The complete 2012 model lineup from Zero Motorcycles was launched in Canadian dealerships March 16, just in time for riding season. The company’s MX, street and dual-sport motorcycles are powered by lithium polymer batteries, making them the first complete line of 100 per cent electric bikes to make headlines in North America.

The brand released its first prototype in 2006, but has made a series of significant improvements over the years, including longer battery life, more power and better suspension.

TJ Aguirre of Zero Motorcycles said the 2012 Zero MX has experienced a series of aesthetic changes, including new plastic as well as a broader performance range enabled by a three kW-hour modular battery pack that delivers 45 minutes to an hour of track riding or two hours on the trail.

The Zero X 2012 has the same features as the dirt bike, but comes stock with a street kit and smaller rear tire. Expect 38 miles of road range at a top speed of 56 miles per hour on the street.

The bikes come at an ideal time, as energy efficiency and fuel conservation sit at the top of consumers’ wish lists.

“The electric movement is just really starting to take off,” said Zero’s vice-president of global marketing, Scot Harden. “Electrics are going to evolve. They are going to get to a point where, at some point, performance-wise they will be able to be matched up spec for spec with an internal combustion.”

For more information, see the Zero Motorcycles website.