Zero’s LS1 Electric Scooter Slips Through the Streets, Quietly

Zero just revealed something new from its California garage, a machine that can slice through downtown traffic without a single drop of gas. Unveiled at EICMA 2025 in Milan, the LS1 electric scooter is Zero’s entry into a world where two wheels means quick escapes and even quicker savings.

Engineers at Zero started with the basics of balance, putting the motor right in the middle of the frame to keep everything stable. That setup gives 11 horsepower and 38 pound-feet of torque, enough to pull away from lights with a smooth surge that feels effortless. Top speed is 62 mph, and 53 mph for longer stretches. Acceleration is linear and predictable, so you can focus on the road ahead instead of wrestling with sudden jolts. In a segment full of options, this power profile is perfect for the stop-start of urban traffic.

Batteries are the scooter’s quiet backbone, two lightweight packs in the floorboards for a low center of gravity that makes leaning into turns feel natural. Each holds 1.86 kilowatt-hours, for a base range of 71 miles on a full charge. You can pop them out in seconds and plug them into any wall socket, no garage required. For longer loops around town, a third battery slides under the seat, for a total of 106 miles. Charging takes about 4.5 hours from zero to 95% with the standard 800-watt unit, or just over 2.5 hours with the optional 1,500-watt fast charger. That means downtime is uptime, especially for those juggling work and errands.

Handling is in the details, starting with a 30.7 inch seat height that puts both feet flat on the ground for most adults. The wheelbase is 52.4 inches, with 12-inch wheels that hug corners without drama. Front suspension has 4.3 inches of travel, the rear 4.1, soaking up potholes and cobblestones on the way to a smooth glide. Brakes are dual-piston up front and single-piston in back, both with ABS to keep stops controlled even on wet pavement. Traction control watches the rear wheel for slip, and steps in just enough to maintain grip. At 291 pounds curb weight, it’s light on its feet, perfect for threading through bike lanes or squeezing into tight parking spots.

Storage solves the practical side of riding a Zero scooter pretty much hands down, with a great huge portion of room beneath the seat that can simply hold a full-face helmet or a couple of groceries. If you choose the extra battery, that area will reduce slightly, but you’ll have the battery under the floorboards to compensate, giving you room to store some smaller objects directly at your feet. Zero kept things simple in the cockpit, with a clear LCD display showing your speed, range, and charge condition at a glance. The controls are also fairly intuitive, with thumb throttles and regenerative brake buttons that are all easily accessible. Color options are limited to matte black, silver, and brilliant red, all of which have been polished to catch the light without calling unnecessary attention to your scooter.

For people who live in the city, they’ll appreciate just how easy the LS1 is to fit into daily routines – from that morning commute to that after-work trip to the shops. You can just chuck it on the curb & leave it, no need for any bother finding a plug to charge it, or lock up the batteries in your apartment overnight. Zero Motorcycle’s CEO, Pierre-Martin Bos, nailed the scooter’s appeal when he claimed it was inspired by the vibrancy of cities like Paris and Barcelona, where having the appropriate fundamental tools to get around is about all that matters. And at roughly 5,200 euros or $6,000 depending on where you live, it’s a fairly good value, especially when you consider all of the fuel savings you’ll save in the long run. Deliveries will begin in Europe before Christmas, with a full implementation on the streets by 2026.
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