Fastest Electric Motorcycle In The World In 2024: Highest Top Speed

Summary

• Lightning LS-218 set the land speed record at 218 mph, breaking the record for the fastest electric motorbike in the world.
• Lightning is developing Tachyon Nb, aiming to break the 250 mph record, using generative AI design and advanced materials.
• The Lightning LS-218 boasts 244 horsepower, 220 pound-feet of torque, and a 0-60 mph time of under 2 seconds, offering thrilling performance.

Electric motorcycles are a relatively recent development, but they’re already altering the game. Thanks to a combination of environmental awareness, technical breakthroughs, and a desire for new experiences, the popularity of such motorbikes is surging. The benefits of owning an electric motorbike are numerous, including the rush of quick torque, the attraction of futuristic styling, and the fulfillment of having a positive environmental impact.

But beyond these reasons, there is one key reason why we as riders love our motorcycles. It is for the thrill they provide and the rush we feel when leaning down a corner or going through an open road. That’s where fast motorcycles come in. In our past iterations, we covered the fastest motorcycles in the adventure and naked categories and the overall fastest IC bike with the highest top speed. Naturally, we draw our attention to the fastest electric motorcycle in the world now.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources.

The Lightning LS-218 Reaches 218 MPH

In October 2009, at the Bonneville Salt Flats, the LS-218 set a long-standing land speed record with a top speed of 166.388 mph, breaking the record for the fastest electric motorbike in the world. Thanks to ongoing research and technological advancements, it won the inaugural North American Zero Emissions Championship in 2010. It has three land speed records, including a run of 218 mph (thus the origin of the name), making it the first electric motorbike to reach 200 mph. It crossed the line at 218.6 mph, with a two-way average of 215.96 mph at Bonneville.

Lightning Is Eyeing The 250 MPH Speed Record Next

In addition to winning the Laguna Seca Race and the FIM World Finals at Le Mans in 2012, the company continued to dominate FIM ePower events with two consecutive first-place results at Infineon Raceway. At the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in 2013, Lightning took first place overall, more than 20 seconds ahead of the best gasoline race motorcycles. Come to think of it, just a few years ago, most experts believed that Lightning could never accomplish what it set out to do.

The business is now developing a brand-new, record-breaking electric superbike with cutting-edge features including generative AI design and substantial usage of niobium and other sophisticated materials. Tachyon Nb is the name of the bike that Lightning is attempting to break the 250 MPH record.

Key Features Of The Lightning LS-218

• Direct Single-Speed Drive
• Lithium-Ion Battery Pack
• Lightning Thermal Management System
• Optional Lightning Fast Charge System
• Multiple Riding Modes
• Regenerative Braking System
• Forged Aluminum Alloy Wheels
• Dual LED Headlamps with Daytime Running Lamps
• Fully Digital LCD Instrument Console
• LED Taillamps and Turn Signals
• Anti-Lock Braking System
• Traction Control

The Lightning LS-218 Generates Groundbreaking Superbike Numbers

Considered to be one of the most potent electric motorcycles, the LS-218 has amazing stats and outstanding performance. It is driven by a 150kW+ 10,500 RPM IPM liquid-cooled electric motor with a peak torque of 220 pound-feet and peak power of 244 horsepower. Further, its blazing power is enhanced by its ready-to-ride weight of 495 pounds. Not light by superbike standards, but quite good in the world of EVs.

With a 0-60 MPH time of under 2 seconds, it is clear that LS-218 is not for the faint-hearted. But if pace is your primary motivation, this amazing electric superbike should be your first choice. All this while, things remain cool at all times, thanks to Lightning’s unique Ultra High Power Density Drive tech. Oh, and when the throttle is twisted, a direct-drive, single-speed system provides an easy and effective power transmission from the motor to the wheels.

Lightning LS-218 Performance Specifications

Its 15 kWh lithium-ion battery pack operates at 380V to power its electric motor. Thus, you shouldn’t be concerned about running out of power while traveling, as the LS 218 has an amazing maximum range of 188 miles, subject to what kind of battery pack you select. And there are a tonne of alternatives among the many configurations — read on for that.

The Lightning LS-218 Is Based On Impressive Underpinnings

The LS 218 delivers a well-thought-out riding experience in addition to power and performance. The bike’s Marchesini forged magnesium wheels and Brembo brakes provide accurate and dependable stopping power, allowing you to ride at high speeds with confidence. A programmable regenerative braking system further solidifies its position as a top-tier electric motorbike by improving handling and safety.

The aluminum frame of the Lightning LS-218 is compact, offering a good combination of strength, stiffness, and low weight. With its optimized handling and stability, the frame enables precise control when performing high-speed maneuvers. Meanwhile, it joins hands with Öhlins FGRT inverted forks up front and an Öhlins TTX36 shock absorber, both fully adjustable rebound, compression, and spring preload.

Lightning LS-218 Offers A Variety Of Configurations

Lightning offers you a number of configurations to pair together and choose from. This allows you to customize the bike on a number of factors, namely the battery pack, wheels, swing arm, suspension system, charging setup, paint scheme, and a so-called “competition package”.

Lightning LS-218: Price And Rivals

No one can dispute LS-218’s incredible performance and how its rapid acceleration can make you smile from ear to ear. Since its debut in 2014 at the Quail motorcycle gathering in California, the brand’s first mass-production motorbike has quickly become the fastest-production electric motorcycle. Today, it has a starting price of $38,988 and is available in a range of configurations we have shown above. So there is no real upper ceiling on how much you can spend on a configuration of your choice. However, if you must know, the most specked-up version of the LS-218 would cost you $61,500 with still some room for added expenses for some remaining features.

The Voxan Wattman and Damon HyperSport Premier are the two closest rivals to the LS-218. However, since there is no real news about when the Voxan will enter production and the fact that Damon has priced its premier offering at $40,000 means that Lightning has done a rather good job of both, pricing the bike, and making sure it is readily available for those who fancy it. The question is, would you spend on it? Or still pick an ICE? Tell us in the comments.