Yamaha unveils new NMAX E, bringing electric power to its popular motorbike lineup
Yamaha is expanding its electric two-wheeler lineup with a much more capable machine, unveiling the new NMAX E as an electric version of its popular NMAX sport scooter.
The 2027 Yamaha NMAX E is being positioned as a 125cc-equivalent electric scooter, putting it firmly above the low-speed urban electric scooters that have made up much of Yamaha’s electric lineup thus far.
At its heart is Yamaha’s new compact eAxle drive unit, which sends power to the rear wheel through a belt drive. The electric motor produces 6.7 kW (9 hp) of nominal power and peaks at 7.5 kW (10 hp), along with 33.3 Nm (24.6 lb-ft) of torque.
Yamaha hasn’t published a top speed in the specifications, but the NMAX E’s A1 classification puts it in the same general category as 125cc combustion scooters rather than urban mopeds.
Power comes from a centrally mounted 3.5 kWh lithium-ion battery, which Yamaha says provides up to 104 km (65 miles) of range on the WMTC Class 1 testing cycle. The L-shaped battery is mounted low and centrally in the chassis to help maintain a low center of gravity.
Unlike many electric scooters that rely on removable batteries, the NMAX E uses a fixed pack. Yamaha has compensated for that with an onboard 800W charger, allowing riders to plug the scooter directly into a household outlet or an AC Type 2 public charging station. A full 0-100% charge takes around 5.5 hours.
Riders can choose between three riding modes. Sport (S) mode offers the quickest acceleration, Touring (T) provides smoother power delivery for everyday riding and carrying a passenger, and Eco (E) reduces acceleration and top speed while maximizing range. Regenerative braking is also included.
The rest of the scooter is fairly well equipped, including traction control, ABS, 245mm front and rear disc brakes, 13-inch wheels, a 33mm fork, dual rear shocks, and even a reverse mode to make low-speed maneuvering easier.
A five-inch TFT display includes smartphone connectivity through Yamaha’s Motor On app, providing turn-by-turn navigation as well as battery status, ride information, maintenance reminders, and other connected features. There’s also keyless ignition, USB-C charging, LED lighting, and illuminated underseat storage large enough for a full-face helmet, depending on its size.
Perhaps most importantly, the NMAX E looks like a proper Yamaha scooter rather than an electric experiment. Its dual headlights and distinctive side panels closely follow the styling language of Yamaha’s existing MAX family.
That could prove important as established motorcycle manufacturers increasingly attempt to bring electric models into their existing lineups rather than treating them as separate curiosities.
Pricing and exact market availability haven’t yet been announced, but Yamaha is positioning the NMAX E as a 2027 model for the European market.
