Best Electric Dirt Bikes (Updated 2022)
Let’s talk about electric dirt bikes I bled and got bruised to test these interesting battery-powered motorcycles. I added my opinion as a dirt bike rider, but also I surveyed my colleagues, and we did additional research to get unbiased results.
Our off-road world made of dirt, mud and rocks has changed in recent years with the entry of the electric dirt bike.
An electric dirt bike is a motorcycle designed for use on rough terrain and runs by a battery-powered motor. Compared to a traditional dirt bike, an electric dirt bike is an Eco-friendly machine that requires less maintenance and almost has no sound.
Does the electric dirt bike offer the power, speed and driving experience like the traditional off-road motorcycle?
In the past, they were known as e-dirt bikes and used to be toys for the kids and teens. But now, with the latest breakthroughs and improvement on the electric motor and batteries, we are about to test the limits of the battery-powered bikes on the dirt trails and roughest terrains.
The manufacturers started mixing the mountain, hybrid and supermoto bikes with the electric dirt bikes. The industry is still new and different off-road electric dirt bikes were invented. But, even if they can go off-road, can we really compare them with the all mighty full size mx dirt bike that we all know of?
In this article expect to read about different types of electric motorcycles that can go off-road.
Below we have 15 electric dirt bikes:
022 KTM Freeride E-XC Electric Dirt Bike
The new 2022 KTM Freeride E-XC is the same as previous 2020 and 2021 model and is a cross between a full-size enduro/motocross dirt bike and a trial dirt bike.
The 2021 KTM Freeride E-XC Electric Dirt Bike is powered by a Lithium-Ion KTM PowerPack that can be removed. This allows you to buy an additional lithium-Ion KTM battery to swap easily when out riding for the day.
The KTM Freeride E-XC is a single-speed automatic that produces 24.5 max HP.
But, do not let the low horsepower fool you…
The torque you can get from an electric dirt bike is outstanding…42 Nm.
It will take you 1.3 hours to fully charge the KTM PowerPack battery.
Built with a steel composite frame, the electric Freeride will stand up to any abuse you throw at it.
WP Xplor PDS shocks are stock on the 2021 Freeride E-XC.
The Seat height for the 2022 KTM Freeride is 910 mm or 35.82 inches
2022 KTM Freeride E-XC: Features and Specifications
- 24.5 max HP with 5000 RPM
- Xplor 48 PDS Shock Absorber
- Changeable Lithium-Ion PowerPack
- Single-speed automatic
- Liquid-cooledGround Clearance 13,38 inches or 340 mm
2021 Update: It basically has the same specs as the previous 2020 model, so keep that in mind.
I have tested the Electric Dirt Bike by KTM, the 2020 KTM Freeride E-XC on our Backcountry Life YouTube channel. They are basically the same electric dirt bikes as this year model. See the video below:
022 ZERO FX ZF7.2 ZF3.6
The Zero FX Electric Dirt Bike is good looking, functional with the very powerful electric power train. With amazing torque and probably the highest speed on an electric dirt bike, it is an honorable mention to the world of electric dirt bikes. Zero Motorcycles is a company dedicated to making just electric motorcycles. It seems like the crew at Zero Motorcycles have put their blood, sweat, and tears into making electric dirt bikes. Zero Motorcycle App will let you choose between Eco and Sport modes.
It is, without a doubt, the best hybrid Electric Dirt Bike, the 2022 ZERO FX ZF7.2 ZF3.6. Zero built the 2022 FX models for on and off-road applications. so their electric motorcycles might be more comfortable.
What’s the difference between the ZERO FX ZF7.2 and the Zero FX ZF3.6?
Power and battery.
The 2022 ZERO FX ZF7.2 and the Zero FX ZF3.6 have the same standard build, but choosing different battery options is the difference between power and range. Installing the Zero Motorcycle App will let you choose between Eco and Sport modes.
Zero Motorcycles boost a good range for their electric dirt bikes.
Zero FX ZF3.6
- Range 46 city / 19 highway
- 27 HP / 78 ft-lbs torque
- Ultra-fast recharge
- Swappable battery
2021 Update: Zero only changed the design of the dirt bike. The specs remain the same.2022 Update: It uses the last year design, but has higher top speed from 70 to 85 mph and it is lighter
Alta Motors Redshift MX Electric Motocross Bike
The Alta Redshift MX is a professional full-fledge Race motocross dirt bike.
Alta Motors is no longer making electric dirt bikes but we could not leave this dirt bike out of this list. It’s still the ONLY full-fledge electric motocross dirt bike that has been produced.
You can still pick a Redshift on the used dirt bike market.
The top speed on the Redshift MX is around 50 MPH and the battery will last for around an hour.
But what makes the Redshift MX unique is how well built it is. It comes with high-quality parts all around the dirt bike.
The Alta Motors Redshift comes with WP suspension in the front for the fork and WP for the rear shock.
The brakes are what you would come to expect on a well built high-quality dirt bike.
This was the BEST electric dirt bike you can buy. I didn’t list it above because for 2020 you cannot buy a new one as Alta Motors sadly closed their doors in 2019.
If you can find one on the used dirt bike market get one!
Alta Redshift MX: Features and Specs
- Best Electric Dirt bike
- Pro WP suspension
- Pro Brakes
- Pro Chassis
- 50 MPH top speed
- 60 Mins of run time
2021 Update: Alta Redshift MX still remains one of the best race motocross dirt bikes.2022 Update: It becomes more difficult to find an Alta Redshift on the used market. Even if you do, the only problem you would have is with the battery. But that can be easily replaced with custom battery.
CAKE Kalk OR
The Kalk OR is Sweden’s best electric dirt bike, designed for off-road performance. Cake is a company based out of Sweden, and they are passionate about making innovative and lightweight electric dirt bikes. At this moment, they have few different models of the Kalk line-up, divided in two categories. One for racing and other for back country exploring.
- Kalk Or Freeride Models, suitable for trail riding in the back country.
- Kalk Or and Ink Race Models are dirt bikes designed for racing, however, keep in mind that they have the same power as the opposite freeride line-up, just are little heavier.
Now let’s be clear this looks more like a mountain bike with an electric motor.
If you look at everything, the 2022 Kalk OR is more closely related to a dirt bike.
The large sprocket and the Front forks make me think electric dirt bike.
2022 Kalk OR: Features and Specs
- 3 hours of run time
- Power: 11kW (15hp)
- 50 MPH maximum speed
- 42 Nm peak torque, with 280 Nm on back wheel
- Three ride modes
- 2.5 hour charge time
- Motorcycle brakes
- Ohlins fork and shock
Cake has built a cool lightweight, well suspended, and power full-electric dirt bike.
2021 Update: The 2021 Kalk Or still have the same specs as the 2020 model.2022 Update: Due to the specification competitiveness, they still have success in 2022 and there is no need to change anything.
022 Escape R Dirt Bike
The Electric Motion Escape R is a mix between a trails dirt bike and a full-size enduro dirt bike.
Based in France the team at Electric Motion is passionate about bringing the dirt bike market an electric dirt bike that is fun, quiet and competitive.
Built from high-quality dirt bike parts the Electric Motion Escape R is for those who want to ride their dirt bike on single track.
Top speed on the Electric Motion Escape R dirt bike is around 46.6 mph.
EM Escape R is lightweight and comes with full suspension and high-quality brakes.
The Escape R electric dirt bike comes with 6 different map settings for you to choose from, 3 that are standar and 3 race ready.
2022 Electric Motion Escape R: Features and Specs
- Top speed around 46.6 MPH
- 110 – 200 mins of run time, or 38 miles
- 187 lbs
- 11KW
- 6 power map settings
- Great suspension
- Great Torque
- Great Brakes
2021 Update: The Escape R is a new road legal model by Escape Motion with improvements in flexibility, roundness at low RPM. It has more power, inertia and RPM’s from their previous models.
2022 Update:
- -New TKO mode, for precision in acceleration and traction resulting on better control of the power and lower revs.
- It has 3 additional power map settings “race maps”
- New Led Headlights featuring blue tripple clamp.
- Optional PRB system for the R model that allows regeneration of the battery faster.
Everything You Need To Know Before Buying An Electric Dirt Bike
You don’t have to love electric vehicles to appreciate just how far they’ve come in the last decade. When the first ones started trickling onto the market, they had enormous batteries and small distance ranges. They were expensive to the point of inaccessibility. They felt more like tech-driven novelties than innovative modes of transportation.
But every big idea starts somewhere, right?
Over the years, there have been huge innovations in the tech electric vehicles use in ways that just a few years ago seemed damn near impossible. Smaller batteries, longer ranges, impressive power, cleaner emissions, lower price points–we’re there, folks.
Case in point? Electric dirt bikes. I’m old enough to remember when the first electric Razor Scooter hit the market in the early 2000s and thinking, “Holy shit, this is the coolest thing ever.” I think it had a battery life of like, 15 minutes, and I remember being able to walk faster than its top speed up-hill, but at the time, it was such a massive innovation.
Twenty years later and there’s an entire market of performance electric dirt bikes that both rival and, in some ways, even out-perform their traditional gas-powered counterparts at a price that’s not only affordable, but in many cases, surprisingly comparable.
Don’t get me wrong, those four- and two-stroke brap machines are still cool as hell. But if you’re a real-deal dirt bike rider, it might be time for you to have a look at what the electric side’s been up to.
Key Things to Look For When Shopping For an Electric Dirt Bike
Shopping for an electric dirt bike is a pretty hands-on experience. While many of the bikes you’ll see will be similar, they all come with their own quirks (both positive and negative) that will ultimately help you pick the right one for you.
Here are a few of the things you should pay the most attention to when shopping for an electric dirt bike:
- Price: This is probably the most important factor for anyone looking to purchase an electric dirt bike. These bikes vary pretty widely in terms of price, but none of them are anything I’d consider a “small purchase.”
- Battery life: The weakest link for electric dirt bikes right now is the battery life. Batteries have come a long, long way just in the last couple years. Most electric dirt bikes will get you at least an hour of consistent ride time, but there are plenty that will deliver more (and also less) than that. It’s clear the industry still has some innovating to do here.
- Suspension: This one’s another no-brainer, but it’s worth mentioning. Every single person buying a gas-powered dirt bike is going to at least partly factor suspension components into their purchasing decision, and the same should definitely apply to an electric dirt bike.
- Torque: One of the most unique advantages of all electric vehicles is that they love getting up and going. You won’t really find a slouch in the pack, but some dirt bikes definitely offer unique torque advantages over others. In fact, some electric dirt bikes on the market have more torque than their biggest four-stroke alternative could ever dream of. So, if grippin’ and rippin’ is important to you, keep your eyes on this.
- Overall weight: It doesn’t matter how big your battery and motor are if an unnecessarily heavy frame weighs down your bike. Overall weight (bike and rider) is going to be a huge determining factor in what kind of range and speed you’re going to get out of your bike, so be especially mindful here.
How Fast Can Electric Dirt Bikes Go?
I hate these kinds of figures because so much goes into determining how fast any vehicle is capable of traveling. Things like the weight of the bike, the weight of the rider, the battery size, motor size, the type of terrain being ridden, etc., all play into the equation.
Most of the more common electric dirt bikes out there will safely top out anywhere from 35 mph (give or take), to somewhere in the 55 mph range, according to manufacturer specs–which is pretty damn impressive and on par with most gas-powered equivalent dirt bikes.
However, it’s worth noting that just like how throttling a gas bike is going to drastically affect your miles per gallon (and, therefore, your overall ride time), the same can be applied to electric dirt bikes.
How Far Can Electric Dirt Bikes Go?
Generally, the average electric dirt bike can get anywhere from 20 to 60 miles on one charge. That may not sound like a lot, but you’re much less likely to run up miles on a dirt bike trail than you are cruising down the interstate.
You can generally expect many or most electric dirt bikes to be in the same general range per charge as most gas dirt bikes fall under per tank of gas.
However, a lot of how far your bike is going to go depends on things like weight and riding style. If you’re out there ripping it up like you’re e-Travis Pastrana, your range will decrease. But if you’re rolling around like the grandma at the retirement facility who’s afraid to kick her scooter from “Turtle” to “Rabbit,” your overall range might actually impress you.
How Much Do Electric Dirt Bikes Typically Cost?
This is where things get really tricky in the world of electric vehicles, because there are literally a massive, varied array of different bikes at different price points right now.
I’m mainly focused on mentioning the bikes that’ll actually grab the attention of gas-powered dirt bike riders, but it’s worth noting that there are all types of electric dirt bikes out there. You can grab a not-so-good one for a couple grand, but if you’re looking for something even remotely comparable to a gas-powered dirt bike, you should expect to pay anywhere from around 4,000 to upwards of 14,000, depending on what you’re looking at.
However, surprisingly, most of what you’ll find is in the 8,000 to 11,000 range, which is right in line with the best new gas-powered bikes out there.
Basically, if you have the budget for a new gas-powered bike, you won’t experience any real sticker shock when exploring electric options.
The Best Electric Dirt Bikes By Price Range
Picking the right electric dirt bike to pull the trigger on depends on so many factors–overall budget, performance, ride quality, etc. But here are a few options to help a few different types of buyers.
Best Affordable Electric Dirt Bike: The Sur-Ron X
This is one of the most affordable electric dirt bikes on the market, but it doesn’t skimp on quality or performance. According to the manufacturer, the bike tops out at 48 mph and can give riders a range anywhere from 20 to 60 miles per charge, which is excellent for the price point.
Most of the independent test reviews I found on The Sur-Ron X said that riders got around two hours of riding time per charge, which ain’t shabby at all.
Best Overall Electric Dirt Bike: The KTM Freeride E-XC
KTM is a motocross institution, so it’s no surprise that the brand’s electric dirt bike, the Freeride E-XC is considered by many to be the best pound-for-pound contender in the electric dirt bike world. And aside from the price tag, it’s easy to see why.
This bike offers a top speed of up to 56 mph through its 18 kW (24 HP) max output motor, and it offers three different power modes that’ll let you go from mild to wild with the quickness. It also has a max charge time of around 110 minutes, which will give you about an hour of riding time if you’re being conservative.
It’s an easy, reliable starter bike for anyone really interested in making the switch.
Fastest Electric Dirt Bike: Zero FXE
I’ll just start with what you want to know: The Zero FXE has a top speed of 85 mph and no, that’s not a typo. Although, I’ll confess that I’m kinda cheating on this one, as the FXE is technically considered a road-legal dirt bike.
Aside from that top speed, you’re also getting a 46 HP, 11kW motor and an impressive 78 ft-lb of torque, which means this thing is a ripper, for sure.
According to the manufacturer, you can expect anywhere from a 40- to 100-mile range on one charge, which can mean anywhere from an hour to a couple of hours, depending on your riding style.
Looking for something street legal? Start here.
The Best Dirt Bikes For Kids In 2023 [3 To Avoid]
Are you looking for the best dirt bikes for kids but not sure where to start? Whether you want a beginner bike or motocross bike for a toddler, teenager, or somewhere in between, you’re in the right place!
Choosing the right bike for is very important if you care about safety because dirt biking can be dangerous, especially if you’ve never ridden before. That’s why I want to guide you through this step-by-step to make it easy for you!
In this article, I’ll show you:
- What the best kid’s dirt bikes are from the top motorcycle brands
- Why it’s important to choose the right bike – especially if you’re a beginner
- How to choose the best dirt bike based on your specific size budget so you don’t waste time money!
How to pick the best kids dirt bike
Choosing the right dirt bike can be difficult if you’re overwhelmed, but I figured out a simple process to make it easy for you. Whether you’re looking for an inexpensive dirt bike or the fastest motocross bike for kids, there are three steps to picking the best kids dirt bike
3 step foolproof process
What kind of riding will you or your kid be doing? This will determine what type of dirt bike you should get. There are two main types of dirt bikes (motorbikes) for kids; a trail bike and a motocross bike.
A trail bike is great for your first dirt bike, casual riders and trail riding. A motocross bike is for racing on tracks or off-road riding if you’re experienced and have mastered the basic techniques.
The next step is choosing the right size. In this guide, I’ll go through every age of kid, as well as cover different size bikes for each age based on your height.
The third step is choosing your budget. New motorcycles can get very expensive, especially if you don’t have a lot of extra income in your family. Don’t worry – I’ll show you the best cheap dirt bikes that are good and reliable!
Which dirt bikes to avoid for kids just starting out?
If you’re buying your kid or grandkid their first dirt bike, please don’t start them on a motocross bike. They are racing machines that aren’t not safe for beginners.
Motocross bikes, such as a KTM 50 SX, Kawasaki KX65, or Yamaha YZ85 are not good if you’re son or daughter is new to dirt biking because they are too fast and hard to control.
You need to start them on a bike that has less power, a lower seat height, making them easier to ride and stay in control so that they don’t crash and get hurt.
What are the best youth dirt bikes available?
Just want to know what all of the top rated dirt bikes are? Here’s a list of all of best name brand dirt bikes for kids:
KTM dirt bikes for kids:
- 50 SX Mini
- SX-E 5 (electric)
- 50 SX
- 65 SX
- 85 SX 17/14
- 85 SX 19/16
Yamaha dirt bikes for kids:
- Yamaha PW50
- Yamaha TTR50E
- YZ65
- YZ85/LW
- TTR125LE
- TTR230
Electric vs gas dirt bikes for kids
I rarely consider electric dirt bikes when recommending them to adults due to their lacking capabilities. However, electric bikes for little kids are worth considering for a first bike to learn how to ride.
Electric dirt bikes for kids: Are they good?
An electric bike such as a Stacyc (Amazon) is small, lightweight, and easy to ride because it’s low to the ground. There are different models, but the power is docile and smooth, so the throttle is very forgiving.
An electric dirt bike is also quiet, so neighbors can’t complain about noise. There are a few downsides to most electric bikes, however.
Electric dirt bike disadvantages
The ride time per battery charge is generally about 30 minutes. This may not be a problem, since most kids won’t need to ride longer than that before getting tired or bored at the age of 3 or 4. Long ride days are still not possible on electric bikes without recharging, which takes at least as long to charge, if not longer.
Parts availability are also another concern. Since most quality electric bikes are made in smaller quantities, they don’t stock as many parts as a large dirt bike manufacturer would. Electric dirt bike technology changes more rapidly as well, so a 3 year old model may not even be available anymore.
If you aren’t ready for a full gas dirt bike, then an electric dirt bike is a good option for learning and practice balance and throttle skills on two wheels. There are pros and cons to owning an electric bike, so you must weigh each option and decide for yourself which is best.
Electric Dirt Bike Is Better For:
- Riding in noise-conscience areas
- Smaller kids to learn balance and throttle
- Not dealing with gas and oil
- Tuning the speed (certain models)
Gas Dirt Bike Is Better For:
- Learning how to ride an actual dirt bike
- Kids that like an engine
- Riding
- Teaching your kid how to maintain a motorcycle
- General durability (Most quality dirt bikes are more robust than electric)
Best Toddler dirt bike (2 year old)
For the youngest of kids, I wouldn’t even start them on a full gas dirt bike these days.Why? Because there are better and safer bikes to ride that will help transition them to a gas dirt bike as they get older and bigger.
For example, the best dirt bike for a toddler (2-3 year old) to start on is a balance bike or electric balance bike (Amazon). They are lightweight, easy and safer to ride, help them build their “balancing” muscles and coordination, and they’re more affordable than a gas dirt bike.
Dirt Bikes For Kids 3 4 Years Old
Starting your little kid on a dirt bike when they’re under 5 years of age can be scary if you don’t know much about dirt bikes. You may hear stories about dirt bikers getting hurt, but that is not the case if you are properly prepared.
Best dirt bikes for 3 4 year-old:
The Yamaha PW50 is the only one of these 50cc 2 stroke dirt bikes still made today, but they’re all good starter bikes. The KDX 50 and JR 50 are 2 stroke oil-injected dirt bikes as well.
Oil injection simply means that you don’t have to premix the gas – you just have to refill the oil tank when it gets low.They all have very low seat heights (19 inches/48cm), which makes it easy to touch the ground and hold the bike up.
If you’re looking for the best small dirt bike for a 3 or 4 year old, the Yamaha PW50 is the way to go. It’s small, lightweight, and reliable, parts are easy to find, and there’s plenty of dealer support and mods available.
How fast does a 50cc 2 stroke dirt bike go?
They can all go 25-28 mph, but with a throttle limiter and/or exhaust washer to reduce power it will only go about half that speed. This is very nice for keeping your son or daughter at a reasonable speed when they’re just starting out.
All of these 50cc dirt bikes have a single speed transmission. Start them out slow to teach them balance, turning and throttle control, then adjust the throttle as you feel more comfortable.
Dirt Bike With Training Wheels For Kids
The PW50 and CRF50 are good dirt bikes to add training wheels onto if you don’t feel comfortable with your little boy or girl trying to balance.
These training wheels from Amazon are affordable, easy to install if you have basic mechanical ability, and it builds riding confidence. Your child only has to concentrate on throttle and brake control without having to worry about tipping over.
Best Dirt Bike 5 Year Old and 6-Year-Old
Once you get into the 5 year old age and up is when there are more youth dirt bikes available. You can choose from multiple trail bikes and race bikes, so I’ll show you the differences to make the best decision.
Best dirt bike for 5-6 year old beginner:
The CRF50F, TTR50E, and DRZ50 are all 50cc air-cooled 4-stroke dirt bikes that are built for brand new dirt bikers. They are taller than the 2 stroke 50cc bikes mentioned above, coming in at a 22″ seat height, which is 3 inches taller.
The Honda, Yamaha and Suzuki 50cc 4 stroke trail bikes are very similar in specifications. They all have a 3-speed semi-automatic transmission, about the same power, and the same size wheels.
Honda 50 vs Yamaha 50 vs Suzuki 50
The biggest difference is the weight and how to start each dirt bike. The Honda CRF50F is kick-start only, which makes it a little harder for you or your little kid to start it.
With that said, it starts quite easily, and as a benefit, it’s noticeably lighter than the TTR 50 and DRZ 50. The Honda 50 comes in at 110lbs ready to ride, while the Yamaha 50 weighs 126lbs wet (wet curb weight is full fluids).
Having electric start is the biggest advantage the TTR50 and DRZ50 has over the CRF50F, so if the extra 11-16 pounds isn’t a big deal for your little new rider then the Yamaha TTR50 or Suzuki DRZ50 is the better starter bike for a 5 or 6 year old child.
Best motocross bike for 5-6 year old:
- KTM SX-E 5 (Electric)
- Cobra CS50e (Electric)
- KTM 50 SX Mini (Small-wheel)
- Cobra CX 50JR (Small-wheel)
- Husqvarna TC 50 Mini (Small-wheel)
- KTM 50 SX
- Cobra CX 50SRX
- Husqvarna TC 50
50cc mini vs 50 big wheel motocross bike differences
If your kid has already learned how to properly ride on a 50cc trail bike and is ready for a faster dirt bike then a motocross bike is the next step. You have two size options: the 50cc mini, which is about the same seat height or slightly taller than the trail bike, or the larger 50 that’s a 4-5 inches taller and has more power.
Best cheap used dirt bikes for 5-6 year old:
Can’t afford one of the newer dirt bikes listed? These are older and generally cheaper models you can buy used. They’re name brand and still reliable if you properly maintain them.
Best Dirt Bikes For 7 Year Olds and 8-Year-Olds
While a 7 or 8 year old can ride a 50cc dirt bike (I started out on a Honda XR50 when I was 7), they are generally big enough for the next size up. A 110cc dirt bike is generally the best size, and there are two seat height options if you choose Kawasaki.
The best dirt bikes for a 7 or 8 year old beginner are:
Kawasaki has been selling the KLX110 since 2002 and had one major change in 2008. The ’08 and newer models have slightly more power, an added 4th gear, and a large wheel model.
The KLX110R L (large wheel) has more suspension travel, a manual clutch, and a slightly taller seat height. It’s the most popular pit bike for adults, so there are many mods available.
Honda vs Yamaha 110 mini dirt bike
Honda and Yamaha came out with their 110cc air-cooled 4-stroke in more recent years. They all have a 4-speed semi auto transmission, so there is no clutch to worry about. However, the features are slightly different on each dirt bike.
The best first dirt bike for a 7 year old is the Honda CRF110F to start out on. This is simply because of the new fuel injection system. You don’t have to deal with starting problems like a carb would, and it will always run smooth if you keep it stock.
The Yamaha and Kawasaki 110 do have electric start as well as the Honda, but they are still running a carburetor that can get dirty more easily, potentially requiring more maintenance and tuning.
If you want a reliable, hop-on-and-go beginner bike, the CRF110 is the way to go.
Best motocross bikes for a 7 or 8 year old child:
- Kawasaki KX65
- Yamaha YZ65
- KTM 65 SX
- Husqvarna TC 65
- Cobra CX65
- GasGas MC 65
You shouldn’t start out on a race bike because they’re much harder to control, but they’re definitely the way to go if you (your kid) is confident and ready to race motocross or off-road. A 65cc 2-stroke has about 3 times more horsepower than a 110, much better suspension, and a manual clutch with a 6-speed transmission, so it’s just like an adult motocross bike at a smaller size.
Best cheap used dirt bikes for 7-8 year olds:
There used to be a Honda CRF70 and a Yamaha TTR90 that were a good transition from a 50, but they have been replaced by 110cc 4 strokes. You can still find them used if you want to save some cash over buying a newer dirt bike.
Best Dirt Bike For 10 Year Old Kids
Moving up to the 9 and 10 year old age range, you’ll most likely want a dirt bike with a manual clutch. Riding with a clutch is not hard if you start on a dirt bike that’s easy to ride, which is a trail bike.
Although 110cc to 125cc isn’t a big jump, the size of the bike is the big difference here.
The Honda CRF125F has a seat height of 29.1″ and weighs 194lbs, while the Kawasaki KLX140 has a 30.7″ seat height and weighs 205lbs.
The KLX140 is the better bike for a slightly bigger kid, being slightly taller and more powerful. A KLX110L is also a great choice if your 10 year old is shorter and still wants a dirt bike with a clutch.
The CRF125F has some better technology with the electronic fuel injection so you don’t have to mess with jetting. Both bikes are super reliable 4 stroke trail bikes if you do simple maintenance.
The top motocross bikes for 9 10 year olds are:
- Kawasaki KX65
- Yamaha YZ65
- KTM 65 SX
- Husqvarna TC 65
- Cobra CX65
- GasGas MC 65
A 65cc 2 stroke is usually still a good choice for an MX bike at the age of 9 or 10 – most amateur racing has classes that range from 7-11 years-old for 65’s. However, if you’re already too big for one and can handle a bigger and faster MX bike, then an 85cc 2-stroke is your best choice, which I’ll cover more in the next age range.
Best cheap used dirt bikes for 9 or 10 year old:
The Honda XR and CRF 80 are basically the same bike – the CRF is the name model name for it. They have a 5-speed manual clutch transmission. The TTR90, on the other hand, still has a sem-automatic transmission without a clutch.
Best Dirt Bikes For 12 Year-Olds
Once you get up to 12 years old, it’s about time to learn how to use the clutch. This will bring you to the medium size bike category for most kids, whether they’re a boy or girl.
The top motocross bikes for 11 12 year:
- Kawasaki KX85
- Yamaha YZ85
- Suzuki RM85
- KTM 85 SX
- Husqvarna TC 85
- GasGas MC 85
- TM Racing MX 85 2T
Stepping up from a 65cc, an 85cc 2-stroke is the next class for kids motocross racing. Unless you’re taller than average, a small-wheel 85 is most likely the right size for you if you’re 11-12 years old.
If you’ve never been on an MX bike before, make sure to scoot up on the seat because most 85’s hit pretty hard when you “get on the pipe” at high RPM and can easily pull a wheelie.
Best cheap used dirt bikes for 11 or 12 year old:
Can’t afford one of the newer models? No sweat! You can find these older discontinued trail bikes at a cheaper price on the used market and still have a blast riding off-road!
Best Dirt Bikes For 13 or 14 Year Old
Depending on how tall you are, there are several good dirt bikes to start on for 13-14 year olds.
All of these air-cooled 4 strokes have electric start. The KLX140L has a slight power advantage due to the extra 20cc.
The CRF125FB comes in at a 30.9″ seat height and 194lbs. In 2019 it quickly received some updates. Electric fuel injection is the most notable, making carb adjustments obsolete. It only has a 4-speed transmission, so top speed will be slightly less than the other 125cc and 140cc four stroke bikes.
The TTR125LE has a seat height of 31.7″ and weighs 198lbs. The 4lb weight difference will be hardly noticeable, but the 0.8″ taller seat height might be better or worse for your 13 year old.
The Yamaha has a 5 speed transmission, but it still runs an older carburetor that can be finicky if it sits for a few months.
Lastly, the KLX140L is a 144cc trail bike with a 5 speed transmission. Aside from not having EFI, it’s still one of my favorite beginner trail bikes for teens and women.
It has a seat height of 31.5″ and weighs 209lbs. A few pounds heavier, but it’s hardly noticeable because it handles so well.
Top motocross bike for kids 13-14 years old:
- Kawasaki KX85
- Yamaha YZ85
- Suzuki RM85
- KTM 85 SX
- Husqvarna TC 85
- GasGas MC 85
- TM Racing MX 85 2T
- Honda CRF150R (4-stroke)
Aside from the CRF150R, these are all small wheel 85cc two-strokes. They’re light, fast, and built for racing. Most of them have very little low-end torque, so they’re not good for trail riding or if you’re a beginner.
Best Dirt Bikes For Teenagers
Riding a dirt bike is a great way for teenagers to blow off some steam, learn new skills and challenge themselves. These are the best beginner bikes for teens 13 years of age and older:
- Honda CRF150F
- Kawasaki KLX140G
- Yamaha TTR230
- Kawasaki KLX230R
- Honda CRF250F
All of these dirt bikes have electric start, which I highly recommend for new riders to reduce frustration.
The CRF150F is the only bike on this list that has wheels that aren’t full size (21/18″), so it’s a good bike if you’re a smaller teen.
On the other hand, the KLX140G is similar in size, but it has full size wheels. It has the lowest seat height for a full size bike, making it a nice transition from a standard KLX140 if you don’t want more power.
The TTR230 is a good option if you like blue bikes, but there’s nothing special about it. It’s easy to ride, is very reliable, and has decent aftermarket support.
The KLX230R is new to the game for medium size dirt bikes. Fuel injection is a big addition, so no carb cleaning or tuning to worry about.
The CRF250F has been available for a few years now, so the aftermarket support is growing. Being a 250, it will have the most torque and power available in this group of bikes for teenaged riders. It’s on my list of best beginner bikes for many reasons.
Best kids motocross bike for teens:
- Kawasaki KX112
- Yamaha YZ85LW
- Suzuki RM85L
- KTM 85 SX 19/16
- Husqvarna TC 85 19/16
- GasGas MC 85 19/16
- TM Racing 2T MX 112
- Honda CRF150RB
While these are made from the original small-wheel 85cc 2-stroke MX bikes, they are an upgraded “supermini” class bike for teens. They have bigger wheels and max engine size 112cc, which makes them incredibly fast if properly tuned because they’re so light.
Best Electric Dirt Bike For Teenager
In a noise-conscience area and need a full size electric dirt bike? Battery powered electric dirt bikes are still relatively new, and there aren’t many options for teens or adults.
However, the Oset 24.0 electric dirt bike is probably the best choice for a 13-18 year old.
It’s going to be a lot more reliable and higher quality than the typical electric dirt bikes you can find on Amazon.
How to safely ride a dirt bike with your kid
Are you getting into dirt biking to ride off-road with your son or daughter? Starting on the right bikes is super important, but there’s one thing that will really help give you more control and prevent having an accident.
It starts with your riding technique, and I want to show you all the basic techniques to safely ride with control in a super short and practical training guide. Click here to get started now.
The Kalk INK Electric Dirt Bike – 185 Lb Ft Of Torque
With 185 lb ft of torque at the rear wheel and a curb weight of just 78 kilograms (or 172 lbs) the Kalk INK is a quick off-road motorcycle with up to 3 hours of range, an 80% recharge time of two hours from a standard wall outlet, or 3 hours for a 100% charge.
The Arrival Of The Electric Motorcycle
Electric vehicles have been around for a long time, the electric motor was invented back in the 1740s after all, many decades before the first internal combustion engine would see the light of day. Electric motors tend to be small and lightweight for their power output, and they’re mechanically quite simple with fewer moving parts that can fail.
Above Video: This episode from Sam Pilgrim shows the unboxing process of the Cake Kalk INK and his impressions riding it off road. Pilgrim is a professional freeride mountain biker with a slew of major competitive wins to his name.
The biggest hold-back for electric vehicles has always been not electric motor technology but battery technology – an issue that is now improving at a Rapid pace due to the invention and continued development of lithium-based batteries.
That isn’t to say that the battery issue has been solved, this is likely still some way off, however it’s certainly much improved. The largest issue with electric vehicles now isn’t so much battery capacity as the cost of those batteries, something we will have to wait for the economies of scale to solve in time.
The first electric motorcycle patent appeared in 1895, it was filed by Ogden Bolton Jr. of Canton Ohio. These early designs were essentially just bicycles with an electric motor, a simple motor controller, and a battery.
In 1896 bicycle manufacturer Humber displayed their new electric tandem bicycle in London at the Stanley Cycle Show and a number of other electric bicycle/motorcycles would follow. In 1911 Popular Mechanics magazine described an electric motorcycle with an impressive spec sheet including a range of up to 100 miles and a top speed of 35 mph.
Electric motorcycles and their electric bicycle siblings have long faced the same issues as electric cars, limited range due to battery technology, however as noted above, battery technology continues to improve year on year.
Cake electric motorcycles have become almost a class to themselves for many off-road riders.
Modern electric motorcycles typically make use of a lightweight frame, a small electric motor that may be either hub mounted or frame mounted, and they often have removable battery packs to make for easy charging and hot swapping.
Many of their other components, like suspension, brakes, lighting systems, wheels, and tires are all taken directly from the world of traditional internal combustion motorcycles to help lower costs.
As batteries continue to improve and become cheaper over time it’s likely we’ll see a tipping point, where electric motorcycles make more economic sense. However for the time being they still tend to be prohibitively expensive for many.
The Kalk INK Electric Dirt Bike
With the release of the Kalk INK, the team at Cake were seeking to provide a slightly more affordable electric dirt bike compared to the Cake OR model and the company’s dedicated off-road racing bikes.
The Kalk INK has an upside down MX spring fork up front and an adjustable monoshock in the rear.
Despite the slightly lower cost it’s immediately clear that this is a Cake-designed bike, with its distinctive 6061 aluminium frame consisting of extruded, forged, and CNC machined parts.
Suspension consists of upside down MX spring forks with rebound adjustment up front that have been engineered specifically for this model. There’s an aluminum swing arm and monoshock in the rear, and a chain drive to the wheel that runs from the electric motor sprocket to the rear wheel sprocket.
Single disc brakes are fitted front and back, more than enough given the low curb weight of the bike. It rides on 19″x1.85” custom designed 7116-T6 aluminum motorcycle rims front and back with matching 19″ off-road motorcycle tires.
Power is provided by an electric motor producing 11 Kw and 42 Nm of torque at the crank, by the time this is multiplied by the 80 tooth rear sprocket it becomes 280 Nm at the rear wheel, or approximately 185 lb ft of torque.
The bike has three distinct ride modes, the details of which are listed out below.
The battery pack is a lithium unit with 18650 cells and 50 Ah of capacity or 2.6 kWh. Importantly it’s removable so you can bring it inside for charging, or hot swap the batteries to keep riding.
Kalk INK Ride Modes
As with most electric vehicles the Kalk INK doesn’t come cheap, they cost 11,580 USD each, so at the time of writing they’re still largely only owned by those with deeper s than most. Huckberry are now offering the Kalk INK with free US shipping, but they can only do continental US delivery at the time of writing.
Articles that Ben has written have been covered on CNN, Popular Mechanics, Smithsonian Magazine, Road Track Magazine, the official blog, the official eBay Motors blog, BuzzFeed, Autoweek Magazine, Wired Magazine, Autoblog, Gear Patrol, Jalopnik, The Verge, and many more.
Silodrome was founded by Ben back in 2010, in the years since the site has grown to become a world leader in the alternative and vintage motoring sector, with well over a million monthly readers from around the world and many hundreds of thousands of followers on social media.