Electric motor 2026: guide, brands & cost | IVA Mobility

The electric motor In 2026, it will no longer be an experiment, but a fully-fledged alternative to the petrol engine. Whether you choose a highway-suitable motorcycle like the Honda WN7 or the BMW CE 04, or an accessible electric motor scooter: the range is larger than ever and the technology is mature. At the same time, the rules (driving license, road tax, environmental zones) are shifting significantly.

In this guide, you will read in plain Dutch exactly what an electric motorcycle is, which brands will matter in 2026, which driver's license you need, what the real costs are, and how far you can go on a single charge. Includes a comparison table and 10 frequently asked questions that directly address what people are asking on Google and in AI search engines.

What is an electric motor?

A electric motor is a motorized two-wheeler that is powered by an electric motor and a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, instead of a gasoline internal combustion engine. In Dutch, the term is used in two ways: in a technical sense, it means 'electric motor' (a component), but in a mobility context, people usually mean a electric motorcycle or electric motor scooter included. In this guide, we use it in that latter sense.

An electric motor has no exhaust, no gearbox, and no spark plugs. The current from the battery is sent to the motor by a controller; full power is available immediately from zero revolutions per minute. As a result, an electric motor accelerates linearly and more quietly than a gasoline engine.

Electric motorcycle, motor scooter, or e-scooter — what is the difference?

It is confusing that all these vehicles are grouped under the heading 'electric motor'. The difference lies in power, speed, and legal vehicle category:

• Electric motorcycle — category L3e.Top speed above 100 km/h, suitable for the highway, power from 11 kW. Requires an A1, A2, or A driving license. Examples: Honda WN7, BMW CE 04 (borderline case), Zero SR/F, LiveWire S2 Del Mar.
• Electric motor scooter — Category L3e or L1e-B, power 4 to 11 kW, top speed 80 to 120 km/h. Suitable for city traffic and provincial roads. Examples: BMW CE 04 (in 11 kW version), Silence S01, IVA NCE Pro.
• Electric moped (25 km/h) or electric moped (45 km/h) — Category L1e. AM driving licence sufficient. Not on the motorway. Examples: IVA E-GO S5, IVA E-GO S4 2.0.

The rest of this guide focuses primarily on the top segment: full-fledged electric motors and electric motor scooters. For the 45 km/h class, we have a separate one. Complete guide to the 45 km/h electric scooter.

Why will people choose electric motorcycling in 2026?

Three reasons stand out. The first is the environmental zone: By now, dozens of Dutch municipalities have implemented a zero-emission zone or strict environmental zone, where you are no longer welcome with a petrol scooter or motorcycle (Euro 4 or older). An electric motorcycle is always allowed in. The second reason is sound: An electric motor produces approximately 20 dB less noise than a gasoline engine at city speeds. The third is driving experience: The instant torque makes every acceleration predictable and smooth.

Conclusion of this section: An electric motor is a two-wheeled vehicle with a battery and an electric motor. Which variant you need—motorcycle, motor scooter, or light moped—depends on your daily route and desired top speed.

The best electric motorcycles and motor scooters of 2026

The top of the Dutch market for electric motorcycles in 2026 will be led by a mix of established motorcycle brands (Honda, BMW) and pure EV brands (Zero, LiveWire). Below that sits the motor scooter segment, where premium urban models make the difference.

Comparison of popular electric motors 2026

Model	Category	Top speed	Range (WMTC)	Starting price
Honda WN7	Motorcycle (A2)	>130 km/h	±130 km	v.a. € 13.500
BMW CE 04	Motor scooter (A1/A2)	120 km/h	±130 km	v.a. € 13.000
Zero SR/F	Motorcycle (A)	200 km/h	±260 km	v.a. € 24.000
LiveWire S2 Del Mar	Motorcycle (A2)	165 km/h	±180 km	v.a. € 17.500
Can-Am Pulse/Origin	Motorcycle (A1/A2)	130 km/h	±160 km	v.a. € 14.500
IVA NCE Pro	Motor scooter (B/AM)	±90 km/h	±90 km	v.a. € 4.500

Prices and specifications are indicative based on Dutch brand recommended retail prices for spring 2026. Actual values ​​vary by version and dealer.

Honda WN7 — the first electric Honda motorcycle

For many people, the Honda WN7 is the most striking electric motorcycle of 2026. With the WN7, Honda is explicitly targeting A2 license holders and focusing on a familiar Honda riding feel with an 18 kWh battery pack and CCS fast charging. This allows you to charge from 20% to 80% in approximately 30 minutes.The WN7 is intended for commuting and short trips, not for long-distance touring.

BMW CE 04 — the scooter that looks like a motorcycle

Technically, the BMW CE 04 is a motor scooter (no gearbox, flat footwell), but with a top speed of 120 km/h and an output of up to 31 kW, it is perfectly suitable for the highway. According to BMW, the 8.9 kWh battery provides a range of approximately 130 kilometers. The CE 04 is the most popular choice for the business city rider.

Zero Motorcycles — pioneer in pure electric

Zero Motorcycles from California has been building electric motorcycles since 2006 and has the widest lineup: from the naked SR/F to the touring SR/S. The 17.3 kWh ZF battery pack provides a range of approximately 260 kilometers in combined use. This makes the Zero SR/F the motorcycle with the greatest practical range for 2026.

LiveWire — Harley-Davidson's electric daughter

LiveWire has spun off from Harley-Davidson and targets the premium segment. The LiveWire S2 Del Mar fits an A2 license and has a range of approximately 180 kilometers in mixed use. Its cornering, in particular, is praised by reviewers.

IVA NCE Pro — entry-level electric motor scooter

For those taking the step towards a € 15.000-the engine is too big, offers the IVA NCE Pro An affordable alternative. It is not a full-fledged highway motorcycle, but it is a serious 4 kW motor scooter with a removable lithium battery, a range of approximately 90 kilometers, and a top speed of about 90 km/h. Suitable for inner-city and short regional commuting. Also view the complete electric motor scooter collection from IVA.

Conclusion of this section: For highway use, look at the Honda WN7, BMW CE 04, Zero SR/F, LiveWire S2 Del Mar, or Can-Am Pulse. For the city and commuting up to 90 km/h, the IVA NCE Pro is considerably more economical.

Driving license, rules, and insurance for electric motorcycle riding

The type of driving license you need for an electric motorcycle depends on the continuous power in kilowatts (kW), not the cylinder capacity. Under Dutch driving license regulations, electric motorcycles are classified in the same way as petrol motorcycles.

Driving license categories for electric motorcycles

• AM driving license (16 years old) — for the light moped (25 km/h) and light scooter (45 km/h). NOT sufficient for a real electric motorcycle.
• A1 driving licence (18 years old) — up to 11 kW continuous output and a power-to-weight ratio of up to 0.1 kW/kg. Suitable for light motor scooters such as the BMW CE 04 in the 11 kW version.
• A2 driving licence (20 years old, 2 years A1 or immediately) — up to 35 kW continuous power, power-to-weight ratio maximum 0.2 kW/kg. This is the most popular license for the Honda WN7, LiveWire S2 Del Mar, and Can-Am Pulse.
• A driving licence (24 years old or A2 after 2 years) — unlimited power. Required for the full Zero SR/F version.

The official information is on the website of the RDW. Good to know: if you take your exam on a motorcycle without a clutch (like most electric motorcycles), you will receive a note. code 78 on your driver's license. With it, you are not allowed to ride a motorcycle with a manual clutch. For electric motorcycles, that is not a restriction, but it is something to check if you want to ride a petrol motorcycle later on.

Motor Vehicle Tax (MRB) in 2026

Up to and including 2025, there was a partial road tax exemption for electric motors. From January 1, 2026 This exemption is being phased out: you pay a reduced rate.From 2030, the exemption will be completely abolished and you will pay the same road tax rate as for petrol engines. Check the current rates via the Tax and Customs Administration — these may change annually.

Insurance and environmental zones

An electric motorcycle is legally required to have third-party liability insurance, just like a petrol motorcycle. In practice, the premium is often 5 to 15% lower than for a comparable petrol motorcycle, because insurers value the combination of lower top speed (for motor scooters), GPS trackers, and the absence of a catalytic converter as theft risk. Always compare using an independent comparison tool.

When it comes to environmental zones, an electric motor is always welcome: even in zero-emission zones such as those being rolled out in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, and The Hague. That is precisely why many delivery drivers and business drivers are now making the switch.

Subsidy and tax benefit

Private individuals will no longer receive a national purchase subsidy for an electric motorcycle in 2026 (the SEPP scheme for scooters has been discontinued; check with your municipality whether a local premium applies). Business riders can, however, make use of the MIA (Environmental investment deduction) and Vamil (Arbitrary depreciation of environmental investments), provided that the vehicle is on the Environmental List of the RVO stands. This allows you to depreciate up to 45% of the investment amount against taxable profit at an accelerated rate.

Conclusion of this section: A1 driving license for light models, A2 for the most popular electric motorcycles, and A for the heaviest. The road tax exemption will be phased out starting in 2026. For business drivers, MIA and Vamil are the most important tax benefits.

What does an electric motor cost? Purchase, consumption, maintenance, and TCO

The purchase price of an electric motor will still be higher than that of a comparable gasoline engine in 2026. But if you look at the total cost of ownership (Total Cost of Ownership, TCO) when looking over 5 years, the difference is small or even favorable for electric.

Purchase price

Expect the following price ranges for 2026:

• Electric moped (25 km/h): € 2.000 to € 3.500
• Electric moped (45 km/h): € 2.500 to € 4.500
• Electric motor scooter (A1/B): € 4.000 to € 13.000
• Electric motorcycle (A2): € 12.000 to € 20.000
• Electric motorcycle (A): € 18.000 to € 30.000+

Costs per kilometer (energy)

The consumption of an electric motor is roughly between 4 and 12 kWh per 100 km, depending on the model and your driving style. At an average variable electricity rate of € 0,28 per kWh you then end up with € 1,12 to € 3,36 per 100 km. A petrol engine of comparable size consumes 3 to 5 liters of petrol per 100 km, which at € 2,10 per liter amounts to € 6,30 to € 10,50. So electric is approximately 2 to 4 times cheaper per kilometer.

Maintenance

An electric motor has no oil, no air filter, no spark plugs, no head gasket, and no timing belt. The annual service consists of checking tires, brake pads, battery status, and a software update. Count on € 100 to € 250 per year for regular maintenance, approximately 40 to 60% lower than for a petrol engine. However, more expensive: tire wear (due to the higher torque) and possibly the battery after 8 to 10 years.

TCO example over 5 years (15.000 km/year)

Expense item	Electric (BMW CE 04)	Gasoline (comparable 125cc scooter)
Purchase	€ 13.000	€ 6.500
Energy/fuel (75,000 km)	± € 1.700	± € 6.000
Maintenance (5 years)	± € 800	± € 2.000
Motor Vehicle Tax (5 years, indication)	± € 700	± € 1.500
Insurance (5 years)	± € 1.800	± € 2.000
Total 5 years	± € 18.000	± € 18.000

Indicative calculation based on current Dutch rates June 2026. The actual TCO depends on driving behavior, energy tariff, residual value, and any business tax benefits.

Conclusion of this section: The purchase price of an electric motor is higher, but over 5 years of use, it works out comparable to a petrol car. Those who drive many kilometers or drive for business will find electric more economical sooner.

Practical: range, charging and battery life

The range — the distance you can ride on a single charge — is the deciding factor for many buyers. By 2026, the range of an electric motorcycle will have improved significantly, but it varies considerably depending on the type of ride.

Actual range

Count on these real-world figures (at 20°C and average driving style):

• City (50 km/h): 110 to 130% of the manufacturer's specification — thanks to regenerative braking.
• Provincial road (80 km/h): 90 to 100% of the manufacturer's specification.
• Highway (120 km/h): 50 to 65% of the manufacturer's specification — air resistance and top speed eat up the battery.
• Winter (below 5°C): up to 25% less range. Heated handlebars and (heated) clothing then become more important.

A Zero SR/F with a 17.3 kWh battery and a stated combined range of 260 km actually achieves closer to 130 to 170 km on the highway in practice. In the city, you can get 280 to 300 km.

Charging: at home and on the go

There are three charge levels:

• Level 1 — socket (230 V, 2.3 kW): 6 to 12 hours for a full charge. Suitable for overnight home charging.
• Level 2 — wallbox or public AC pole (3.7 to 11 kW): 2 to 5 hours for a full charge. Standard with Type 2 plug.
• Level 3 — DC fast charger (CCS, 24 to 50 kW): 20 to 40 minutes from 20% to 80%. Not all electric motors support DC fast charging yet — check the specs.

The Honda WN7 and BMW CE 04 support CCS fast charging. Zero offers it as an option. To plan charging stops on longer trips, use apps such as ABRP (A Better Routeplanner) or Chargemap.

Battery life

A lithium-ion battery in an electric motor will typically be 1,000 to 2,000 full charge cycles before the capacity drops below 80%. That is equivalent to roughly 100,000 to 200,000 kilometers. Most manufacturers offer a 5-year or 50,000 km warranty on the battery, with a minimum of 70 or 80% capacity at the end of the warranty period.

Tips to make your battery last longer

• Do not charge to 100% by default; 80% is healthier for the cells.
• Avoid letting the battery drop below 10% for extended periods.
• Store the motorcycle during the winter with the battery at 40 to 60% charge.
• Use fast charging only when on the go, not as a daily routine.

Would you like a test ride beforehand and advice on which electric motor suits your riding profile? Then schedule a visit to one of our dealers via the IVA dealer locator.

Conclusion of this section: In practice, count on 60 to 80% of the stated range on the highway and 100 to 130% in the city. With good charging habits, the battery will last 100,000 km or more.

Frequently asked questions about the electric motor

What exactly is an electric motor?

An electric motorcycle is a motorcycle or motor scooter that is powered by an electric motor and a rechargeable battery, instead of a gasoline engine. It has no exhaust, no gearbox, and no spark plugs. You charge it at a wall outlet, a charging station, or a DC fast charger. The driver's license you need is the same as for a comparable gasoline motorcycle.

What driver's license do I need for an electric motorcycle?

That depends on the power output. For light models up to 11 kW, you need an A1 license (from age 18). For medium-weight models up to 35 kW, you need an A2 license. For unlimited power, you need an A license. For an electric moped or scooter (up to 45 km/h), an AM license is sufficient. If you take your exam on an electric model, code 78 will be added to your license.

Am I allowed on the highway with an electric motorcycle?

Yes, provided it is a full-fledged motorcycle with category L3e and a top speed of at least 80 km/h. Models such as the Honda WN7, BMW CE 04, Zero SR/F, and LiveWire S2 Del Mar are suitable for highways. Electric mopeds and scooters are not allowed on the highway, regardless of their actual top speed.

How much will an electric motorcycle cost in 2026?

An electric motorcycle in the Netherlands will cost between in 2026 € 12.000 and € 30.000, depending on make and version. The Honda WN7 starts around € 13.500, the BMW CE 04 round € 13.000, the LiveWire S2 Del Mar around € 17.500 and the Zero SR/F round € 24.000. An electric motor scooter is cheaper and starts from approximately € 4.000. You can buy an electric moped (45 km/h) starting from approximately € 2.500.

How far can I get on one charge?

The range of an electric motor is between 80 and 300 kilometers per charge, depending on the model, battery size, and your riding style. In the city, you often achieve more than the manufacturer's stated range thanks to regenerative braking. On the highway at 120 km/h, the range often drops to 50 to 65% of the stated range. In winter, the range decreases by up to 25%.

How long does charging take?

With a standard wall socket (2.3 kW), a full charge takes 6 to 12 hours. With a wallbox or public AC charging station (up to 11 kW), this takes 2 to 5 hours. With a DC fast charger (CCS), the battery charges from 20% to 80% in 20 to 40 minutes. Not every electric motorcycle supports DC fast charging — check the specifications. The Honda WN7 and BMW CE 04 have CCS fast charging as standard.

How long does the battery of an electric motorcycle last?

A modern lithium-ion battery in an electric motorcycle lasts 1,000 to 2,000 full charge cycles before its capacity drops below 80%. This corresponds to 100,000 to 200,000 kilometers of driving. Manufacturers usually provide a 5-year or 50,000 km warranty on the battery, with a minimum capacity of 70 to 80% at the end of the warranty period.

Is an electric motor cheaper than a gasoline engine?

The purchase price of an electric motorcycle is higher, but the operating costs are significantly lower. Per 100 km, an electric motorcycle consumes € 1,10 to € 3,40 on current, opposite € 6 to € 10 on petrol. Maintenance is 40 to 60% cheaper. Over 5 years of use, you often end up with a comparable total cost of ownership (TCO), and those who drive many kilometers are better off with electric.

Which brands make electric motorcycles?

The most important brands on the Dutch market in 2026 are Honda (WN7), BMW Motorrad (CE 04), Zero Motorcycles (SR/F, SR/S), LiveWire (S2 Del Mar), and Can-Am (Pulse, Origin). In the motorcycle and city segments, Silence, Super Soco, and IVA Mobility (NCE Pro) are popular. Ducati, KTM, and Triumph have announced electric models, but they are not yet widely available.

What is the difference between an electric motorcycle and an electric scooter?

An electric motorcycle has a power output of 11 kW or more, a top speed above 100 km/h, and falls under vehicle category L3e — you need an A1, A2, or A driving licence to ride it on the motorway. An electric scooter is usually a light moped (25 km/h) or light scooter (45 km/h), falls under category L1e, and only requires an AM driving licence. In between these two is the electric motor scooter, such as the BMW CE 04 or the IVA NCE Pro.

Make the switch: your next step

By 2026, the electric motorcycle will be mature: the range will be diverse, the technology proven, and the regulations clear. Whether you choose a Honda WN7 for A2 licenses, a highway-suitable Zero SR/F, or an affordable electric motor scooter like the IVA NCE Pro — there is a suitable electric motorcycle for every riding profile.

Are you hesitating between an electric motorcycle and a 45 km/h scooter for commuting? Then compare our blog as well. buy electric motor scooter in 2026. Or view the directly scooter collection from IVA Mobility and schedule a test drive at a dealer near you via the dealer locator.