By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Electric Motorcycle
Zero FXE (MY2023) vs LS1 (MY2026)
Zero FXE vs LS1: which one's easier to live with every day.
Through a tight city block the Zero FXE darts between gaps, and it's eager to work every turn. The Zero LS1 pulls off each light without a lurch.
So which one do you buy?
The FXE has the edge if…
Keeping running costs low
Slight edge: FXE
Day to day, the FXE works out slightly cheaper to own. The saving is small.
Daily commuting & city riding
Narrow edge: FXE
The FXE edges it for the daily grind. Thank simpler maintenance for that. It's a small gap, not a reason on its own.
Sporty riding on twisty roads
Edges it: FXE
On a winding road, the FXE comes out a touch ahead. The difference is harder acceleration. You wouldn't bet much on a gap like that.
What makes each one tick
FXE
From the first corner the FXE flicks into each bend with a playful snap, and there's room on its upright seat to move around and see over the traffic. The throttle's where it shines. Torque arrives with precision tipping into a bend and rolling out again, steady from the first twist to the apex. On roll-off, the regen bleeds speed without a jolt.
Nils rode the FXE in Austria in 2024 (NastyNils Testride).
LS1
Off the line, the LS1's motor builds speed in one steady swell with no step in the torque. Its step-through frame means you don't swing a leg over the seat at every stop. There's one gear and no clutch, and every stop at the brake lever runs through ABS. The batteries come inside to charge.
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The FXE makes more peak power: 43 hp (32 kW) vs 11 hp (8.3 kW).
- The FXE makes more peak torque: 78 lb-ft (106 Nm) vs 38 lb-ft (51 Nm).
- Traction Control: standard on the LS1, not offered on the FXE.
Which one for the way you ride
Comfortable long-distance riding
Neither is a natural fit
Hours in the saddle won't flatter either of these. They're happier on shorter runs.
On a first bike, these two are a wash. That's where your budget and your inseam get the final say.
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
FXE
From Nils' own saddle time
Strengths
- Torque Dosing Beats Combustion
- Regen You Never Notice
- Light, Nimble, Instantly Fun
- Seating Built For City Traffic
- Motor Shrugs Off Track Heat
Trade-offs
- Nose-Heavy Under Braking
- Suspension Pitches And Squats
- Sidestand Cuts Left-Hand Lean
- Range Tight, Charging Slow
LS1
What owners say
Strengths
- Ample storage and battery flexibility
- Smooth and intuitive electric power delivery
What they share
- Engine
- Electric
- Gearbox
- 1-speed
Where the spec sheets split
| FXE | LS1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Wet weight | 298 lb (135 kg) | 295 lb (134 kg) |
| FXE | LS1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 43 hp (32 kW) | 11 hp (8.3 kW) |
| Torque | 78 lb-ft (106 Nm) | 38 lb-ft (51 Nm) |
| Top speed | 85 mph (137 km/h) | 62 mph (100 km/h) |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| FXE | LS1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Traction Control | Not offered | Standard |
| Manually Adjustable Rear Suspension | Standard | Not offered |
| USB Charging Port | Not offered | Standard |
| Keyless System | Not offered | Standard |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
