The Barcelona International Motor Show celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2019, and although the electric motorcycle industry has taken off in the following years, some of the wildest electric motorcycle concepts of that show are still on our minds today.

After checking out all the electric motorcycles and scooters at the 2019 Barcelona Motor Show, we narrowed it down to five models that got us the most excited – and still do.

In no particular order, here are five electric bikes and scooters that should grab your attention from companies you have probably never heard of.

• Use our services to make your electric motorcycle or scooter street legal in the United States

• Be sure to check out our sister site, GritShift, for all your e-bike needs

Silence S01

In 2018, we got our first glimpse of the Silence S01. Since then, we can’t help but be fans of this electric machine. With an 11kW peak hub motor situated in the single-sided rear swingarm, this scooter is impressive. In fact, it can reach speeds of 62 mph without much effort. That’s great for a scooter!

If you think that’s remarkable, just take a look at the battery. It’s a trolley-style rolling battery which provides additional range and capacity with a removable construction. At 5.5 kWh, the Silence S01 concept had one of the largest removable batteries in the electric scooter industry.

To take the battery out, the owner must release a latch that’s found under the scooter seat. Then, it simply slides out of the side with the help of wheels that drop down. Furthermore, there is a telescoping carry handle that extends out of the top of the battery for easy maneuvering, easing a process that is still difficult in some electric motorcycle models today.

Take it to the office with you or load it like those ammo boxes for the machines in The Matrix.

Users also have the option to run devices on 12VDC and 220 VAC power thanks to the inverter on the batteries. Of course, doing so will destroy your range pretty quickly.

Keep in mind that all of this technology makes the Silence S01 quite pricey. Still, for about $7k, this scooter does provide an exceptionally long range, high speeds and versatility to take on anything.

Where is it now? Get the latest updates on the Silence website.

Pursang Big Bore

Pursang dreamed of bringing back the original motorcycle of the same name from the 1960s.

This Barcelona electric motorcycle startup company had some fantastic prototype plans and they showed them off in style at the 2019 Barcelona International Motor Show.

The company’s idea was to create two variations: a 6kW E-Street and an 11 kW Big Bore. What we were excited about was the Big Bore. Slated to reach speeds of 75 mph on a 100-mile electric range with the help of two batteries, you could easily take this through an urban setting or out for a cruise on the highway.

While the Pursang Big Bore is mainly naked, it does feature a chromo frame and some plastic bodywork. This keeps it as light as possible. Plus, it features 18-inch wheels equipped with trail tires, making it ideal for off-road travel as well.

Of course, all of this comes at a price of nearly $10k. But man, does it look stunning.

Where is it now? Dead, unfortunately. Pursang appears to have lost interest in the Big Bore in the years following the concept, but they do have some other impressive electric models on the Pursang website.

NIU NGT

NIU is known as an advanced electric scooter company, so we knew we would see something magnificent from them at Barcelona 2019. Their flagship scooter, the NGT, was on display during the show for all to see. The NIU NGT boasts of a top speed hitting 44 mph, which is perfect for urban commuting.

It also features a 3 kW Bosch motor which allows it to blow the competition out of the water. With two removable Panasonic battery packs, the scooter receives a 4.2 kWh capacity, which is high for scooters in general.

The NIU NGT has a 31-mile range on a single battery and 62-mile range with both batteries. The best part is that NIU plans to export the scooters so that we will have them stateside.

Where is it now? NIU is alive and kicking, and the NGT influenced new models like the MQi and NQi. Check them out on the NIU website.

Doohan iTank

The Doohan iTank is a strange electric scooter with a stranger name and an even stranger three-wheeled design. It’s strange all around – and yet, unlike the others so far, this is no concept. You can actually buy one of these ridiculous machines today.

Because it tilts up to 30-degrees, it corners and rides just like a typical scooter. Each of the front wheels raises independently up to seven inches so riders can easily handle street curbs or uneven terrain.

With the three-wheel construction, riders receive a more stable platform than with a traditional two-wheel scooter. It also provides a faster stop because it’s equipped with three dual-piston hydraulic brakes. The iTank comes with standard front and rear hydraulic suspension as well.

In 2019, a low-speed version came with a 1.5 kW motor and 1.56 kWh battery. This model was the DB45. The DB70, on the other hand, was the higher speed option using a 3 kW motor and requiring the use of two standard batteries. The batteries are chargeable right on the scooter, or you can remove them and plug them in indoors.

Where is it now? We’re on version 2.0 of the Doohan iTank today, and you can buy one from various retailers through an online search. Learn more on the Doohan website.

Sunra MIKU MAX

Everyone has been talking about the Sunra MIKU MAX since its concept debut. This unusual electric scooter feels and rides more like a motorcycle, which is part of the appeal.

The “C” shaped frame is made of steel that allows for a negative space below the seat. We think it’s ideal for storage. It features a rear hub 800 W motor that gives it a 28 MPH top speed. That’s why it’s focused on city use instead of highway travel.

It also comes with a 1.2 kWh lithium-ion battery that charges fully in just four hours. In total, you can expect a 37-mile range per charge. The MIKU MAX also features dual suspension, front and rear hydraulic disc brakes plus a digital display meter.

The best part about the Sunra MIKU MAX electric scooter is it has been DOT-certified for road use so that you can register it in the United States. It’s available online for under $700, making it an excellent option for anyone that needs urban transport.

Where is it now? On the road! Find the latest updates on the Sunra website.

Our Top Electric Scooter Picks of Barcelona 2019

We love the stunning design of the Sunra MIKU MAX, along with its incredibly practical use of the space where a typical internal combustion engine would sit. We think this beast looks the part of a futuristic electric scooter – part Grom, part Matrix Reloaded. Combined with the rapid charging, the MIKU MAX seems entirely fitting for the world’s most modern cities, and you can buy one today.

By contrast, the Pursang Big Bore looks like everything we love about dirt bikes and café racers distilled into a far more conventional-looking electric motorcycle. It has the visual appeal of something concocted from raw metal in a backyard garage, yet its vivacious curves and tantalizing angles help create a sense that there’s something modern about this throwback machine.

If the materials quality, durability, and longevity of each of these electric motorcycles had made it into production, they would all be solid choices for an all-electric future.

Of course, as red-blooded humans with petrol coursing through our veins, converting to electric power is a difficult pill to swallow. If you feel the same, this article from the perspective of electric UTVs should help ease your pains.

Do you have a favorite?

There are a lot of innovations coming down the line, and it’s an exciting time. We expect that many more manufacturers will implement electric technology in upcoming lineups.

Of everything you saw at the 2019 Barcelona Motor Show, do you have a favorite electric scooter or motorcycle?

We’ve already discussed electric UTVs, and we can’t wait to see what’s on the horizon for non car-related electric tech. Shoot us a comment and let us know what you think. Would you ride any of our top five choices, or do you have another model in mind?

Cover Image Source