Kawasaki’s Electric Evolution: 3 Years of Ninja e-1 and Z e-1
- Buck City Biker
- Apr 18
- 3 min read
Three years ago, Kawasaki officially entered the electric motorcycle market with the Ninja e-1 and Z e-1. While these new models may not offer jaw-dropping speeds, they bring something else to the table: urban commuting with a familiar Kawasaki race flair. but are they too slow? Let’s break it down.
The Basics: What’s Under the Hood
Both the Ninja e-1 and Z e-1 come equipped with an air-cooled, mid-drive motor that delivers 5kW of continuous power (around 6.8 horsepower) and 9kW peak power (roughly 12 horsepower). This nominal power level is within the L3e-A1 limit (125cc) in Europe, but only just 1kw above the lower L1e-B (50cc) range, which gives us a good guide to its performance. These models aren’t designed to be drag-strip champions, but they provide about enough power for urban riding.
The Ninja e-1 and Z e-1 can reach a top speed of 84 km/h (52 mph) and 79 km/h (49 mph), respectively, in Road Mode. But for those times when you need a little extra boost—whether it’s for overtaking or merging onto faster roads—the E-Boost function kicks in. This gives a temporary top speed of 105 km/h (65 mph) for the Ninja e-1 and 104 km/h (65 mph) for the Z e-1. However, keep in mind that this boost has a brief recharge time.
Range and Charging: How Far Can You Go?
The range of these bikes is practical for city commuting, but may not be enough for long highway rides. In Eco Mode, the bikes can cover about 72km (45 miles) on a single charge, which should be sufficient for most daily commutes and short city trips. In Road Mode, the range will be slightly less due to the increased speed.
Charging both the Ninja e-1 and Z e-1 takes about 3.7 hours (0% to 100%) per battery. Each bike features two batteries, for a total of 3 kWh. The batteries are removable, which is very convenient for city dwellers who may not have access to an at-home charge point. Instead, they can charge indoors or at work. This feature further aligns with the commuter lifestyle.
Design: Kawasaki’s Signature Look
Kawasaki has stayed true to its design language with the Ninja e-1 and Z e-1. The Ninja e-1 adopts a more traditional sportbike look with a full fairing, weighing in at 140kg (309lbs). The Z e-1, on the other hand, takes the naked bike route with a lighter weight of 135kg (298lbs). Both bikes feature a seat height of 785mm (30.9 inches).
These bikes are also equipped with a steel trellis frame, 41mm telescopic front forks, and mono gas-charged rear shock for smooth handling. Stopping power is provided by a 290mm front disc and a 220mm rear disc, both with dual-piston callipers. Whether you’re weaving through traffic or cruising down side streets, these bikes offer solid performance.
Tech and Features
The 4.3-inch color TFT display on both the Ninja e-1 and Z e-1 offers a modern touch. Bluetooth integration allows you to connect to your smartphone for navigation, notifications, and more. For extra convenience, both bikes come with Walk Mode and Reverse Mode, allowing for easy manoeuvring in tight spots, which is especially handy in city environments.
Customer Feedback: A Practical Solution for City Life
Feedback from early adopters of the Ninja e-1 and Z e-1 has been generally positive. Riders appreciate the eco-friendly nature of these bikes and the fact that they don’t have to sacrifice style or brand loyalty. The range in Eco Mode has been cited as sufficient for city commutes, but some have noted that the charging time of 3.7 hours may be a bit long for those who need their bikes up and running in a hurry.
While these bikes are great for short to medium-range commutes, they might not be ideal for longer trips, especially at higher speeds. It's been three years and technology has moved on significantly, with modern race-style commuters offering bigger motors, increased peak power and better top speeds.
Conclusion: The Right Bike for Urban Riders
The Ninja e-1 and Z e-1 may not be the high-speed machines some Kawasaki fans are accustomed to, but for urban commuters, they offer a reliable, practical, and eco-friendly option. With solid power, decent range, and a familiar Kawasaki design, these electric bikes are perfect for anyone looking to make the switch to electric without sacrificing style. They’re certainly not designed for cross-country journeys, but for short commutes and daily city riding, they check all the boxes.
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