Zero Motorcycles Travels 271 Miles and Smashes Guinness World Record
An electric Zero DS has broken the Guinness World Records title for The longest journey by an electric motorbike on a single charge, covering 271.23 miles (436.5 kilometres) on a single battery charge.
The achievement surpasses the previous record of 193 miles by 78.17 miles – 40% further. The record-setting ride took the Zero DS from the French-Italian Alpine region to the Mediterranean coast, crossing mountain passes and winding through towns and villages, with the final stretch completed in pouring rain. The journey was tracked by GPS and independently verified by GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS.
The record was set by motorcycle rider and enthusiast Jelle Verstaen on a standard, unmodified Zero DS equipped with the optional Power Tank. The DS achieves a city range of 155 miles (1) on its 15.6 kWh battery, while the Power Tank adds 3.6 kWh, bringing total capacity to 19.2 kWh. Covering 271 miles therefore went far beyond any published range figure, demonstrating just how much distance can be extracted from the battery through careful riding and the inherent efficiency of the motorcycle’s components.
A pioneer, 20 years on
Founded in 2006, Zero Motorcycles is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2026. Two decades after helping establish electric motorcycles as a serious alternative to their combustion-powered counterparts, the brand continues to push the boundaries of what electric motorcycles can achieve. This record is another demonstration of that commitment.
The DS is the accessible, A1-licence friendly, CBT compatible, dual-sport model. As the lighter sibling to the DSR/X, it combines everyday versatility with the same Z-Force powertrain philosophy found across the Zero Motorcycles range: a high-density integrated battery, a passively cooled interior permanent magnet motor and regenerative deceleration integrated into the riding experience.
That engineering was central to the record-breaking ride. The motorcycle was completely unmodified, running standard tyres and tyre pressure, with no modifications beyond the factory-available Power Tank. The distance was achieved through the inherent efficiency of the production motorcycle: the energy density of its Z-Force battery, the low losses of its drivetrain and the ability of its regenerative system to recover energy where the road and riding conditions allowed.
“We’ve spent 20 years pushing the limits of electric motorcycle technology, and our community has ridden millions of kilometres to prove it. This new record is proof that our focus on performance never wavers. Range anxiety remains a hurdle for prospective riders – by proving a real-world range of over 270 miles on a single charge, we’re showing what’s possible to welcome the next generation of riders to Zero Motorcycles.” Jarno Middelbosch, Sr. Director Global Marketing of Zero Motorcycles said.
How the record was achieved
This was no laboratory test. The record was set on public roads, including minor roads and the French equivalent of A and B roads, with no motorway riding. The route encompassed the kinds of conditions motorcyclists encounter every day: hills, town streets, villages and open country roads.
The weather added another real-world challenge. Conditions remained dry and pleasant until the route reached the Camargue, where a major storm moved in and continued through the finish. The final 60 miles were completed in pouring rain.
The route itself was carefully planned to maximise efficiency without compromising real-world riding conditions. It threaded the French-Italian Alpine region toward the Mediterranean coast, with the route designed to flow as continuously as possible while minimising energy-intensive stop-start riding at traffic lights and junctions.
Through the mountain sections, the rider made careful use of the motorcycle’s regenerative braking to recover energy back into the battery. On the more open roads toward the coast, a steady cruising speed helped minimise consumption, which increases significantly as speed rises.
The record attempt was also a group effort. Three riders on Zero Motorcycles set out together, and all three comfortably surpassed the previous record of 193 miles.
Zero Motorcycles customer Louis Renaud joined the attempt initially as an independent witness to the ride but also volunteered to participate on his own stock SR/S, covering 217 miles and ending his ride with a 4% state of charge left on the battery. Jenny Brookes, Sr. Global Brand Manager at Zero Motorcycles, rode a stock DSR/X for 239 miles until the battery ran out. Jelle Verstaen’s DS, equipped with the Power Tank, went furthest of all, covering 271.23 miles.
All three riders also maintained a significantly higher average speed than the previous record which managed 12mph. Where road conditions and speed limits allowed, the group maintained an average cruising speed of approximately 32 mph (52km/h).
“A record only means something if riders can relate to it. These were three production motorcycles, exactly as they leave our dealers, ridden on public roads – one of them by a Zero Motorcycles customer. All three surpassed the previous record. That is no one-off; it demonstrates what our technology can deliver today, and we intend to keep raising the bar.” said Pierre-Martin Bos, CEO of Zero Motorcycles.
(1) This is intended to provide a reasonable estimate of the riding range that can be expected during “stop-and-go” operation typically found in urban areas, such as that prescribed by the “City Test” duty cycle within SAE J2982. Actual range will vary based upon actual riding conditions and habits.
For more information on the record, please visit https://zeromotorcycles.com/en-gb/stories/guinness-world-records-title
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About Zero Motorcycles
Zero Motorcycles is the global leader in electric two-wheel transportation and powertrains, combining Silicon Valley innovation with traditional motorcycle DNA. Since its founding in 2006, Zero has pioneered the category with industry-leading technology, uncompromising performance, and a growing global dealer network. Today, Zero continues to shape the future of transportation with a focus on sustainability, innovation, and leadership in EV mobility.
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