The first ever Kawasaki’s electric bikes revealed. The Z e-1 and Ninja e-1

Find out everything you need to know about the Ze-1 and Ninja e-1, from their design to performance. Learn how Kawasaki is using ‘e-boost’ technology to give these bikes an extra edge.

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The sneak peeks of Kawasaki’s first ever electric motorcycles are out, that are ready for production, indicating that they will soon hit the global market. The Kawasaki Ze-1 and the Ninja e-1 are electric versions of their petrol-powered counterparts, and are expected to have the performance level of a 125cc bike.

The Ninja e-1 has a similar design to the Ninja 400, with a sharp front end and indicators embedded in the fairing. However, there are some minor differences such as the shape of the “tank” and the alloy wheels. The latter look like they are taken from the Ninja 300.

The Ze-1, on the other hand, is based on the Z400. It has the same headlight and body panels as the 400cc naked bike. And just like the Ninja EV, this one also has a smaller fuel tank… for obvious reasons.

Some parts like the disc brakes and box-section swingarm seem to be shared with other Kawasaki bikes. The tyres on both the electric bikes are IRC units, which were seen on the Ninja 300 sold in India.

Powertrain and Performance

The details of the powertrain are still unknown, but from what we have learned so far, these small, quiet machines may have some serious power.

Kawasaki had filed a patent for ‘e-boost’ last year, which we thought would be a technology for its electric and hybrid vehicles. And these images have given us some clues about what this could be. The switchgear has an ‘e-boost’ button that gives a short boost of extra performance. There is also a ‘walk mode’. But what makes it even more interesting is the option to have a second battery pack for more range.

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