Zero Motorcycles Unveils LS1: The Electric Scooter Redefining Urban Commutes

November 12, 2025 – Milan, Italy

In a bold pivot toward accessible electric mobility, Zero Motorcycles, the California-based pioneer of high-performance electric motorcycles, has launched the LS1 – its first-ever electric scooter. Debuted at the EICMA 2025 trade show in Milan earlier this month, the LS1 blends the company's signature engineering prowess with practical urban design, aiming to capture the hearts (and garages) of city dwellers across Europe. Priced under $10,000, this sleek two-wheeler promises up to 108 miles of range, swappable batteries, and effortless highway speeds, all while sidestepping the emissions and noise of traditional gas-powered scooters.

Zero, founded in 2006 as one of the world's first true electric motorcycle brands, has long dominated the premium e-bike segment with models like the SR/F and DSR/X, known for their blistering torque and zero-emission thrills. But as electric vehicle adoption surges in densely packed cities, the company is shifting gears under its "All-Access" initiative. This strategy, launched last year, seeks to democratize EV two-wheelers for everyday riders – from novice commuters to eco-conscious professionals – rather than just adrenaline junkies. The LS1, developed in partnership with Chinese manufacturer Zongshen, represents the latest milestone, leveraging cost-effective production while retaining Zero's premium DNA.

A Scooter Built for the Streets

At first glance, the LS1 doesn't scream "revolutionary" – and that's by design. Its minimalist, aerodynamic frame in matte black or silver evokes a modern, understated elegance, far removed from the hulking silhouettes of Zero's flagship motorcycles. Weighing in at a nimble 280 pounds (127 kg), the scooter features a compact chassis with a short wheelbase for razor-sharp handling in tight urban alleys and traffic jams. The low 30.3-inch (770 mm) seat height makes it approachable for shorter riders, while under-seat storage swallows a full-face helmet or a grocery run's worth of bags.

Power comes from an 11.3 kW (15 hp) air-cooled Z-Force 75-10 hubless motor, mounted low and central for optimal balance. It delivers instant torque – 32 lb-ft (43 Nm) – for punchy launches that outpace many gas equivalents, yet remain smooth and controllable for beginners. Top speed hits 62 mph (100 km/h), qualifying it for Europe's A1 license category and making it viable for suburban ring roads, not just stoplight sprints. Braking duties fall to a front hydraulic disc with J.Juan calipers and a rear drum, augmented by standard ABS and traction control for confident stops in wet Milan downpours.

The real game-changer? Batteries. Twin 1.86 kWh lithium-ion packs nestle into the floorboard, keeping the center of gravity low for stability at low speeds. They're fully swappable and removable for indoor charging – a boon for apartment dwellers sans garage. Standard setup yields 71 miles (115 km) of city range, but slot in an optional third battery for up to 106 miles (170 km). Recharging is straightforward: the included 800W onboard charger hits 0-95% in 4.5 hours or 20-80% in 3 hours via a household outlet. Opt for the $300 1,500W fast charger, and those times drop to 2.75 and 1.75 hours, respectively. Regenerative braking further juices efficiency on stop-go commutes.

Tech-forward riders will appreciate the 5-inch TFT display, which integrates smartphone connectivity via Zero's app for navigation, ride stats, and over-the-air updates. It's all wrapped in a direct-drive belt system for whisper-quiet operation – no more waking the neighborhood at dawn.

Why Now? Zero's Strategic Charge

The LS1 arrives amid a scooter renaissance in Europe, where two-wheelers claim 15% of urban vehicle sales and strict emissions zones like London's ULEZ are pushing gas models off the road. Zero's move taps into this, especially as EV scooter sales in the EU climbed 25% year-over-year in 2024. By pricing the base model at around €8,500 ($9,200) – with the extended-range version closer to €9,500 – it's competitively positioned against rivals like the Super Soco TC Max or NIU MQi GT, but with superior range and build quality.

Notably absent from the launch? U.S. availability. Zero cites America's car-centric culture and nascent scooter infrastructure as reasons, focusing initial rollout on Europe starting early 2026. "The LS1 is about precision and purpose," said Zero CEO Pierre-Martin Bos at EICMA. "It's electric mobility tuned for the rhythm of city life – accessible, efficient, and unapologetically stylish."

This isn't Zero's first flirtation with affordability; its X Line e-motos (like the trail-ready XB and XE) already target budget adventurers. But the LS1 signals a broader evolution: from niche performance to mass-market sustainability. As global fleets eye electrification – think delivery services or police patrols – the scooter's modular design could unlock B2B deals, much like how Uber's electric scooter partnerships have boomed.

The Road Ahead: Clean Rides for Crowded Cities

Early buzz from EICMA attendees has been electric, with riders praising the LS1's "soulful" ride – a nod to its instant power without the vibration of combustion engines. On X (formerly Twitter), Italian outlet Vaielettrico hailed it as a "compact powerhouse" for daily jaunts, while French site Cleanrider spotlighted its role in Zero's accessibility push. Skeptics, however, wonder if the 62 mph cap limits its appeal beyond city limits.

As climate mandates tighten – California's own push for 50% zero-emission motorcycles by 2035 echoes Europe's trends – the LS1 positions Zero not just as an innovator, but a practical partner in greener streets. For urbanites tired of gridlock and gas pumps, this scooter isn't just transportation; it's a quiet revolution on two wheels.

Zero Motorcycles invites test rides at select European dealers from Q1 2026. For more on the LS1, visit zeromotorcycles.com.