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ELECTRIC
Powersports Business • June 2026 • 27
Verge Motorcycles’ solid-state battery technology faces skepticism
What was said to be a breakthrough milestone for the electric motorcycle segment is now facing scrutiny after a criminal complaint filed by a whistleblower suggests the solid-state battery developed by Verge Motorcycles’ subsidiary Donut Lab is not what it claims to be.
An article published by Science. org reported that a co-founder of Nordic Nano Group— an R & D company working with Donut Lab— told a Finnish newspaper that the technological claims made for its solidstate battery are not true.
Both Donut Lab and Verge claim the new battery technology delivers significantly
faster charging and extended range compared to conventional lithium-ion systems. The solid-state batteries were said to enable
up to 370 miles of range and add 186 miles in 5 to 10 minutes of charging. Verge also claimed the battery would withstand 100,000 charging cycles— 20 times more than current lithium-ion batteries.
Following the January announcement, Donut Lab received pushback from leading battery manufacturers, including SVOLT out of China, with its CEO calling the technology a“ scam.”
Nordic Nano Group is challenging Verge’ s claims that its solid-state battery technology for motorcycles is capable of 10-minute charging, with a range of 370 miles.
In response, Donut Lab launched a website, IDonutBelieve. com, which released technology reports from a Finnish state-owned research company that verifies Donut’ s initial claims.
But Lauri Peltola, chief commercial officer of Nordic Nano double-downed, telling the Finnish paper that Donut indeed exaggerated those claims and misrepresented its ability to go into mass production, Science reported.
“ I still firmly stand behind everything I said,” Peltola says.“ The information that I have says that the battery is not in the state that( Donut CEO) Marko Lehtimäki announced in January.”
Meanwhile, other mainstream solid-state battery producers are still struggling to reach mass production. Semi-solid-state batteries have been developed by other companies, but offer relatively modest benefits over conventional batteries, Science reports.
Colorado town launches reporting tool targeting unsafe e-motorcycle use
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The Parker Police Department has launched a new online reporting tool aimed at addressing unsafe and unlawful use of electric motorcycles and dirt bikes in the southeast Denver metro area.
According to a report from CBS Colorado, the anonymous“ E-Bike, Dirt Bike, & E-Motorcycle Safety Reporting” tool allows residents in Parker, Colorado, to report locations and details involving unsafe riding activity on streets, trails and public property.
Police officials said the initiative is focused specifically on electric motorcycles and dirt bikes— not traditional bicycles or standard e-bikes. In a statement cited by
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CBS Colorado, the department said many riders involved in complaints are unlicensed, uninsured and operating vehicles in ways that create safety concerns for pedestrians, motorists and other trail users.
The department also noted concerns over damage to trails, parks and private property caused by unauthorized riding activity.
In addition to enforcement efforts, Parker police said they are developing educational initiatives aimed at helping parents and riders better understand the legal distinctions between e-bikes and electric motorcycles. Officials emphasized that electric motorcycles are subject to the same licensing,
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registration and roadway requirements as gas-powered motorcycles.
The town’ s micromobility guidelines also state that Class 3 e-bikes, along with electric and gas-powered dirt bikes and motorbikes, are prohibited on Parker’ s trail network.
The move reflects growing scrutiny from municipalities across the country as higherpowered electric two-wheel vehicles continue gaining popularity while creating new regula-
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In a statement cited by CBS Colorado, the department said many riders involved in complaints are unlicensed, uninsured and operating vehicles in ways that create safety concerns for pedestrians, motorists and other trail users.( Photo: Parker Police Department)
tory and enforcement challenges for local governments and law enforcement agencies.
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Segway’ s Dakar-inspired electric dirt bike hits dealerships
First unveiled at CES 2026 in Las Vegas, Segway claims its Xaber 300 electric dirt bike can reach a top speed of 60 mph.
The Xaber 300 is just the latest electric vehicle released by Segway, which has rolled out four e-bikes over the last two years— the Xyber and Xafari in 2025, and the Myon and the Muxi earlier this year.
However, the Xaber 300 packs a lot more punch than Segway’ s previous commuter, leisure-style e-bikes. Inspired by the X1000 prototype, which competed in the Future Mission 1000 experimental low-emissions vehicle class of the 2025 Dakar Rally, Segway says the Xaber 300 hits a top speed of 60 mph and a 0 – 50 mph sprint in 5.5 seconds. That kind of power outshines standard e-bike performance, putting the Xaber 300 into the lightweight electric motorcycle segment.
“ This marks another major step forward in Segway’ s strategy to broaden its electric mobility portfolio and make high-performance electric transportation and recreation accessible to riders of all lifestyles,” says Nick Howe, head of e-bike at Segway Powersports.
Weighing 187 pounds, with a power-toweight ratio of 24.7 %, the Xaber 300 has four power modes that allow users to choose between 150, 200, and 300cc equivalents, as well as a“ Beast Mode.” It has a virtual
Weighing 187 pounds, with a power-to-weight ratio of 24.7 %, the Xaber 300 has four power modes, including“ Beast Mode.”( Photo: Segway)
e-clutch and is powered by a 72V and 44Ah battery with just over 3 kWh of capacity. Segway claims up to 62 miles of range in its lowest power mode, but drops to 30 miles in higher performance modes.
A selectable Traction Control System will have settings for different terrain, and riders can set the maximum wheelie angle in the app for skill progression. It will also include GPS tracking, geo-fencing, speed control, and overthe-air updates that are managed through a 2.4−inch TFT display with built-in connectivity.
The Xaber 300 is priced at $ 5,299 and comes in two colorways— Red / Silver and Black / Silver.