The rumor mill is buzzing again: A petition demanding Tesla build an electric motorcycle has reportedly gathered 1,500 signatures, sparking fresh debates among riders.

But is this wishful thinking, or could Tesla’s legendary charging network finally solve the electric motorcycle’s biggest headaches? Let’s dive into the facts, the fiction, and what this means for riders.

Real Demand or Viral Myth?

The petition’s existence is murky. Searches on Change.org and Tesla forums like Tesla Motors Club showed no concrete evidence. Yet, the idea itself reveals a truth: Riders are hungry for an electric motorcycle that leverages Tesla’s Supercharger network—a game-changer for a segment plagued by range anxiety and spotty charging.

Motorcycle forums are flooded with comments like: “Imagine planning a road trip without hunting for CCS chargers. Tesla could fix this overnight.”Others are skeptical: “Musk hates motorcycles. This is just fan fiction.”

While the petition might be more myth than reality, it highlights a gap competitors haven’t filled.

Tesla Motorcycle

Elon Musk’s Motorcycle Problem

Musk’s stance is clear: “We won’t do road bikes, as they are too dangerous.” His near-fatal motorcycle crash at 17 fuels this aversion. But there’s a twist. In 2019, Musk teased an electric ATV (the Cyberquad) and said, “Electric dirt bikes would be cool.”

So, what’s changed? Not much. Tesla’s focus is laser-locked on Robotaxis and the Optimus robot, leaving little room for motorcycles. During Tesla’s Q1 2025 earnings call, Musk doubled down on autonomy, ignoring two-wheelers entirely.

Tesla’s Financial Pressures

Tesla’s Q1 2025 results were grim:

  • Revenue dropped 9% (19.34 Billion vs. 21.4 Billion expected).
  • Cybertruck sales plummeted 14.5% in California.
  • The company relied on $595M in regulatory credits to stay profitable.

With the Cybertruck struggling and Model 3/Y discounts piling up, diversification seems logical. But motorcycles are a niche market. For context:

  • Verge TS Ultra: $44,900, 233-mile city range.
  • Harley LiveWire ONE: $22,799, 146-mile city range.
  • Zero DSR/X: $19,995, 179-mile city range.

Tesla’s 4680 battery tech could undercut these prices, but Musk’s priorities lie elsewhere.

The Charging Advantage

Here’s where Tesla could dominate. Competitors rely on fragmented networks:

  • Verge uses CCS (with optional Tesla NACS).
  • Zero offers a Tesla Tap adapter for Level 2 chargers only.
  • Harley sticks with J1772/CCS, forcing riders to hunt for plugs.

A Tesla motorcycle with native Supercharger access would sidestep these headaches. Imagine charging faster than a LiveWire at a Tesla station mid-road trip. Riders on forums dream of it: “No more rerouting for chargers. Just ride.”

Cool Concepts vs. Real-World Riding

Jans Slapins Tesla Model M

Jans Slapins Tesla Model M

Viral concepts like Jans Slapin’s “Tesla Model M”—with hubless wheels and AI ride modes—look straight out of Cyberpunk 2077. But riders aren’t sold. Redditors roasted the design: “Cool for Instagram, terrible for my back.”

Tesla’s expertise in cars doesn’t translate seamlessly to bikes. Hubless wheels? Unproven for mass production. AI ride modes? Possibly useful, but motorcycle dynamics demand tactile control. As one Cycle World commenter noted: “Riding isn’t just about tech. It’s about feel.”

Musk’s Politics vs. Rider Loyalty

Tesla’s brand is increasingly polarizing. In Germany, Tesla’s EV registrations plummeted 76% in early 2025 amid Musk’s political controversies. In the U.S., protests at Tesla dealerships under hashtags like #BoycottTesla reveal a rift:

  • 76% of Harris voters view Musk unfavorably.
  • 74% of Trump voters approve of him.

For eco-conscious riders, this creates a dilemma: “I want an EV, but not if it funds Musk’s agenda,” wrote a user on r/motorcycles.

Will Tesla Yield to Rider Demand?

Short answer: Unlikely. Here’s why:

  1. Musk’s Bias: His safety concerns and Robotaxi focus are immovable.
  2. Financial Realities: Motorcycles won’t fix a $21B revenue hole.
  3. Brand Risk: Alienating half your audience is bad business.

But keep an eye on:

  • Musk’s whims: A dirt bike or e-bike could sidestep his road bike aversion.
  • Competitor moves: If Verge or Harley flop, Tesla might pounce.

What Riders Can Do Now

While Tesla dithers, here are today’s best options:

  1. Verge TS Ultra: For premium performance and NACS compatibility.
  2. LiveWire ONE: Harley’s entry into the EV game.
  3. Zero DSR/X: Adventure-ready, but pack a charging adapter.

And hey, sign that petition—real or not. As one rider quipped on TikTok: “If Tesla won’t listen, maybe the competition will.”