehicle excise duty since April 2025. For 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027, the single annual payment is £27. A petrol motorcycle over 600cc pays £125 for the same period.
Check the current GOV.UK vehicle tax rates, including payment options and exemptions. Use our electric vs fuel cost calculator to compare your running costs.
How much does it cost to run an electric motorcycle?
Charging cost depends on your electricity tariff and the energy taken from the supply. Multiply the kWh used by the price per kWh.
Illustrative example: 10 kWh supplied at 25p per kWh costs £2.50. If that charge takes you 70 miles, the charging cost is about 3.6p per mile. These are example assumptions, not a UK average or a promised range. Charging losses and public charging tariffs affect the total.
Allow for insurance, road tax, tyres and servicing too. Enter your mileage and tariff in our electric vs fuel cost calculator.
Charging and batteries
How do I charge an electric motorcycle?
Use the charging equipment approved for your exact model. Some bikes charge from a suitable household socket, some support Type 2 AC charging, and certain models support DC rapid charging. The connector alone does not guarantee compatibility or charging speed.
Check the owner’s manual for the supply, cable and charging limits your bike needs. For home and public charging options, read our EV charging guide.
Where can I charge my electric motorcycle?
Depending on the bike and your parking arrangements, you may be able to charge at home, at work or at a compatible public charging point. Public charging is available at many services, car parks and other destinations, but check access, connector compatibility and tariffs before travelling.
If your bike has a removable battery, follow its instructions for where and how to charge it. Our EV charging guide can help you plan a suitable setup.
How can I find charging stations near me?
Use Zapmap to find public charge points and check the connector, network and access details. Filter for the connections your motorcycle actually supports.
Check availability and payment requirements with the operator before relying on a stop. Keep an alternative nearby for longer trips. Read our EV charging guide for an introduction to motorcycle charging options.
Can I buy a replacement battery?
Replacement battery availability depends on the manufacturer, model and year. Compatibility can also involve the bike’s software and charging system, so check the exact specification before ordering.
Please contact our team with your model and year for availability, fitting options and a quote.
How should I look after my motorcycle battery?
Follow the charging and storage instructions for your model and year. Recommended charge levels, storage temperatures and whether to leave the charger connected vary between batteries.
Avoid applying another bike’s charging routine to yours. If you ride a Zero, start with our Zero owners manuals. For other brands or questions about battery condition, contact our team.
How long will an electric motorcycle battery last?
There is no single mileage or lifespan that applies to every battery. Age, temperature, use, charging and storage all affect capacity over time. A warranty is also different from a prediction of usable life.
For a used bike, ask about battery condition, service history and any remaining warranty. Our electric motorcycle servicing team can advise on the checks available for your model.
Buying from EEMC
Do you offer finance on electric motorcycles?
Finance options are available for eligible customers and bikes, subject to status and the lender’s terms. EEMC acts as a credit broker, not a lender.
Visit our electric motorcycle finance page to explore the available options, or contact our team for help with a particular new or used bike.
Can I test ride an electric motorcycle before buying?
Contact us to arrange a test ride and tell us which model interests you. We will confirm availability, where the ride can take place, and the licence and insurance requirements for that bike before your visit.
What warranty comes with new and used bikes?
Warranty cover depends on the manufacturer, model, age and the terms of the sale. Ask us to confirm the cover included with the particular bike you are considering.
Our EEMC Assure packages offer additional cover with different durations and options for battery cover. Eligibility, exclusions and claim limits apply. Read the warranty packages and terms before choosing a policy.
How long does motorcycle delivery take?
Delivery timing depends on stock, preparation and your location. Ask us to confirm an estimated delivery date for the bike before ordering. Any international delivery arrangements need a separate quote and confirmation.
Browse our current used bikes, then contact our team to discuss delivery.
Can I trade in my electric or petrol motorcycle?
Yes, we consider both electric and petrol motorcycles for part exchange. The valuation depends on the model, condition, mileage and history.
Send the details through our sell your bike page to request a valuation.
Servicing and ownership
What maintenance does an electric motorcycle need?
Follow the manufacturer’s service schedule. Electric bikes still need tyre, brake, steering, suspension and drive-system checks. Brake fluid, bearings and other wear items need attention, even without an engine oil service.
Battery diagnostics and software work depend on the model. See our electric motorcycle servicing page for workshop and mobile service options.
Can I customise or modify an electric motorcycle?
Many bikes can take compatible accessories or adaptations. The options depend on the model and intended use. Check how a proposed change affects safety, warranty, insurance and road approval before fitting it.
For parts or workshop fitting advice, contact our team with your bike’s model, year and the changes you have in mind.
Where can I buy electric motorcycle parts?
Visit the EEMC Parts shop for parts and accessories. Check compatibility with your bike’s exact model and year before ordering. Availability and delivery options depend on the item.
For workshop fitting or advice on an upgrade, see our electric motorcycle servicing page.
Still have a question?
Tell us what you ride, or what you want to ride. Our team can help you work out the next step.
