Zero Motorcycles, a pioneer in the electric motorcycle industry, is executing a major strategic shift by relocating its global headquarters from Scotts Valley, California, to The Netherlands.
This move is designed to accelerate the company’s growth by centering its key global functions in its fastest-growing electric vehicle (EV) market: Europe.
Key Details of the Relocation
| Aspect | US Location (Scotts Valley, California) | New Global Headquarters (The Netherlands) |
| Status | Becomes the “Innovation Hub” | Becomes the New Global Headquarters |
| Functions | Retains all R&D (Research and Development) and Engineering initiatives. This is the center for core product development, software integration, and advanced powertrain work. | Receives all key non-engineering global functions, including global administration and commercial operations. |
| Reason for Move | Europe is the company’s primary driver of growth and is “setting the pace for EV adoption.” | To improve agility, respond faster to customer needs in the largest market, and streamline operations across the European Union. |
| Location | Scotts Valley, California (near Santa Cruz). | Noord-Scharwoude, in the province of North Holland. |
Strategic Rationale and Funding
The decision is part of a broader strategy to sharpen the company’s focus on global opportunities and build a more scalable and profitable future.
- Market Focus: Zero Motorcycles has long operated its U.S. base despite Europe being its largest market for electric two-wheelers. Moving administrative and commercial leadership functions to Europe places the decision-makers closer to the primary customer base, partners, and the policy environment influencing the EV powersports sector.
- Operational Efficiency: The Netherlands will act as a central hub to coordinate activities, streamline cross-border workflows, and better align supply chain activities with regional demand across the European continent.
- Continued US Commitment: Despite the headquarters relocation, CEO Sam Paschel has emphasized that the company remains “strongly committed to the United States.” The retained Innovation Hub in California ensures that the company’s technological roots and leadership in R&D remain in the Bay Area, allowing for a dual-location approach that leverages both American technological expertise and European market momentum.
- Financial Backing: Zero’s primary shareholder has committed $50 million in new funding to support this strategic transition, underwriting the setup of the European headquarters and accelerating its transformation strategy.
Sources
- Official Company Contact/Location Page (Current HQ Information):
https://zeromotorcycles.com/contact
- Motorcycle.com (Contains “Begin Press Release” section):
https://www.motorcycle.com/bikes/zero-is-moving-to-europe-44650621
High-Authority EV/Automotive News Sources (In-Depth Analysis)
These are respected industry publications that provided comprehensive coverage and context for the move.
- Electrek (Electric Vehicle Focus):
https://electrek.co/2025/10/07/e-motorcycle-maker-zero-moving-headquarters-from-the-us-to-europe/
- Electrive (European EV News Focus):
https://www.electrive.com/2025/10/07/zero-motorcycles-is-heading-to-the-netherlands/
Strategic Rationale & Funding Source
This source focuses on the business strategy, funding, and the why behind the Netherlands choice.
- Industry/Business News Link (Details on $50M Funding and Strategy):
https://www.sympla.com.br/evento-online/profit-room-usa-2018/257098?sport-news-296633-2025-10-03-zero-motorcycles-moves-global-functions-to-the-netherlands-establishing-european-headquarters
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