Can-Am’s Electric Comeback: Riding the New 2025 Can-Am Pulse and Origin Motorcycles

When you think of electric motorcycles, you might picture sleek startups, niche brands, or even a fair share of vaporware trying to shake up the industry. The truth is, the electric motorcycle scene is largely driven by startups. Sure, KTM has dipped its toes in with the Freeride EX-C and their lineup of kids’ bikes. Honda? They’ve been teasing the CR-E prototype for what feels like forever (and we’re still holding out hope). Even Harley Davidson, ahem, Livewire, has entered the fray with their electric offerings.

But what happens when a legacy brand gets serious about electrics?

Enter Can-Am Motorcycles. 

Now, if you’re scratching your head and thinking, “Wait, Can-Am makes motorcycles?”—you’re not alone. Only the wiley vets and motocross history buffs might recall Can-Am’s early days. While it seems like their parent brand, BRP, has spent the last few decades dominating snowmobiles, UTVs, and watercraft, Can-Am is no stranger to the motorcycle scene. They just took a little break. A decades-long break, sure, but they’re back – and they’re making noise. Well, technically, they’re not making any noise at all.

Let’s rewind for a second. Can-Am isn’t just a random upstart; they’ve got roots. Deep ones. Back in the ’70s, they were tearing up motocross tracks with bikes powered by Rotax engines (another brand in the BRP family). Can-Am motorcycles made a name for themselves with bold designs and high-performance machines. And now, after all these years, they’re bringing that same energy into the electric game.

If you’ve seen a Can-Am Spyder zoom by, or maybe caught a glimpse of the first snowmobile ever made, then you’ve witnessed a piece of Can-Am’s legacy. They’ve always been innovators—experimenting with bold designs and pushing boundaries in the powersports world. They didn’t just build snowmobiles; they invented them.

And they haven’t stopped experimenting. In 2019, BRP (the parent company) snagged some assets from Alta Motors—one of the electric motorcycle pioneers who, unfortunately, didn’t make it to the finish line. BRP’s move was smart: grab the tech, keep the ideas, and blend it all with their decades of engineering experience.

So, what happens when you mix Can-Am’s legacy with cutting-edge electric tech?

You get the Origin and the Pulse. These two new electric motorcycles are a nod to Can-Am’s heritage, bringing a fresh approach to the brand’s return to two wheels complete with some innovative technology not yet seen in traditional motorcycles.

While they aren’t aiming to reinvent the motorcycle, they blend unique design with modern electric tech, offering a reliable step forward for the brand. The Origin, built for adventure, and the Pulse, designed for urban cruising, signal Can-Am’s steady entry into the electric motorcycle market. They’re not here to break the mold, but to carve out a solid place in the next chapter of motorcycling.

The Bikes

2025 Can-Am Origin

The Can-Am Origin is the dual sport bike of the group. Built to tackle both on and off-road riding, it combines innovative tech with a nod to Can-Am’s off-road heritage. Being the dirt bags that we are here at ECR, it’s the bike that really caught our attention from the start. Its knobby Dunlop D605 tires, 21” / 18” spoked wheels and KYB 43mm fork with 255mm of travel up front give it the look that you would expect from a brand who made their name on motocross tracks in the 1970’s. But its off-road toughness is met with a strong dash of modern technology, incorporating a big 10.25 inch touchscreen with apple carplay, six adjustable ride modes, regenerative braking, anti lock brakes, traction control and reverse.

Origin Specs at a Glance:

• Motor: ROTAX® E-POWER, liquid-cooled
• Power: 47 hp peak / 27 hp continuous
• Torque: 53 lb-ft from 0 to 4600 RPM
• Battery: 8.9 kWh, liquid-cooled
• Estimated Range: Up to 90 miles in the city
• Charging Time: 50 min (20-80%) on Level 2
• Weight: 412 lbs

2025 Can-Am Pulse

On the flip side, the 2025 Can-Am Pulse is built as more of a city runabout bike. Its short wheelbase, low seat height, and 17” cast wheels make it perfect for weaving through traffic or quietly raising hell in urban landscapes. The four ride modes—Normal, Sport+, ECO, and Rain—mean you can adapt to whatever the road conditions are that day. The Pulse also shares a lot of the same tech as the Origin, like the touchscreen display and Active ReGen, so it’s still packed with modern features, just more tuned for city life.

Pulse Specs at a Glance:

• Motor: ROTAX® E-POWER, liquid-cooled
• Power: 47 hp peak / 27 hp continuous
• Top Speed: 80 mph
• Battery: 8.9 kWh, liquid-cooled
• Estimated Range: 90 miles in the city
• Charging Time: 50 min (20-80%) on Level 2
• Weight: TBD

Unique Chaincase Design

One of the most unique features of the Can-Am Pulse and Origin is their fully-enclosed chaincase, integrated into a proprietary single-sided swingarm. This innovative technology, inspired by Can-Am’s expertise in other BRP vehicles like snowmobiles and three-wheelers, offers a range of benefits that enhance the riding experience.

Traditionally, electric motorcycles often feature quieter, but more failure-prone belt drives, or more reliable but noisy chain drives. The enclosed chaincase keeps the chain lubricated and shielded from debris, significantly reducing wear and tear. An automatic tensioner ensures that the chain remains at the optimal tension without the need for regular maintenance, further simplifying the already low-maintenance nature of these bikes.

It’s not all about the maintenance though. The design of the chaincase allows the drive system to work independently from the rear suspension. Unlike traditional chain and sprocket setups, which can interfere with suspension performance, this configuration enables the suspension to operate freely.

The pieces are finally coming together. Ready to ride? Let’s hit the throttle.

Riding Experience

We had the chance to ride these models through the bustling streets of downtown Austin and across the open highways of Texas Hill Country, even tackling some dirt along the way. One standout feature was the remarkable quietness of these bikes. The enclosed chaincase showcased an even more surprising feature, it’s almost silent operation.

The Pulse is quick and nimble, thanks to its short wheelbase, low seat height, and 17” cast wheels. The bike excels at zipping through traffic and navigating twisty roads, making it ideal for short, spirited rides around the city. The Pulse easily handles speeds of up to 65 mph. However, if your typical routes exceed that, you may want to reconsider. When we pushed it to its limits, we reached a top speed of 79 mph, which may not be sufficient for some highway conditions.

But for me, the Origin is the standout. It’s the most well-rounded. It performs great in the city, offers more comfort and better wind protection at higher speeds, and can even tackle some dirt when the opportunity arises. 

At 412 lbs, it strikes the right balance—feeling like a legit motorcycle without being awkwardly heavy. The KYB suspension does a solid job, though I really wish it were adjustable. There were plenty of instances, especially off-road, where I wanted to stiffen it up to prevent the bike from diving in the corners and bottoming out on harder hits. Factor in the potential for extra weight from pannier racks, and that issue would only get more pronounced.

The bike’s 47 horsepower and 53 ft-lbs of torque give it plenty of punch, making it quick without being overwhelming. However, the one thing that threw me off was the Off-Road mode. While it correctly disables traction control and rear ABS, it leaves the front ABS on, which makes riding in the dirt tricky. I found myself relying on locking up the rear and sliding it around corners because the front brake was so unpredictable when trying to slow down.

I wouldn’t call it a true dirt bike—but it’s fully capable of handling some rougher terrain if you care to take it there. Plus, in my opinion, it’s the more handsome-looking bike.

Battery Range and Charging

While both bikes promise satisfactory range—up to 71 miles of mixed use for the Origin—real-world usage raises questions about their practicality for long-distance trips. During our ride, we found ourselves hitting the 30-mile mark with battery levels already at 50%. Despite this number, I wasn’t really concerned about battery range. That’s because I knew Can-Am had a plan for recharging us in the middle of rural Texas. But on my own? Range anxiety would be through the roof.

And that’s where I hit a roadblock with the dual-sport focused Origin. I really want this to be the perfect dual-sport—it’s super fun to ride, and I’d love to take it on longer-distance trips. But it’s not really the kind of bike you’d throw in the back of a truck for a day of riding, and at the same time, it doesn’t quite have the battery capacity for a full adventure from home on just one charge. So, it raises the question: how do you properly use this bike?

Liquid Cooled Battery

The good news is that these bikes have a liquid-cooled battery, which keeps the cells cooler and lets you charge at a higher rate more quickly. Usually, batteries need time to cool before charging, but with this system, you can start charging sooner. And trust me, on longer rides, that’s a big plus, because you’ll probably need to recharge a couple of times to make a full dual-sport ride a reality.

Both bikes come equipped with an on board charger, and Can-Am claims that, with a Level 2 charge, you can go from 20% to 80% in just 50 minutes, or fully charge from 0% to 100% in 1 hour 30 minutes. On a Level 1 charge, it will take around 3 hours 10 minutes to reach 80%, and about 5 hours 15 minutes to fully charge from 0%”

How Much Do the Can-Am Motorcycles Cost?

The Can-Am Origin is priced at $14,999, while the Pulse starts at $13,999.

All in all, these are two incredible new bikes that I really enjoy riding, and we’re thrilled to see a respected brand like Can-Am re-enter the motorcycle market. While the range of these bikes may not position them as the perfect solution for long-distance adventures, it’s important to remember that every journey begins with a single step. Can-Am’s commitment to the electric scene signals a promising future for the industry, and we’re excited to welcome them back.

The Pulse and Origin offer unique features and capabilities that make them great options for urban commuting and shorter trips. As Can-Am continues to carve out its niche, we can only anticipate the evolution of their electric lineup.

And who knows? We might just have to take an Origin out for a Backcountry Discovery Route trip and see what it can really do in the dirt.

2025 Can-Am Origin® Specifications

MOTOR

• Type: ROTAX® E-POWER, liquid-cooled
• Power: 47 hp peak (35 kW) / 27 hp continuous (20 kW)
• Torque: 53 lb-ft (72 Nm) from 0 to 4600 RPM
• Top Speed: 80 mph (129 km/h)
• Acceleration: 0-60 mph (0-100 km/h) in 4.3 seconds

BATTERY

• Type: Integrated, lithium-ion
• Capacity: 8.9 kWh
• Cooling System: Liquid-cooled (battery, inverter, and on-board charger)
• Estimated Range (when fully charged):
  • City: 90 miles (145 km)
  • Combined (WMTC):* 71 miles (115 km)
  • Sustained at 50 mph (80 km/h): 52 miles (84 km)
• Function: Active Regen, Passive Regen
• Charger: On-board charger, 6.6 kW (Level 1 & Level 2 compatible)
• Connector: Type 1 J1772
• Charging Time:
  • Level 2 (240 V):
    • 20-80%: 50 min
    • 0-100%: 1 hour 30 min
  • Level 1 (120 V):
    • 20-80%: 3 hours 10 min
    • 0-100%: 5 hours 15 min

DRIVETRAIN

• Transmission: Clutchless direct drive
• Final Drive: Chaincase with silent chain
• Function: Reverse function

CHASSIS

• Swingarm: Single-sided swingarm
• Rake: 30°
• Trail: 4.6 in. (118 mm)
• Front Suspension / Travel: KYB 43 mm inverted fork / 10 in. (255 mm)
• Rear Suspension / Travel: KYB HPG shock with adjustable preload, compression, and rebound / 10 in. (255 mm)
• Front Brake: J.Juan† 2-piston floating caliper, 320 mm disc
• Rear Brake: J.Juan 1-piston floating caliper, 240 mm disc
• Front Tire: Dunlop† D605 90/90 R21 (with tube)
• Rear Tire: Dunlop D605 120/80 R18 (with tube)
• Wheels: Spoked wheel, Carbon black
• Front Wheel Size: 21 x 1.85 in. (533 x 47 mm)
• Rear Wheel Size: 18 x 2.5 in. (457 x 63.5 mm)

COLOR OPTIONS

• Bright White
• Carbon Black

DIMENSIONS

• L x W x H (with mirrors): 86.8 x 33.9 x 55.7 in. (2,204 x 861 x 1,414 mm)
• Wheelbase: 59 in. (1,503 mm)
• Seat Height: 34 in. (865 mm)
• Ground Clearance: 10.8 in. (274 mm)
• Curb Weight: 412 lb (187 kg)
• Maximum Vehicle Load: 745 lb (338 kg)

INSTRUMENTATION

• Type: 10.25 in. touchscreen display with BRP Connect
• Navigation System: Apple CarPlay
• Drive Modes: Normal, ECO, Rain, Sport, Off-Road, Off-Road+
• Handlebar Control: Backlit handlebar control module

SAFETY & SECURITY

• ABS: Anti-Lock Braking System
• MTC: Motorcycle Traction Control

WARRANTY & EXTENDED SERVICE

• Vehicle Warranty: 2 years
• Battery Warranty: 5 years / 31,068 miles (50,000 km)
• Extended Service Terms: B.E.S.T. terms available from 12 to 36 months for the vehicle excluding battery

FEATURES

• LED headlight
• Glove box with USB port
• LinQ anchor points
• Skid plate

CAN-AM ORIGIN HIGHLIGHTS

• Dual-Sport electric motorcycle
• Versatile motorcycle designed for on- and off-road riding
• High ground clearance and suspension travel to overcome obstacles
• Lightweight design for excellent handling

PACKAGE HIGHLIGHTS

• 10.25 in. touchscreen display with BRP Connect® and Apple CarPlay†
• Liquid-cooled system for battery, inverter, motor, and on-board charger
• Charging from 20-80% in just 50 minutes
• Single-sided swingarm with chaincase
• Active and Passive Regen capabilities
• Reverse function
• LinQ® integration for accessorization
• Full KYB† suspension with 10 in. (255 mm) of suspension travel

2025 Can-Am Pulse® Specifications

MOTOR

• Type: ROTAX® E-POWER, liquid-cooled
• Power: 47 hp peak (35 kW) / 27 hp continuous (20 kW)
• Torque: 53 lb-ft (72 Nm) from 0 to 4600 RPM
• Top Speed: 80 mph (129 km/h)
• Acceleration: 0-60 mph (0–100 km/h) in 3.8 seconds

BATTERY

• Type: Integrated, lithium-ion
• Capacity: 8.9 kWh
• Cooling System: Liquid-cooled (battery, inverter, and on-board charger)
• Estimated Range (when fully charged):
  • City: 100 miles (160 km)
  • Combined (WMTC):* 80 miles (130 km)
  • Sustained at 50 mph (80 km/h): 55 miles (89 km)
• Function: Active Regen, Passive Regen
• Charger: On-board charger, 6.6 kW (Level 1 & Level 2 compatible)
• Connector: Type 1 J1772
• Charging Time:
  • Level 2 (240 V):
    • 20-80%: 50 min
    • 0-100%: 1 hour 30 min
  • Level 1 (120 V):
    • 20-80%: 3 hours 10 min
    • 0-100%: 5 hours 15 min

DRIVETRAIN

• Transmission: Clutchless direct drive
• Final Drive: Chaincase with silent chain
• Function: Reverse function

CHASSIS

• Swingarm: Single-sided swingarm
• Rake: 27.2°
• Trail: 3.97 in. (101 mm)
• Front Suspension / Travel: KYB† 41 mm inverted fork / 5.5 in. (140 mm)
• Rear Suspension / Travel: SACHS twin-tube coil-over shock with preload adjustment / 5.5 in. (140 mm)
• Front Brake: J.Juan† 2-piston floating caliper, 320 mm disc
• Rear Brake: J.Juan 1-piston floating caliper, 240 mm disc
• Front Tire: Dunlop† Sportmax GPR-300 110/70 R17
• Rear Tire: Dunlop Sportmax GPR-300 150/60 R17
• Wheels: Cast wheel, Carbon Black
• Front Wheel Size: 17 x 3.5 in. (431.8 x 88.9 mm)
• Rear Wheel Size: 17 x 4.5 in. (431.8 x 114.3 mm)

COLOR OPTIONS

• Bright White
• Carbon Black

DIMENSIONS

• L x W x H (with mirrors): 79.9 x 37.3 x 46.1 in. (2,030 x 947 x 1,171 mm)
• Wheelbase: 55.6 in. (1,412 mm)
• Seat Height: 30.86 in. (784 mm)
• Ground Clearance: 5.7 in. (146 mm)
• Curb Weight: 390 lb (177 kg)
• Maximum Vehicle Load: 723 lb (328 kg)

INSTRUMENTATION

• Type: 10.25 in. touchscreen display with BRP Connect
• Navigation System: Apple CarPlay
• Drive Modes: Normal, ECO, Rain, Sport+
• Handlebar Control: Backlit handlebar control module

SAFETY & SECURITY

• ABS: Anti-Lock Braking System
• MTC: Motorcycle Traction Control

WARRANTY & EXTENDED SERVICE

• Vehicle Warranty: 2 years
• Battery Warranty: 5 years / 31,068 miles (50,000 km)
• Extended Service Terms: B.E.S.T. terms available from 12 to 36 months for vehicle excluding battery

FEATURES

• LED headlight
• Glove box with USB port
• LinQ anchor points
• Skid plate

CAN-AM PULSE HIGHLIGHTS

• Naked electric motorcycle with a modern design
• Nimble and agile for urban usage
• Perfect for commuting and providing thrills
• Exciting, clever, and playful motorcycle

PACKAGE HIGHLIGHTS

• 10.25 in. touchscreen display with BRP Connect® and Apple CarPlay†
• Liquid-cooled system for battery, inverter, motor, and on-board charger
• Charging from 20-80% in just 50 minutes
• Single-sided swingarm with chaincase
• Active and Passive Regen capabilities
• Reverse function
• LinQ® integration for accessorization