The electric motorcycle (or “emoto”) industry is booming. With climate concerns, tightening emissions regulations, and rapid advancements in battery tech, more riders than ever are swapping gas for watts. Brands like Zero, Surron, and Talaria have carved out passionate followings, while newcomers flood the market with flashy promises and bold claims.
But not every electric bike deserves your hard-earned cash.
In fact, some models are so poorly conceived—overpriced, underpowered, or just plain ugly—that their disappearance would barely register in the broader emoto ecosystem. This isn’t about personal taste or brand loyalty. It’s about value, purpose, and market relevance.
In this deep-dive, we’ll explore the three worst electric motorcycles currently (or recently) on the market—bikes that fail to justify their existence, let alone their price tags. Spoiler: The infamous Talaria Tudio isn’t on this list. Why? Because hate isn’t the same as irrelevance. These bikes aren’t just disliked—they’re unnecessary.
Let’s ride into the gutter.
#1: Surron Storm Bee – The Overweight Underachiever
The Specs That Don’t Add Up
- Weight: ~300 lbs
- Power: 22 kW (~30 hp)
- Price: ~$8,500 (retail)
- Battery: 72V system
- Status: Likely discontinued (but still floating around)
At first glance, the Surron Storm Bee seems like a bold move: a full-size electric dirt bike from a brand known for lightweight trail blasters like the Light Bee. But dig deeper, and the cracks appear fast.
Why It Fails the Market Test
1. Identity Crisis
The Storm Bee tries to straddle two worlds: it’s too heavy to be a nimble trail bike (like the Light Bee X), yet not powerful enough to compete with gas-powered enduros or serious electric dual-sports. At 300 lbs, it’s closer to a street-legal ADV than a dirt bike—but it lacks the suspension travel, ergonomics, and torque for either role.
2. Outpriced by Better Alternatives
For $8,500, you could buy a used Zero FX or even a new Talaria Sting R—both offering superior range, performance, and build quality. Or, as the video points out, spend $1,000 more and grab a used gas-powered KTM 350 EXC-F, which outperforms the Storm Bee in nearly every metric.
3. Vanishing Act
Despite some 2025 lineup rumors, the Storm Bee has all but disappeared from major retailers like Alibaba and Surron’s official channels. A few units linger on obscure marketplaces, but demand is virtually nonexistent. If Surron quietly shelved this model, few would notice—and even fewer would mourn it.
Verdict: A well-intentioned but fundamentally flawed experiment. The Storm Bee doesn’t fill a niche—it creates one that nobody asked for.
#2: Rawrr Mantis (Standard Model) – AI-Generated Aesthetics Meet Mediocre Performance
The Specs That Yawn
- Power: ~6–12 kW (depending on variant)
- Voltage: 72V battery
- Price: ~$3,500 (often marked up to $4,000+ at dealers)
- Design: Polarizing (to put it kindly)
The Rawrr Mantis has become a common sight at powersports dealerships—often sitting unsold for months. And for good reason.
Why It’s Forgettable
1. “AI Slop” Design
Let’s be honest: the Mantis looks like a generative AI prompt gone wrong—“electric dirt bike, aggressive, futuristic, but also cheap.” The result? A disjointed silhouette with awkward proportions, mismatched graphics, and a front end that screams “afterthought.” While beauty is subjective, cohesion isn’t—and the Mantis lacks it.
2. Average Specs, Premium Pricing
Yes, it runs on a 72V system—a popular benchmark in the emoto world. But so do dozens of other bikes that deliver more power, better suspension, and superior build quality for the same price. The standard Mantis offers only 6–12 kW, matching older models like the Surron X. For $3,500, that’s unacceptable in 2024.
3. Dealership Markup Madness
Many local dealers list the Mantis at $4,000+ after fees—pricing it into the same bracket as far superior machines like the Talaria MX or Surron Ultra Bee. At that point, you’re not just buying a bike; you’re paying for a dealer’s inventory clearance strategy.
Verdict: The Mantis is a soulless checkbox exercise—72V? Check. Aggressive name? Check. Actual riding joy? Missing.
#3: Zero Motorcycles (as a Brand) – The Overpriced, Subscription-Trapped Giant
The Elephant in the Room
Zero isn’t just another brand—it’s the largest and most established electric motorcycle company in North America. Yet, despite its legacy, Zero’s current lineup raises serious red flags.
Why Zero Feels Out of Touch
1. Gas-Bike Pricing, Electric Limitations
Zero’s entry-level models (like the FXE or S) start around $11,000–$15,000—the same price as premium gas-powered sport or naked bikes. But electric motorcycles still lag in range, charging infrastructure, and long-distance usability. Paying Ducati-level prices for a bike that can’t tour without multiple stops feels like a raw deal.
2. The Subscription Scandal
For years, Zero locked key features—like performance modes or regenerative braking settings—behind a monthly subscription. While they’ve reportedly scaled this back, the damage is done: riders expect full ownership when they buy a vehicle. Requiring ongoing payments to access hardware you already paid for is a major trust breaker.
3. Generic, Copycat Styling
Zero bikes look like electric versions of gas bikes—because they are. There’s little innovation in form or function. Compare that to the Talaria Triple X or Surron Ultra Bee, which embrace their electric identity with bold, minimalist, or futuristic designs. Zero plays it safe—and boring.
4. Desperate Discounts = Weak Demand
Visit Zero’s website, and the first thing you see? “Up to $3,000 OFF” banners. When a flagship brand relies on massive rebates to move inventory, it signals one thing: nobody’s buying at full price.
Verdict: Zero pioneered the electric motorcycle space—but today, it feels like a legacy brand resting on its laurels while newcomers eat its lunch.
What Makes a Great Electric Motorcycle in 2024?
The bikes that do succeed share key traits:
✅ Clear Purpose – Trail, street, commuter, or stunt—know your lane.
✅ Innovative Design – Don’t mimic gas bikes; redefine what electric can be.
✅ Honest Pricing – Deliver real value, not just specs on paper.
✅ No Gimmicks – Full ownership, no subscriptions, no locked features.
Brands like Talaria, Surron (Light Bee line), and Evoke understand this. They build bikes that excite, perform, and justify their cost—not just exist to fill a catalog.
Final Thoughts: Innovation Over Imitation
The electric motorcycle market is still young. Mistakes will happen. But consumers are getting savvier—they can spot rushed, generic, or overpriced products from a mile away.
The Surron Storm Bee, Rawrr Mantis, and Zero Motorcycles (in their current form) represent three different failures:
- Storm Bee: Misaligned product-market fit
- Mantis: Style over substance
- Zero: Complacency masked as premium
If these bikes vanished tomorrow? The market would adapt instantly. Riders would flock to better alternatives—and the emoto ecosystem would be healthier, more innovative, and more honest for it.
That’s not hate. That’s evolution.
What Do You Think?
Do you own one of these bikes? Disagree with our take? We’d love to hear your perspective! Drop a comment below or join the conversation on social media. And if you’re shopping for an electric motorcycle in 2024, do your research—because not every “emoto” is created equal.
FAQs
Q: Is the Surron Storm Bee still in production?
A: Evidence suggests it’s been discontinued. Major retailers no longer list it, though a few units remain on secondary markets.
Q: Does Zero still require subscriptions?
A: As of 2024, Zero has reduced its reliance on subscriptions, but some features on older models may still require them. Always verify before purchasing.
Q: Are there affordable alternatives to these bikes?
A: Yes! Consider the Talaria Sting R, Surron Light Bee X, or Evoke Urban S for better value and performance.
Q: Why is design so important in electric motorcycles?
A: Electric bikes don’t need fuel tanks, exhausts, or clutches—so they can break free from traditional forms. Great design reflects that freedom and enhances rider experience.
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