ZEV (Z Electric Vehicles)


ZEV (Z Electric Vehicles), based in Morgantown, West Virginia, has been producing a wide range of electric scooters since 2006. It recently presented its first motorcycle prototype, the M-13.

In fact, ZEV claims to be the oldest manufacturer of electric scooters or motorcycles in the world. According to its founder, Darus Zehrbach, ZEV’s production picked at over 900 scooters in 2009, before the recession impacted sales dramatically. Production has since been slowly climbing back. Today, the company has customers in 23 countries, mostly in Europe, Asia and Australia. There are no dealerships in the US, the scooters can be ordered online and ZEV contracts with local dealers for servicing.


A wide range of 19 electric scooters are available, all powered by oil-cooled all-aluminum hub motors. They are produced in Morgantown from components made in Asia and the US, some of which are designed by ZEV.

ZEV claims to produce the “World’s Fastest and Longest Range Electric Scooters”. The LRC model, a full-fairing scooter, has a top speed of 134 km/h and a range of 225 km at 89 km/h, or 129 km at 113 km/h. Of course, we cannot confirm these claims, as we have not been able to test this scooter. The motor delivers a continuous power of 12.2 kW with a 20 kW peak power. With the 10 kWh lithium-ion battery, the LCR costs US$ 13,990; it is also available with a 6 kWh battery at US$ 9,100. For 2016, a new version with a 15 kW motor will be available.


It seems like a logical development for ZEV to expand into the electric motorcycle market. The M-13, has ZEV’s trademark hub motor, with 13 kW continuous power and 21 kW peak power. It is equipped with a 8.4 kWh battery, to keep the price down to around US$ 9,500. ZEV is testing different windshields to maximize the range. Zehrbach is also working on another model with a 40 kW motor, for a more distant future.

Is there a market for a 250cc-equivalent electric motorcycle in the US? We know that in Europe the Volta is being introduced right now at a price of € 8,990, so ZEV is not alone in this niche. Let’s hope that the M-13 can move rapidly from the prototype stage to production.