We’ve broken down the top picks of electric dirt bikes currently available in Australia for off-road enthusiasts
Australia is a dirt bike rider’s playground. Endless stretches of mountains, desert and bushland provide the ultimate landscape to push off-road bikes (and their riders) to their absolute limit. So naturally, one of the most popular EV markets in Australia is the electric dirt bikes category.
There are already several incredible electric dirt bike manufacturers that are importing to Australia and in this article we’re going to take a look at some of our favourites – from dirt bikes that are redefining motocross to chook chasers of the 21st century, here’s everything you want to know about electric dirt bikes in Australia
Stark Future
The Stark VARG is an electric dirt bike we get very excited about for a number of reasons. We will be receiving our first demo bike from them in the coming months, and they are unquestionably the most powerful dirt bike in the world. Note that we didn’t say the most powerful electric dirt bike, the most powerful dirt bike over all – that’s an insane accomplishment.
This Spanish manufacturer has been redefining what’s possible when state-of-the-art EV engineering and pure dirt bike fun come together. The two models of the Stark VARG separate into a 60HP and 80HP model, with the 80HP model giving you up to 30% more power than the top performing 450CC gas powered dirt bike.
Earlier this year the worlds media had a chance to go to the Stark Future factory to see what all the fuss was about, so check out this video to see what the world’s best dirt bike can do
Sur Ron Talaria
Sur Ron and Talaria have been producing electric dirt bikes out of China since 2014 and we probably have to thank them for pushing a lot of mountain bike riders over to the electric dirt bikes side of things.
Sur Ron initially released their off-road only Light Bee electric dirt bike around 7 years ago. It was a hybrid full suspension mountain bike/motorcycle with a powerful mid-drive electric motor. Unlike a lot of dodgy electric motors, bikes and batteries that were coming out of China at the time – the build quality of Sur Ron’s bikes was decent for the price point, which meant they quickly gathered a following in and out of China – USA being their biggest export market. But we’ve also first-hand seen their popularity in the UK. English Electric Motor Co sells these Chinese electric motorcycles and they are their most sold bike – demand actually outstrips supply every year.
Sur Ron Storm Bee – added to the range in 2022 this more powerful Sur Ron is much more traditional dirt bike and less mountain bike.
The reason we have bundled Talaria into this section are rumors that some of the top engineers at Sur Ron weren’t happy with the way product development was going so they broke away and launched Talaria. The bikes look pretty much identical but Talaria have fitted their models with slightly different components which they claim produce better performance and reliability. What we can say about both brands are – they make pretty impressive products for the price range.
The only downside is longevity – we’ve had a lot of owners complaining that they have killed their motor/controller/battery by pushing the bike too hard. There doesn’t seem to be the same limits on performance that premium brands Zero and Energica employ to safeguard the bikes damaging themselves when being pushed hard.
UBCO
When we think of electric dirt bikes you can imagine we’re mostly talking about off road adventuring and MotoX models built for jumps and insane tricks. But New Zealand manufacturer UBCO has created a Smart looking utility bike that presents more like a state-of-the-art chook chaser. They kind of remind me of the Benzina Zero Duo scooters. The boxy design is built to attach all kinds of features like extra power supply, cargo decks, baggage racks, etc. and in addition to all wheel drive, these UBCO models are absolute workhorses build to withstand anything.
UBCO offer two models, the 2X2ADV and 2X2WRK, both bikes have basically the same specifications, except the ADV model is road registerable; with additional headlights, indicators, license plate brackets etc.
Cake OR
The Cake OR is a pretty awesome all-around bike – light weight, high performance and purpose built for simplicity and off road fun. The OR is the sport model of the Cake range and it comes with some pretty sophisticated Swedish manufacturing.
These bikes can only be ridden off road or on private property because they don’t come with the on-road extras making them eligible for road registration. These bikes are fast and have a decent riding range. The super modern design is very simplistic, Cake have only put the necessary elements on this bike to make it a capable off road adventurer. A seat, suspension, foot pegs, throttle, battery, tyres and a drive train – go!
KTM Freeride
Unfortunately you’re only likely to find a KTM Freeride as a second hand bike as they’re no longer available in Australia. I can speak from personal experience however, that these are AWESOME electric dirt bikes. Hopefully they come back to Australia soon, they have an aggressive marketing push overseas, so we suspect it will only be a matter of time before they’re back in the country.
The KTM Freeride has that real old school dirt bike look to them, similar to the Stark VARGS. Except you can’t go past those classic KTM design and engineering that’s built on years of competitive riding. The only electric dirt bikes KTM has available in Australia are for kids, the SXE 3, SXE 5, 12E Drive and 16E Drive. Why do the kids get all the good toys?
Electric Motion
The French manufacturer technically produces trial motorcycles, however, their Escape and Escape R model provide somewhat of a crossover into dirt bike territory we think are worth mentioning. Mainly because they are very easily accessible to Australian riders.
The Escape and Escape R were built with trials sophistication in mind and is an off-road riding master. The 2023 model builds on previous years with TKO maps, regenerative braking, traction control, control over power modes and really sleek lightweight design. Since the electric bike was introduced into trial competitions internationally, they have been topping the podiums again and again.
Stealth Electric Bikes
The only Australian manufacturer offering an electric dirt bike, but again, this one isn’t strictly a dirt bike manufacturer. The Stealth Electric Bikes are where the line between mountain biking and motocross get real cloudy, however, they do make some of the most badass bikes out there.
The Stealth H-52 ‘Hurricane’ is the light weight, high-power electric dirt bike variant of their B-52 ‘Bomber’ hybrid electric bike. This bike is a purpose built MX machine with all the fight and none of the noise you would expect from a high performance dirt bike. We’re stoked to see an Aussie manufacturer producing some beasty looking bikes, we’re itching to get our hands on one.
Segway eBike
Remember Segways? Yeah, THOSE Segways!
They have entered the dirt bike game with a pretty impressive compact and lightweight electric dirt bike that looks like it would be a whole lot of fun. Offering two models, the X160 and X260, these medium size electric dirt bikes are meant for fast treks and narrow trails. They also come with an adjustable seat height which kind of suggests it would able to be ridden by both teens and adults. For safety reasons however, the bike has an adult-only age recommendation.
The premium X260 models offers a top speed of 75 km/h, 120km range from a full charge and an impressive 250 Nm of torque, the Segway eBike has become a pretty popular sellar to young Australian riders. And with an agreeable price 6,499 – teenage me is kind of jealous that these kinds of options are available.
Electric Dirt Bikes vs Gas Dirt Bikes
That wraps up just a few of our favourite electric dirt bikes currently available in Australia. But as we like to do here at AEMC, we like to weigh up the pros and cons of electric bikes vs gas powered bikes. Now when specifically looking at dirt bikes there are a few key points we have to look at.
Noise
It’s one of the oldest complaints in the book. We rode dirt bikes as kids, and our parent’s rules were no riding before 10am on weekends and we had to be finished by 5pm. Our neighbours were quick to let us know how annoyed they were at the sound of dirt bikes screaming through the bush every weekend. We had all the space in the world to go nuts, but those two and four cylinder bikes were noisy as hell. Nobody who lives in a rural area wants to have that peace and quiet disturbed by a couple of dirt bikes, and fair enough.
The near silence of an electric dirt bike means you can ride as much as you want without pissing off your neighbors – unless they are within 50 meters of where you are riding. Electric dirt bike engines make a much quieter winding noise which is generated from the motor, the belt/chain and the tyres hitting the dirt. Think of a louder remote control car – perfect for rural living. Plus (and we’re not condoning this) if you’re riding in an area you’re not supposed to be, having an electric dirt bike really helps not getting caught, because they can’t hear you a km away.
Servicing and maintenance
Mile for mile, electric dirt bikes are cheaper to service and maintain. There are less parts in electric engines and therefore less to go wrong. There are your typical brake pads and tyres of course, but engine services are few and far between. That being said – the brand you buy and how hard you push it will ultimately decide the longevity of your bike. Some of the Chinese bikes are cheaper to buy upfront – but with limited support and more examples of major errors – they may not be the better value bikes longer term.
While the costs to service might be lower for gas powered bikes. At the moment you are for more likely to find a small engine bike mechanic than you are to find one that’s certified to work on electric motorbikes. This is a problem that will solve itself in time as adoption of EV technology becomes the new normal.
Power
With the cost of fuel as it is, it’s nice to be able to just plug in your bike to a power socket – no more trips to the fuel pump. It’s incredible how low the cost of powering an electric dirt bike is compared to a gas powered bike. Electric dirt bikes will typically have a battery capacity between 2 – 7 kWh. Even with the rise in electricity – that means a full charge is going to cost you between 1.20 to 4.20. That’s a damn site cheaper than 6.5 litres of petrol (14 at today’s current rate). However, the one thing we will admit defeat on is recharging dirt bikes on trips. If you’re out on a camping trip with your mates for a weekend and your battery is empty, it’s not as simple as refuelling from a Jerry-can. You would either have to have access to power at the camping site, a petrol powered generator (which sort of defeats the purpose in our opinion), a solar powered generator, or a pre-charged battery option to charge from. All somewhat limited options at the moment but something that will no doubt become more abundant as we’re forced to move from petrol vehicles.
Did we cover your favourite electric dirt bike in this article? We’re keen to hear more about your experiences and favourite brands.
Surron X Bike (Black Edition)
The latest most updated version of the Sur Ron X Bike. Save up to 500 with free shipping for our lowest price of the year. Free shipping is a limited time offer.
Also this bike is offered with the 38ah battery upgrade. The upgraded battery will give you a few extra miles of range and uses the Samsung 35E cell instead of the standard Panasonic PF cell.
This has the X-controller with Regen breaking and quieter operation. 80amps of power. Programming instructions can be found (here)
The Surron X bike is the same as the original Sur-Ron Light Bee with the added above features. The most significant upgrade is its state of the art sine wave controller which makes it quieter and more powerful with much smoother throttle response.
( Click Here for a Close Up)
Incredible Battery
On any electric bike, you should take a good look at the battery since it is by far the most expensive part of the bike. Lightweight power dense batteries are not cheap, and if they are cheap they are probably not safe or reliable. The Sur-Ron has a gigantic 60v 32ah pack which is 2000 watt hours. To give you an idea how much range to expect it has 4x the capacity as most of today’s production bikes.
The battery consists of panasonic PF cells (or Samsung 35e for the 38ah version) cells i in a well built case that slides in and out of bike, a microprocessor based battery management system and extra goodness.
Awesome Engineering
Every detail of this bike is thought out and no expense is spared when needed to make a reliable high performance off road machine.
It has one of the best constructed battery packs ever offered in a small EV.
The Surron is designed for serious off road riding and we have done tests with many drops that confirm the suspension system on the Sur Ron is rock solid.
The Surron comes with an 8 inch travel for both front and rear suspension.
Upgrades Available
Surron Gates Belt Kit Upgrade is now available installed by our shop (See on This Upgrade), and pairs great with the Moto Kit in mind, but still works without.
Super Moto Kit Swap is 17 Smooth Tire install upgrade that is ideal for riding on smoother terrain. Ideal for Moto racing, this kit lowers your Sur-Ron a little due to the smaller size, but don’t worry you’ll have the same top end speed. If you want both sets of wheels, purchase a Separate Moto Kit Here. If you want both drivetrains, the belt kit is available here and the stock drivetrain is available here.
We at Luna take our flagship products serious and we have many upgrades for this bike including a Super Moto Tire upgrade, Sprocket upgrades, and
Get the Insider Scoop On The Best Electric Dirt Bikes
In this guide, we will provide you with an in-depth look at the best electric dirt bikes available in 2023.
Additionally, we’ll cover everything from the latest features to performance, design, and pricing. You will also learn all the information you need to know before making a purchase.
This guide is a must-read for anyone who is interested in this exciting and rapidly-evolving industry.
In this post, you will find:
Introduction to Electric Dirt Bikes
In brief, the dirt bike market is showing interest in all things electric.
KTM and Husqvarna are already offering electric models for some of their 2023 and 2024 lineup. We have also seen plenty of new startups enter the market in the recent few years. Also, we already lost some startups such as Alta Motors.
What Is an Electric Dirt Bike?
So, in a traditional dirt bike, the power is generated by a traditional 2-stroke or 4-stroke gas combustion engine. The engine transfers the power to a gearbox. The gearbox then connects to the rear wheel using sprockets and a chain as a final drive.
In short, the electric dirt bikes are powered by an electric motor. The dirt bike chassis incorporates a rechargeable battery, which then powers the electric motor. The motor typically uses a single speed gearbox. So, no gear shifting or clutch use is needed thanks to the high revolution range of an electric motor.
Electric vs Gas Models Compared
- Chassis design and suspension components
- Overall weight and weight distribution
- Power, speed, and powertrain
- Range and operation
Next, we are going to discuss each area in more detail.
Chassis Design and Suspension Components
Surprisingly, the first major difference between electric and gas dirt bikes is quite obvious. Also, the manufacturers are not sticking to the current gas powered dirt bike chassis and form factors anymore.
Instead, these new models are designed from the ground up. As a result, they are designed with the capabilities of an electric motor and the rechargeable batteries. Furthermore, the current trends in chassis and suspension design are innovative and experimental.
Startups Are Innovating Chassis Design From Ground up
Some early models, like the Alta Motors models, were using comparable dirt bike chassis and suspension setup. This return resulted into higher overall weight and poor range compared to the gas models.
In 2023, manufacturers were experimenting with more lightweight frame and suspension design. Another key point is that the trend with many startups seem to be more towards lightweight frames and suspension. Additionally, many of these models resemble a combination of a mountain bike and a dirt bike. For example these experimental, lighter frame designs include such models as Sur-Ron X, Cake Kalk, and Segway X260.
Major Dirt Bike Manufacturers Still Use Traditional Frame Designs
The major brands, such as KTM and Husqvarna are using their current frame designs from gas powered models. In fact, the 2023 KTM Freeride E-XC uses similar frame designs as the older gas powered models.
Indeed, it remains to be seen which route is the crowd favorite. Personally, I believe both form factors will be popular. Both serve a purpose.
Overall Weight and Weight Distribution
An electric motor is lighter than a comparable gas engine. The challenge dirt bike manufacturers face is the overall dirt bike weight. Another key point is, that the current battery technology is not quite up to par yet. Meanwhile, the battery technology is not able to store enough energy to match a gas engine.
All things considered, the weight savings from removing the gas engine are outweighed by the weight of the battery. So far, the comparable full size electric dirt bikes are heavier. However, manufacturers have solved this in various different ways.
In summary, most innovations seem to relate around lighter chassis and suspension design and lowered range or power. However, the combination of all these things are making the electric models an attractive option for many riders.
Weight Distribution
Due to the placement of the battery and the motor, the electric models have a lower center of gravity. As a result, this helps with performance and handling of these dirt bikes. As a matter of fact, the lighter hybrid dirt bike manufacturers are already innovating with battery placement and motor designs. Furthermore, the goal is to rapidly match the weight and power characteristics of gas engines.
over, the 2023 model lineups are becoming competitive in the 250/300cc 2-stroke gas engine and 450cc 4-stroke engine category. At this time, one example of this development is Stark VARG, to be released in 2024. In brief, they boast great specs and it remains to be seen how well they are able to execute.
Overall Weight Drives Chassis and Suspension Design
The operational weight of a traditional gas dirt bike is around 250 lbs. Currently, there are no directly comparable full size models in the same power range category to directly compare overall weight. That being said, most electric models are lighter but may lack in overall power or range.
The KTM 2023 Freeride model is said to weight around 250 lbs, which is similar to gas powered models. Overall, the weight savings are countered with a heavy battery. Surprisingly, KTM has achieved the same weight by using a lighter chassis and suspension elements.
In short, the electric power source effectively eliminates the need for oil, gas, gas tank, exhaust and moving engine parts. The electric motor alone is much lighter compared to a gas engine and produces similar levels of comparable power.
Electric Dirt Bikes Use Lighter Chassis and Smaller Suspension Components
In reality, the added weight in electric models come from a rechargeable lithium ion battery.
Traditional gas dirt bikes are generally using 45–48mm front fork diameter, while electric models favor much smaller, 35–38mm in diameter. The suspension travel is also shorter in these more lightweight electric chassis designs.
Power, Top Speed, and Powertrain
In 2023, manufacturers are balancing between maximum power, total range, and overall weight. Change one and the others are affected.
Do Electric Models Offer Less Power?
Yes and no. Power is relative. In short, the electric models do offer the same range of performance. In part, because of their much lighter weight and excellent power delivery characteristics of the electric motor and gearbox.
Today, the 2023 and 2024 full size electric model lineup offer very similar performance numbers as the comparable gas models. It is important to notice that these models are not meant to replace the gas models. The most powerful 300cc two-stroke or 450cc four-stroke engine models will still have their place.
The more comparable model range is in the 150cc range. Many stock 150cc two-strokes produce around 20hp, whereas the electric models range around 12–15hp rated continuous power.
It’s likely that in few years, electric models are starting to be very comparable to gas powered dirt bikes. This is also evident in the adult, full size dirt bike categories. Kids model range are already very close and realistically are bound to sell more than the gas models in 2023.
How About Top Speed?
Electric motor itself can produce much more power than the gas engine in the same weight category. All in all, the challenge is in the battery size, capacity, and weight. Basically, top speeds range anywhere from 40 to 60mph depending on the dirt bike model.
By comparison, one of the major differences in power delivery on electric dirt bikes is the gear box. In brief, gas dirt bikes use a user selectable gear box, with a hand operated clutch. In contrast, electric models typically have only one speed, no gears, or automatic gears and no clutch.
Gearbox Usually Limits Maximum Speed
The gearbox and the single speed is typically the limiting factor for maximum speed. Most models are limited to a maximum speed of 40mph and under when stock. However, this doesn’t necessarily affect riding characteristics since most single track and trail riding happens under these speeds.
It’s also important to notice that gas engines benefit from having several gears. Gas engine produces variable torque in different engine revolution range. In order to have enough power at a large speed range, gears are needed.
In summary, electric motor produces stable power at any revolution range. Therefore, it eliminates the gearbox as the engine power can be used in a much more wider RPM range.
What About Powertrain?
Wheels and tires are also another weight saving component. The lower overall power and different chassis design enable using more narrow wheels and tires.
Range and Operation
Up until recently, the range has been a major limiting factor to popularity of the electric dirt bikes. However, things are rapidly caching up as the new lithium ion battery technologies are getting more efficient at storing energy.
The size and weight are the primary limiting factors to the overall range. In fact, to increase performance, the dirt bike needs to be lighter or produce more power. In general, if you add more power, range is affected. Also, adding more range, more weight is added in battery weight. You catch my drift.
How Does Range Compare to Gas Dirt Bikes?
So, for all day riding, electric models may not be the choice to replace your current dirt bike just yet.
However, many mountain bikers and dirt bikers like to mix it up. Therefore, adding an electric dirt bike can help you cross train and hit the trails more often and nearby. As a result, they can supplement your dirt riding hobby, and not necessarily replace the gas dirt bike.
As a result, manufacturers have designed the electric versions to be lighter and smaller. And it seems to work well.
Back to range; it varies a lot. It all depends on how you ride. The Sur-Ron X, the model offers a range of 20–60 miles and Seg way X260 bluntly tells us 75 miles. Other models talk about 1–2 hours of riding.
You Have Options in Increasing Overall Range
It’s safe to say that these models are designed to be taken out to one full session. And many offer just that. The full charge would allow you to spend a few hours hitting the trails as hard as you like. Then take a break, grab lunch or rest while it charges for few hours and repeat.
If you’re planning ride the entire day, be prepared to sit next to a charger while others ride. Most models will take between 2–4 hours to fully charge, with KTM Freeride being the exception around 75 minutes. You do have the option to buy an extra battery and many models offer a replaceable battery feature.
My Experiences Riding Electric Models
Riding anything electric for the first time is definitely an eye opening experience. The power delivery is just amazing. This is mainly because it offers a smooth endless torque throughout the time you’re on the gas. This is similar whether you’re in a train, car, truck, street motorcycle, or a dirt bike.
My first experience with an electric dirt bike was with the Alta Motors Redshift EX enduro model. After some short adjustment period, I quickly started liking the experience more and more. It was well suited for any trail riding and typical enduro dirt biking. However, I did feel the weight difference to my then 2-stroke. Since, I have tested several enduro models and also few street bikes, such as the Harley-Davidson LiveWire.
We recently wrote a hands-on review of the Electric Light Bee SUR-RON X. Be sure to check it out for detailed review.
The main differences to a gas bike is that you need to prepare for the charging process. Or get a replacement battery. If you plan to recharge the battery, make sure you have means to do so. Either find a plug or get a generator. Most cars or trucks do not have an outlet that can run the charger to recharge the battery.
Next, let’s talk about how riding is different with electric dirt bikes.
How Riding Electric Models Differ From Gas Models
- They use no clutch or gears which affects technical riding
- You need to re-learn controls
- Less preparing and packing
- Have a plan for charging time
- You may want to use a lighter gear
Let’s discuss these topics more next.
Get Used To Riding Without a Clutch or Gears
The very first thing you will notice on an electric dirt bike is the lack of clutch and gears. This also means that the left lever is rear brake and there is no rear brake pedal.
In fact, in many conditions and riding styles, this may not be a problem. Furthermore, if you are an avid mountain bike rider, the lever configuration is familiar.
In truth, for hard enduro and technical single track riders, the lack of clutch and gears may be an issue. Especially many of the obstacles and techniques require the use of clutch. The clutch helps to modulate the power to gain traction and execute the maneuvers to overcome these obstacles. In reality, this means that most of those learned techniques fly out the window with going electric. Furthermore, you will need to relearn how to apply power and how to maneuver in slow and difficult terrain.
This is not necessarily a bad thing, but it is worth mentioning. At the same time, don’t forget that these lightweight dirt bikes are not meant to replace your gas dirt bike. They are still the best trail dirt bike for very technical trail riding or hard enduro.
Remarkably, all your existing skills still transfer very well to riding these models.
Preparing for the Ride Day Is Easier
Overall, the biggest advantage is the simplicity. The lack of combustion engine and all that comes with it makes them fun and easy to ride and maintain.
In short, getting ready for the ride day means charging the battery and performing the normal technical checkup. For instance, no need to tune, adjust, gas up, test, or warmup the engine. Instead, you can FOCUS on the suspension and tires and be ready much quicker by turning the power switch on.
Overall, you can pack less tools and leave gas cans, oils, and fluids home. Additionally, these versions are easier and lighter to load up and get ready to ride.
Plan for Charging Time and Availability
These electric models are getting better each year. Furthermore, we are already getting closer to all-day riding battery capacity on some high-end models. However, in 2023, you still need to plan for charging the dirt bike on longer ride days.
Based on our experience, the current models offer a great one session battery life span. This means that you can easily ride a full 2 to 3-hour loop without holding back or charging.
If you plan to ride all day, you need to be able to charge the battery to continue riding.
Most locations do not offer a charging plug. Unless you’re hooked up to a trailer outlet, you need to plan how to charge it. Currently most trucks or cars do not have a charging plug you can use to charge the battery.
Luckily some models offer a replaceable battery so you can buy another one and quickly hot swap it trailside.
Few Words About Electric Models and Riding Gear
The electric dirt bikes are smaller and lighter and may seem slower. It may be tempting to use lighter riding gear. It is a similar trend than in mountain bikes.
While the electric bikes may feel safer, they are still very comparable to full size dirt bikes. This calls for protective gear same as any dirt bike. Consider using the same or similar essential dirt bike gear when you ride these things. Crashing or falling on trails will hurt the same regardless what you ride with.
That being said, many riders choose to opt for lighter mountain bike helmets, boots, and other protective gear. I would approach the gear similarly as with dirt bikes; decide based on the trail difficulty and you skills.
Maintenance
The periodic maintenance is generally more simple than in gas powered models. The electric motor is practically maintenance free.
In addition to the usual components, some models use a belt as the primary drive. The belt transfers the power to the gear box. Keeping the belt clean and protected does require some maintenance and checkups.
Maintenance and tuning are generally easier since they use more lightweight components and most areas are very well accessible. Make sure to read our general guide for setting up the dirt bike suspension for trail riding.
It’s also worth mentioning that parts availability is quickly getting better. The industry is already picking up on the opportunity to tune, modify, personalize, and replace worn out parts. The manufacturers in some cases have also used parts that are interchangeable. They use either dirt bike or mountain bike components, which increases available options for maintenance and tuners out there.
Things to Consider When Buying
- Aftermarket value
- Parts availability
- Purpose and where you plan to ride
- Range
- Available modifications
- Battery options
Aftermarket Value
Used electric dirt bikes are also starting to appear in the market. Check how many are available around you and what they go for. This can be used to indicate how easily you can sell the model when needed.
You can also see how easily they sell and why people are selling them. If you see a lot of models being sold as fairly new, you can ask why people are selling. Do they dislike the model and if so, test it first to make sure you like it.
The battery is expensive in all models. The lifespan in real life use is still a question mark for most models. This should be considered when buying used.
Parts Availability
As with any dirt bike, you are going to want to tune and adjust the dirt bike. This means modifying it to your weight, height, reach, and riding style. For this reason, check if it is compatible with aftermarket parts and how well.
In particular, if you buy all parts from the manufacturer, chances are you will have to stick with stock parts. You may also be subject to long wait times and poor selection.
Purpose and Where To Ride
In summary, electric dirt bikes are a lot of fun. They are also dead silent, which makes it easier to hit local mountain bike tracks and trails, if allowed.
When you are in the market, think about where you plan to ride. After all, this helps in defining the required range and riding styles for locations that you regularly visit. If you plan to ride shorter, nearby trails, the lighter models with less range can be ideal.
Available Modifications and Tuning
In general, the factory battery and controller units are usually closed, canned systems, where there is only limited tuning available. At this time, some models have an extensive third party parts and tuning community behind them. This makes tuning and modding very easy. Adjusting simple things, such as throttle response or free play can be impossible for some models and easy in others. Choose wisely based on what your plans are.
Battery Options
Firstly, many of the models out there offer few battery capacities to choose from. Additionally, if you plan to ride longer trails, buy the extended range models.
Secondly, some models are equipped with easy battery changing capabilities. This can be a very easy solution to extend your total range and ride time.
Also, check how quickly you can charge the battery to 80% and what type of charger is used. This will give you a good idea how long you need to wait between rides.
The Best Electric Dirt Bikes for Adults in 2023
You may ask yourself, which electric model is best for me? It depends.
At this time, if you want to stick with the familiar full size frame, go with the KTM Freeride E-XC. Undoubtedly, this is as close to a gas dirt bike out there right now. And it absolutely can take you where you want to go without any issues.
For nearby trail riding, I would choose either the Cake Kalk or the Light Bee SUR-RON X. They both have excellent form factor and chassis design and they feel mostly like riding a full size dirt bike.
Generally speaking, these manufacturers are ahead of the others right now. They seem to have the popularity and parts availability and likely to survive the next wave.
This list below is updated in June 2023.
Cake Kalk
The Swedish manufacturer has been in the electric dirt bike market for quite some time. And it seems they have perfected the models to dirt riding. Furthermore, they offer several models to choose from and have great parts and aftermarket tuning availability.
Cake has chosen to use a lighter, more hybrid frame size rather than full size dirt bike frame. Note that they offer several different sub-models
Related Questions
What’s the best electric dirt bike out there?
It depends on individual preferences and the riding style, but popular options include the Zero FX, KTM Freeride E-XC, and Cake Kalk. New contenders include Surron X, and Surron Storm Bee.
How much is an electric dirt bike?
The price of electric dirt bikes can vary significantly, ranging from around 2,000 to 15,000 or more, depending on the brand, model, and features. You can find affordable options from Amazon.com.
How fast does the dirt ebike X260 go?
The Segway X260 electric dirt bike has a top speed of around 46 mph (74 km/h).
Is A Segway X260 Street legal?
No, the Segway X260 electric dirt bike is not street legal and is designed for off-road use only. But it can be converted to a street legal dirt bike with little work.
Are electric dirt bikes any good?
Yes, electric dirt bikes have gained popularity due to their eco-friendly nature, low maintenance, and instant torque, providing a fun and efficient off-road riding experience.
How fast is an electric dirt bike?
Electric dirt bikes can have varying speeds depending on the model and specifications, with some reaching top speeds of 60 mph (96 km/h) or more.
Conclusions
The electric dirt bikes are here to stay.
We are especially excited to see big full size dirt bike manufacturers challenge their gas powered models. They are offering professional level performance and affordable price ranges for most consumers.
In summary, the electric versions are lots of fun for kids, youth, and adults alike. Overall less maintenance and tinkering helps FOCUS on the riding itself. I strongly recommend testing the electric versions out whenever you get a change.
CHECK OUT OUR ULTIMATE GUIDE TO DIRT BIKE SETUPS
Better Dirt Bike Riding is supported by dirt bike riders like you. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate, we also earn from qualifying purchases.
Read our Surron X review and learn all the things you need to know about these next generation electric dirt bikes. In this hands on review, we cover everything from unboxing to full trail ride results.
Discover the top electric dirt bikes for 2023 with our must-read guide, featuring insights and as well as all the information you need to know before making a purchase. Learn about the latest models, tech, performance, and maintenance tips to make an informed choice.
Discover how dirt inside the oil seal can cause fork oil leaks and learn the 5 essential steps to clean fork seals and fix leaking front fork seals for a smoother ride.
The Best 4 Stroke Dirt Bike For Trail Riding [5 To Avoid]
There’s a lot of bad information on the internet when it comes to choosing which dirt bike to buy. This is especially true about the best 4 stroke dirt bikes for trail riding.
That’s why I put together this simple guide to help you with what I’ve learned over my 20 years of dirt bike riding and owning dozens of motocross and trail motorcycles.
There are different types of trails, so there’s no “perfect bike” for every kind of trail and rider. That’s why we’ll look at what 4-stroke trail bikes are best for each specific type of trail you might ride.
What’s The Difference Between A Dirt Bike And A Trail Bike?
A trail bike is a type of dirt bike that is built specifically for riding on trails. It generally has softer suspension and a smooth engine that’s easy to ride.
A trail bike also can differ in that it has an 18″ rear wheel (allows for bigger knobbies/sidewall), a larger gas tank, armor (hand guards/skid plate/etc.), a wider ratio transmission to make each gear more usable, a different exhaust that’s quieter with a spark arrestor, a kickstand, as well as a head and tail light on some models.
They’re a lot better than a motocross bike for trail riding because they’re more comfortable and easier to ride off-road. The extra accessories are worth the extra weight unless you’re a hardcore racer.
What Kind of Trail Riding Are You Doing?
There’s more than one kind of trail riding. I’ve ridden my dirt bikes on trails that are in the woods, up and down mountains, in desert-like terrain, or just in my backyard and state trails.
Certain models of dirt bikes will work better or worse on different types of trails. If you want to be aggressive and race through the open woods at high speeds, then you’ll want a high-performance enduro bike that is built for racing.
Just want a comfortable trail bike for casually riding up the mountain hills? A simple, low-performance air-cooled 4 stroke will meet your needs at less than half the cost of the race-ready model.
With that said, I still ride a “slow trail bike” aggressively and have more fun than ever! It just needed some suspension tuning to be able to handle the higher speeds and bigger impacts.
What Is Your Skill Level?
Just because you want to ride fast on the trails does not mean you should start out on a 450 race bike. If you’re a beginner, I highly recommend starting out on a dirt bike that is easy to ride with smooth and predictable power.
A slower bike is easier to ride fast than riding a fast bike at slow speeds. Skipping ahead to a bigger 4-stroke and trying to “grow into it” will only slow down your pace of learning.
I learned that the fastest way to become a better rider is to master the basic skills of clutch and throttle control, as well as balance. By learning the proper techniques, you’ll also have more control and be able to ride longer without getting exhausted.
Once you’ve completely outgrown your first dirt bike, then it’s time to look at a more serious enduro trail bike.
What Is Your Size?
Dirt bike size is more important for beginners than it is if you’re an expert level rider. Being able to touch the ground with one foot builds your confidence because it can prevent simple tip-overs.
Confidence is key to growing your riding skill and technique. This is true even if you’re a pro rider.
There are a number of mid-size and smaller full-size dirt bikes if you are shorter than average. Even if you buy a 4 stroke that’s a little too tall, there are several ways to lower the seat height.
Are 4 strokes good for trail riding?
Depending on what type of dirt bike you get and the type of trails you’re doing, 4 strokes can be really good for trail riding. For example, you don’t want to ride a 250F 4 stroke MX bike on tight and technical trails, especially if you’re a beginner.
My video/podcast below shows you what you need to know before buying a 4 stroke dirt bike:
The CRF250F is an all new air-cooled 4 stroke with a dual-camshaft design. It has electric start, but the biggest upgrade is the electronic fuel injection system.
No more pesky carburetor to deal with, as the EFI auto compensates whether you’re starting the bike hot or cold.
The low seat height of 34.8″ helps build confidence, being a few inches shorter than a standard full size 4 stroke.
Other reasons why the Honda CRF250F is a great trail bike:
- Smooth power-curve with good torque
- Low seat height; Low center of gravity
- Very reliable
- Plenty of mods will be available
- Shorter wheelbase; makes turning easier
Other 4 stroke beginner bikes that are good for trail riding
Honorable mentions in case you don’t want a Honda include: Kawasaki KLX230R, Yamaha TTR230.
If you’re a new rider, then you’re on the right track to becoming a skilled rider by researching this article for the best dirt bike to start out on!
A 4 stroke trail bike is a great option for learning how to ride, but it’s even more important to learn proper riding technique. To learn the fundamental techniques and build your confidence, tap here to get started for free.
Best cheap used 4 stroke trail bike for beginners
Maybe you’re on a budget and need a cheap dirt bike to get started. If that’s the case, then here are the most affordable trail bikes if you’re looking for your first dirt bike:
Starting out on these older bikes is a great and inexpensive way to get started into riding off-road. If you can find one in good shape, you’ll not only save money when you buy it, but it will also be cheaper to maintain.
What’s The Most Reliable 4 Stroke Trail Bike?
The most reliable dirt bikes for trail riding are going to be the ones that are maintained the best.
All kidding aside, the air cooled 4 strokes are generally the most reliable because they’re the lowest performance engines.
The CRF250F, KLX230R and TTR230 are super durable and among the most reliable dirt bikes if you just keep the oil clean and full, and have a clean air filter.
What’s The Best 250cc 4 Stroke Trail Bike?
There’s many different 250 models that are designed for trail riding.
Honda has the CRF250F for beginner trail riders, the CRF250X for intermediate and experienced trail riders, and the CRF250RX for enduro riders that want a race bike that can still handle technical terrain in the woods.
The best 250 4 stroke dirt bikes for trail riding are:
0 or 450 Dirt Bike For Trails?
A 250 four-stroke is better for riding slower, tighter trails because it’s lighter and easier to handle. A 450 is better for faster, more open trails because it has plenty of power.
While a 450cc dirt bike might only weigh a few pounds more than a 250, the mass of the engine makes it feel a lot heavier. For example, when I went from a 200cc enduro bike to a 450cc, I got exhausted MUCH quicker because I’m not very strong.If you don’t need the extra power, it’s not worth the extra effort, in my opinion.
Best 4 Stroke For Fast Trails/Racing
The CRF250RX, YZ250FX, 250 XC-F, and KX250X are among the best enduro 4 strokes for high-speed and aggressive trail riding. They are lightweight and based on the 250 motocross bikes but are set up for off-road riding.
The motocross bikes listed above in the “worst 4 strokes for trail riding” can be used for riding in the woods, but they do not have the key traits that make it much more enjoyable.
For example, compared to the YZ250F MX bike, the YZ250FX has a wide-ratio 6-speed transmission, a larger gas tank, an 18” rear wheel (better for off-road), a kickstand, suspension that’s tuned for off-road racing, and an engine tuned for broader power.
All of these differences add up to a much better riding 250 4 stroke on the trails.
Can you race 4 stroke dirt bikes?
Absolutely! There are many 4 stroke enduro and motocross bikes for racing, but you can even race a “slower” 4 stroke trail bike.
I’ve raced a CRF230F “girls bike” at some hare scramble and enduro races and was still competitive in my class. As long as the suspension is set up for you, it’s more about YOU the rider, and your riding ability than what bike you’re riding.
Best 4 Stroke For Desert Trail Riding
Desert riding usually requires a bigger and more powerful bike. Sand and high-speed riding need more torque and horsepower or else you’re going to be doing a lot of shifting to keep moving at a fast pace.
Yamaha’s WR450F has always been a solid bike, but it’s improved yet again. The engine has plenty of horsepower, based on the YZ450F engine. You can also tune the ECU from your phone to get the exact feel that you want.
The Honda CRF450X is another great option for high-speed desert or Baja-like riding.
KTM’s 500 XCF-W is another step in the direction of high performance. If you’re looking for more than 450cc of power, the KTM 500 is the ultimate do-all bike.
Tuning the ECU may be required to get the most out of it if you get a “smogged” bike with all the EPA-restrictive parts.
Best 4 Stroke For Tight Single Track
Are you looking to get the ultimate woods weapon? Your best bet is the lightest bike with a shorter wheelbase.
Unfortunately, there’s no high performance option available unless you modify your own bike, such as a modded CRF230F.
The Honda CRF250F and Kawasaki KLX230R are great for tight single track riding, but they fall short in suspension and overall performance in stock form if you want to ride aggressively.
Yamaha’s WR250F has come a long way in the past 10 years, using the YZ250F powerplant but tuned for smoother power.
However, it’s still a tall bike with a full size seat height and wheelbase, so it doesn’t have much of an advantage over another 250 4 stroke trail bike.
Best lightweight street legal trail bike
Maybe you are limited to just one dirt bike due to space or your wife’s rules. Whatever it is, having a street legal dirt bike can be really beneficial so that you can ride to the trails, but there’s just one problem…
Dual sport dirt bikes are heavy, which makes for a poor trail bike, in most cases.
So, that’s why I want to show you the lightest available street legal dirt bikes that are still good for trail riding. With that said, you need to know which motorcycle is good based on your experience level. For example, just picking the lightest bike isn’t necessarily good for a beginner because it’s a high-performance model.
- KTM 350 EXC-F (experienced riders) – (est.) 243 lbs/229 lbs dry
- KTM 500 EXC-F (experienced riders) – (est.) 254 lbs/240 lbs dry
- Suzuki DR200S – 278 lbs
- Honda CRF450RL (experienced riders) – 291 lbs
- Kawasaki KLX230 S – 297 lbs
- Kawasaki KLX300 – 302 lbs
- Honda CRF300L – 306 lbs
Looking to buy a used 4 stroke dirt bike?
Maybe you’re on a budget and can’t afford to buy a brand-new bike. That’s okay, but buying a secondhand dirt bike can leave you with some major problems if you don’t know what to look for.Check out my video (or podcast episode) below so that you know what to look for when buying a used 4 stroke:
Simple steps to get start dirt biking on a budget
Whether you’re brand new to dirt biking, just getting back into it, or coming from a street or mountain bike, finances are often an issue when getting into this hobby. You can easily spend 10-15k just buying a bike and gear to get started, but I want to show you how to do it for a fraction of that while still having just as much fun while being safe. Click or tap here to learn more.
Posted on Last updated: April 17, 2023
Sunday 30th of April 2023
I’m 54 and road 2 strokes back in the day. Powerband city. Hadn’t ridden since my 20’s. Been riding sleds (850cc) alone in winter ever since. Decided to get back into it (trail riding in Maine) and was worried I didn’t still have and bought CRF 250F. In about a week or two I was looking for more power and much better suspension. I’m all set to go KTM XCF-250 but reading they’re race bikes and getting the same feeling I did before the 250F. I know XCF-W is the way to go but they’re ridiculously hard to find. Thoughts on the straight XCF? Will they lug? Am I going to flip on the first whiskey throttle if I tug on the throttle a little to much? Transmission wide ratio enough? Any input would be appreciated.
Sunday 16th of April 2023
where can we paypal you a donation for all of this awesome info? also, why no mention of the KX-250X trail bike?
Monday 17th of April 2023
Hey Bill, I really appreciate your support and encouragement. No need to donate, though. If you wish to further support me, I have online courses that you can get access to so that we can both help each other out 🙂 You’re right, I did forget that model. I’ll have to add it to this list. thanks for letting me know, Bill!
Friday 17th of March 2023
gosh am i glad u came up #1 in google what dirt bike is most comfortable? LOL. i was just about to purchase the 2023 Honda CRF250R (8K) for casual slow trail exploring. i saw a utube saying the CRF250F (5K) was for beginners, the R was better for experienced. the F was lower to the ground. i joined races like Virginia City but only to have fun. our club trail rode and i was always last. at 62 now i just want the most comfort in a trail bike which i only learned is diff from dirt bike from your article! most shops i contact the sales people don’t ride much or at all so it’s like asking Home Depot employees for help!
decades ago i started on Honda XL125, XL250, XL600 on/off then figured out full offroad is better and loved my KTM125 2-stroke but it was loud and don’t want anything like that now! i want a 125 now but the shops tell me moving to 4-stroke i need at least a 250 (which sounds right). i’m only going slow trail ride, looking for less vibrations, more comfort, and need power in rare instances! but in oregon we do have hills and often wet. i will never be going fast which i’d guess on trails that means never over 30mph?
i plan on purchasing the Echo motorcycle trailer EMC-7-12, do u have an opinion on this model? (i have a 1 1/4 hitch and small toyota with 1500lb limit.
thank u (really, for the great information)
here is a pic of my old KTM if u allow images. https://imgur.com/d4KRtlY
Monday 20th of March 2023
I’m glad to hear that too, Ed! Sounds like you got it figured out 🙂 I don’t have personal experience with that Echo trailer, but I’m somewhat familiar with it and it should be a good choice for what you need as long as you can put a 2 ball insert on that hitch. That’s a sweet shot on the old KTM. thanks for sharing, Ed!
Thursday 1st of December 2022
Hello I’m looking to get into Dirtbikes I want to trail ride I don’t really have an interest in riding track. I’m torn between the klx300 or the klx230r or in the Honda side I was wondering about the crf250f. I am 235lbs and 6’5 was wondering what u recommended. Thx for the help!!
Thursday 1st of December 2022
Hey Skylar, thanks for reaching out! Based on your weight, the KLX300R would be a better fit. They’re all going to feel soft and small, so you’ll probably want to make the suspension stiffer on any of them after you build up some confidence. A taller seat will help make it more comfortable. When you’re ready to ride, I highly recommend grabbing my free basic techniques guide. What do you think, Skylar?
Saturday 19th of November 2022
I’ve ridden heavy pigs for 50 years on mountain trails. but recently came back to trials bike. 165 pounds instead of 400 pounds. similar to the 70’s Spanish trials bikes, now mono suspension Montessa 300rr with high seat mod and larger gas tank, 4 stroke Honda engine, mega torque and use any rpm. pleasure to ride, hard to find.