CFMoto has long been known for producing capable, affordable gasoline motorcycles that borrow engineering DNA from KTM. But with the launch of its electric sub-brand Zeeho and the flagship AE8 model, the Chinese manufacturer is making a bold play for the premium electric motorcycle market. The Zeeho AE8 isn't just another electric scooter or commuter--it's a fully-fledged performance machine designed to take on established players like Zero Motorcycles and Harley-Davidson's LiveWire. After spending a week with the AE8, here's how CFMoto's electric flagship stacks up against the competition.
Key Stat: The Zeeho AE8 produces 12.5 kW (16.8 hp) from its mid-drive motor and hits a top speed of 62 mph, with a claimed range of 87 miles in the city--making it a serious contender in the urban performance EV space.
1. Powertrain and Performance: Mid-Drive Motor and Battery Specs
At the heart of the Zeeho AE8 is a mid-drive permanent magnet synchronous motor rated at 12.5 kW (16.8 hp) and 38 lb-ft of torque. Unlike hub motors found on many electric scooters, the mid-drive layout positions the motor low and central in the chassis, improving weight distribution and handling. The motor is paired with a 72V 100Ah lithium-ion battery pack (7.2 kWh) that is removable for convenient charging--a feature rarely seen at this performance level.
In real-world testing, the AE8 accelerates from 0 to 30 mph in 3.5 seconds, which is brisk enough to keep up with city traffic and feel punchy off the line. Top speed is electronically limited to 62 mph (100 km/h), making it suitable for urban and suburban riding but not highway cruising. The battery can be fully charged in about 5 hours using a standard household outlet, or 3.5 hours with the optional fast charger. Zeeho claims a city range of 87 miles and a combined range of 62 miles, though aggressive riding will drop those numbers significantly.
Compared to the Zero SR (which offers 74 hp and a 140-mile highway range), the AE8 is clearly less powerful. But against the LiveWire S2 Del Mar (84 hp, 113-mile city range), the Zeeho holds its own in the urban context. The AE8's removable battery is a major convenience advantage--no need to roll the entire bike into a garage to charge. For riders who live in apartments or lack dedicated charging infrastructure, this is a game-changer.
2. Chassis and Suspension: Aluminum Frame, Brembo Brakes, and Adjustable Components
The Zeeho AE8 rides on a lightweight aluminum alloy frame that keeps curb weight to just 287 pounds (130 kg). That's significantly lighter than the Zero SR (405 lbs) and the LiveWire S2 Del Mar (436 lbs), making the AE8 exceptionally nimble in tight city corners and easy to maneuver at low speeds. The frame is paired with a cast aluminum swingarm, further reducing unsprung mass.
Suspension duties are handled by a 37 mm inverted fork up front and a preload-adjustable rear monoshock. The fork offers 4.7 inches of travel, while the rear provides 4.3 inches--adequate for smoothing out potholes and uneven pavement without feeling overly plush. For a bike in this price bracket, the adjustability is a welcome surprise, allowing riders to dial in stiffness based on weight and riding style.
Braking is where the AE8 punches above its weight. It comes standard with Brembo calipers gripping a 260 mm front disc and a 240 mm rear disc, paired with dual-channel ABS. The Brembo setup provides strong, progressive stopping power with excellent feel at the lever. Combined with the bike's light weight, the AE8 stops confidently from any speed. The Pirelli Diablo Rosso Scooter tires offer ample grip for spirited cornering, though they are biased toward dry pavement.
3. Tech Features: 8-Inch TFT Display, Keyless Start, and Riding Modes
The Zeeho AE8 is loaded with technology that rivals premium electric motorcycles. The centerpiece is an 8-inch TFT color display that is bright, responsive, and easy to read in direct sunlight. The interface shows speed, battery level, range, riding mode, and navigation prompts when paired with the Zeeho app via Bluetooth. The display also supports smartphone mirroring for turn-by-turn directions, though Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not yet integrated.
Keyless start is standard--simply approach the bike with the fob in your pocket, press the start button, and twist the throttle. The system also includes a reverse assist function, which is rare on electric motorcycles at this price point. Holding the reverse button while twisting the throttle moves the bike backward at walking speed, making parking and U-turns in tight spaces effortless.
Riders can choose from three riding modes: Eco, Street, and Sport. Eco mode limits power output to maximize range, Street mode offers a balanced throttle response, and Sport mode unleashes full torque for maximum acceleration. The difference between modes is noticeable--Sport mode delivers instant, aggressive throttle response, while Eco smooths out power delivery for relaxed cruising. Regenerative braking is adjustable through the menu, with three levels of regen intensity that allow riders to fine-tune one-pedal driving feel.
Other tech highlights include full LED lighting (including a distinctive DRL signature), a USB-C charging port under the seat, and a built-in tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) that displays real-time pressure on the TFT screen. The Zeeho app also provides GPS tracking, ride statistics, and over-the-air firmware updates--features that are becoming standard in the premium EV segment.
4. CFMoto's Dealer Network Advantage: Leveraging Existing Infrastructure
One of the biggest hurdles for new electric motorcycle brands is establishing a service and sales network. Zero Motorcycles and LiveWire have spent years building their dealer footprints, but Zeeho has a secret weapon: CFMoto's existing global dealer network. CFMoto sells motorcycles in over 100 countries and has more than 1,000 dealerships worldwide, including a strong presence in Europe, North America, and Asia.
Zeeho models are sold and serviced at the same CFMoto dealerships, meaning buyers don't have to hunt for specialized EV shops. This is a massive advantage over startups like Fuell or Cake, which often rely on pop-up stores or limited service centers. CFMoto dealers are already trained on electric powertrain maintenance (many also service KTM and Husqvarna electric models), so the learning curve is minimal.
Parts availability is another win. Because Zeeho shares some components with CFMoto's gasoline lineup (like switchgear, brakes, and suspension parts), dealers can stock common spares without dedicating warehouse space to an entirely new parts catalog. For the consumer, this translates to shorter wait times for repairs and lower ownership costs. CFMoto also offers a 2-year/unlimited-mileage warranty on the AE8, with an additional 2-year warranty on the battery--matching or beating the coverage from Zero and LiveWire.
5. Price Positioning vs Zero SR and LiveWire S2 Del Mar
Pricing is where the Zeeho AE8 makes its strongest argument. In the US, the AE8 starts at $8,999, while the Zero SR (2026 model) starts at $14,995 and the LiveWire S2 Del Mar starts at $15,499. That's a price difference of roughly $6,000--enough to buy a second commuter bike or cover years of electricity costs. Even the base Zero S (which is less powerful) starts at $10,995, still $2,000 more than the AE8.
Of course, you get what you pay for. The Zero SR offers nearly five times the horsepower, a higher top speed (102 mph), and a much longer highway range. The LiveWire S2 Del Mar is faster, more premium in fit and finish, and has a more sophisticated suspension setup. But for urban riders who don't need highway capability, the AE8 delivers 90% of the daily usability at 60% of the price.
In Europe, the AE8 is priced at €7,990, undercutting the Zero SR (€13,490) and LiveWire S2 Del Mar (€14,990) by similar margins. In China, the home market price is even lower at ¥49,800 (about $6,900), though import duties and shipping add to the cost in Western markets. Zeeho also offers a more affordable AE6 model (with a smaller battery and less power) for around $6,499, but the AE8 is the flagship that sets the brand's performance benchmark.
For buyers considering a premium electric motorcycle, the Zeeho AE8 represents a compelling value proposition. It doesn't try to beat the Zero SR or LiveWire on outright performance--instead, it focuses on urban practicality, removable battery convenience, and a price that makes electric motorcycling accessible to a wider audience. Combined with CFMoto's dealer network and solid build quality, the AE8 is a legitimate alternative to the established players, especially for riders who prioritize affordability and ease of ownership over top speed and highway range.