Can-Am Origin Electric Motorcycle Review: A Blast to Ride, But Don’t Plan a Long Trip It wasn’t until electric cars started hitting 200 miles per charge that buyers got over their range anxiety. Electric motorcycles, however, often have ranges measured in double digits, making them a tougher sell. The focus for many is on a good time, not a long time, and that perfectly describes the Can-Am Origin. This $14,499 battery-powered dual-sport is a fun, flickable, go-anywhere machine that I managed to run out of electrons in under 45 miles. Thankfully, there is a lot more to the story. Can-Am has a long history with performance off-road vehicles, and its partnership with Austrian engine experts Rotax continues into the EV age with the Origin. The bike is built around an 8.9-kWh battery pack, which is about one-tenth the size of a Tesla Model 3’s pack. This powers a motorcycle designed to be as capable off-road as it is on pavement. The Origin fits squarely in the dual-sport category with its knobby tires and wire-spoke wheels, though the single-sided swingarm is a novel touch. Its styling is decidedly futuristic, with an upright fairing and a stacked headlight that gives it a distinct, almost robotic appearance. A 10.25-inch LCD display dominates the cockpit and is even Apple CarPlay compatible. That display is a standout feature. Many electric motorcycles suffer from dim screens that are hard to read in sunlight, but the Origin’s is bright, crisp, and mostly intuitive. My only gripe is the large safety disclaimer that appears every time you start the bike. The Origin throws out convention with its unique throttle. It twists both ways. The traditional twist towards you accelerates, while twisting it away from you increases regenerative braking. There is even a reverse mode, which is useful for maneuvering the 412-pound bike, which is about 50 pounds heavier than a gas-powered equivalent. The left handlebar is packed with controls for drive modes, display menus, and even full media playback, giving you control over your music without touching your phone. For a rider of my height, the 34-inch seat was a pleasant surprise, allowing me to stand flat-footed. The ergonomics are excellent for both sitting and standing. My only comfort complaint was significant wind buffeting from the fairing; the optional windshield would be a must-have for me. Riding the Origin is an absolute blast. With 47 horsepower and 53 pound-feet of torque, it is not the fastest electric bike available, but it has more than enough power to be thrilling. The traction control system is particularly impressive, expertly managing the instant torque to prevent wheelspin whether on asphalt or gravel. The knobby tires provide a slightly loose feel on the road, a worthy trade-off for their off-road capability. The major limitation is range. While Can-Am claims up to 90 miles in the city, my real-world experience was different. Riding gently on rural roads, I struggled to reach 60 miles. Riding normally and more aggressively, I depleted the battery in less than 45 miles. The saving grace is the onboard Level 2 charger. Because the battery is relatively small, a full charge takes under 90 minutes, and a partial top-up can be done in under an hour. This opens the door to longer rides if you plan your stops around charging. The Can-Am Origin is not a long-distance tourer. It is a short-burst machine perfect for trail blasting or energetic commutes home. It is a stylish, incredibly fun, two-wheeled smile factory, just make sure your adventures are close to an outlet.
