Motorcycles have a rich history, evolving from simple motorized bicycles at the dawn of the 20th century. These early innovations paved the way for iconic motorcycle styles like cafe racers and cruisers that we admire today. Interestingly, the concept has come full circle with the rise of electric bikes. Today’s e-bikes are not just practical and eco-friendly; many are designed with striking motorcycle aesthetics, blending the worlds of cycling and motorcycling.
These “Bikes That Look Like Motorcycles” tap into the desire for classic motorcycle styling, offering a unique blend of vintage charm and modern e-bike technology. With powerful electric motors and designs inspired by everything from vintage board racers to rugged scramblers, these bikes deliver a visual punch that sets them apart from typical e-bikes. Some even blur the lines so effectively they could easily be mistaken for actual motorcycles at first glance.
This article explores ten of the most stylish and captivating e-bikes currently available that draw significant inspiration from motorcycle design. This isn’t a definitive “best of” list, but rather a curated selection of e-bikes that, in our opinion, stand out for their cool, motorcycle-inspired looks. Whether you’re drawn to vintage cruisers, aggressive scramblers, or minimalist mini-bikes, there’s likely a motorcycle-style e-bike on this list to pique your interest.
Michael Blast Greaser Classic: Embracing the Board Racer Era
Motor: Bafang 500W Brushless Hub Drive
Price: $2,299 USD
Buy It Here: Michael Blast Greaser Classic
The Michael Blast Greaser Classic immediately evokes the spirit of pre-war “Board Racer” motorcycles. This style, which later influenced the cafe racer movement of the mid-20th century, is all about streamlined aesthetics and a hint of rebellious speed. The Greaser Classic captures this essence perfectly, prioritizing style and comfortable cruising over outright racing performance.
A key design element shared with motorcycle-inspired e-bikes is the “tank,” which cleverly houses the battery and control board. In the Greaser Classic, this tank is particularly prominent, contributing to the bike’s vintage motorcycle silhouette. Powering the bike is a Samsung 48V 14.5Ah battery paired with a Bafang 500W brushless rear hub motor. This combination delivers pedal-assisted speeds up to 22 MPH (approximately 35 KPH) and a range of 37 to 50 miles (60 to 80 KM) on a single charge, making it ideal for daily commutes and leisurely rides.
Interestingly, while the Greaser Classic embodies vintage motorcycle style, a throttle is an optional extra, available for an additional $100. Despite this, for enthusiasts of classic motorcycles seeking a pedal-powered ride with vintage aesthetics, the Michael Blast Greaser Classic is a compelling option, truly capturing the essence of a bygone era.
BeeCool Bikes Bee Challenger: The Scrambler E-Bike Ready for Any Terrain
Motor: 750W or 1000W Brushless Hub Motor
Price: Starting at $2,599 USD
Buy It Here: BeeCool Bikes Bee Challenger
Scrambler motorcycles, known for their rugged versatility and go-anywhere attitude, are highly popular today. Reflecting this trend, the BeeCool Bikes Bee Challenger e-bike embraces the scrambler aesthetic, creating a bike that looks remarkably like its motorized counterparts. From a distance, it’s easy to mistake the Bee Challenger for a traditional scrambler motorcycle.
This resemblance is enhanced by the prominent “fuel tank” design, which, as with other motorcycle-inspired e-bikes, cleverly conceals the battery pack and control board. Even details like the “gas cap,” featuring the BeeCool brand logo, contribute to the motorcycle-like appearance. The Bee Challenger packs a powerful punch with a 48V 30Ah Samsung or LG lithium battery, powering either a standard 750W hub motor (80 Nm torque) or an upgraded 1000W hub motor (105 Nm torque). This setup provides an estimated range of 60 to 80 miles (95 to 125 KM) and a top speed of 28 MPH using pedal assist or throttle.
One aspect where the Bee Challenger mirrors motorcycles is its weight. At 105 lbs, it’s a substantial e-bike. However, its robust construction and 4 x 24 inch fat tires ensure stability and capability across diverse terrains, delivering the true spirit of a scrambler in e-bike form.
Monday Motorcycles Piezo: The British Classic Commuter E-Bike
Motor: 2,000W Brushless Hub Motor
Price: $4,599 USD
Buy It Here: Monday Motorcycles Piezo
Monday Motorcycles lives up to its name by creating e-bikes that are, in essence, modern “motorized bicycles.” The Piezo model draws heavily from classic British standard motorcycles, evident in its long, cafe-style seat with parallel stitching, prominent “tank,” and large headlight. What sets the Piezo apart is its intelligent design: the “tank” isn’t for the battery (which is cleverly located under the lower frame rail), but rather a spacious storage compartment, large enough for a briefcase or satchel – a practical touch for commuters.
Designed with commuting in mind, the Piezo features variable modes to comply with different e-bike regulations. Mode 1 limits the bike to 20 MPH (32 KPH), Mode 2 increases it to a “Standard” 28 MPH (45 KPH), and Mode 3 unlocks the Piezo’s full potential, reaching 40 MPH (64 KPH) on throttle, effectively transforming it into an electric moped. Reflecting its e-moped capabilities, the Piezo is equipped with motorcycle-grade hydraulic disc brakes and DOT-approved lighting, including turn signals.
The Piezo’s performance is driven by a powerful 2,000W (1,000W nominal) rear hub motor designed by Monday Motorcycles. A substantial 72V 33Ah 2.4 kWh battery (with an optional 2.8 kWh upgrade) provides a claimed range of 70 miles (112 KM) in Mode 2 with pedal assist, or approximately 50 miles (80 KM) on throttle alone. The Piezo’s robust construction and e-moped features make it the heaviest bike on this list at 150 lbs, but its blend of classic style and modern performance justifies the weight for serious commuters.
Super73 Z Miami: The Mini-Bike E-Bike with Retro Flair
Motor: 500W Brushless Hub Motor
Price: $1,995 USD
Buy It Here: Super73 Z Miami
Mini-bikes have a long and beloved history in motorcycling, with models like the Honda Super Cub and Kawasaki Z125 Pro capturing the hearts of riders worldwide. The Super73 Z Miami e-bike taps into this mini-bike spirit, drawing clear inspiration from the classic 1960s Honda Monkey. The Z Miami embraces a minimalist design: frame, wheels, battery, handlebars, and not much else.
Unlike many e-bikes, the Z Miami features a direct-drive 500W hub motor, relying on its torque for acceleration from low speeds and power for sustained momentum. The 48W 12.8Ah 615 Wh battery, integrated into the “gas tank,” offers an estimated pedal-assisted range of 30 to 50 miles (50 to 80 KM).
Marketed as a “suburban explorer,” the Z Miami is designed for relaxed cruising around town and along city pathways, not high-speed thrills. It comes as a Class 2 e-bike, limited to 20 MPH on throttle or pedal assist, with an optional unlock for slightly higher speeds (around 26 MPH) in compliant regions. Despite its modest top speed, the Z Miami’s range, comfortable fat tires, and affordable price point under $2,000 make it a fun and accessible option for those seeking a mini-bike e-bike experience.
Revibikes Cheetah Cafe Racer: The E-Bike with Cafe Racer DNA
Motor: Bafang 750W Brushless Hub Motor
Price: $2,449 USD
Buy It Here: Revibikes Cheetah Cafe Racer
For a website named “Return of the Cafe Racers,” the Revibikes Cheetah Cafe Racer e-bike is a natural fit. Its cafe racer styling is undeniable and instantly recognizable to motorcycle enthusiasts. This e-bike leaves no doubt about its design inspiration.
The Cheetah is powered by a Bafang 750W hub drive motor with a peak output of 1,000W for extra power when needed. The battery, housed in the “tank” area, is a 48V 13Ah 624Wh unit, with an optional upgrade to a 17.5Ah 840Wh battery for extended range. The standard battery provides a range of 30 to 45 miles (50 to 72 KM), while the upgraded battery extends it to 40 to 65 miles (65 to 105 KM).
Shipped as a Class 3 e-bike, the Cheetah reaches 28 MPH (45 KPH), and can be unlocked for speeds over 30 MPH (48 KPH) in areas where regulations allow. A standout feature of the Cheetah is its impressive 400 lbs payload capacity, including the rider. Combined with optional cargo racks and pannier mounts, the Cheetah transforms from a stylish cafe racer e-bike into a capable light-duty cargo carrier, especially with the extended range battery. Its blend of cafe racer aesthetics and practical utility makes the Cheetah a truly versatile and appealing e-bike.
Vintage Electric Bikes 72 Volt Roadster: Pre-War Harley Davidson Elegance in an E-Bike
Motor: 750W Brushless Hub Motor
Price: $6,995 USD
Buy It Here: Vintage Electric Bikes 72 Volt Roadster
The Vintage Electric Bikes 72 Volt Roadster is another e-bike that wears its motorcycle inspiration proudly. Its design clearly echoes the classic lines of pre-war Harley-Davidson motorcycles. The battery pack, shaped like a V-twin engine complete with cooling fins, is a brilliant detail that further enhances the vintage motorcycle aesthetic. This V-twin “engine” isn’t just for show; it houses a powerful 72V battery that feeds the rear hub motor.
This rear hub motor is a powerhouse. While nominally rated at 750W, in “race mode,” it can unleash a staggering 4,000W peak output, generating a massive 180 Nm (132 lbs-ft) of torque – more than many actual motorcycles. This incredible power is a key reason for the Roadster’s premium price point around $7,000.
The 72V 15.6Ah 1.1 kWh battery is permanently mounted, requiring on-bike charging, similar to electric motorcycles – further reinforcing its motorcycle-like nature. Despite its immense power, the Roadster still achieves a range of 40 to 75 miles (65 to 120 KM) in normal mode, although race mode will significantly reduce battery life. The ability to accelerate from 5 MPH to 40 MPH in mere seconds with pedal assist makes the Vintage Electric Bikes 72 Volt Roadster a thrilling and visually stunning e-bike.
Michael Blast Vacay Hi-Step: The British Motorway Cruiser E-Bike
Motor: Bafang 500W Brushless Hub Motor
Price: $2,799 USD
Buy It Here: Michael Blast Vacay Hi-Step
Michael Blast returns to our list with the Vacay Hi-Step, another e-bike steeped in classic motorcycle aesthetics. This model leans towards the style of British motorway cruisers, bikes often customized into cafe racers. Hints of Triumph Bonneville and Royal Enfield designs are visible, creating a stylish and functional e-bike.
The Vacay Hi-Step features a 48V 14.5Ah Samsung battery and a Bafang 500W hub drive motor. A notable design element is the battery holder and cover, crafted from diamond-stitched leather, adding a touch of British elegance.
Reaching speeds up to 22 MPH (35 KPH) with pedal assist, the Vacay Hi-Step includes a half-twist throttle as standard. Its estimated range of 37 to 50 miles (60 to 80 KM) positions it as a commuter-focused e-bike, suitable for daily rides and weekend explorations. The Michael Blast Vacay Hi-Step’s blend of classic British motorcycle styling and refined details makes it one of the most visually appealing motorcycle-inspired e-bikes available.
C3STROM Astro Pro: The Sport Naked/Supermoto Inspired E-Moped
Motor: Bafang 750W Brushless Hub Motor
Price: $2,699 USD
Buy It Here: C3STROM Astro Pro
The C3STROM Astro Pro e-bike skillfully blends design cues from various motorcycle styles, including sport naked bikes, supermotos, and even touches of British cafe racers. The result is a unique and cohesive aesthetic that works surprisingly well.
Marketed as an e-moped, the Astro Pro is a Class 3 e-bike with a top speed of 32 MPH (51 KPH) using pedal assist or throttle. Despite its 94 lbs weight and 4.25 x 20 inch tires, the Astro Pro achieves this speed with a Bafang 750W rear hub motor capable of 1.4 kW peak output and a constant 80 Nm of torque. Power comes from a Samsung 52V 20Ah 1.04 kWh battery, providing a range from 30 miles (48 KM) on throttle only to 75 miles (120 KM) with pedal assist.
As an e-moped, the Astro Pro features DOT-approved headlight and tail light with integrated turn signals. It has front suspension and a hardtail rear, and a payload capacity of 330 lbs. The Astro Pro’s sharp lines and futuristic look are reminiscent of models like the Husqvarna Vitpilen, making it a stylish and modern motorcycle-inspired e-bike at a competitive price point under $3,000.
Wicked Thumb Destroyer: The Chopper E-Bike with Attitude
Motor: Bafang 750W Brushless Hub Motor
Price: $2,895 USD
Buy It Here: Wicked Thumb Destroyer
The Wicked Thumb Destroyer e-bike can be aptly described as a “chopper e-bike” – a term rarely, if ever, used before. With drag-style handlebars, a low, almost bobber-level saddle positioned behind the pedals, the Destroyer embodies a distinct chopper riding stance.
Powered by a Bafang 750W rear hub drive motor, the Destroyer is a Class 3 e-bike reaching 28 MPH (45 KPH) with pedal assist or an optional twist throttle. Its range is estimated at 35 to 50 miles (55 to 80 KM), thanks to a permanently mounted Samsung 48V 17.5Ah 840 Wh battery, which charges fully in 4-5 hours with the included 3A fast charger.
The Destroyer stands out with its 9 levels of pedal assist, utilizing a 12-magnet cadence sensor. This extensive PAS system likely compensates for the unique riding position created by the low seat and forward-mounted pedals, as well as the rolling resistance of its chunky 4 x 26 inch fat tires. The Wicked Thumb Destroyer offers a truly unique and visually striking take on motorcycle-inspired e-bikes, capturing the essence of chopper style in an electric format.
Engwe M20: The Scrambler Adventure E-Bike for Trail and Beyond
Motor: Bafang 750W Brushless Hub Motor
Price: $1,599 USD
Buy It Here: Engwe M20
The Engwe M20 e-bike is unmistakably inspired by scrambler motorcycles, evident in every line of its frame. Engwe markets the M20 as an “adventure e-bike,” designed for off-road exploration and trail riding. Despite its compact size, the M20 is a capable machine, powered by a robust 1,000W rear hub drive motor.
This motor delivers a constant 55 Nm of torque across its entire speed range, from 1 MPH to its top speed of 28 MPH (45 KPH). The standard configuration includes a single 48V 13Ah battery, providing a range of 35 to 50 miles (55 to 80 KM). However, the M20 is engineered to accommodate a second optional battery, effectively doubling the range to up to 100 miles (160 KM). The control board intelligently switches between batteries, maximizing range for extended adventures.
For an e-bike designed for scrambler-style riding, the Engwe M20’s extended range provides ample capability for full days of trail exploration and off-road fun, potentially eliminating the need for trailers or car racks to transport the bike to riding locations. The Engwe M20 combines scrambler motorcycle aesthetics with practical features for adventure riding, making it a compelling choice for off-road enthusiasts.
