Move Electric star e-vehicles of year

2023 has delivered when it comes to growth and innovation within the electric vehicle industry – and it’s not just electric cars that are leading the electric revolution. 

Across the entire EV spectrum, new and sometimes groundbreaking creations have entered the market, leading the way for future developments. 

With this in mind, we thought we’d take a look back at some of the standout electric bikes, motorbikes and scooters – as well as some more wild forms of mobility – that arrived in 2023. 

These aren't necessarily the best, but the machines we think will leave a lasting impression on the electric mobility industry. 

Zero DSR/X

Arguably the first authentic electric adventure bike, the DSR/X is a standout two-wheeler due to its genuine off-road capability and pleasing ride. It's easy to criticise the Zero because of its limited range (115 miles), but if you view it as an urban adventure bike, it makes a lot of sense. 

It is comfortable, has effortless performance and delivers a smooth ride from its 102 bhp, 166 ft-lb Z-Force motor. 

Kawasaki Ninja e-1

Kawasaki is aiming to undercut key rivals in the e-motorbike sector with its recently launched Ninja e-1 e-motorbike. If looks are anything to go by, then it should get off to a flying start. 

And Kawasaki must be serious about its EV endeavours considering it has used its flagship and revered Ninja name on its first electric models. Set to arrive in 2024, the urban-focused commuter bike has a 45-mile range and can hit a top speed of 60mph. 

BMW CE 02

The German brand has a long history of producing piston-powered motorbikes under the Motorrad name, but the firm branched out into electric machines with the C Evolution in 2012. 

Earlier this year the firm unveiled its first electric motorbike, the striking and super cool CE 02. Designed to take on the urban jungle, the compact 11kW machine can hit up to 60 mph and has a claimed range of up to 55 miles. Is there a better way to commute around the city than this? 

Riese and Muller Nevo4 GT

What makes the Nevo4 GT shine? It’s breadth of capability. You see, it might look tailored to on-road leisure riding, but thanks to its high-performance motor and its competence when riding off the beaten track, you can ride it anywhere you like. 

Granted, we don’t recommend pointing it down a rocky track, but it’s an excellent multi-discipline machine. You can tow a trailer, carry all-sorts on the rear load carrier and with its zippy Bosch motor, there is plenty of power to power you along on your morning commute or weekend ride. 

Canyon Grand Canyon: ON

Pitched as an all-round machine for both trial riders and commuters, the Grand Canyon: ON is a brilliant electric hardtail mountain bike that offers excellent versatility. Canyon has equipped its e-MTB with an aluminium frame which helps to keep weight down. 

Opt for the range-topping Grand Canyon :ON 9 and you get a refined and highly-capable e-bike that has plenty of boost from the Bosch Performance Line CX motor and great ride quality, too, with the bumps soaked up by Fox AWL front forks. 

Gocycle G4i

There are a great number of electric folders available, but the Gocycle continues to be a clear standout in its class. Yes, it’s pricey, but with its seamless electric motor, comfortable riding position and intelligent display, you’re getting a great deal of value for money, 

Couple this with the excellent folding mechanism and you have a portable electric bike that offers the ride quality of a bigger machine. 

Bo M e-scooter

The Bo M is arguably one of the most innovative e-scooters ever to hit the market. Designed by a team of ex-automotive engineers, the M stands out for its curved chassis, or monocurve as the Bo team describes it. By joining the steering column and footboard together, the unibody structure is stronger and more rigid. 

A lack of folding mechanism doesn’t worry Bo: the M was created to fill the gap between an e-bike and e-scooter and is described as an ‘urban mobility vehicle’. It's a highly competent machine with an excellent ride, and thanks to a 1200W and clever technology like Safe Steer is one of the most accomplished e-scooters you can buy today. 

Lavoie Series 1

The McLaren applied spin-off launched its flagship model earlier this year, with the Series 1 Max arriving with a 702Wh capacity, a 45-mile range and a top speed of 15mph.

Lavoie’s first machine features a super-clever folding system called Flowfold, which is operated with the single press of a button. This folds the front and rear wheel hinges and collapses the steering column. 

Pure Advance Flex

Positioned as a premium electric scooter, the latest Pure e-scooter is a compact machine that can travel up to 25 miles on a charge. “Flex’ refers to the e-scooters flexibility, with the Pure featuring a foldable chassis, front stem and handlebars, making it easier to carry and store at home. 

The intelligent folding system doesn’t image the Pure’s ride, with the footplates offering a comfortable riding position due to your feet facing forwards. Peak power is up to 710W, with speed limited to 15mph. 

Mercedes eActros 600

There are trucks, and then there’s the eActros 600. Fitted with a huge 621kWh battery, the mighty eActros has a range of up to 310 miles and can carry loads of up to 22 tonnes. And thanks to 400kW charging, the electric truck can be boosted from 20-80% in around 30 minutes. 

Styling-wise, the eActros almost mimics a Stormtrooper helmet from Star Wars. But it’s exterior silhouette has been designed to optimise aerodynamic efficiency, 

Frauscher X Porsche 850 Fantom Air

If you’d had said Porsche would end the year launching its own electric boat I would have laughed. But when you think about it, the German brand couldn’t be better placed to experiment with its EV technology considering its success with the groundbreaking Taycan saloon. 

Called the 850 Fantom Air, the new vessel uses components from Porsche’s PPE electric platform, the same competents that will underpin the new Macan EV. The stunning boat is powered by a 536bhp electric motor which allows for top speed of 53 miles per hour. 

Fiat Topolino

It might have a few flaws, but the brilliant Fiat Topolino is a great example of how diverse the electric vehicle landscape is, with the tiny 46-mile quadricycle based on the Citroen Ami. 

Indeed, its rope doors and open roof are certainly more biassed towards commutes in warmer countries, but as a means of navigating a town or city in the summer it’s ideal.