Can an Electric Motorcycle Complete a Long-Distance Touring Event?

Electricity made history in the latest edition of the Rider 1000, the iconic motorcycle event that challenges participants to cover 1,000 kilometres in a single day. Three participants completed the Rider 300, a category where the route spans 300 kilometres, on their Zero Motorcycles, proving that electric mobility has its place in such events.

Miguel Ángel and Peter, who travelled from Madrid on their Zero S, and Víctor, from Sant Cugat del Vallès on his Zero SR/S, joined forces to tackle this two-wheeled adventure together. The itinerary, starting and ending in Manlleu, connected places like Coll d'Ares, Puigcerdà, and France, traversing the majestic landscapes of the Eastern Pyrenees and Catalonia's Garrotxa. Over 300 kilometres of curves, elevations, and spectacular views provided the perfect setting for a demonstration of electric efficiency.

During the route, there were no shortage of anecdotes: a road closure forced them to improvise a detour and adapt their charging plans on the fly. They also discovered the challenges—and advantages—of using fast chargers in French territory. But as Miguel Ángel points out: "Once in Manlleu, on Saturday we met with Víctor and his SR/S, took our 2018 Zero S and started the route around 12:00 (we were literally the last to leave), we were about 95% charged when we set off, took many turns around Manlleu until we managed to follow the GPS directions and navigate roadworks blocking our path. Despite the detours, our batteries lasted without issue to reach the first checkpoint at Col d'Ares, with the lowest battery among us at around 30%, so the climb there was perfect and without drama."

"After stamping the checkpoint and taking the customary photo, we continued the route down to the next checkpoint in Marqueixanes. As we needed to charge, we stopped at a charging point in France right on the route (in Prats-de-Mollo-la-Preste). We activated the charging point simply by entering credit card details, without subscriptions or downloading any app (as it should be at all charging points). We set up all the cables and TC Chargers lent to us by Fernando Tallón and charged to about 90% in roughly an hour. We continued straight to Puigcerdà, with less than 150 km from Prats-de-Mollo-la-Preste to Puigcerdà, so we could make it without issues. In the end, mountain climbs don't consume as much as people think, as speeds are lower and it's a more efficient driving style."

In Puigcerdà, we found a charger right next to the checkpoint, but it was a CCS charger that we couldn't use on these bikes, so in an underground parking a bit further from the checkpoint, we found several chargers activatable with Electromaps. At this point, the lowest battery was at 7%, so a long charge was needed for the final stretch, which was perfect for having dinner while the bikes charged. We arrived in Manlleu with about 55% at around 2:00 am on Sunday. We formed a good group with Peter and Víctor, solving all the problems together. Perhaps we were a bit naive, but it was exciting and very fun."

For those who haven't tried an electric motorcycle, it's worth noting that Zero Motorcycles surprise from the first metre. There are no gears, no clutch, no noise. Just immediate acceleration and smooth, linear riding. The silence allows for a completely new way to enjoy the surroundings. There's also no heat from the engine, no vibrations, and no frequent maintenance. A way of moving on two wheels that's starting to win over more users.

Moreover, the public charging network is growing rapidly, both in Spain and across Europe. It's becoming easier to plan long routes, and the Zero bikes themselves allow users to check the charge status and locate nearby points via the app. With some organisation, travelling electrically is no longer an obstacle but a different and enriching experience.

"The participation of these three Zeros in the Rider 300 not only marks a milestone within the event but confirms that electric mobility has also reached the world of motorcycle touring. And it's here to stay. Because yes, with an electric bike, you can travel, live the adventure, and enjoy the pleasure of riding on unforgettable roads," explain representatives from the brand.