Can-Am may be a name associated with four-wheeled utility vehicles and three-wheeled motorcycles, but the brand started out building two-wheelers. Now Can-Am Motorcycles is returning to the era of electric transportation with the launch of the 2025 Pulse and Origin.
Can-Am originally announced plans to re-enter the two-wheeler space with electric models a little over two years ago, following up with a production update and some photos of prototypes last year. Now the official launch is here.
“Today, we are reclaiming our two-wheeled heritage by bringing new excitement to the electric motorcycle industry,” said José Boisjoli, president and CEO of Bombadier Recreational Products. Bombadier Recreational Products also includes Sea-Doo, Rotax and Lynx in its corporate division.
“50 years ago, Can-Am celebrated many victories with its Track 'n Trail motorcycles, and we are bringing back that pedigree with a focus on modern electric power, connectivity and excitement. We aim to be a global leader in this space with true innovation designed to simplify the riding experience for new riders and introduce electric motorcycles to everyone.”
Can-Am/BRP
Both the Pulse and Origin are built around a Rotax E-Power 47-hp (35-kW) motor that delivers 53 lb.ft (72 Nm) of peak torque up to 4,600 rpm and an 8.9-kWh Li-ion battery that has been “battle-tested in scorching desert heat and frigid winter temperatures.” The battery, charger, inverter, and motor are liquid-cooled, which Can-Am says “significantly limits battery degradation over time while simultaneously optimizing range and charge time.” A quick charge to 80% capacity is reportedly achieved in just 50 minutes, based on a Level 2 charge.
The Pulse e-moto is designed for urban riding, reaching 60 mph in 3.8 seconds and reaching a top speed of 80 mph (129 km/h). There are Normal, Sport+, Eco, and Rain riding modes, plus reverse for parking assistance. Urban driving range per charge is reported to be 100 miles (160 km), or 80 miles total, which should be enough for most commutes.
Can-Am Pulse Walkaround – Can-Am Motorcycles
Crucial ride data is displayed on a generous 10.25-inch touchscreen with built-in Apple CarPlay navigation and the ability to connect to a mobile app. The bike has a very accessible 30.86-inch (784 mm) seat height, has a 55.6-inch (1,412 mm) wheelbase, and tips the scales at a dry weight of 390 lb (177 kg).
Anti-lock brakes and traction control help to funnel some charge back into the battery, along with Active ReGen braking for “improved control and smooth deceleration.” Rough urban terrain is soaked up thanks to a KYB inverted suspension fork with 140mm of travel and dual Sachs shocks out back. And the Pulse rides on 17-inch wheels wrapped in Dunlop Sportmax tires.
As a nod to the brand’s motorcycle heritage, an optional Pulse 73 trim level is also offered, which comes with signature paint and badging, as well as LED lighting and a LinQ instrument spoiler.
Can-Am/BRP
Origin is at home in the city, but it can also venture into the wilderness – but this model’s range per charge is 90 miles (145 km), or just 52 miles for continuous 50-mile riding, so you’ll need to plan carefully when venturing off-road or risk pushing the e-bike home. In fact, Can-Am recently had to move test bikes and riders from its corporate headquarters to the trailhead because there wasn’t enough power in the cells to get out there and into the wilderness unaided!
The bike has six riding modes and adds two off-road levels to the Pulse’s offering, with the same top speed but a slightly slower 4.3 seconds to 60 mph. Its improved KYB suspension offers 255mm of travel in the fork and adjustable KYB rear compression for all-terrain riding.
The seat height here increases to 34 in (865 mm) and the wheelbase to 59 in (1,503 mm), and this bike is also heavier at 412 lb (187 kg). There are 21-inch wheels up front and 18-inch wheels in the rear, both wearing Dunlop D605 tires. This flavor is also available in the optional 73 trim, but it replaces the Pulse's spoiler with a windshield.
Can-Am Origin Walkaround – Can-Am Motorcycles
Both models are available for pre-order now, with the Pulse starting at $13,999, while the Origin starts at $14,499. A range of tool-free LinQ accessories for both models can help riders add their own personality or utility to Can-Am’s new electric motorcycles.
Product page: Can-Am Pulse/Origin