THERE are a few features that make a motorcycle a motorcycle. Long, loud, chrome-dipped exhaust pipes. Lots of aerodynamic fiberglass. And above all, a rumbling engine.

So what does that make an electric motorcycle—which has none of the above? The ideal ride for anyone who craves speed without the mechanical complexity of a gas-powered machine.

With near-instant acceleration, an eerie jet-turbine sound and a smooth, vibration-free ride, electric motorcycles are kicking up dirt in an often staunchly traditional market. Even longtime members of the motorcycle establishment—Harley-Davidson Inc. and Yamaha Motor Co.—have gotten into the game; both companies unveiled electric concept-bikes that will likely lead to mass-produced models within a few years.

Not long ago, the only battery-powered motorcycles were spindly, garage-built prototypes resembling science-fair projects. Now you can find handsome designs with perfect paint—ones that could roll up to a biker cafe or a local “bike night” gathering and steal the show from traditional cruisers and sportbikes.

“ These bikes are ideal for anyone who craves speed without mechanical complexity. ”

Electric motorcycles cost more than a similarly configured gasoline counterpart—mainly because of the high price of batteries. And many manufacturers limit the top speed of these machines to around 100 mph (still plenty of speed) to preserve the motor and extend battery life. (Electric motorcycles consume far more current at sustained high speeds than they do in stop-and-go city riding.)

But these machines are also less work to maintain than gas-guzzlers: No oil changes, valve adjustments or other messy routine maintenance. To refuel, just plug into a household outlet. And because most battery-powered bikes don’t have transmissions, you needn’t worry about shifting gears while riding.

Here, a rundown of the zippiest models, including those coming out in the next few years.

Victory Empulse TT Photo: Wayne Mills

1. THE SUPERBIKE

Victory Empulse TT

When the Empulse TT (above) went on sale four years ago, it made a splash as the first electric bike that could both hit 100 mph and traverse 100 miles on a single charge. Today, those stats are still tough to beat. In fact, modified racing versions of the Empulse TT have repeatedly trounced gasoline-powered bikes in top-level competition. And in terms of styling and performance, it’s the only mass-market electric motorcycle that you could call a “musclebike.” $19,999, victorymotorcycles.com

Illustration: Wayne Mills

2. THE EASY RIDER

Zero Motorcycles Zero SR

Riding a Zero feels a bit like running really fast—minus the exhaustion. That’s because this small, almost silent bike seems to disappear beneath you. You can control it without having to look down at gauges and handlebars, which makes the Zero feel more like a bicycle than a big, heavy motorcycle. Skinny enough to squeeze through traffic jams, the Zero also has an impressive range—up to 161 miles in the city, 98 highway—with the stock battery. $15,995, zeromotorcycles.com

Illustration: Wayne Mills

3. THE ACCELERATOR

Alta Motors RedShift SM

The RedShift was designed to be “quick off the line”—that is, zippy enough to out-sprint other motorcycles (and cars, trucks and taxis) for a city block or two after a stoplight turns green. After about 100 yards or so, the RedShift’s 40 horsepower will no longer be able to stave off more powerful sport bikes, but cars and trucks will still be far behind, keeping riders ahead of the often treacherous city pack. Slim and light, the trail-bike-style RedShift is designed specifically for urban riding, so its relatively short 50-mile range shouldn’t be a problem. It charges in 4 hours from an ordinary outlet and, at 275 pounds, would be easy to wheel into an apartment-building elevator. $15,495, altamotors.co

Illustration: Wayne Mills

4. THE NEW BOSS

Harley-Davidson LiveWire

Harley-Davidson built this sculptural bike to gauge customer interest in electric power. When the company took 32 LiveWire prototypes on tour for Harley fans to test drive a couple of years ago, the bikes were largely well received. Sean Cummings, Harley’s senior vice president of global demand, attributes this to the fact that the LiveWire is still “a big, bold, badass Harley-Davidson.” Customers’ main gripe was the LiveWire’s limited 50-mile range, which the company plans to at least double before launching an electric bike in a few years. Although this model doesn’t emit Harley’s signature rumble, the meshing gears in the bike’s drivetrain do generate a satisfying alternative: a sound evocative of a jet-turbine. harley-davidson.com

Illustration: Wayne Mills

5. THE UPSTART

Yamaha PES2

Yamaha is known for producing ultra-high-performance motorcycles that average riders can afford. So when the Japanese company unveiled the PES2 electric street-bike concept at the Tokyo Motor Show last year, enthusiasts took note. Rumors swirled that the PES2 (as well as its off-road-style sibling, the PED2) would be in showrooms soon. Cagey about its electric-bike agenda, Yamaha hasn’t announced a release date for these models. But industry insiders believe the company will stay true to the plan it proclaimed six years ago: to lead the electric-motorcycle segment by 2020. This is going to be a tight—and interesting—race. yamaha-motor.com

Corrections & Amplifications

The name of the Empulse TT electric motorcycle was incorrectly given as Empluse TT in one reference in an earlier version of this article.