When it comes to electric propulsion, motorcycle companies are way ahead of carmakers. While electric cars such as the Nissan Leaf are still in the development phase, there are around a dozen credible e-bikes on sale today that offer a lot more than just green credentials: near-silent operation, running costs that amount to pennies per week, low insurance rates, little maintenance and uniquely fun performance.

Riding an electric bike is probably a lot more conventional than you might think. Most currently adopt the platform of a normal motorcycle, replacing the powertrain with a battery pack and a motor. This actually simplifies the controls; all electric motorcycles currently use a single-speed transmission and don't need a clutch, so riding one is a lot like riding a scooter—just twist and go. Release the throttle and you coast. The biggest difference is the lack of noise. A lot of motorcycle purists miss it, but after a while silence is actually a bonus; you can hear danger approaching and you become more a part of your environment, which enhances the fundamental two-wheeled experience of not sitting inside a car.

When it comes time to recharge, you just plug any of these into a standard 110-volt outlet, although some will charge quicker if you have access to a 220-volt. Zero emissions (at least as far as the EPA is concerned) plus the lack of engine noise equals a strong case for the electric motorcycle's future, addressing the primary objections to bikes in both urban and off-road environments. They also offer a compelling case for commuters to switch from two wheels to four; doing so will save them money on gas, time spent in traffic and reduce their impact on the environment. Since motorcycles are so much lighter than cars, they don't use huge, expensive battery packs that require an overnight charge. Plus urban commuters or off-road riders typically travel much less distance than cars so shorter ranges aren't that much of a compromise. One caveat: The ranges listed here were provided by the manufacturers, and, just as a car's fuel economy depends on driving habits, so does the distance an electric bike can travel on a charge.

Thanks to a series of recent tax incentives, electric bikes have also become extremely affordable. The federal government offers a 10 percent tax credit for zero-emissions vehicles and some states are matching or even exceeding that. Colorado, for instance, offers an alternative-fuel-vehicle tax credit of up to $4888, and California is offering a rebate that knocks $1500 off the price of Brammo and Zero motorcycles. Check with the manufacturer and your local government to see what tax incentives you qualify for.

Quantya Strada

A heavy-duty dirt-bike frame pressed into road duty and saddled with a relatively wimpy motor, the Strada is overbuilt compared to its competitors. Yet with only 16 hp, it lacks the power to easily keep up with traffic. That slow pace isn't such a factor if you're using the dual-sport bike to ride a short distance to local trails and then buzz some single track.

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Road legal: Yes

License type: Motorcycle

Price: $10,700

Weight: 195 pounds

Top speed: 55 mph

Power: 16 hp

Range: 2.5 hours

Battery: Lithium-polymer

Battery capacity: 1.9 kilowatt-hours

Recharge time at 110 volts: 2 hours

Best suited for: Off-road trails and urban commuting

Info: quantyausa.com

Quantya Track

The Swiss company's dirt-only version of the Strada is the most capable electric bike at landing big jumps on a motocross track thanks to its adult-size frame and strong components, but like the Strada, it's still a bit on the slow side. The Track actually defeated the faster Zero X in the first-ever electric supercross race thanks to a turtle-and-hare-like approach that saw the Zero's bikes break down while the reliable Quantya's shrugged off the abuse.

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Road legal: No

License type: N/A

Price: $9975

Weight: 195 pounds

Top speed: 55 mph

Power: 16 hp

Range: 2.5 hours

Battery: Lithium-polymer

Battery capacity: 1.9 kilowatt-hours

Recharge time at 110 volts: 2 hours

Best suited for: Dirt tracks and off-road racing

Info: quantyausa.com

Zero DS

The most convincing electric motorcycle to date adopts the form that's suitable on- and off-road, but weighs less than most gas scooters. High-quality suspension and a strong frame make the DS a handler in all terrain. The DS's torque figure is higher than many superbikes'. Surprisingly, that doesn't lead to a very sharp takeoff thanks to overly slow throttle tuning, but between 10 and 50 mph—the most common speeds in city driving—the DS can embarrass most gas-powered bikes.

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Road legal: Yes

License type: Motorcycle

Price: $9950

Weight: 277 pounds

Top speed: 67 mph

Power: 26 hp

Range: 50 miles

Battery: Lithium-ion

Battery capacity: 4 kilowatt-hours

Recharge time at 110 volts: 3.5 hours

Best suited for: Off-road trails, city streets and everywhere in between—except long highway rides, which still challenge the DS's limited range and top speed

Info: zeromotorcycles.com

Zero S

Shorter suspension and slick tires turn the DS into the S and remove all-terrain capability in favor of on-road performance. The S is extraordinarily light compared to gas-powered supermotos, but slow throttle response means the impressive torque can't keep up with the agility. It won't rocket out of corners the way the performance figures suggest it should. All Zeros are made in California.

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Road legal: Yes

License type: Motorcycle

Price: $9995

Weight: 273 pounds

Top speed: 67 mph

Power: 26 hp

Range: 50 miles

Battery: Lithium-ion

Battery capacity: 4 kilowatt-hours

Recharge time at 110 volts: 3.5 hours

Best suited for: Urban and suburban commuting, twisty roads

Info: zeromotorcycles.com

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Zero X

Its size and incredibly low weight make it feel like a motorized mountain bike. But this featherweight trail hound can hit 65 mph. The lithe feel comes at a price, however; this bike isn't meant for heavier riders, and the admirable pursuit of low mass comes with a durability sacrifice. Anyone who's more than 165 pounds or requires the ability to land large jumps should consider the Zero MX. The best part? A switch on the dashboard restricts the X to 30 mph, making it legal to use on some mountain-bike trails where its lack of noise and light weight means it shares an environmental mission with pedal power.

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Road legal: No

License type: N/A

Price: $7495

Weight: 161 pounds

Top speed: 65 mph

Power: 23 hp

Range: 2 hours/40 miles

Battery: Lithium-ion

Battery capacity: 2 kilowatt-hours

Recharge time at 110 volts: 2 hours

Best suited for: Trail riding

Info: zeromotorcycles.com

Zero MX

A heavier duty version of the X, the MX was built in response to losing that supercross race to Quantya. Tougher suspension and wheels are designed to shrug off abuse and cope with heavier riders. With about the same power as a 250-cc four-stroke, the MX has plenty of punch to complement its light weight; it recently defeated hundreds of 450-cc competitors in a French endurance race, yet you can still use it in many places where gas-powered bikes aren't allowed.

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Road legal: No

License type: N/A

Price: $8295

Weight: 172 pounds

Top speed: 65 mph

Power: 23 hp

Range: 2 hours/40 miles

Battery: Lithium-ion

Battery capacity: 2 kilowatt-hours

Recharge time at 110 volts: 2 hours

Best suited for: Off-road racing

Info: zeromotorcycles.com

Vectrix VX-1

A friendly and practical scooter, the VX-1 was one of the first electric bikes on the market, yet remains uniquely capable thanks to range-extending regenerative braking and the ability to carry two people. The VX-1 is actually quicker than most traditional scooters, and its silent operation means it fits into a city environment even better. Despite the large battery pack, there's still room for a helmet or a meal's worth of shopping under the seat. Roll the throttle forward to actuate regenerative braking, which adds miles to your range. Buyer beware: the company's ownership has been in flux, so double-check the warranty before you buy.

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Road legal: Yes

License type: N/A

Price: $7495

Weight: 515 pounds

Top speed: 62 mph

Power: 26 hp

Range: 55 miles

Battery: Nickel-metal-hydride

Battery capacity: 3.7 kilowatt-hours

Recharge time at 110 volts: 4 hours

Best suited for: Urban commuting

Info: vectrix.com

Ultra Motor A2B Metro

Don't be confused by the pedals, the A2B Metro is more of an electric motorcycle than it is a bicycle, but those pedals do confuse lawmakers, who categorize it as a bicycle. That means the A2B exists in a legal context that's a little grey, but beneficial to riders; you can ride it on bike paths and, sometimes, even sidewalks, all without the physical exertion of pedaling. That's not to say that you can't pedal, but the A2B is much heavier than a traditional bike, so it's hard work and, on this model, pedaling doesn't recharge the batteries. There is a new model planned that will link pedals to batteries for human-powered recharging. The lack of a license plate will make parking a cinch: just lock it to any bike rack. You do pay a penalty for convenience though—the A2B tops out at 20 mph.

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Road legal: Yes

License type: Not required (check local regulations)

Price: $2699

Weight: 72 pounds

Top speed: 20 mph

Power: 0.67 hp

Range: 20 miles

Battery: Lithium-ion

Battery capacity: N/A

Recharge time at 110 volts: 3.5 hours

Best suited for: Short-distance urban commuting, areas where motorized vehicles aren't allowed.

Info: ultramotor.com

Brammo Enertia

Friendly looks, slick packaging and quality components combine to elevate the Enertia above its electric competition. Of all the bikes here, this is the one that feels the most expensive, but thanks to the economics of scale, it's actually one of the cheapest. Brammo just put the Enertia into mass production at its new factory in Oregon and is selling the bikes through select Best Buys throughout the West Coast. Slightly slower than the competition from Zero, but you won't notice because the throttle feels so much more natural; the Brammo accelerates predictably and smoothly. Striking a form that's somewhere between roadster and cruiser, the Enertia is a comfortable, agile bike that's near perfect for the cut and thrust of urban riding.

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Road legal: Yes

License type: Motorcycle

Price: $7995

Weight: 324 pounds

Top speed: 65 mph

Power: 18 hp

Range: 45 miles

Battery: Lithium-ion phosphate

Battery capacity: 3.1 kilowatt-hours

Recharge time at 110 volts: 4 hours

Best suited for: New riders who want their first motorcycle to be electric and commuters who want to save money and time.

Info: brammo.com

Electric Motorsport GPR-S

A standard motorcycle chassis available with a wide range of electric powertrain components, buyers can spec anything from a cheap DC brushed motor to a very powerful AC induction unit. Mismatched components like the fairing and seat unit make the GPR-S look like something you built in your garage but probably could have done a better job on. Also, the Asia-sourced mechanical components such as the brakes and the suspension are disappointingly cheap.

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Road legal: Yes

License type: Motorcycle

Price: $8500-plus

Weight: 285 pounds

Top speed: 70-plus mph

Power: 19 to 52 hp

Range: Varies

Battery: Lithium-ion phosphate

Battery capacity: 3.3 kilowatt-hours

Recharge time at 110 volts: 4 hours

Best suited for: Electricity junkies who want to pick and choose their ideal components, but don't mind housing them in a cheap package.

Info: electricmotorsport.com

Mavizen TTX02

Based on the race-proven KTM RC8 chassis, the Mavizen TTX02 is a turn-key electric road racer that's eligible for both major electric racing series and the Isle of Man TT. The motors—it uses two—and batteries are similar to the 2009 TTXGP-winning Agni X01. About as fast as an electric motorcycle can currently be, the Mavizen is still considerably slower than the gas-powered superbike that donates its running gear. Still, it's an excellent package for riders or teams looking to jump-start their electric racing careers.

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Road legal: No

License type: N/A

Price: $38,000 plus

Weight: 353-plus pounds

Top speed: 130-plus mph

Power: 100 hp (estimated)

Range: 25 to 130 miles

Battery: Lithium-ion

Battery capacity: 6-11 kilowatt-hours

Recharge time at 110 volts: N/A

Best suited for: Racers who want a competitive, plug-and-play entry. Despite the high cost, the Mavizen is still cheaper than scratch-building your own.

Info: mavizen.com

Mission One

The futuristic-looking Mission One will be the fastest, most expensive and likely heaviest street-legal electric motorcycle around when it goes on sale later this year. It's already setting records, hitting 150 mph at the Bonneville Salt Flats last year and becoming, for a short time, the fastest electric motorcycle on the planet. The Mission will be the first electric motorcycle to offer performance parity with its gas-powered counterparts and, if the early development videos are to be believed, the only one capable of pulling a wheelie simply by twisting the throttle all the way to the stop.

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Road legal: Yes

License type: Motorcycle

Price: $68,995

Weight: N/A

Top speed: 150 mph

Power: N/A

Range: 150 miles

Battery: Lithium-ion

Battery capacity: N/A

Recharge time at 110 volts: 8 hours

Best suited for: Wealthy collectors and early adopters with a need for speed.

Info: ridemission.com

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