Lightning Motorcycle
Lightning Motorcycle is a privately held US manufacturer of high-performance electric motorcycles (LS-218, Strike R, Strike C) built on a proprietary 800V architecture and EDGE modular platform, selling direct-to-consumer to individual riders and licensing its electrification technology to OEMs.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2006
- HeadquartersHollister, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Lightning Motorcycle does
Lightning Motors Corporation, operating as Lightning Motorcycle, is a privately held US electric motorcycle manufacturer founded in 2006 by Richard Hatfield and headquartered in Hollister, California. The company designs, assembles, and sells high-performance electric two-wheelers spanning a commuter sport bike (Strike C, $12,998 starting), a premium sport platform (Strike R, $26,998 base), and the flagship LS-218 superbike ($38,988 base), the world's fastest production motorcycle at 218 mph. The product portfolio is built on a proprietary 800V high-voltage architecture, an axial-flux liquid-cooled drivetrain, the Lightning-Fast Charge System (XFC) capable of 20–80% charging in approximately 11 minutes, and the new EDGE modular electrification platform announced in 2026 that packages the technology stack into eight plug-and-play "cubes" intended for OEM licensing.
Lightning sells exclusively direct-to-consumer through lightningmotorcycle.com with refundable reservation deposits ($250–$10,000), phone/email support, and an online configurator. There is no dealer network disclosed; primary market is the United States with planned expansion into the European Union and India. The customer base is overwhelmingly individual consumer riders (performance enthusiasts, daily commuters, and racers) rather than enterprise accounts. A secondary revenue stream is being incubated via EDGE platform licensing to global OEMs across motorcycles, marine, aerospace, and commercial vehicles. Funding to date has come primarily from a founder-led $1M round in 2019 and equity crowdfunding via Netcapital in 2023 ($497K) and 2024 (~$147K), with revenue not publicly disclosed.
Operationally the company is small (11–50 employees per firmographic data) and is led by founder/CEO/CTO Richard Hatfield and COO Jojo Hatfield, supported by a technical bench that includes alumni of Apple (iCloud), Microsoft, Netflix, and Remy Motor, plus Jamie Hyneman (MythBusters) as technical advisor. Competitive differentiation rests on three pillars: world-record and racing-proven performance (Bonneville 215+ mph, 2013 Pikes Peak overall win, FIM ePower championships), industry-leading fast-charge capability on standard Level 3 infrastructure, and a modular cell-agnostic battery architecture designed to insulate the platform from future chemistry obsolescence.
Lightning Motorcycle firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Lightning Motorcycle
- Legal name
- LIGHTNING MOTORS CORPORATION
- Website
- https://lightningmotorcycle.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2006
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Lightning Motorcycle is a privately held US manufacturer of high-performance electric motorcycles (LS-218, Strike R, Strike C) built on a proprietary 800V architecture and EDGE modular platform, selling direct-to-consumer to individual riders and licensing its electrification technology to OEMs.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Lightning Motorcycle industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Electric Motorcycles
- NAICS
- Motorcycle, Bicycle, and Parts Manufacturing (336991)
- SIC
- Motorcycles, Bicycles & Parts (3751)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Electric Motorcycles & Electric Scooters Manufacturing (IMACAEAB)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Automotive Charging Hardware Manufacturing (On-board Chargers, Charge Inlets, DC-DC) (IMACAJAK), Automotive Power Electronics & Inverters/Converters Manufacturing (IMACAJAE)
Keywords
Where Lightning Motorcycle is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Hollister
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
Lightning Motorcycle business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Technology or R&D, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Electric Motorcycle Sales: Revenue from direct sales of electric motorcycles including LS-218, Strike R, Strike Carbon, and Strike C models. One-time hardware purchase with optional configuration upgrades. Prices range from $12,998 to $38,988 base pricing with various add-on options.
- EDGE Platform Licensing: Lightning EDGE modular electrification architecture positioned as a licensing catalyst for global OEMs. Enables scaling technology across diverse segments from superbikes to commuter mobility without traditional factory investment. Asset-light scalability model.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | LS-218 - Premium Superbike |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Strike R - Sport Motorcycle |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Strike Standard - Entry Performance |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Strike Carbon Edition - Fully Loaded |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Strike C - Commuter Sport |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels7 records
Lightning Motorcycle product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Lightning Motorcycle designs, manufactures, and sells high-performance electric motorcycles, including the LS-218 superbike, the Strike family (Strike, Strike R, Strike C), and the EDGE modular electrification architecture platform. The company leverages proprietary 800V high-voltage architecture and Lightning-Fast Charge (XFC) technology enabling 20% to 80% charging in approximately 11 minutes, with the LS-218 holding the world record as the fastest production motorcycle at 218 mph.
Product overview
Lightning Motorcycles is an advanced technology company that manufactures the world's highest-performing electric motorcycles. The product portfolio centers on three electric motorcycle platforms: the LS-218 superbike (world's fastest at 218 mph), the Strike family (Strike, Strike R, and Strike C) offering performance from premium mass-market to commuter segments, and the EDGE modular electrification architecture platform for OEM licensing. Key technologies include the Lightning-Fast Charge System (XFC) enabling 10-12 minute charging and the Lightning Dash telemetry system. The company validates technology through competition, holding multiple racing championships and land speed records.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- EDGE: Modular Electric System Architecture - 800V platform with 8 intelligent modular cubes enabling fast charging, software-defined power, and OEM-ready electrification for various vehicle applications.
- LS-218
- Strike
- Strike R
- Strike C
- XFC (Xtreme Fast Charge)
Products and services
- LS-218 Superbike The world's fastest production electric motorcycle, featuring 244 horsepower, 220 ft/lb torque, 0-60 mph in under 2 seconds, and top speed of 218 mph. Includes Ohlins suspension, Brembo brakes, and a 380V battery system with up to 335 miles range with the optional Lightning-Fast Charge System. Base price $38,988.
- Strike R An evolution of the Strike platform featuring 180 horsepower with 380V pack, 293 miles combined city/highway range, and optional 24 kWh Lightning-Fast Charge System with 312 miles range. Offers ultra-lightweight design, axial flux motor technology, and track-capable performance with daily commute comfort. Base price $26,998.
- Strike C A commuter-focused electric sport bike in the Strike product family, featuring 142 horsepower, 186 ft/lbs torque, 20 kWh battery with 255 miles combined range, and 30% better aerodynamics than other electric bikes. Designed with knowledge and capabilities of the LS-218 for urban riding. Sold Out for 2024 Model Year.
- Lightning Strike The premium mass-market electric motorcycle offering 150 mile range, 150 mph top speed, and 35 minute DC charging. Engineered for the track but designed for the street, providing competition-proven performance at an accessible price point starting at $12,998.
- EDGE Modular Electric System Architecture A modular electric system architecture platform built from record-breaking racing DNA. EDGE is designed around 8 intelligent modular 'cubes' enabling 800V performance, 11-minute fast charging, and OEM licensing. Provides plug-and-play electrification system for motorcycles, marine, aerospace, and commercial vehicle applications with supply chain resilience and chemistry-independent battery design.
- Lightning-Fast Charge System (XFC) An extreme fast-charging battery system sold as an upgrade option, enabling charging to 80% in approximately 10-12 minutes. The 24kWh XFC system adds 135 miles range in under 10 minutes using widely available Level 3 public charging stations, over 5X faster than competitors.
Quantifiable outcome
- 218 mph top speed - fastest production electric motorcycle in the world
- +7 more outcomes
Companies that use Lightning Motorcycle
Customer profileNamed customers7 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Lightning Motorcycle technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
AI capability3 records
Feature8 records
Lightning Motorcycle partnerships and signals
Strategic signalScale indicators11 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Lightning Motorcycle competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Zero Motorcycles: Zero is the closest direct competitor, also producing high-performance electric motorcycles (SR/F, SR/S, FXE) for sport and commuter riders in California. Both companies target performance enthusiasts with premium pricing and direct/limited dealer sales, competing head-to-head on power, range, and charging speed.
- Energica Motor Company: Energica is an Italian premium electric motorcycle manufacturer (Experia, Ego, Eva) and the sole supplier for the MotoE racing series. Like Lightning, it focuses on high-performance sport bikes with race-proven technology and is a directly comparable premium-positioning peer.
- Harley-Davidson LiveWire: LiveWire is Harley-Davidson's standalone electric motorcycle brand (Del Mar, One, S2 Mulholland) targeting the same premium urban/performance segment as Lightning's Strike platform. It brings established OEM-scale resources and dealer infrastructure, making it a direct competitor with very different unit economics.
Emerging players
- Verge Motorcycles: Verge is a Finnish electric motorcycle maker (TS, TS Pro, California) notable for hubless rear-wheel motor design. It targets the same high-performance premium segment and competes on distinctive technology and design, similar to Lightning's race-validated approach.
- Cake (Cake 0 Emission): Cake is a Swedish electric two-wheeler maker producing lightweight, design-forward utility and commuter motorcycles (Ösa, Kalk). Comparable to Lightning as a design- and technology-driven EV entrant, though positioned at lower power/price points in the urban segment.
- Super73: Super73 is a California-based e-bike brand with strong lifestyle branding and D2C sales. Comparable to Lightning as a California-origin EV two-wheeler company with a direct-to-consumer model and strong enthusiast community, though targeting the lower-power e-bike segment.
- NIU Technologies: NIU is a leading Chinese smart electric scooter manufacturer with global distribution. It is comparable to Lightning in EV two-wheeler focus, but targets mass-market urban commuters at much lower price points with volume-scale manufacturing.
- Damon Motors: Damon is a Canadian electric motorcycle startup (Hypersport, Hyperfighter) focused on safety-tech differentiation with CoPilot 360° and Shiftable Ergonomics. Like Lightning, it is a smaller, technology-forward entrant in the premium e-motorcycle category.
Broad incumbents
- BMW Motorrad (electric models): BMW's CE 04 electric scooter and electric concepts place it as a broad incumbent in premium electric two-wheelers. Comparable to Lightning as a Tier-1 OEM with significantly greater resources, established dealer/service network, and broader vehicle portfolio.
Others
- Arcimoto: Arcimoto is an Oregon-based three-wheeled electric vehicle maker (FUV, Deliveru) targeting urban mobility. Adjacent rather than directly competitive with Lightning, but comparable as a small-cap, Oregon/Pacific-Northwest-rooted EV mobility company with direct-sales model.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Lightning Motorcycle social profiles
Digital presenceLightning Motorcycle compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance2 records
Lightning Motorcycle financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Lightning Motorcycle leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles11 records
Lightning Motorcycle funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds3 records
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Lightning Motorcycle M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Lightning Motorcycle
What does Lightning Motorcycle do?
Lightning Motorcycle designs, manufactures, and sells high-performance electric motorcycles, including the LS-218 superbike, the Strike family (Strike, Strike R, Strike C), and the EDGE modular electrification architecture platform. The company leverages proprietary 800V high-voltage architecture and Lightning-Fast Charge (XFC) technology enabling 20% to 80% charging in approximately 11 minutes, with the LS-218 holding the world record as the fastest production motorcycle at 218 mph.
Is Lightning Motorcycle a public or private company?
Lightning Motorcycle is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Lightning Motorcycle founded?
Lightning Motorcycle was founded in 2006. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Lightning Motorcycle based?
Lightning Motorcycle is headquartered in Hollister, United States, in the North America region.
How does Lightning Motorcycle make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Electric Motorcycle Sales are the primary driver. The others are EDGE Platform Licensing.
Who are Lightning Motorcycle's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Zero Motorcycles, Energica Motor Company and Harley-Davidson LiveWire. Emerging players are Verge Motorcycles, Cake (Cake 0 Emission), Super73, NIU Technologies and Damon Motors. BMW Motorrad (electric models) is listed as a broad incumbent. Arcimoto is listed as an others.
Does Lightning Motorcycle have an API?
No public API is recorded for Lightning Motorcycle.
What industry is Lightning Motorcycle in?
Lightning Motorcycle's product category is Electric Motorcycles. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMACAEAB, Electric Motorcycles & Electric Scooters Manufacturing, with a secondary code of IMACAJAK, Automotive Charging Hardware Manufacturing (On-board Chargers, Charge Inlets, DC-DC). Its NAICS code is 336991 and its SIC code is 3751.