Three of our favourite 125cc electric motorcycles.

Declan Constable
Published: 28 April 2023
Horwin CR6

125cc motorcycles are one of the most popular types of motorcycles due to their accessibility, but how about electric 125cc motorcycles?

Electric motorcycles are here to stay, as the industry moves and evolves in the twenty-first century and climate change becomes an increasing concern. The British government is making efforts to reduce the use of fossil fuels, outlawing the sale of combustion engine cars beginning in 2030, with motorcycles expected to follow suit in the years to come.

These rulings are causing the market for electric motorcycles to rise quickly, especially with reduced maintenance and fuel costs and no charges to ride within emission zones. Many top manufacturers have jumped on the electric bandwagon, with Kawasaki recently unveiling their line of electric motorcycles.

Which electric motorcycle can I ride on a CBT?

A newer rider with a CBT (Compulsory Basic Training) licence or a rider under the age of 19 can lawfully ride a 125cc motorcycle with an ICE (internal combustion engine); when converted to electric equivalents, the motorcycle must not exceed 11 kW of power; a 125cc electric motorcycle is classified as L3e-A1.

It’s worth noting that a 17-year-old can also complete their A1 licence and ride without L-plates, but this entitlement does not grant them any additional power, and an A1 licence holder must complete their A2 test before they can move to a 35 kW electric motorcycle.

For those looking to purchase their first bike, it can be tricky to understand which is most suitable, so we’ve put together this guide highlighting three of the best electric bikes.

Horwin CR6 – £5,047

The Horwin CR6 is a retro-style bike designed by the Austrian company Horwin, which specialises in electric motorcycles and has established a strong position in the market. The motorcycle is built in China and is a lightweight commuter packing 8 bhp; although it has half the power of a regular 125cc, it will still keep up with the majority of them thanks to its 60 mph top speed.

It’s the perfect bike for commuters given the extremely low charging costs, which work out to 1 penny per mile, giving you more bang for your buck. Furthermore, due to its lightweight, it is an incredibly manoeuvrable motorcycle, making it ideal for city centres and those who simply want to commute to and from work and charge it at night.

Its fuel tank is actually storage space with a USB port for charging devices on the go; the motorcycle itself takes about four hours to charge and can be charged using a standard three-pin connector.

ARTISAN Kollter ES1-PRO – £4,471

Supermoto fans will love this bike; this Chinese-made machine is certain to turn heads when you ride it around thanks to its stunning looks and KTM/Aprilia-esque styling.

The engine that powers this motorcycle produces 15 bhp, giving it a quick start off the line, but the top speed figures are just under 60 mph, indicating that it’s a bike better suited for riding around cities and towns rather than long-distance journeys.

This motorcycle’s cheaper price makes it a better option for those looking to get into riding a motorcycle; there may be other options on the market at a higher price point, but for a rider on a CBT or looking to commute, this is more than enough.

Equipped with a digital speedo, a battery charge display, and the ability to start the bike without a key, this bike has a bit of an edge over the competition.

Lexmoto LX08 – £3000

Lexmoto is a household name in the 125cc industry and has worked tirelessly over the last decade to change people’s opinions on Chinese motorcycles for the better thanks to their build quality, ease of ordering new parts, and general customer service; therefore, not including them on this list would be a disservice to the brand.

Currently, they have a limited number of electric motorcycles, but as with many other brands, they are working on it. The LX08 is a scooter-style motorcycle with a range of just over 50 miles, allowing a rider to travel to and from work and charge it up at night.

Its top speed of 45 mph makes it ideal for riding within cities, but it also means that the rider cannot ride it on an AM licence and must be at least 17 years old.

It has two replaceable, lift-out batteries that can be withdrawn and charged at home or at the office throughout the day, which is a terrific feature. This is great for people who live in cities with restricted parking and do not have a garage where they can charge their vehicles at night.