Kawasaki Z e-1: When Electric Freedom Meets Urban Zen

Electric motorcycles don’t roar. They whisper. And as I discovered on a crisp morning ride through Sikkim’s twisting mountain roads and mist-covered valleys, that whisper can speak volumes. Kawasaki’s new Z e-1 is one of the quietest bikes I’ve ever ridden, vand one of the most surprising. This bike wasn’t built to conquer Ladakh. It’s not meant to tear down highways at triple-digit speeds or challenge a litre-class monster on the twisties. Instead, it’s a statement: that commuting, cruising, and electric riding can actually be… fun. And clean. And shockingly (pun intended) satisfying. With the towering Himalayas behind me and the bustling Gangtok lanes ahead, I set out to test what the Kawasaki Z e-1 truly offers. Here’s the full ride, one twist of the throttle at a time.

Two riding modes and E-Boost

There’s a switch on the right handlebar. “E-Boost” it says. Initially, I dismissed it as a gimmick, a marketing flourish. But after a couple of hours meandering through MG Marg and then rolling toward the Rumtek Monastery, I was proven very wrong. The Z e-1 offers two primary riding modes: Eco and Road. Eco mode is your everyday friend. Easy-going, controlled, perfect for weaving through local traffic without scaring pedestrians or goats crossing mountain roads. The bike tops out at 62 km/h in this mode, more than enough for the urban jungle and mountain towns. But when you want a bit of spice, say, an open stretch near Tsomgo Lake or that sudden need to zip ahead of a convoy, hold the E-Boost button. The Z e-1 responds with a confident lurch. Not overwhelming, but spirited. For 15 seconds, you’ve got access to its full 12.2 hp and a top speed of 99 km/h. The kicker? No clutch. No gears. Just twist and go.

Charge level determines mode

Here’s where things get tricky, or intelligent, depending on how you look at it. The Z e-1 runs on two removable lithium-ion batteries, 1.5 kWh each. They sit where a traditional fuel tank would be and drain evenly when riding. But here’s the catch: you only get Road mode if both batteries are present and balanced. If one’s out or charging, you’re locked into Eco. It’s Kawasaki’s way of protecting performance and ensuring the electronics behave consistently. Logical? Yes. Mildly annoying? Occasionally. That said, charging is straightforward. Plug into a standard wall socket, and you’ll get a full charge in about 3.7 hours per battery. Each battery is 11.5 kg, removable, and manageable even for a lean rider like me. The limited range, around 72 km in real-world riding, forces planning. But in the dense switchbacks of Sikkim or a daily commute in urban areas, it’s enough. Just don’t forget to charge the night before. Or carry a charger. Or maybe… a second set of batteries?

Light and mature

Despite being electric and small-displacement (on paper), the Z e-1 feels like a grown-up motorcycle. That’s because it borrows the chassis geometry of Kawasaki’s Z400,one of the most balanced middleweight naked bikes. The seat is spacious. The triangle between bars, seat, and pegs is roomy. I’m six feet tall, and at no point did I feel cramped, even after nearly five hours on and off the saddle riding through Gangtok to the Changu Lake trails. Weighing 135 kg, the Z e-1 is 11 kg lighter than the Z125. That’s significant. And it shows. It moves with grace in traffic, responds instantly to inputs, and feels flickable through the narrow ridgelines. The slim tires (100 front, 130 rear) offer enough grip for what this bike is meant for, urban rides with occasional weekend detours. Even on gravelly shortcuts around Hanuman Tok, the suspension (telescopic fork up front, swingarm at the rear) managed to keep things composed.

Uniform and easily controllable

Most new riders are nervous about stalls. Gears. Clutches. Not on this one. The Kawasaki Z e-1 is as simple as it gets. A long press on the starter button wakes up the dash, a clear, 4.3-inch TFT color display. It walks you through the process: helmet? check. gloves? check. ready? let’s roll. There’s no jerky throttle. No lag. The power delivery is buttery smooth, especially off the line. And the recuperation system? That’s genius. When you roll off the throttle, the bike gently slows down, not with a sudden jolt, but a soft drag. Like engine braking, but electric. You barely need to use the brakes unless you’re coming to a full stop. That kind of predictability builds confidence. Especially for new riders, or those who just want a relaxing ride home after work.

At home in an urban environment

Let’s be clear: the Z e-1 isn’t meant for Ladakh or high-speed expressway blasts. But for cities, especially those like Gangtok, Darjeeling, or even Bangalore, it’s perfect. Short bursts. Narrow lanes. Stop-and-go traffic. Tight parking. The Z e-1 handles all of that with charm. There’s no heat from an engine. No awkward clutch control on slopes. And the silent operation is a godsend in temple towns or nature reserves. Small touches make a big difference:

• The under-seat compartment (big enough for your wallet and documents),
• The smartphone connectivity via the TFT,
• The ABS and smooth disc brakes,
• And the whisper-quiet operation that makes riding feel meditative, almost therapeutic.

You don’t disturb. You glide.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Kawasaki Z e-1 (2024)
Motor	Air-cooled brushless permanent synchronous motor
Rated Power	5 kW (7 hp)
Max Power	9 kW (12.2 hp) at 2,600 rpm
Torque	40 Nm at 1,600 rpm
Top Speed	99 km/h (with E-Boost)
Transmission	Automatic
Drive	Chain
Battery	2x 1.5 kWh removable lithium-ion
Range	Up to 72 km
Charging Time	3.7 hours per battery (household socket)
Frame	Tubular space frame, high-strength steel
Suspension (Front/Rear)	Telescopic fork / Swingarm
Suspension Travel	120 mm / 133 mm
Wheelbase	1,370 mm
Wheels	Cast wheels
Tires (F/R)	100/80-17 / 130/70-17
Brakes (F/R)	Single disc / Single disc
Seat Height	785 mm
Weight (Ready to Ride)	135 kg
Max Payload	180 kg
Price (EU)	€8,235
Rider Aids	ABS, Riding Modes, TFT Display, Smartphone Connect

Conclusion

The Kawasaki Z e-1 isn’t going to change the world overnight. But for what it sets out to do, it absolutely nails the brief. It’s simple. It’s clean. It’s engaging. And more importantly, it offers a genuine electric alternative for everyday riders without feeling like a soulless appliance. In the winding roads of Sikkim, I never missed the noise. I never longed for more power. I was riding through clouds, birdsong in my ears, and a green machine underneath me that proved you don’t need internal combustion to feel alive. Would I buy one? If I lived in the city, absolutely. For weekend therapy, daily runs, or peaceful escapes into nature, the Z e-1 is a breath of fresh air.