E-Bike vs Electric Motorcycle: Where High-Power Bikes Like the Revolution Fit

Shoppers cross-shopping a Sur-Ron, Talaria or similar electric motorcycle against a high-power e-bike are really choosing between two categories. Here is how they differ, and where HPC's Revolution family lands between the two.

What is an electric motorcycle?

Electric off-road motorcycles such as the Sur-Ron Light Bee and Talaria models are built on motorcycle-style frames with motorcycle-style controls. They are popular, and many owners upgrade them: HPC sells 27 kW Nucular P24F upgrade kits for several of them.

What is a high-power e-bike?

A high-power e-bike keeps bicycle components and includes pedals, but adds motorcycle-level performance. The HPC Revolution (from $11,000) is a hand-welded, USA-built downhill e-bike with a frame that weighs only 13 lbs, a 203mm-travel fork and over 9 inches of rear travel. Power systems run 5,000W, 6,000W or 10,000W, with a Schlumpf High Speed Drive that lets you pedal at speed. The Revolution X (from $15,000) takes it further, with up to 10,000W and a 65+ MPH top speed.

How they compare

• Pedals: a Revolution has pedals and a bicycle drivetrain. An electric motorcycle typically has foot pegs.
• Trail and land access: rules for both categories vary widely by location and land manager, so check the rules where you ride.
• Registration and licensing: requirements depend on how your local jurisdiction classifies the vehicle and its power and speed. Check your local regulations before riding on public roads.
• Suspension and components: the Revolution uses downhill-grade bicycle components, including Magura MT7 brakes on the Revolution X.
• Range: up to 55 miles standard on the Revolution, with optional batteries for 75 or 100+ miles (170 lb rider, flat ground, no pedaling).

Who should choose what

If you want a motorcycle-style bike and plan to upgrade the controller, an electric motorcycle with a Nucular kit is a fun project. If you want a pedal-equipped, hand-built, USA-made downhill machine with bicycle handling, look at the Revolution family. For the rules on e-bike classes, read our guide to street-legal fast e-bikes, and browse the full Revolution collection.