Now that spring is here electric motorcyclists will be making their annual pilgrimage from across the country to the Tail of the Dragon in Deals Gap, North Carolina.
This EV Rider post and episode is sponsored by the Historic Tapoco Lodge, a Deals Gap area tradition since 1930 that includes Level 2 J-1772 and Tesla Destination charging for guests with EV’s.
Electrics at the Dragon has grown into an annual event that attracts EV motorcyclists from here in Florida and states like California, Michigan and others.
Some tow, while others ride the whole way in to enjoy the Great Smokey Mountains.
This year’s event runs from Saturday, May 17 through the following Saturday, May 24.
Electrics At The Dragon Resources
- Tapoco Lodge website
- eMoto Powersports electric motorcycle rentals website
- 2025 Electrics at the Dragon Facebook group
- Tail of the Dragon website
Although there are quite a few lodging options, the riders tend to stay and at two main locations.
The first is Topaco Lodge, which has a wonderful bar and restaurant providing beautiful views of Cheoah River while dining. It’s a first-class retreat with pleasant cabins throughout the property.
It’s also well equipped for EV motorcyclists with four Level 2 chargers along with outdoor plugs for overnight charging under weather protected canopies.
Another popular location for lodging is the Treetops, while just about all the riders stop by Killboy for meetups at the Tail of the Dragon throughout the week.
For those that haven’t been before, the beauty of riding in the Smokies is tough to beat, and, you might be surprised how much range you’ll get from a charge.
Unless you’re really pushing it, you should easily be able to ride 125-miles or more before stopping with any Zero with the fully unlocked 17.3 kWh battery pack. Mountain riding tends to be great for range.
For you gas bikers, Electrics at the Dragon is a fantastic opportunity to learn what EV motorcycling is all about.
eMoto Powersports, which is just down the road in Robinsville, rents out Energica and Zero EVs. They’ll even personally deliver an EV to your area lodging location at no extra charge so all you need to do it grab your helmet and hop on.
If you don’t have your helmet and gear with you, they’ve got that covered as well.
Last year I rented a DSR/S rather than bring my own bike. It was a great way to experience a different EV. This year I’m thinking I’ll stick with my SR/F.
Electrics at the Dragon is a well-run event that’s a great way to meet fellow motorcyclists from around the country.
EV motorcyclists usually meet up a few times throughout the week for organized rides. At the Tail of the Dragon there are three Level 2 chargers: a j-plug, a NEMA 14-50 outlet and a Tesla destination charger. All are located at Killboy.
eMoto Powersports also welcomes visiting motorcyclists to use its 48-amp j-plug, which is a great resourse for Zero owners with Rapid Chargers.
There are plenty of worthwhile riding locations that don’t require a charge to get back to your Deals Gap area homebase, but if you do want to head further out, you might be pleasantly surprised to find how many chargers are scattered throughout the region.
Great Smokey Mountains Regional Charging Locations
All-in-all, Electrics at the Dragon is always a great time.
I’d suggest booking a room or bike now, rather than take a chance on not finding anything by waiting until the last minute.
I’ll look forward to seeing as many of you EV Riders as possible from across the country in May.