UK sales figures for electric two-wheelers are still unconvincing for many observers, particularly for more powerful machinery, but the commuter sector seems ripe for growth – and it’s here that top-selling electric small-bike maker Sur-Ron is pushing hard in 2023. The firm’s bikes – available in both homologated road-legal or off-road only variants – cover both the 50cc and 125cc equivalent categories, and combine sharp styling with premium build quality. The top-end Storm Bee costs around £8k, and has a 60-plus mile range, 70mph top speed, 136kg mass and adjustable long-travel suspension. At the other end of the scale is the 50cc-equivalent Light Bee which can be ridden on the road by 16-year-olds, has a 60 mile range, and weighs just 50kg – not much more than an e-bicycle (though it does cost nearly £5k).
Those high prices can be a hurdle for sellers and buyers – but Sur-Ron’s UK importer points out the low running costs: no road tax, no combustion engine servicing or repairs, and a claimed ‘fuel consumption’ figure which equates to 268 miles per gallon.
“Methods of commuting typically fall into three categories; those suited for the budget-conscious, eco-conscious or style-conscious. With our lineup of e-bikes, riders can be all three”, commented Sur-Ron UK’s Andrew Shepherd. “Despite their style and performance characteristics, our electric motorcycles are not just built for the off-road. Due to being nimble and lightweight, they make a very credible option for riders who want to get from A to B easily, with a little bit of added fun.”