2025 Can-Am Origin Electric Bike Review With Videos

The Can-Am Origin ($14,499) is an all-new electric motorcycle designed for both street and dirt adventures, marking the revival of the once-iconic Can-Am brand in the motorcycle world. Powered by a Rotax electric motor, the Origin combines on- and off-road versatility with zero emissions, offering immediate torque in a relatively lightweight design—especially for an electric motorcycle. Equipped with modern features like an oversize color dash and smartphone connectivity, the Origin aims to provide an exciting and eco-friendly riding experience for dual sport riders.

Editor’s note: Get up to speed on this vehicle, quickly, during the Everything You Need to Know about the Can-Am Origin Ebike article and video. Also check out the Can-Am’s Electric Motorcycles for 2024 article.

“So Can-Am has three different divisions,” says Marc-Olivier Drouin, manager of global brand strategy at Can-Am On-Road. “Can-Am Off-Road with the side-by-sides and ATVs, Can-Am three-wheel vehicles with the Ryker and the Spyder, and now we are introducing a new division…well, we’re bringing back a division, which is Can-Am Motorcycles.”

The Origin is powered by an 8.9kWh lithium-ion battery and an 11kW Rotax motor that delivers approximately 47 hp and 53 lb.-ft. of torque. This enables 0–60 mph acceleration in about 4.3 seconds with a top speed of 80 mph. It features adjustable global riding modes (Normal, Sport, Eco, Rain, Off-Road, and Off-Road+), which influence acceleration and range. The faster the acceleration, the shorter the range. Traction control and ABS are also standard, with the option to disable traction control and rear ABS for off-road use. This motorcycle also features reverse.

“Some of you might ask why 8.9[kWh]? Why not 10? Why not 14? Why not 7? The reality is that a lot of factors come into play when choosing the battery size,” says Dominick Lemerise-Gauvin, global product manager, Can-Am On Road. “One consideration is the weight. The more cells you add, the bigger and heavier the battery becomes, which can affect rider confidence. We also wanted to offer enough range to avoid range anxiety.

“For someone who wants a smart daily ride, commuting to work without worrying about making it or needing to charge constantly, I think the engineers found the right balance between weight and power,” he adds.

The battery also serves as the bike’s main frame, bolting directly to the headstock, triple clamp, and inverted KYB front suspension.

“By removing the traditional frame and making the battery a structural part of the motorcycle, we could mount the front fork directly onto the battery, resulting in a lighter overall build,” Lemerise-Gauvin explains. “If we had built a frame, it would have added extra components, making the motorcycle bigger and heavier.”

The motor is positioned inside the swingarm, driving an 18-inch spoked rear wheel via a silent, enclosed chain.

“It’s actually what we call a silent chain case,” Lemerise-Gauvin says. “It’s a technology we’ve been using for decades on snowmobiles, and it helps reduce maintenance and noise.”

The Origin weighs 412 pounds fully loaded, which is lighter than other comparable electric motorcycles. This lighter weight is noticeable when lifting it off the sidestand.

Slim between the rider’s legs, the Origin has a narrow, dirt bike-like seat with more support than a traditional dirt bike. The handlebar has a wide, comfortable bend for general riding. However, the seat height may be a bit tall for shorter riders. The footpegs offer adequate grip but aren’t the largest we’ve seen on a dual sport motorcycle. The windscreen is small but does a reasonable job of directing airflow over the rider’s head.

The powertrain is water-cooled, with an electric pump circulating water through small radiators, the 6.6kWh inverter, battery, and motor. While adding a bit of weight and complexity, this helps prevent power reductions during warm weather and extends battery life.

“It was important to provide as strong a charger as possible for this size of battery and motorcycle,” Lemerise-Gauvin continues. “The Origin supports both Level 1 and Level 2 charging, at home or at public stations. Using a Level 2 charger, you can go from 20 percent to 80 percent in 50 minutes.”

The J1772 charging port is located on the right side of the bike near the seat. A Level 2 charge takes just over an hour to fully charge the battery, offering a range of 52 miles at 50 mph. The bike’s systems are monitored via a 10.25-inch touchscreen-compatible color TFT display.

Twisting the throttle provides smooth, well-metered acceleration in any of its power modes. The Sport mode is the most fun, but other modes offer more subdued power and extended range. Unlike other electric bikes, the Origin is exceptionally quiet, with minimal noise from the powertrain, tires, and brakes.

At low speeds, the Origin exhibits a slightly awkward “falling” sensation in turns, which could be due to Can-Am’s long hiatus from motorcycles. Still, the handling becomes intuitive with time, and the bike’s low curb weight makes it easy to maneuver. At higher speeds, the Origin rides stably with very little powertrain whine.

For off-road enthusiasts, the Origin has almost 11 inches of ground clearance and KYB suspension with 10 inches of travel. The suspension is suitable for light to moderate off-roading, and rear ABS can be disabled if desired.

“We positioned the motor close to the rear suspension pivot to minimize its impact on ride quality,” explains Vincent Varaldi, director of research and development at Can-Am On-Road.

Hydraulic disc brakes with ABS provide ample stopping power, while the bike also benefits from regenerative braking.

“We have the first passive regen which is where you just let go of the throttle and it slows down the vehicle and brings energy back,” Varaldi says. “That’s what we call passive regen. We also have active regen. Active regen is where you have an active role to play into regenning up to three times more energy back into the battery. So twist your hand forward the opposite that you would normally do to accelerate. That will bring three times more energy back into the battery and heavily decelerate the vehicle.

“It kind of feels like you’re downshifting on a deceleration,” he tells us. “There are three levels of regen that you can adjust from as well: max, min, or off. Which means if regen is not for you and you don’t like the vehicle dynamics of that function, you can completely turn it off.”

The ‘25 Can-Am Origin marks BRP’s quiet return to motorcycling. Its innovative all-electric powertrain and modern design give riders another option in the electric bike segment. With quick acceleration, manageable weight, and versatile performance, the Origin is a worthy option for riders looking for a capable, eco-friendly bike for both urban commutes and short off-road adventures.