Source: BikeEXIF –
The electric motorcycle debate has raged for as long as Bike EXIF has been around. The most common criticisms come from framing electric bikes to traditional bikes; range, cost, and the lack of vibration and noise. But what if we considered them complements to their petrol-driven counterparts, rather than replacements?
It takes one look at the parking lot at LAND MOTO in Cleveland, Ohio, USA, to see that the electric mobility company thinks this way. “We’re all motorcycle enthusiasts here at LAND,” says founder and CEO, Scott Colosimo. “On a nice day, our parking lot looks like a motorcycle dealership with all types of two-wheeled vehicles.”
Scott is pragmatic about the fact that full electrification is still a way off, citing battery technology and infrastructure as its biggest hurdles. So LAND MOTO is deliberately playing in the middle ground—exploiting the best characteristics of electric power with their flagship motorcycle, the District.
“When it comes to EVs and gas-powered bikes coexisting, we see strengths in both technologies,” says Scott. “EVs excel in urban environments and for shorter commutes, while gas bikes still have advantages for long-distance riding. There’s definitely overlap—and we’re working to expand where EVs can compete and excel.”
Designed, engineered, and built in-house at LAND’s 65,000-square-foot facility in Cleveland, the LAND District electric motorcycle sports a compact, minimalist aesthetic; equal parts futuristic and utilitarian. An angular tubular steel frame forms the chassis, propped up on upside-down forks at the front and a Fox Float air shock at the rear. 17” alloy wheels put the rubber to the road, with Magura brakes offering decent stopping power.
One look at the District’s myriad details, and it’s clear that LAND is obsessive about design. “Design is at the forefront of the District,” Scott confirms. “It was looked at from a design standpoint first and everything else came secondary.”
“For us, at LAND it’s mostly a cultural, mindset, and skillset thing; making sure we dig as deep as we can while understanding all of our options,” adds Evan Paint, LAND co-founder and lead industrial designer.
“This usually means extra work validating ideas, concepts, and features, and controlling important processes as much as possible. It translates into an elevated end product that is more in tune with the overall design, connecting details and building in a sort of character, or soul, to what we make.”
That commitment shines through in how well each element of the District, and each well-judged surface finish, perfectly complements the next. What little bodywork there is is either made from a PC-PBT blend, reinforced with fiberglass, or vacuum-formed ABS plastic. The battery tray is an aluminum part, as is the slick one-piece speedo and headlight mount.
CNC-machined touches include the yokes, bar clamps, and foot pegs. The seat wears a textured and molded vinyl cover, with a custom-made LED taillight tucked into the back of it.
A proprietary IPM radial flux motor hides below the battery tray, transferring power via a belt to a jackshaft, and then to the rear wheel via a chain. This setup eliminates suspension squat under acceleration—and it makes routine chores like replacing a belt or changing a sprocket delightfully simple.
But the District’s cleverest detail is one you can’t see—its versatility. Its motor can run in four different riding modes, offering between 750 W and 17 kW of power, with top speeds from 20 mph to 70 mph. That means it can be classified as an e-bike, e-moped, or electric motorcycle, depending on how you configure it.
“We deliberately chose to position the District in this middle ground,” Scott adds. “This flexibility is key for us—it broadens our potential market and gives us more options when it comes to regulatory compliance. It’s also lightweight and fun as hell to whip around.”
Starting at $6,995, the District comes in ‘Street’ and ‘Scrambler’ variants, each available in three standard colors. Options on offer include ABS plastic aero-style wheel covers, luggage mounting options, a bash guard set, and an onboard charger. You also have the choice of a 15- or 19-tooth front sprocket or a Gates carbon belt drive.
More importantly, you can pick the total battery capacity of your District, depending on the bike’s intended usage. The battery tray is made to take either one or two of LAND’s proprietary max. 1.8 kWh batteries, or one of their max. 5.5 kWh batteries. Those three setups offer up to 40, 80, and 110 miles of range, bringing the District’s weight to 198, 226, and 230 lbs.
By building a light, nimble, fun, and adaptable bike, LAND MOTO has managed to circumnavigate any discussions that pit electric bikes against gas bikes. The District isn’t trying to gobble highways or cross continents. The District Street is there to tear up asphalt in tight city streets, and the District Scrambler is set up for quick, mud-flinging blasts.
As for what’s next for the Cleveland company, right now, they’re in the process of upscaling their facilities, with a focus on expanding their CORE battery system. LAND is not just building batteries for their own bikes—they’re outsourcing their expertise too, supplying batteries and sharing data with other electric mobility players.
One of those is Bloom, a Detroit-based company that handles manufacturing and logistics for small LEV (light electric vehicle) companies. Bloom benefits from LAND’s battery technology, while LAND benefits from having their product tried, tested, and improved across myriad platforms.
“Developing our own battery technology and collaborating with other companies, like our partnership with Bloom, has been a game-changer for our R&D,” says Scott. “It allows us to see our technology integrated into a variety of applications, providing us with invaluable feedback and real-world data.”
“This continually feeds back into our development process, helping us refine and improve our technology.”
This focus on the future all but guarantees that we’ll see more offerings from LAND MOTO in time to come. Until then, the District Street and District Scrambler make for one heck of an opening salvo.
Produced in partnership with LAND MOTO | Facebook | Instagram
