Zero LS1 review: urban electric mobility for the A1 class
Author & © images: Andrew Thijssen | BMS E-Motorrijder | [Edited by THE PACK] | Thx to Electric Motorbikes | We mainly know Zero Motorcycles for its high-performance electric motorcycles. But the Californian brand is also adapting to market demand, introducing lighter and more affordable models aimed at urban mobility. This strategy is part of Zero’s All Access program, through which the manufacturer plans to offer electric two-wheelers priced below €10,000 in order to make electric mobility accessible to a wider audience.
Following the introduction of the XE and XB off-road models, Zero now expands the range with the LS1 electric scooter. Let’s face it: when navigating tight city centres, nothing beats the practicality of a scooter.
Powertrain and performance
The Zero LS1 is powered by a centrally mounted electric motor with belt drive, delivering 8.4 kW (11.3 hp) of peak power. Torque is rated at 51 Nm at the motor, translating into 240 Nm at the rear wheel. This places the LS1 in the 11 kW A1 license category, meaning it can be ridden with an A1 motorcycle license and, in Belgium under certain conditions, also with a standard car driving license. Zero claims a top speed of 100 km/h, making the LS1 suitable not only for city use but also for short suburban or intercity stretches.
Battery and charging
The LS1 comes standard with two removable 1.86 kWh lithium-ion batteries, mounted under the footboard, giving a total capacity of 3.7 kWh. Zero claims an urban range of up to 115 km. Charging is handled by a standard 800-watt charger, which fill the batteries from 0 to 95% in about 4.5 hours. An optional 1500-watt charger reduces charging time to around 2.75 hours. A third optional battery can be installed under the seat, increasing the claimed city range to approximately 170 km.
Chassis and equipment
- The scooter weighs 134 kg ready to ride, with a seat height of 780 mm and a wheelbase of 1338 mm.
- Zero equips the scooter with CST Urban Travel tyres. Tyre front wheel CST Urban Travel 110/80-14 M/C – Tyre rear wheel: CST Urban Travel 130/60-13 M/C
- Braking duties are handled by disc brakes front and rear, with a dual-piston caliper at the front and a single-piston caliper at the rear. Both ABS and traction control are included as standard.
- Rider information is displayed on the 5-inch TFT screen.
- Buttons on the steering wheel allows you to select between Eco, Standard and Sport riding modes.
- Other features include full LED lighting, keyless ride, and under-seat storage capable of holding a full-face helmet, unless the optional third battery is installed.
On the road
The riding position is comfortable thanks to the wide footboard and supportive seat, although riders taller than 1.90 metres may find the space somewhat limited. Our test scooter was equipped with an optional top case and windscreen, which provide useful practicality and reasonable wind and rain protection. At the scooter’s typical speeds, wind pressure is not a major concern.
In daily use, the LS1’s three riding modes clearly influence its character:
- Eco mode prioritises efficiency but feels underpowered in busy urban traffic. Acceleration is modest and reaching 80 km/h outside urban areas requires patience.
- Standard mode proves far more practical for everyday use. It allows a top speed slightly above 85 km/h, making the scooter perfectly usable on secondary roads. In mixed riding conditions, a realistic range of around 75 km appears achievable.
- Switching to Sport mode unlocks the scooter’s full performance. With the complete 8.4 kW output available, acceleration to 80 km/h is lively and the speedometer can indicate around 110 km/h.
Motorway riding is possible but best limited to short stretches. At higher speeds the front end can feel slightly nervous, and overtaking requires planning. With the standard two-battery setup, around 45 km of motorway riding is realistic.
Regenerative braking can be adjusted via the dashboard, although it could feel slightly stronger. The braking system performs well, offering good feedback and sufficient stopping power, while the scooter’s agility makes it easy to manoeuvre through dense traffic.
One minor drawback is that the footboard touches the asphalt fairly quickly during tight left-hand corners.
Charging is done via a separate external 800 W charger, which also fits under the seat when the optional third battery is installed. (But it’s not recommended to leave the external charger in the compartment while the batteries are charging, as it can become too hot).
Conclusion
With the LS1, Zero Motorcycles enters the rapidly growing electric urban mobility segment, where competition is already significant. Build quality is solid, usability is excellent, and the software integration works well. As an A1-class motorcycle, the LS1 performs competently, although Eco and possibly Standard mode could benefit from a more responsive throttle, particularly in city traffic.
The Zero LS1 will appeal to riders looking for a future-proof electric motorbike capable of keeping up with urban traffic, while offering more performance than a typical 45 km/h moped. With a starting price of €5,475, the LS1 presents itself as a very competitive entry in the electric urban mobility market.
Note of THE PACK – Guy Salens:
“With the LS1, Zero Motorcycles clearly shows that it is serious about expanding beyond its well-known high-performance electric motorcycles. The urban mobility segment is growing rapidly, especially in European cities where compact, practical and affordable electric two-wheelers are becoming increasingly relevant. The Zero LS1 fits perfectly into that evolution. For many riders, the step from a 45 km/h moped to an A1-class electric scooter makes a lot of sense: more flexibility in traffic, higher safety margins and the ability to leave the city when needed. With its accessible price and solid technology platform, the LS1 could become an important gateway model for riders discovering electric two-wheel mobility for the first time.”
European launch of the Zero LS1 scooter / Test Ride Day March 21 – Helmond, The Netherlands at Electric Motorbikes (Automotive Campus)
To introduce riders to electric motorcycling, Electric Motorbikes and Future Mobility regularly organize their now well-known test ride days.
On Saturday, March 21, the event will take place at the Automotive Campus in Helmond (The Netherlands). Visitors can take part in a small, guided group ride. A new group departs every 30 minutes, starting at 9:30 AM, with the final ride scheduled at 3:30 PM. Participants can indicate their preferred motorcycle and Electric Motorbikes will do its best to accommodate those preferences. By registering through the event link, riders will receive confirmation of their scheduled time slot.
European launch of the Zero LS1 scooter
During these events, Zero Motorcycles will also host the official European introduction of its brand-new LS1 electric scooter. The LS1 will of course be present during the Test Ride Days, offering visitors the opportunity to discover why this scooter could become an ideal solution for daily commuting and urban mobility. Customers who purchase a Zero LS1 during the event will also receive an exclusive Zero LS1 gift set.
Colleagues from Future Mobility and Electric Motorbikes Noord – Jan, Pat, Sander and Ezra – will also be present, giving visitors the opportunity to exchange experiences and learn more about electric motorcycling from seasoned riders.
Our media partner SteckerBiker in Germany had also the opportunity to test ride the LS1 in Berlin. Patrick: “During our test, we had the opportunity to ride the LS1 for several days, long enough to experience it in real-world conditions. From city commuting to suburban routes and short countryside rides, we focused not only on the technical specifications but also on the most important question: how does the LS1 perform in daily use?” Check it out: