Can-Am aim at dominating the electric motorcycle market with big plans for the UK

Canadian brand Can-Am have confirmed plans to expand their distribution network ahead of the launch of their new motorcycle range.

Can-Am CEO, Jose Boisjoli told MCN: “We want to expand our network in Europe. This is our focus for next year, to develop that market.

“We will have about 100  dealers signed up to sell our two-wheeled electric motorcycles and we have plans to bring that up to 200. Around 15 of those will be in the UK.”

After a near four-decade hiatus, the brand – who are perhaps best known for performance three-wheelers – recently returned to motorcycle manufacturing, unveiling their £15,399 Origin adventure bike and £14,899 Pulse naked roadster – both of which will be available as either an A1 licence 125cc equivalent, or a larger 47bhp A2 licence option.

Unlike their championship winning off-road machines of old, the brand are keen to take things in a new direction, putting their eggs solely in the electric motorcycle basket.

“There are no big players yet established in the two-wheeled EV sector. We’ve made a commitment towards electrifying our line-up and felt that in order to re-enter the motorcycle market, the best way was to go electric first,” Boisjoli continued.

“I think there’s a lot of potential for electric bikes and that the appetite is strong. I know the automotive industry is experiencing a plateau right now, but I think it’s just a question of time until demand increases again.

“Right now, we’re just focused on two-wheeled electric motorcycles. I’m not privy to plans to work on anything else. The electric market is where we feel we can be competitive.”

Boisjoli confirmed that Can-Am will purely utilise an electric powertrain for upcoming two-wheeled models, adding that “we will continue to electrify some of our other products”.

The CEO also hinted that future motorcycle models could be in the works, including small capacity scooters and off-roaders, but only if their current two-bike model range proves successful.