EICMA 2026: E-Two-Wheelers Split into High Performance and Brand Play; 750 W e-MTB Debuts

Lead: The 83rd EICMA Milan Motorcycle Show ran from 3 to 8 November 2026 (press days 3–4 November, public days 5–8 November). Electric two-wheelers at this edition showed a clear split into two tracks: one moving upward into high performance and premium positioning, the other entering Europe with compliant commuter models backed by local channels.

1. Honda Unveils Its First High-End e-MTB, the RN0

On 3 November, Honda world-premiered its first high-end electric-assist mountain bike (e-MTB), the Honda RN0, at EICMA 2026, developed jointly with ROTWILD, the German high-end e-MTB manufacturer. Public details include:

• Approximately 24 kg, with Honda's proprietary carbon monocoque frame and gull-arm swingarm;
• Suspension: FOX 36 FLOAT Factory Kashima fork with 160 mm travel and FOX FLOAT X Factory Kashima shock;
• Wheels: DT Swiss H1900 SPLINE in a mullet configuration — 29-inch front, 27.5-inch rear; Schwalbe Albert EVO Trail tyres and SHIMANO DEORE XT four-piston brakes;
• Drive: a new-generation SHIMANO drive unit weighing 2.3 kg, with 100 Nm maximum torque, 750 W maximum output and a 720 Wh battery;
• AUTO ASSIST (adjusts assistance to gradient and rider effort) and AUTO SHIFT (automatic shifting to hold optimal cadence);
• Frame sizes S / M / L.

One technical distinction that must be stated clearly (editorial judgement): the published 750 W is a maximum (peak) output figure, whereas the EU test for an EPAC (electrically power-assisted cycle) turns on 250 W continuous rated power and 25 km/h assistance cut-off. These are different measures, and peak power cannot be used to classify a product. Exporters benchmarking against such products should first confirm the target market's classification (EPAC / L1e-A / L1e-B / off-road vehicle), not compare wattage first.

2. Japanese and European Brands: Electric Scooters Keep Pushing Performance Upward

Yamaha launched the NMAX E on 3 November, positioned as a next-generation electric sports scooter; Zero Motorcycles unveiled Project Ventura; ZXMoto and others brought full model ranges. The overall signal: established motorcycle makers are treating electrification as a product-line extension rather than a supplement.

3. Chinese Brands: Landing in Europe via "Local Partner + Full Range"

According to EICMA's official news of 8 November 2026, Chinese brand TAILG is entering the Italian market through BIS with three electric scooters:

• R55L: urban commuting, 2,000 W motor, 74 V / 28 Ah lithium battery, manufacturer-claimed range 85 km;
• F73L: dual-battery configuration;
• T80Pro: top speed 90 km/h, manufacturer-claimed range 150 km measured at an average 45 km/h.

Around the same dates, LYVA, the global brand of Luyuan Group, presented its global smart-mobility strategy and several concept models in Milan.

This route is worth noting: not "low-cost complete vehicles exported directly", but "brand + local distributor + compliant models." A 90 km/h scooter falls into the L3e motorcycle category, requiring whole-vehicle type approval, braking/ABS, lighting and EMC compliance. That such products reach Italy indicates the compliance and channel capability is already in place.

4. Two Tracks, Two Capabilities

5. Three Takeaways for Exporters

1. Fix the regulatory category before defining the product: power, speed, whether pedals are fitted and whether assistance is speed-limited determine the certification path and target market — this order cannot be reversed;
2. Brand-building needs a local "landing partner": Honda worked with ROTWILD for the mountain bike; TAILG entered Italy with BIS — complementary technology and channels get there faster than going alone;
3. Read trends at trade shows, not individual products: EICMA's value is seeing "performance moving up" and "compliance moving down" happen simultaneously. For manufacturers, that means platform capability — one electric drive platform covering multiple categories — matters more than a single hit model.