Lightning Firsts

Leading the Advancement of Electric Motorcycle Technology

Since Lightning’s inception we have sought out competition to challenge our engineering team to build the best electric motorcycles in the world. Overcoming the odds and proving that Lightning could achieve what the skeptics claimed was not possible. Lightning incorporates the technology developed from winning racing championships and setting world records into every motorcycle Lightning builds.

2022: First Motorcycle Ultra Fast Charge System

Lightning solved one of the biggest criticisms of electric motorcycle, charging time. Lightning developed the first motorcycle fast-charging technology that can add 135 miles range in less than 10 minutes using widely available Level 3 public charging stations.

2019: Lightning Strikes the Competition In Value

Lightning introduced the Strike Carbon, the electric SuperSport engineered for the track but designed for daily street use at an unequaled level of performance and value.

2016: Customer Motorcycles Begin Delivery

Lightning begins production of the 248hp LS-218, the world's fastest production motorcycle after recieving NTSA and USDOT certifications.

2013: Lightning Made History At Pikes Peak Hill Climb

The first time an electric vehicle competes and wins against the top gas vehicles at a major motorsports event. Lightning was 20+ seconds faster than the 2nd place team.

2012: Lightning Takes First at Le Mans

Lightning and Miguel Duhamel competed and won at the first FIM Epower World Championship race at Le Mans France.

2012: First To Use Solar Energy To Power Super Bike

Lightning competed in and won the FIM EPower race during the MotoGP weekend at Laguna Seca in July 2012 using energy from solar power alone. This was the first time in history, a major motorsports competition was born by vehicle powered solely by solar energy.

2011: First E-Motorcycle To Break 200MPH

Lightning set a new world land speed record of 215.907mph (exceeding 218mph top speed) at Bonneville Salt Flats and was the first electric motorcycle to achieve a top speed of over 200 miles per hour. Lightning made an impressive 40 mph improvement on the record Lightning had set just one year earlier. Lightning was featured on Time Square billboard, CNN morning news and across dozens of other publications.

2010: The First E-Grand Prix

Lightning won the North American Championship in the inagural Zero Emissions Road Race series

2009: The Salt Flats Have Never Been This Quiet!

In October 2009, News Headline: *The Salt Flats Have Never Been This Quiet!" Here's the official release: "This week, at the historic SCTA World Finals at the Bonneville Salt Flats, a new player in the rapidly developing electric motorcycle industry emerged. Lightning Motors, running one of its pre-production prototypes was able to achieve a top speed of 166.388 mph. This exercise places the Lightning Motorcycle as the fastest production electric motorcycle in the world."

2008: First Lithium Battery E-ATV

Lightning developed the first Lithium battery powered electric ATV. It has over 30 horse power and more than 40 miles range per charge. This AT featured excellent off-road capability with near silent operations and seemed equally suited as a product for hunters or as a daily utility vehicle in a winery.

2006: First Lithium Electric Sport Bike

Lightning converted a Yamaha R1 race bike to electric using lithium battery and an ac motor. With over 60 horsepower, nearly 70 foot pounds of torque, and a top speed of 100 mph. Early prototype was fun to ride and gave a glimpse of what was possible. Despite being a raw prototype this bike inspired considerable media attention and interest from the motorcycle community. The LA Times shot a test ride video of our prototype and published a feature story that went viral worldwide.