HOVSCO HovAlpha 26 Electric Fat Tire Bike
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2-YEAR WARRANTY All HOVSCO bikes come with a 2-year warranty (core components) covering all manufacturing defects for the original owner (free accessories are not covered under warranty).
HovAlpha 26 Electric Fat Bike
The Hovsco HovAlpha is the latest advancement of our flagship fat tire model. Get more uphill capabilities with the great geared-hub motor, better stopping power with all new high-performance hydraulic disc brakes. The 26 inches fat tires offer decent skid resistance and anti-vibration ability. All terrain tire, the electric bike can be used on many terrains, including snow, beach, mountain, dirt, sand, gravel and roads.
Ride with us Hovsco! Ride Fun!
2-Year Warranty
Use the latest technology, which provide more power, more efficiently. The 750W geared hub SUTTO motor, branch brand of Bafang, can generate max 85 Nm. torque helping conquer hills faster, conquer all terrain easier, speed up quicker and experience a stronger ride and better comfortable riding.
The torque sensor pedal assist systems measure the amount of power you are putting into the pedals and it will increase or decrease the electric assist based on your pedaling power. The torque sensor systems have a very intuitive ride feel because they emulate your pedal power very well. They are also generally found on the more expensive e-bikes or e-bike kits. The torque sensors are generally found in the bottom bracket, rear drop out, or in the rear hub motor.
Our powerful 750W motor is coupled with our 960Wh high- capacity integrated battery! It ensures a long life expectancy and distinguished performance. The single range can be up to 80 miles per charge on pedal-assist mode and around 60 miles on pure electric power mode. This combination will take you further, and have you tackling hills and terrain you’d only ever dreamed of!
The HovAlpha battery is also equipped with a full LED strip light on one side, which provides 4-meter long and about 20 m² bright light for you while riding even at night. No light-out worry.
Keep your eyes on the road ahead knowing that all the information you need is right at your fingertips on an easy-to-read LCD screen on the handlebars. Display battery, speed, pedal assist level, range, and distance.
Sync your ebike information, register your warranty, and unlock your speed limit with HOVSCO App. It’s super handy to see your speed, traveling time, trip, and odometer. Looking for cyclists in the same area？ Just go for it!
Our electric fat tire bike is the perfect ride for conquering any terrain with ease. Whether you’re traversing rugged mountain trails, sandy beaches, or snow-covered roads, this bike has got you covered. With its extra-wide tires and powerful motor, it delivers the perfect balance of stability and agility, providing you with a smooth and comfortable ride no matter where you go.
| MOTOR 1032W (Peak) 750W (Sustained), 48V Brushless Rear Hub Motor | BATTERY Removable Internal Lithium-ion 48V, 20Ah (960Wh) | CHARGER Included is a 54.6V 3 Amp Fast Charger, 7 Hours Charging |
| CRANKSET 170mm w/ 42 T | CASSETTE 14-28T, 7 Speed Cassette |
| BRAKES Hydraulic Disc Brakes, 180mm Rotors | REAR DERAILLEUR 7 Speed |
| PEDALS 9/16′ Alloy Platform | HANDLEBARS Aluminum 31.8mm,680mm |
| GRIPS Ergonomic Comfort | SADDLE Quality Ergonomic Saddle |
| STEM Threadless, 31.8mm, 7 Degree Rise | SEAT CLAMP Quick Release |
| SPOKES Black Stainless 12 Gauge | TUBES Butyl Rubber, Schrader Valve |
| TIRES 26 x 4 Ebike Rated Tires | FRAME 6061 Single-Butted Aluminum Alloy with Internal Battery |
| KICKSTAND Included, Rear Mount | THROTTLE Throttle on demand. Throttle from a complete stop |
| SENSORS Torque Sensor Cadence Sensor | PEDAL ASSIST 5 Levels |
| WEIGHT 77 lbs | WEIGHT LIMIT Maximum Payload Capacity: 450 lbs |
| HOVSCO APP Free Download in Apple App and Google Play Store |
We strive to provide our customers with the highest quality products at the best prices, as well as attentive customer service, because we are in a direct-to-customer business. Furthermore, we will continue to develop more cost-effective bikes for everyone, no matter their age, occupation or background. Over the past few years, we’ve focused on finding very unique bikes with innovative solutions, from suspension design to manufacturing. Due to our accumulated experience and proven skills, we finally made this challenging and inspiring decision. to launch Hovsco in 2019. E-bikes have the potential to transform our communities and the way we live, and our entire team works together to make that a reality.
Stark VARG electric motocrosser first ride
Every so often, there comes a motorcycle, expected or not, that fully captures the attention of the industry and threatens the status quo. Think of the Yamaha YZ400F in 1998.
In a motocross world dominated by two-strokes, Yamaha stepped up to the plate and offered a competitor that many would contend only belonged on the trails. This radical experiment started a revolution in motocross and is largely responsible for the four-stroke movement we are still experiencing today.
Welcome to 2022. The Stark VARG may just be the next such bike. Having pre-sold more than 10,000 units in the first three months, this electric motocrosser has clearly made an impact on the world.
Why so popular? My best response would be You don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone. This is a saying I use when referring to the now defunct Alta Redshift. The Redshift, an impressive electric dirt bike in its own right, undoubtedly left a void when production ceased in 2018. Has the Stark VARG filled that void? I was invited to the Stark Future HQ in Spain to find out.
Revelation delayed
I arrived in Barcelona after a few tedious flights and had an enjoyable dinner of Spanish tapas with the Stark crew and some riders from other media outlets who had tested the bike earlier that day. Fighting the effects of the inevitable jet lag late that evening, I got the disappointing word from Stark that my test would have to be postponed a couple of days. It turns out one of the five test bikes had a complication with the insulation on one of the wires and that was causing intermittent connection issues. No big deal, I thought. We can move a few things around and I will test the bike in a few days.
Then came an even bigger ambush: two fateful blue lines on my at-home antigen test, revealing that I was positive for COVID the day before our rescheduled ride, leaving me to sit in a hotel room, wondering if this bike test would ever come to fruition for me.
I know you’re here to read about the Stark VARG and not my travel experience. So, with that out of the way, let’s fast-forward through 10 days of quarantine and get on with the ride.
Alternative power and alternative uses for golf courses
Golf MX is a track located about 45 minutes outside of Barcelona in the beautiful countryside of Catalonia. The track gets its name because it was quite literally a former golf course. The country club atmosphere is still alive and well, with a clubhouse for changing into your moto gear and a tree-lined driveway leading to the main motocross track.
The track has some brief, albeit steep elevation changes and a mix of soil similar to what you might find on the West Coast of the United States. Incorporating sections that were formerly sand traps that snagged unlucky players’ golf balls, the track had been prepped deep that morning, and with only two of us on the track that day, the 90-degree temperatures made for some challenging conditions once the harsh sun dried the tilled sections of hard earth into callous chunks.
On paper, the Stark VARG’s power specifications make some very impressive claims. The Stark VARG can be ordered in two versions: a 60-horsepower Standard version and an 80-horsepower Alpha version. Comparing this to its internal-combustion brethren, which we will inevitably do multiple times in this article, a modern 450 cc four-stroke MX bike is consistently churning out approximately 55 horsepower.
Foaming at the mouth to experience the surefire thrill of the Alpha model, I would be lying if I said I wasn’t slightly disappointed to learn that our test bikes were all configured with the Standard 60-horsepower tune. That disappointment lasted only about two corners, though. You see, it’s primitive human nature to want more but the fact is that 60 horsepower is still more than the fastest internal-combustion motocross bikes made today. Very few individuals walking this earth can truly ride a 60-horsepower motocross bike to its full potential and I would be kidding myself if I thought I was one of them.
In any case, power is not only abundant, but also instantaneous. Electric dirt bikes like the Stark VARG eliminate the gearbox and clutch from the equation. The result is that the rider is always in the perfect gear and always in the meat of the powerband. It no longer becomes a game of manipulating the bike to create power. It becomes a game of training your throttle hand to take this abundance of instantaneous power and redirect it into traction to the ground.
The VARG has some impressive mapping capabilities that are accessed through their VCU (vehicle control unit), which is essentially a military-grade smartphone that wirelessly connects to the bike. Stark claims up to 100 different ride mode settings and unlimited flexibility when customizing each mode, all by using the Stark app. This includes power curve (how much power is delivered at different levels of throttle rotation), traction control, engine braking, and a virtual flywheel. Being that my test bike was a pre-production model, this customization feature on the VCU was still in beta mode. However, it was possible to have our assigned Stark mechanic change power output, throttle response and engine braking on the back end.
After a few laps, it was clear that even with 60 horsepower I was repeatedly breaking the rear tire loose when exiting corners and not being very efficient on the bike. Just stop and imagine this for a second: The bike pulls through what can only be described as first through fifth gear all within the twist of the throttle. It takes a lot of finesse to control all that acceleration within millimeters of actuation in your throttle hand. Or at least it did for me.
With that realization in mind, I took a big gulp of my pride, brought the VARG back to the pits and requested that we de-tune the power 10 percent, with the expectation that this would allow me to put more traction to the ground. Additionally, I felt the bike had a bit too much engine braking for how deep the track was ripped that day. To lighten up the feel in corners, we added more freewheel to the regen, allowing the rear wheel to emulate engine braking more like a two-stroke than a four-stroke.
Heading back out, I felt these modifications to the mapping made the bike not only easier to ride, but also more efficient. I still had more than plenty of power to make my way around the track, but the bike was more forgiving when my throttle hand wasn’t perfect.
There is a common phenomenon that happens when someone rides an electric dirt bike for the first time. It usually results in the rider returning with a big grin on their face. Having spent the last four years testing different electric dirt bikes, the shock factor has subsided some for me. That’s not to say I didn’t have a large grin on my face after my first laps aboard the VARG. That smile could still be seen under my helmet, but I was more focused on taming the beast that is the Stark VARG. It’s a legitimately fast bike and demands your full attention.
The inevitable comparison to the four-stroke competition
Stark Future is boldly taking the stance that their bike should compete toe to toe with the modern 450-class four-strokes. They showed their confidence by having a lineup of almost every 450 cc MX bike on the market available and encouraging us to ride these bikes after spinning some laps on the VARG. Having spent much of my ride time piloting the Austrian brands over the last decade, I naturally chose the Husqvarna FC450 as my benchmark of choice.
I am not going to bash gas bikes here. Let it be known for the record that I am very fond of the Husky and immediately felt right at home on the bike. There were some obvious differences, though, that were magnified by riding both bikes in consecutive order. In a lot of ways, I found the FC450 to feel more mellow in the power department. Although the bike does indeed have an abundance of power, I was often able to lug the bike around in third gear and that made it feel predictable. The 450 must build rpm and work its way into the meat of its power curve. Eventually that power curve begins to diminish, making the range of power somewhat easy to anticipate. That isn’t the case with the VARG. When you reach peak power in a specific gear on the ICE bike, the VARG continues to pull, as if you had shifted up a gear, with no lapse in rpm. This makes the electric bike easy to ride in the sense that you can completely forget about shifting, but it also makes it somewhat challenging to predict speed. Keeping this in mind, riders need to accelerate with caution.
To stop the enormity of power that the VARG produces, Stark fitted the bike with Brembo hydraulic brakes mated to 260 mm front and 220 mm rear Galfer rotors. Stark gave us the option of choosing our rear brake as a lever on the handlebar (where you would normally find a clutch on a traditional gas bike) or the time-honored location at your right foot. Having spent adequate time aboard a KTM Freeride E-XC, which utilizes its rear brake as a left lever on the handlebar, I came prepared knowing that I personally dislike the rear brake on my handlebar. Chalk it up to years of brain conditioning, but I just can’t get comfortable with a rear handlebar brake on a bike over 200 pounds.
Those who can overcome their conditioning will benefit from the lever-operated rear brake, especially in righthand corners. If you’re too stuck in your ways, like me, you can order the VARG with a traditional rear brake lever on the right footpeg and be comforted to know that it functions just as you have come to expect from any traditional dirt bike.
In the suspension department, the VARG is fitted with a KYB fork and shock with a triple adjuster for changing high- and low-speed compression and rebound damping. The spring rates on my test bike were set for a rider more than 20 pounds heavier than myself, so I unsurprisingly found the setting to be initially stiff. I made small adjustments to the compression and rebound throughout the day and ultimately found a setting that worked for me. Having made a name for itself for having superior performance over the years, it came as no surprise that the KYB components worked well. The fork felt good through the stroke and seemed to have a lot of hold up when I would under- or over-jump an obstacle. I can only imagine my enthusiasm growing for the setup when properly sprung and dialed in for my weight.
Stark claims their frame is the lightest motocross frame ever made. They achieved this by incorporating their chromoly steel frame design into the battery and motor, allowing them to shed materials that ICE bikes need for structure around their gas engines. The frame is mated to a 7000-grade aluminum subframe and 7075 T6 forged triple clamps.
I found the bike to feel precise and direct. It feels stiff but not harsh. On what can only be described as a par four with a dogleg right on the back nine of the Golf MX track, there is a single that drops off into a brief downhill, terminating at a sweeping 180-degree corner. That’s where I noticed quite a big difference between the 450 and the VARG. Once again, the Husky handled the corner with ease and felt precise. It was only when I then went back out on the VARG that I noticed how much easier it was to point the bike in a specific direction. When dropping into said corner, the VARG felt direct and resolute with the line I chose to direct it toward. The bike felt planted and confident, which translated to my confidence to carry more momentum through the corner. Only when comparing the 450 back to back did I notice that it felt as though I was having to fight the bike somewhat into my line choice. This sensation could be attributed to the fact there is less rotating mass inside the electric motor, however, it is without question that the chassis complemented this trait and allowed me to feel like I could change direction with confidence.
The VARG tips the scales at 242.5 pounds, approximately 9.5 pounds heavier than the wet weight (or 15.9 pounds dry) than the FC 450. This extra weight is noticeable when lifting the bike up onto the stand but that feeling does not translate to the track. The lack of rotating mass mentioned above makes the VARG feel like it went on a diet when in motion. The difference between curb weight versus bike feel is a trait I have noticed on all the electric motorcycles I have ridden and the VARG is no exception.
We were reminded prior to our test that the bikes provided were still considered pre-production. This included the battery, which is a feature that I was most eager to evaluate. It is no secret that the Achilles heel of electric motorcycles is their range and Stark has made some very bold claims about the range of the VARG. They claim that their six kWh battery, with its air-cooled honeycomb magnesium case, can provide similar range to a full tank of gas on a 450 cc motocross bike. Stark says this translates to riding a 35-minute moto at Grand Prix intensity (which they can verify with their former pro test rider, Sébastian Tortelli), or up to six hours of easy trail riding.
Due to the structure of our test day, the beta readout on the VCU display, and the fact the production model battery is expected to receive some changes, I cannot confidently critique the range of this bike. With that colossal disclaimer out of the way, I will say that after running eight laps at about two minutes per lap on the MX course, mixed with a 30-minute session of mixed enduro riding, my display was touting a state of charge of 66 percent. Not bad.
The bike comes equipped with a 3.3 kW charger, capable of charging the bike in one to two hours, depending on the particulars of your outlet. Since this is a European motorcycle, the charger is designed to benefit from the extra juice provided by the 220-volt outlets that are common in that part of the world. For riders here in the United States, it is recommended that you also utilize 220 volts. Who needs a clothes dryer, anyway? If this is not possible, the bike can still be charged via 110 volts, using an adapter, but charge times will increase.
What this means for a day at the track is that you need to plan accordingly. Stark is of the mindset that many riders will get tired long before the bike runs out of juice. While this may be true for some, we know the die-hards will take offense at this statement. In an interview I did with Stark Future CEO Anton Wass, he revealed that Stark Future is working to implement Stark-spec chargers at tracks where VARG sales are most popular. In the meantime, riders with the stamina to ride all day might consider bringing a generator to the track for supplemental charges in between motos.
The Stark VARG features a base MSRP of 12,900 for the 60-horsepower version and 13,900 for the 80-horsepower Alpha version. Riders can select a 19-inch rear wheel if they’re going the motocross route or an 18-inch if the bike will see more single-track than airtime.
The price reflects a premium product, no doubt. But each year that passes, we see premium MX bikes costing increasingly more. Take a Honda CRF450WE or KTM 450 SX-F Factory Edition, for example. Those bikes MSRP for 12,399 and 11,699, respectively. While you do get some unique factory parts on these models, the same caliber of high-end components come stock on the VARG. For a new technology from an emerging manufacturer, I’d say those are competitive, given the temperature of the market.
It’s good to have more options
Price aside, the real takeaway here is that it is favorable to have options. Some may not be convinced electric is the best option for their application, and that’s OK. But if this bike helps to keep threatened riding areas open, introduces new riders to the sport, or injects fresh enthusiasm into a seasoned rider, that’s all positive for the sport we love. And I think this bike is fully capable of doing all that.
So, are we on the cusp of a bold new era in pro motocross competition? That is largely up to the sanctioning bodies of the FIM and AMA to determine. What we know for sure is that the Stark Future team is eager to get the bike onto the big stage of MXGP, pro motocross and Supercross. Whether the VARG can dethrone the 450 cc MX bikes at the highest level of our sport will have to be measured by riders far above my skillset.
Regardless of its appearance in the pro ranks, we should celebrate the fact that a very capable electric motocross bike will soon be available to the public. For a washed-up vet rider like myself, the VARG is truly capable of pulling me around a motocross track significantly quicker than I am on the gasser counterpart. Throw in the bonus of no air filters to clean, oil to change, or valves to adjust and the VARG quickly becomes a serious contender for my hard-earned dollars.
The 10 Best Electric Dirt Bikes to Ride in 2023
Over the last decade, the electric vehicle segment has experienced enormous technological leaps and bounds, giving way to increasingly powerful and compact motors and battery packs. It’s only been within the last year or two, however, that this technology has finally become potent and advanced enough to genuinely lend itself to use in off-road motorcycles. So, while this segment may not have even really existed half a decade ago, there’s recently been a major influx of new, ever-more-capable models hitting the market on a regular basis — the latest and greatest of which we’ll be counting down in this curated guide to the best electric dirt bikes.
While the sheer number of available options on the market currently gives riders a diverse selection of proton-powered machines from which to choose, it’s also made it increasingly difficult to hone in on the bike that best suits you and your intended riding use — especially to the uninitiated. In an effort to streamline the experience of shopping in this emerging segment, we’ve broken it down, delving into the benefits of electric dirt bikes and what to consider when shopping, before diving into our picks for the best battery-powered dirt bikes currently on the market.
Batteries Benefits
The Upsides Advantages Of Electric Dirt Bikes
There are numerous areas in which modern electric dirt bikes are objectively superior to their gas-powered counterparts — seven of the most crucial of which we’ll be unpacking below.
Unparalleled Power: At times boasting more than ten times as much torque as standard 450cc dirt bikes, electric models offer what are truly remarkable, otherwordly amounts of torque. And, as an electric motor without a powerband, the gobs of stump-pulling torque produced by EV dirt bikes are unleashed instantaneously — rather than over a gas-fed engine’s rev range.
Minimal Noise: And, as much as we enjoy the roaring four-stroke or the ringing of a two-stroke engine, the lack of an internal combustion engine does admittedly allow the rider to better appreciate their surroundings when riding out in nature — not to mention the fact electric dirtbikes don’t annoy neighbors or attract unwanted attention from park rangers and/or law enforcement. With that said, electric dirtbike motors are far from silent, producing a whirling sound that increases in pitch as RPMs go up — not unlike a gas engine, albeit markedly quieter.
Reduced Maintenance: With far fewer moving parts, no need to change out fluids, spark plugs, or filters, and no cams or timing chains to adjust, motorcycles that are kicked along by EV powertrains require far less maintenance than regular gas-fed dirt bikes. This makes ownership a much more convenient experience, especially compared to two-stroke models that need top-end rebuilds after every couple dozen hours of riding.
TwistGo Throttle: Without the need for a clutch and gearbox, electric powertrains are markedly more approachable than their manually-shifted counterparts, lowering the intimidation factor and making riding more accessible to novices. Rather than having to work a clutch and shift lever, electric dirt bikes boast an automatic, “twist-and-go” style throttle — which can often have its sensitivity adjusted.
Smart Tech Future-Proofing: Because electric powertrains are regulated by modern, computerized controllers, the motor’s performance characteristics can be adjusted, with elements such as throttle response, traction control, and “engine braking” able to be dialed in on the fly. As rolling Smart devices, electric dirt bikes also often come with capabilities such as geofencing and tracking, remote locking and unlocking, and firmware updates that can be received over the air, largely future-proofing any one particular model.
Environmentally Friendly: While it probably goes without saying, since zero-emission vehicles don’t produce any combustion, electric dirt bikes are almost always tremendously more environmentally friendly and sustainable compared to gas bikes. With the right equipment on hand, some of these bikes can also be solar-charged.
Freedom Of Design: Traditionally, the layout of dirt bikes has been dictated by the positioning of vital components such as the engine and gas tank. Electric dirt bikes, on the other hand, aren’t limited by this layout and can have their motor and battery pack(s) strategically located in a myriad of different places, giving designers and engineers markedly more freedom, along with the ability to experiment with outside-the-box ideas and setups.
Battery-Powered Braappers
Factors To Consider When Buying An Electric Dirtbike
Whether it’s an enduro, supersport, or an electric dirt bike, purchasing your first motorcycle can be a daunting task, especially if you didn’t grow up riding. Knowing this firsthand, we’ve generated this handy primer on the eight most important areas to review before buying your first — or next — electric dirt bike.
Battery: Batteries obviously play a crucial role in the overall quality and performance of an electric dirt bike. Areas such as capacity, voltage, and the number of cells will collectively determine specs such as range, recharge times, and the number of lifecycles. It’s also worth exploring if a battery is swappable, as well as what types of outlets or chargers it’s compatible with.
Motor: As the heart of any electric dirt bike, its motor is extremely important. When shopping for a battery-powered motocross machine, you’ll want to explore factors such as the type of motor, how much it weighs, how it’s cooled, and where it’s mounted on the bike (typically the swing-arm or frame).
Power: The immense power produced by electric dirt bikes is undoubtedly one of the segment’s biggest benefits over traditional petrol-powered models. As such, it’s well worth exploring an e-MXers horsepower and torque figures — the former of which is often measured in kilowatts.
Running Gear: While a dirt bike’s power and acceleration are primarily owed to its powertrain (and gearing, to some extent), its other riding characteristics mainly boil down to the running gear — or components — with which they’re equipped. This includes elements such as an e-dirt bike’s suspension setup, chassis, swing-arm, and braking hardware — all of which play a pivotal role in a bike’s handling and stopping power.
Size Weight: Just like with traditional dirt bikes — that are typically offered in everything from 49cc up through 450cc sizes — electric models come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, with a slew of different seat heights and riding positions. These battery-powered bikes can also weigh in at anywhere between around 100lbs all the way up to two-wheelers pushing 400lbs. When reviewing this particular area, you’ll want to consider your height, skill level, intended riding applications, and whether or not the bike’s ergonomics (and/or seat height) can be adjusted.
Smart Tech: GPS tracking, remote unlocking, and on-the-fly parameter adjustments are all frequently featured on late model electric dirt bikes, allowing for more personalization. What’s more, similar to smartphones, today’s electric dirt bikes also often come loaded with sensors such as accelerometers, gyroscopes, wheel speed monitors, and GPS sensors — all of which feed data several hundred times every second into an advanced processor.
App Connectivity: A growing number of dirt bikes are now being offered with connectivity to dedicated smartphone apps that allow users to adjust settings and parameters of the bike, such as power output, throttle response, traction control, or ABS levels. Many of these apps can also be used to download over-the-air updates.
Experience Level: No matter what type of motorcycle you’re purchasing, your search should always be limited by your level of skill and riding experience. Starting on a machine that’s too large and too powerful isn’t just inconducive to learning, it’s downright dangerous — plus it limits the amount of fun the rider has, as they’re forced to FOCUS on keeping the bike in check rather than perfecting their technique and advancing as a rider. The good news, however, is that quite a few of today’s electric dirt bikes can have their power level and throttle response adjusted (i.e. lowered) in order to be compatible with novice pilots.
SUR-RON Light Bee X
Tipping the scales at just a tad over 100lbs (plus the weight of its 60V, 176-cell Lithium-ion battery), SUR-RON’s Light Bee X is a lightweight, entry-level electric dirtbike that boasts a 47mph top speed and a range of up to 60 miles on a single charge — depending on what riding mode is being used. Constructed around an anodized 6061 T4 and T6 aluminum frame that’s created under 6,000 tons of pressure, the Light Bee X also features a rear mono-shock with a DNM TR link system and an inverted front fork that affords 8” of travel.
Top Speed: 50 MPH Output: 12 HP, 42 Nm of torque Charge Time: 1.8 Hours
Segway X260
Though Segway built its name on producing standup electric scooters, the company has since applied its EV knowhow to producing a wide range of battery-powered vehicles, from go-karts to scooters to electric dirt bikes. The brand’s X260 offers solid performance with a 47mph top speed, a roughly 120-lb curb weight, and a whopping 185ft-lbs of torque. Other highlights include connectivity to a smartphone app, swappable batteries, and an LED headlight, all as standard. In addition to being sold in a slew of different color options, this model is also offered in a more affordable and less powerful 3,500 X160-spec.
Top Speed: 85 MPH Output: 46 HP, 106 Nm of torque Charge Time: 9.7 Hours
Graft EO.12
Based in New Taipei City, Taiwan, Graft is an American-run EV Powersports company producing electric side-by-sides, four-wheelers, and dirtbikes, such as the EO.12. Weighing only 110lbs, the EO.12 — which was unveiled in prototype form in late 2021 — boasts a frame that’s been machined from aluminum billet before being paired with a custom mono-shock-equipped swing-arm, and a long-travel, three-way-adjustable FOX Racing fork. Benefitting from the use of swappable batteries and numerous 3D-printed TiAl6V4 titanium components, the EO.12’s 20-kW powertrain cranks out an otherworldly 324.5ft-lbs of instantaneous torque. The bike also rides on an off-road-focused 21” front, 18” rear wheel set with carbon fiber rims.
Top Speed: 50 MPH Output: 42 HP Charge Time: 2 Hours
KTM FREERIDE E-XC
The first modern, mass-produced electric dirtbike from a reputable, mainstream manufacturer, KTM’s FREERIDE E-XC combines the Ready To Race brand’s signature blend of high-end components and an advanced chassis with a cutting-edge, fully-electric powertrain that generates 24.5hp and 31ft-lbs of torque — making it roughly comparable to your average gas-powered 250cc dirt bike or dual-sport. As one would expect from KTM, the FREERIDE E-XC comes loaded with top-shelf componentry such as WP XPLOR suspension fore and aft, along with FORMULA braking hardware. This model’s Lithium-ion KTM PowerPack battery also affords a range of around 25 miles per charge.
Top Speed: 56 MPH Output: 13.4 HP, 42 Nm of torque Charge Time: 2.5 Hours
Stark VARG Alpha
Touted as “the world’s fastest motocross bike,” the Stark VARG Alpha is a ridiculously high-performance off-roader with a state-of-the-art fully-electric powertrain that’s good for 80hp and an unheard-of 691.8ft-lbs of torque. Weighing in at under 250lbs, the VARG also gets KYB suspension offering more than a foot of travel front and back, innovative skid plate design, forged and CNC-machined wheels, the world’s lightest foot-pegs, Brembo brakes, 100 different ride modes, and the ability to custom-tune a slew of parameters including power curve, engine braking, and traction control. The VARG’s IP69K-rated 6kWh battery also affords up to six hours of ride time. Based in Spain, Stark also offers a 60-HP standard version of the VARG for 1,000 less.
Top Speed: 45 MPH Output: 16 HP, 27 Nm of torque Charge Time: 2.5 Hours
Trevor DTRe Stella
While admittedly not what typically springs to mind when discussing electric dirt bikes, Trevor’s DTRe Stella is a closed-course only, battery-powered two-wheeler built specifically for use on dirt tracks. This electric, turnkey flat track racer is built around a minimalistic trellis frame that’s designed by Sarolea Performance and capped off with a single-piece tank and tracker-style tail section unit. Individually built by hand in Belgium, this bike features 19” Haan spoked wheels shod in Dunlop flat track tires, an 11-kW air-cooled brushless DC3 motor, and a 2.7-kWh C-battery pack that offers a more than 60-mile range and can be fully recharged in under an hour. Alongside the off-road-only model, Trevor is also producing a street-legal variant of the DTRe Stella for around 15,300.
CAKE Kalk OR race
Representing the Swedish marque’s top-of-the-line, race-spec electric dirt bike model, the CAKE Kalk OR race is a high-performance motocrosser with sleek Scandanavian design language and a top-shelf array of components that includes Öhlins suspension front and back, custom brakes, and bespoke wheels. Weighing only 165lbs, the Kalk OR race produces more than 200ft-lbs of torque, giving it a remarkable power-to-weight ratio. The CAKE also has multiple ride modes with different power settings, allowing new riders to work their way up to more powerful maps as their skill level progresses. On top of a street-legal Kalk model, CAKE also makes an INK-spec of the Kalk race that comes with lower-end suspension and a more affordable 11,500 MSRP.
E-Racer RUGGED Mark2
Based on the Zero FXS, the E-Racer RUGGED Mark2 is an air-drop-capable, reconnaissance-style electric dirt bike that takes heavy inspiration from military vehicles. In addition to sporting its own structural aluminum square-stock chassis and subframe with integrated lift-hooks, the Mk2 RUGGED sports custom kevlar and carbon fiber bodywork coated in ultra-hardwearing Line-X ballistic armor and finished with a dozen Eagle Eye LED perimeter lights. Other unique details include a 3D-printed nylon and Alcantara MX-style saddle resting on a hinged seat-pan, a triple Poliessoidal LED Highsider headlight, custom handguards, a skid-plate, illuminated ‘RUGGED’ badges, and ballistic tape-wrapped Showa suspension backed by an AirTender kit.
Tactica T-Race Cross
Made by boutique Italian firm Tactica, the T-Race Cross is an ultra-high-performance, spare-no-expense competition-grade electric dirt bike that’s been engineered specifically to win races. Brimming with top-of-the-line components including Brembo brakes and Öhlins suspension front and aft, the T-Race Cross also boasts a manual five-speed gearbox, two power modes, sleek blacked-out bodywork, and a single-shell split chrome-molybdenum chassis. And, while its range may seem extremely limited, its battery size was chosen to provide enough energy for 2 hot laps and nothing more.
FLUX Performance Primo
Made by Slovenian startup FLUX Performance, the Primo is a ridiculously state-of-the-art electric dirtbike with some absolutely incredible performance figures. Powering the Primo is a frame-mounted electric motor with Formula 1-inspired straight cut gears that cranks out 85hp and an astounding 553.2ft-lbs of torque at the rear wheel. Running off of a 6.7kWh, 400V swappable battery that’s set in a fully waterproof, aerospace-grade housing, the Primo is also equipped with a host of Smart sensors, remote locking, GPS tracking, and the ability to adjust half-a-dozen different riding parameters on the fly. Also produced in street-legal dual-sport and supermoto variants, the Primo’s perimeter-style aluminum cradle frame has been paired with a custom-designed cast swing-arm, an Öhlins’ twin-tube-tech-equipped TTX mono-shock, and a top-shelf 48mm inverted KYB fork.
Honorable Mentions
Alta Redshift MXR
Despite producing what at the time was unquestionably the most advanced, cutting-edge, and capable electric dirt bike in existence, Alta Motors sadly shuttered its doors in late 2018, putting an immediate end to all operations, including production. With that said, if you’re shopping for an electric dirtbike, Alta’s Redshift models — including the MXR — are still well worth considering. And, while it may require some legwork and patience, Alta’s dirt bikes can still occasionally be found at select dealerships, as well as on eBay, Craigslist, and auction sites like Bring a Trailer.
GRID Cycles E-Scrambler
Created by Purpose Built Moto’s new EV division GRID Cycles, this honorable mention offers the performance of a modern electric dirt bike along with the appearance of a retro-inspired scrambler motorcycle with a replica Yamaha XT500 tank, a scrambler-style seat, and a classically-styled circular headlight shell housing a 5.75” Flashpoint LED beam. The E-Scrambler is based on KTM’s FREERIDE E-XC, and as such its power and range figures go almost entirely unchanged. The E-Scrambler also sports a black livery contrasted via an orange frame and red and orange accents — a nod to 1970s race liveries.
The Best Electric Motorcycles Currently Available
interested in a road-going eBike? Then be sure to cruise over to our guide to the best electric motorcycles for a handpicked list of all-electric two-wheelers from supermotos to superbikes.
VVolt Alpha Review: An Affordable, Simple, Sleek E-Bike!
E-bikes don’t usually bring the words sleek or simple to mind. And yet, those are the exact adjectives I’d use to describe the VVolt Alpha.
A relative newcomer to the electric scene, VVolt offers bikes that are affordable, low maintenance, and that don’t look like your traditional e-bike. With a Gates belt drive and stealthy battery, the VVolt Alpha is a perfect bike for the hip urban commuter.
After riding the VVolt Alpha S (the step-thru version of the bike) on my daily errands for a couple weeks, I can attest that it offers pretty much everything you NEED, and nothing that you don’t.
Review In A Nutshell
Price Where To Buy:
Finally, An E-Bike That Looks Cool
One of the biggest drawbacks of e-bikes (in my very shallow opinion) is that they look dorky! You usually have either a very large external battery or a very large downtube.
With the VVolt Alpha, neither of those are true. While the downtube is wider than a traditional frame, it’s not immediately obvious that it’s an e-bike.
The bike also lacks some of the dorky “features” of other entry level e-bikes–like extended quill stems, cheap suspension forks or fat tires. Trust me, that’s a good thing.
The VVolt Alpha is the perfect bike for someone who wants a simple, no-frills commuter bike with the extra assistance a motor can offer. Want to get to work a little faster or less sweaty but still in style? This is a great e-bike for you.
Affordable Option That Beats Pricepoint Competitors
The VVolt Alpha is a pretty great bike at any price, but the 1,300 price tag makes it extra attractive. Especially when you compare it to the competition.
At this pricepoint, your options are mostly a bunch of heavy, clunky e-bikes of questionable quality and durability. Most of them I wouldn’t recommend.
One of the closest competitors might be the RadMission, the most entry-level offering from RadPower. While that is a bike I would be comfortable recommending, it lacks the sleek look and feel of the VVolt Alpha, as well as the low maintenance belt drive.
Low Maintenance Drive Train
For most of us who ride our bikes for transportation on a daily basis, reliability is key. That’s why I appreciated that the VVolt Alpha is simple and has few parts that require regular upkeep.
The drivetrain in particular is low maintenance. Rather than a chain, the Alpha has a high-quality Gates belt drive. This means there’s nothing to lube and nothing to rust.
Additionally, the bike is a single speed (i.e. there’s only one gear). As such, you don’t have to worry about skipping gears, a bent derraileur, or frayed cable.
Bike Can Feel Under Geared In Fast Traffic
While the singlespeed design is perfect for keeping things simple and low maintenance, I did find that I felt under geared when riding in fast traffic. Downtown, I like moving quicky so as not to impede traffic and to get the hell out of dodge as quickly as possible. On the VVolt Alpha, I often felt under geared and spun out in these situations.
On the flip side, with the help of the electric assist, I never felt over geared even when riding up the steep hill I live on. As with all singlespeeds, there is always a tradeoff between being over or under geared.
Wheel / Tire Combo Can Tackle A Little Bit Of Everything
While the VVolt Alpha is very much an around town commuter, it recognizes that a work commute can include more than just pavement. If your daily route includes gravel canal path or even a little dirt trail, the Alpha can handle it.
In fact, the VVolt resembles a mountain bike more than a cruiser. It has 27.5 inch wheels, knobby tires, and even a thru-axle (for added safety and stability). I rode it on some sandy local trails, and the bike did great!
Like other components on the bike, the Chaonyang tires are off-brand but seemed good enough.
Hydraulic Disc Brakes Offer Plenty Of Stopping Power
Hydraulic disc brakes offer superior stopping power when compared to v-brakes or even mechanical disc brakes. The VVolt Alpha has Radius hydraulic disc brakes.
The Radius brakes are not brand name, and probably don’t offer the same durability or quality as brakes from big names like Shimano or SRAM, but in testing, they seemed to offer plenty of stopping power. I didn’t have any issues with squeaking or rubbing either.
Like other components on the VVolt Alpha, you’ll notice the price has been kept low by offering these off brand brakes. If you want a higher end build, you need to be prepared to pay a higher end price.
Class 1 Motor Feels Zippy
The VVolt Alpha is a Class 1 e-bike. This means that it doesn’t have a throttle, and is limited to 20mph.
While I’ve often missed having a throttle on heavier e-cargo bikes, the VVolt Alpha is light enough that I didn’t miss the throttle at all starting out. It gets up to speed VERY quickly and feels quite zippy.
The bike has a 350w Acer Xplova hub motor. This is significantly less than the 500w motor on the RadCity for example, but I never felt underpowered. Again, this is likely due to the light weight.
Speaking of light weight, at only 44 pounds, this is a bike that you can bike home if you did run out of battery life. (Ride an e-bike long enough and this is something that will happen at some point). I’ve ridden plenty of other e-bikes that are impossible to ride without the motor turned on, but I had no problem cruising flat roads with the motor turned off on the Alpha.
The battery is also off-brand (Celxpert), but the cells inside are actually LG–a well known, and respected brand. It offers 375wh, and is advertised as 20-40 miles per charge. With the assist turned up all the way, I found the 20 mile range to be about accurate.
Charging the bike simply requires plugging in the battery. It can be attached to the bike (how I charged it), or removed and brought inside.
There is an indicator light on the downtube to show charge status. When the battery is charged, the light is green. When it’s not, it’s red. Easy, peasy.
Computer Is Small But Does The Job
Compared to most e-bike computers, the display on the VVolt Alpha is tiny. It shows your speed, assist level (there are five), distance, and battery life.
It also has a USB port for charging devices, so you could plug in your light or phone on the go.
Bosses For Racks And Bags
The Vvolt Alpha doesn’t come with a rack but has bosses so you could add one easily if you’d like. There are also bosses on the front fork where you could add water bottle cages or something like the Salsa Anything cage and bag.
Traditional Or Step Thru Frame
The bike I tested is the VVolt Alpha S which has a step thru frame. This definitely makes getting on and off the bike easier when cruising around town.
That said, the frame did not have the extreme slope of the Radpower RadCity, for instance. This makes it not as good of an option if you’re looking to wear a skirt to work, for example.
If you don’t like or want a step thru frame, the VVolt Alpha also comes in a more traditional frame design with a higher top tube.
Comes With Lights But They Aren’t Integrated
What about lights? The VVolt Alpha comes with rechargeable front and rear lights, but they aren’t integrated.
This was one of the only “extras” that I was sorry not to have on the bike. It’s great to have integrated lights on those occasions where you get caught unexpectedly in the dark. I’m also not great about remembering to take my lights off and charge them. (This might not be an issue for you).
Super Simple Out Of The Box
The idea of buying a bike online can be intimidating. Fortunately, the VVolt Alpha was incredibly easy to assemble out of the box and even the most mechanically disinclined will be able to handle it.
The bike slides out of the side of the box–no heavy lifting required. Another small box inside (“the party box”) holds the pedals, lights, and included allen wrench set.
You do have to install the front wheel and pedals and set the saddle height, but it’s straightforward and there are instructions.
A Note On Sizing
Unlike many e-bikes that are one size fits all, the VVolt Alpha comes in two sizes–S/M and L/XL. I’m 5’5″ and tested the S/M.
While the S/M has a standover height of 27″ and an advertised height range of 4’9″ to 5’8″ I do think it would feel too big for women on the smaller side of the spectrum. At 5’5″ I felt very comfortable on the bike.
If you plan on sharing the bike between yourself and a partner, it’s also worth noting that there is not a quick release collar on the seatpost. This means you’ll need an allen wrench (included with the bike) to raise or lower the seat when you swap the bike.
Other Stuff Worth Mentioning
- Kickstand. The bike comes with a sturdy one sided kickstand. Many e-bikes will come with a dual sided kickstand which is sturdier, but probably unnecessary on the Alpha since it is so light. I never had an issue with the bike tipping.
- Bell. The Alpha has a sweet little bell. It makes a nice loud ring, and was helpful for passing on paved paths.
- Grips. I enjoyed the off-brand ergo-style grips. Much more comfortable than smaller diameter grips for commuting.
Bottom-Line: An Affordable, Simple, And Sleek E-Bike Option
At the pricepoint, you really can’t beat the VVolt Alpha. It is simple and doesn’t offer all the extras (integrated lights, racks, or a wheel lock for example), but that’s what has kept the price down. And you might not need those extras anyhow.
In addition to the attractive price, the aesthetic is enticing as well. The frame is sleek, cool, and doesn’t scream “e-bike.”
If you’re looking for a low maintenance and simple commuter bike, the VVolt Alpha is probably exactly what you’ve been hunting for.