Electric motorbikes are a niche market at the moment. Just 3.4% of powered two-wheelers sold in Britain during 2024 were electric – but Vmoto claims a bigger slice of this modest pie than anyone else. The Vmoto Stash is the brand’s range-topping model.

Its main role is commuting, but taking this motorbike on a motorhome can also makes sense for motorhome owners looking for a green and fun way to make short trips on tour. A motorbike such as the Vmoto Stash also makes a good alternative to those who are not keen on towing a car with a motorhome, offering a convenient method for getting around once you’re pitched up.

The first thing you notice about the Stash is the way it looks. Styled by British designer Adrian Morton, this is an eye-catching machine, whether you choose the blue/black or grey/black colour scheme.

Some small electric bikes are like three-quarter-scale models of proper bikes – but the Stash really does look like the real thing.

Looks can be deceptive, though, as you don’t need a full motorbike licence to ride the Stash. Complete a day-long Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) course and you can ride the Vmoto with L-plates, as it’s classified as a 125cc-equivalent bike.

The CBT pass certificate remains valid for two years, during which time you can either take the theory and practical tests to gain a full licence, or simply repeat the CBT to renew it for another couple of years.

The display showing charge, speed and mileage
Clear screen display shows speed, mileage and remaining charge

To be rated as a 125cc equivalent, electric bikes must have a continuous power output of no more than 11kW (just under 15hp). However, it’s fine for them to have a higher peak power output. So while the Vmoto provides a continuous power output of 9kW, peak power is 16kW (over 21hp).

The upshot is that the Stash has a surprising turn of speed for a bike that can be ridden on L-plates.

Anyone who is used to riding a bigger and more powerful petrol bike might not be too excited by the thought of 21hp, but for a rider like me, who has only ridden mopeds, the Stash
is very lively. It’s smooth, quiet and easy to ride, too.

There are three motor modes, called 1, 2 and 3. Mode 1 is fine for town riding, while 2 is suitable for a mixture of roads, and 3 delivers the sharpest response to the throttle.

There’s also a ‘boost’ button, which frees all 21hp for short bursts of acceleration, such as when you are overtaking.

The boost button
Boost button frees up all 21hp to offer short bursts of speed

Officially, the bike will go up to 90 miles on a charge. That should cover many trips to the beach or the shops when you’re pitched up at your chosen campervan site (there’s storage where the fuel tank would be on a normal bike).

Be warned, though: that is possible at low speeds, riding gently. If my experience is anything to go by, use the Stash’s performance and the distance between charges drops to 50-60 miles.

Unusually for such a learner-friendly electric motorbike, the Stash’s battery is fixed, rather than removeable.

The fixed battery
Fixed battery might deter buyers who park their bike on the street

With some rivals – and many other models in the Vmoto range – the battery or batteries can be removed and charged from a domestic power socket.

However, Vmoto argues that the Stash’s battery is too big and heavy to easily take in and out of the bike. Other manufacturers, such as Maeving, get around this by having two batteries.

The fixed battery could turn out to be a deal-breaker for commuters who park their bike on the street, but shouldn’t be too much of an irritation on tour, when owners are likely to charge from their motorhome’s external socket.

A full recharge takes six hours or so from a domestic power source, although it might need a little longer using a campsite supply with a lower amperage.

Interested in taking a bike on tour instead? Then take a look at our review of the Ribble Allroad TI Enthusiast – it’s packed with features and offers good versatility.

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