Retro motorcycles are all the rage, but is it better to opt for an electric model or a traditional internal combustion engined version?

As quickly as automakers have pivoted towards EVs, motorcycle manufacturers have indeed been a little more circumspect.

Only a handful of the major players in the industry are embracing the technology, for the most part it has become a bit of a free for all with electric motorcycle manufacturers springing up and subsequently dying out almost overnight. It is still very much unregulated too, which makes it even more difficult for the big manufacturers to commit big sums of investment money to this segment, even if there is indeed tremendous potential.

For now, chaos reigns, but between all the chaos some incredible bikes have emerged. The retro segment is growing in popularity, but it still seems like an unfair fight when we compare these bikes to the ICE competition…

If you are after an authentic classic look and feel, this is going to be right near the top of the list. It is completely built by hand, with high quality materials selected for every part of the motorcycle.

With a top speed of just over 70 mph and a range of just a shade under 100 miles, it doesn’t really stack up to other similarly priced electric motorcycles, it is very much a niche product but their commitment to quality and authenticity is commendable.

For the kind of money you need to spend on the No.1 Classic, forget Royal Enfield, they might look similar but won’t hold a candle to it in terms of build quality.

You can however get one of these gorgeous, SportClassic Ducatis that will likely increase in value over the course of your ownership. With the Ducati you will have better range, but they are so uncomfortable you may not necessarily want to use all of it…

Related: Here's Why The Ducati Sport 1000 From Tron Legacy Was Discontinued

The other, arguably better RGNT product is the Scrambler, with the classic Scrambler design and although most of it looks pretty simple the execution is just unbelievably good.

The Swedish company is not shy to charge for its excellence, and with the same range and top end as the classic, the price for style is high.

This time you can have a brand-new Ducati, also still built by hand, only in Italy instead of Sweden. It is a lot of bike for the money, but even this wouldn’t be considered good value in the motorcycle world.

It is a very good representation of what electric motorcycles are currently up against, it is very hard to ignore the price, so much so that if you remove the environmental motivation from the decision process the Ducati is a no-brainer.

Related: Ducati Introduces Two New 2022 Scramblers: Urban Motard And 1100 Tribute Pro

Super Soco are in our opinion focusing their energy (excuse the pun) in the right part of the market; electric mobility.

Electric motorcycles/scooters/bikes just make more sense as a short range commuter, and the TC is just a more stylish runabout that is also priced competitively.

Arguably the best looking retro motorcycle money can buy, not only that, but with the 650cc engine option it is affordable too.

As affordable as the TC is, you only need to spend a little more money for an entirely different type of experience with the Z650RS.

Related: 10 Things Motorcycle Enthusiasts Should Know About The Kawasaki Z650RS

Although it is a little more neo-retro than classic retro, it counts, and is one of the most sustainable motorcycles money can buy.

More than half the parts used on this bike are 3D-printed using recycled materials. That commitment to sustainability is actually well worth the price of entry.

In a world where money talks, Royal Enfield continues to outperform the competition when it comes to delivering a value oriented product.

Now, we all know this is a Himalayan with a few very basic cosmetic changes, but all of those changes make the bike better looking without sacrificing any of its usability. It also costs a whopping $20,000 less than the Luna.

Related: How The Royal Enfield Himalayan And Scram 411 Compare

We think Vespa hit it out of the park with this little offering, it is unashamedly a style alternative and offers little in the way of value, but for some that is a price worth paying.

Taking a closer look at the price tag does warrant more consideration though, although obviously more expensive than other e-scoots with similar specs, it is also more expensive than its stablemates…

Vespa have seen an incredible resurgence under the Piaggio group, going from strength to strength and making some very good little scooters.

Even though the GTS is now an aging platform, the retro scoot is still lively and more than comfy enough to ride over long distances, but it is still definitely more of a stylish commuter than tourer.

Luke Zietsman is an all out automotive enthusiast based in The Philippines. If it has two or four wheels he has either owned it, researched about it or dreamed about it.