26 • November 2025 • Powersports Business

Zero Motorcycles is sharpening its focus on global growth with two major moves: the transition of its global headquarters to the Netherlands and the appointment of Backbone Media as its U. S. public relations agency of record.

The shift of key global functions from Scotts Valley, California, to Zero’ s European headquarters marks a strategic evolution for the company, positioning it closer to its fastest-growing market. Europe has become the primary driver of Zero’ s expansion in electric two-wheel transportation, and the new global hub is aimed at strengthening collaboration, agility, and execution across international operations.

Despite the change, Zero reaffirmed its strong commitment to the U. S. market. The company’ s Scotts Valley location will remain its long-term innovation hub for R & D and

After announcing in July that it was the fastest electric motorcycle manufacturer to reach profitability, Stark Future has unveiled the VARG SM, a fully electric, road-legal Supermoto. Following the success of the company’ s MX and EX platforms, the new VARG SM brings Stark’ s lightweight engineering and cutting-edge electric powertrain to a broader audience— including urban and performance riders in Europe, North America, Australia, and New Zealand.

Weighing just 274.5 pounds and producing up to 80 horsepower, the VARG SM boasts the highest power-to-weight ratio of any production Supermoto. With 674 ft-lbs. of torque at the rear wheel, the bike offers instant acceleration. Riders can also fine-tune power delivery, regeneration, and engine braking through the onboard control system to adapt to urban streets, twisty roads, or kart tracks.

ADVANCED POWERTRAIN The VARG SM features a 7.2 kWh honeycomb magnesium battery, which doubles as a structural chassis element for added rigidity and balance. Stark claims a“ real-world” range of up to 74.6 miles in mixed-urban riding and a engineering, continuing to drive the design and development of Zero’ s advanced electric motorcycles and powertrains.

“ Our U. S. dealer network remains critical to our success,” says Zero Motorcycles CEO Sam Paschel.“ We’ re doubling down on innovation here in California while uniting our global teams in Europe to move even faster. This is about focus, discipline, and leading the transformation of the powersports industry.”

To support this next phase, Zero’ s primary shareholder has committed $ 50 million in new funding, reinforcing confidence in the company’ s direction and leadership position in the electric powersports category.

Following the success of the company’ s MX and EX platforms, the new VARG Supermoto brings Stark’ s engineering and electric powertrain to a broader audience— including urban and performance riders in North America.( Photo: Stark Future)

recharge time of less than two hours using the company’ s 3.3 kW portable charger— compact enough to fit in a backpack and compatible with standard outlets and AC car chargers.

The company says its carbon-fiber-sleeved motor integrates the inverter and is tested to full automotive standards for durability and thermal stability.

RACE ENGINEERING Built on a high-strength steel frame with a forged aluminum subframe, the VARG SM incorporates KYB 48 mm closed-cartridge forks with 290 mm of travel and a fully adjustable rear shock

The shift of key global functions from Scotts Valley, California, to Zero’ s European headquarters marks a strategic evolution for the company, positioning it closer to its fastest-growing market.( Photo: Zero Motorcycles / Facebook)

NEW PR TEAM As part of its expansion strategy, Zero has also named Backbone Media as its U. S. PR agency of record. Backbone will handle strategic communications, media relations, and brand storytelling as Zero continues to roll

with 303 mm of travel. CNC-machined hubs, aero-grade rims, and Brembo brakes ensure precise handling and stopping power.

Founded six years ago, Stark posted € 47 million in Q2 2025 revenue( approx. $ 51 million USD), more than doubling year-overyear. The Spain-based company now leads the global electric motorcycle market in volume, revenue, and growth rate.

The cockpit includes Stark’ s rugged Arkenstone display, a waterproof, Android-based touchscreen providing GPS navigation, ride data, power mapping, and over-the-air updates— all managed directly from the handlebars.

ROAD LEGAL Fully road-legal in major global markets— including the U. S. Rider aids include Crawl Mode with reverse, multiple custom ride modes, and an optional handlebar-mounted handbrake for stunt or track use.

Key road-ready features include:

• 4,000−lumen headlamp

• Flexible optical-silicone indicators

• Integrated rear fender / license plate holder out new models, expand its dealer network, and strengthen its position in the electric mobility market.

“ Zero Motorcycles is a category-defining brand,” says Ian Anderson, vice president of earned media at Backbone.“ We’ re thrilled to help amplify its mission of transforming motorcycling through electrification and performance.”

Paschel adds,“ partnering with Backbone gives us the platform to tell our story with greater impact— connecting with riders who value performance, sustainability, and innovation.”

With a new global headquarters in the Netherlands, continued engineering leadership in California, and fresh communications firepower in the U. S., Zero Motorcycles is poised to accelerate into its next era as a major force in electric two-wheeled mobility.

With no oil changes, filters, or valve adjustments, maintenance demands are minimal— another appeal for urban and commuter riders entering the electric segment.

PERFORMANCE AND SUSTAINABILITY The VARG SM produces zero emissions and meets strict European environmental standards, using sustainable materials throughout production. Stark says it“ outperforms every combustion Supermoto in its class— without the noise.”

CONFIGURATIONS AND PRICING The VARG SM is available for order now through Stark’ s global network of more than 500 dealers and via StarkFuture. com.

Two configurations are offered:

• Standard( 60 hp) – $ 12,900 USD(€ 12,990 / £ 10,900 / CAD 17,990)

• Alpha( 80 hp) – $ 13,900 USD(€ 13,990 / £ 11,900 / CAD 18,990)

Both models can be customized with titanium components, tire options from Pirelli, Dunlop, Michelin, or Anlas, and a hand or foot rear brake configuration.

900L

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