The Zero FXE boasts a sleek supermoto style and captivates with its perfect handling, but disappoints with its limited range over land. Driving report, photos, specs, price.
- Excellent handling
- Only 100 kilometers range
- Good facilities
Even California-based e-motorcycle pioneer Zero may not be able to square the circle : Low vehicle weight and long range are still mutually exclusive. The Zero FXE 7.2, sporting a handsome supermoto body, makes this painfully clear.
In the test: 21 hp engine
It weighs just 133 kilograms, which is why it’s so impressive, not least for its superb handling and agility. But even the model designation 7.2 indicates that its battery isn’t a lump, but rather a small one at best. The lithium-ion battery stores 7.2 kilowatt hours (kWh), of which only 6.3 are available for propulsion.
This means you can only travel more than 100 kilometers in leisurely city traffic. According to the manufacturer, the maximum range in urban areas is 161. In our test, which mainly involved driving on country roads, it managed just under 100 kilometers, even in Eco mode . In the best case scenario, the 50-kilometer radius around the home charging station is sufficient for everything important in the Zero pilot’s life. Then there’s a good chance that the purchase will develop into a long-term relationship. Because, combined with low maintenance costs, the driving experience is great in urban environments or in the suburbs of larger cities. The extremely narrow design and low weight, combined with the elevated seating position and wide handlebars, encourage you to always weave your way to the front row at traffic lights. When the light turns green, the little Zero pulverizes anything with wheels: The 15 kW/20 hp electric motor bites mercilessly, and since there’s no transmission, there’s no need to shift gears. It always moves along briskly, even more uninhibitedly in Sport mode than in Eco. The FXE operates with slightly slower acceleration and a top speed limited to 113 km/h. Aside from its meager range, the Zero is a first-rate fun-to-drive vehicle: nimble, uncomplicated, quiet, and maneuverable. Of course, you shouldn’t have to carry more than yourself plus a backpack or shoulder bag. Due to its design, the Supermoto is stingy with space for both a passenger and luggage.
Convincing electric drive
No less impressive than the agility is the Zero drive’s refinement. Even at sub-walking speed uphill, the speed can be perfectly controlled, with no jerking or jolting. The seating position is relaxed, as the suspension, with its immense spring travel, also performs well. The wheel control is fully adjustable at the front and rear, but is already pleasing in its default position. The two disc brakes, one at the front and one at the rear, are also impressive. The ABS hardly intervenes under normal conditions, as the grip of the Pirelli Diablo Rosso II is pretty close to the limits of what’s technically possible.
All-round LED lighting
The Zero FXE’s features are good: LED lights at the front and rear are now standard, but the incandescent bulbs in the turn signals are surprising. The clear, beautifully designed color TFT display is very easy to read . The sweepingly shaped alloy swingarm also looks great. The fact that the charging cable has to be housed in a recess in the front swingarm area is a sign of extreme space utilization. The body, developed by Californian design studio Huge Design, is among the best in the Zero range. The pointed nose, small LED headlights, and airy, light rear end are all eye-catching. However, this requires an investment of 14,000 euros. For the same price, the FXE is available not only in the A2 configuration but also in a version for A1 driving licenses (from age 16) or the B196 class, which is attractive for car license holders.
Zero FXE 7.2: Technical data, price
We use Zero’s official website to get all technical details quickly and accurately.
| Manufacturer Component’s | Specification’s |
|---|---|
| Motor | Passive air-cooled permanent magnet motor type ZF 75-5, 15 kW/21 hp at 4500 rpm, 106 Nm (0–4500 rpm); clutchless direct drive; belt final drive |
| Driving performance | Top speed 135 km/h; range in the test depending on driving style 85–95 km, according to EU regulation 106 km, at a constant 113 km/h: 64 km |
| battery | Lithium-ion battery, nominal capacity 7.2 kWh (usable capacity 6.3 kWh), recuperation when coasting. Charging time from 0–95 percent from a household socket: 9.2 hours, with a fast charger: 3.6 hours. Charging from 95 to 100 percent always takes 30 minutes. Charging efficiency 0.94 |
| chassis | Tubular frame; front: USD telescopic fork, ø 41 mm, fully adjustable, 178 mm travel; rear: light-alloy double-sided swing arm, central spring strut, fully adjustable, 227 mm travel; cast aluminum wheels, tubeless Pirelli Diablo Rosso II tires 110/70 ZR 17 (front) and 140/70 ZR 17 (rear). 320 mm single-disc brakes at the front, 240 mm single-disc brakes at the rear. |
| Assistance systems | Dual-circuit ABS, three riding modes (Eco, Sport, Custom) |
| Dimensions and weights | Wheelbase 1422 mm, seat height 836 mm, weight ready to drive 133 kg, payload 153 kg |
| guarantee | Two years on the vehicle, five years on the battery |
| Price | 14,000 euros |
Conclusion: A Brilliant Urban Commuter with a Big “But”
The Zero FXE 7.2 is one of those bikes that instantly puts a smile on your face. It’s light, nimble, beautifully designed, and delivers a fun, fuss-free riding experience, especially in the city. The supermoto styling is sharp, the riding position is just right, and the electric motor delivers its punch with surprising enthusiasm. No gears, no noise, no drama, just twist and go.
But then reality kicks in. The limited range is the elephant in the room. In real-world use, especially outside city limits, you’re looking at around 100 kilometers tops before needing a recharge. For a motorcycle priced at around €14,000, that’s a tough pill to swallow, especially when longer rides or spontaneous getaways are off the table unless you plan them around charging stations.
That said, if you live in the city or suburbs and your daily ride is within a 50 km radius, the FXE might be a perfect match. It’s incredibly easy to ride, low-maintenance, and surprisingly quick off the line. Plus, the design is arguably one of the best in the electric motorcycle space.
In the end, the Zero FXE is an excellent urban machine, smart, stylish, and electrifying to ride. Just don’t expect it to be your all-rounder. For now, you’ll have to choose between light weight and long range. And even a pioneer like Zero hasn’t cracked that code yet.