Zero Project Ventura: Electric A1 Supermoto Targets E-Bike Upgraders

• More than 27 hp (20 kW) peak output, up to 130 km/h (81 mph) and around 150 km (93 miles) of range
• Price below 8,000 euros (approx. 9,010 US dollars), market launch in summer 2027
• Technical basis is the XE, ABS and a pillion seat come as standard

For its 20th anniversary, Zero Motorcycles is putting the spotlight on a model that sits well below the brand’s well-known street bikes. The Project Ventura is a lightweight supermoto with an electric drivetrain. It is primarily aimed at people who have so far been riding e-bikes or small electric motorcycles and are looking for the next step. In Milan, a prototype is on display for now. It is set to become a production model that will reach dealers in summer 2027. This makes the Ventura one of the electric newcomers at EICMA 2026 and one of the motorcycles already announced for the 2027 model year.

What is the Zero Project Ventura?

The Zero Project Ventura is a prototype for a lightweight electric street motorcycle in supermoto style. Technically, it is based on the XE, Zero’s small off-road model for the A1 licence class.

At its core, a supermoto is an off-road motorcycle converted for tarmac with road wheels and road tyres. Typical traits are low weight, an upright riding position and nimble handling in tight corners. The Ventura adopts these characteristics. For use on the road, Zero has developed its own 17-inch cast wheels with sporty road tyres and a distinctive bodywork. The lighting was designed from the outset to fit both the XE and the Ventura.

The concept is nothing new for the manufacturer. With the FXS and the FXE, Zero previously offered electric supermotos. The Ventura builds on this, but focuses on a more affordable entry into the brand. Zero explicitly speaks of a production motorcycle inspired by the Project Ventura. The name and details may therefore still change before the market launch. Over the coming months, the manufacturer intends to gather feedback from prospective customers and dealers and then finalise the motorcycle.

How much power does the Zero Project Ventura have?

The newly developed electric drivetrain of the Ventura is set to deliver a peak output of more than 27 hp (20 kW). This allows up to 130 km/h (81 mph) for short periods, while the motorcycle can sustain 105 km/h (65 mph) continuously.

Zero deliberately distinguishes between these two figures. The top speed is only available for a short time, whereas the Ventura can hold its sustained speed over longer distances. Compared with its technical basis, this is a clear step forward: for the 2027 model year, the XE reaches 95 km/h (59 mph) following a revised gear ratio.

How far can the Zero Project Ventura go on one charge?

Zero estimates the Ventura’s range at 150 kilometres (93 miles) in real-world riding. The manufacturer will only announce the battery size and charging time at a later date.

A charger is built into the motorcycle. This allows the Ventura to be charged at public AC charging stations, which are referred to as Level 2 in North America. A separate charger is not required. The CCS DC fast charging that Zero is announcing for 2027 has so far only been mentioned for its larger street and dual-sport models. There is no word of it for the Ventura yet.

Which licence is the Zero Project Ventura intended for?

In Europe, the Ventura is designed for the A1 licence. Zero aims to reach newcomers with it, but also experienced riders looking for a light and agile motorcycle for everyday use.

How important e-bike riders are to the manufacturer is shown by a statement from Jim Callahan, who is responsible for products and partnerships at Zero. He names three guiding principles for the development. First came the looks: the goal was a motorcycle “so good-looking that you would want a poster of it above your bed”. In addition, the Ventura should feel like a natural next step for the millions of people who have ridden e-bikes and e-motos in recent years. And finally, above all, it should be fun. If that succeeds, Callahan sees an opportunity to get a new generation excited about motorcycling.

The Ventura is also meant to offer more than just a fun machine in everyday use. The chassis is designed for two people and ABS comes as standard. Via Bluetooth, the motorcycle connects to the new Zero app. Among other things, it will allow riders to set up custom riding modes in which speed, power, torque and regeneration, i.e. the recovery of energy when braking, can be adjusted.

How much does the Zero Project Ventura cost?

Zero quotes a price of under 8,000 euros (approx. 9,010 US dollars) for the Ventura. There is no exact final price yet; it is likely to be confirmed only shortly before the market launch in summer 2027.

A look at the surrounding models helps put this into context. The XE, on which the Ventura is based, costs an unchanged 6,600 euros (approx. 7,440 US dollars) in Germany for the 2027 model year. Considerably more expensive is the Stark Varg SM, an electric supermoto with up to 80 hp, which costs 12,990 euros (approx. 14,640 US dollars). In terms of performance, however, the Varg SM plays in a different league.

Important data is still missing for a final assessment. Zero has not yet disclosed the weight, the battery capacity or the charging time. All figures released so far are forecasts for the production model and may still change.

What else is Zero showing at EICMA 2026?

Alongside the Ventura, the LS3 electric scooter celebrates its premiere. It produces 17 hp (12.7 kW), reaches up to 120 km/h (75 mph) and covers up to 150 kilometres (93 miles) with its three batteries (5.6 kWh combined). One of the batteries sits under the seat and can be removed to create storage space. The LS3 is set to be available in Germany in spring 2027 for 6,810 euros (approx. 7,670 US dollars).

For 2027, the XE gets a larger, centrally positioned display, new lighting, wider dual-sport tyres and black bodywork parts. In North America, it will also be road-legal in future. In addition, Zero is working on DC fast charging that is set to charge compatible models from 20 to 80 percent in less than 30 minutes. A retrofit is planned for motorcycles from model year 2022 onwards running the Cypher III operating system.

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