u/HCLogo

I posted here previously when I was considering a Kawasaki Ninja e-1 as a first electric motorcycle. The feedback was helpful and mostly confirmed my concern that the Ninja e-1 looks great, but the range is probably too limited for my use.

Since then, I’ve narrowed things down to a few more realistic options:

• Can-Am Pulse / Pulse ’73
• Zero road models, likely S / SR / SR/F / SR/S depending on price
• LiveWire S2 models, likely Del Mar / Mulholland / Alpinista if pricing makes sense

I’m in Toronto, Canada. I’m 43, have a family and career, and this would be my first motorcycle. I’m planning to take a proper safety course and go through the full Ontario M licensing path. The bike would mainly be for short city rides, errands, and recreational use, not commuting or touring. That said, it still needs to be highway-capable enough for licensing and occasional practical use.

Current local pricing makes the Can-Am Pulse especially interesting. Leftover 2025 models in Ontario are being advertised around CAD $10k to $12k before tax/licensing/accessories, depending on whether it’s the regular Pulse or Pulse ’73. The Pulse seems like the most sensible first-bike choice so far: new, warranty-backed, moderate power, decent range, and local dealer support.

Used Zero bikes are tempting because some listings are surprisingly close to Pulse pricing, but I’m concerned that some of them may simply be too much bike for a first-time rider, especially the SR/F or SR/S. LiveWire S2 models also look interesting, but they seem more expensive unless a used/demo deal appears, and I’m not sure whether they are too quick for a beginner.

For people who know these bikes, what would you recommend?

1. Is the Can-Am Pulse the best choice for a responsible first-time rider in this situation?
2. Would a used Zero road model be worth considering, or is that too much motorcycle to start with?
3. Are the LiveWire S2 models beginner-manageable, or are they more of a second-bike choice?
4. If you had to choose between Pulse, Zero, and LiveWire S2 for my situation, which would you pick and why?
5. Is there another street-legal electric motorcycle I should be considering instead?

I’m not looking to be talked into a gas bike unless the honest answer is that electric really does not make sense for this use case. I’m mainly trying to figure out whether the Pulse is the right answer, or whether Zero / LiveWire / something else should still be in the conversation.

Thanks in advance.