What are electric dirt bikes
Dirt bikes are powered by a motor and fuel that powers the motor. With standard dirt bikes, gasoline is the fuel that powers the motor. Electric dirt bikes have a motor, just like gas-powered dirt bikes. If some of you were asking what electric dirt bikes are and what is the difference between dirt bikes and electric bikes, here is the answer:
Over the past decade, we have been seeing a rise in a new type of dirt bike.
Gas fueled motor VS Electric fueled motor
However, the electric motor is powered by electricity that comes from a battery.
With the dirt bike’s electric motor, the power is like your on-off light switch in your house.
This means that when you open the throttle on the electric bike, there is no lag, and you get ALL of the power at once.
Electric Dirt Bike
- Quiet – little to zero noise
- No Fuel (gas)
- No oil
- Instant electric power
- No gears
- No Clutch
- No kickstart
- Lightweight
- Easy to use
You can also get a LOT of power out of a small electric dirt bike motor.
Electric dirt bikes are quiet and powerful, and the power really is like an on-off switch.
Unlike gas-powered dirt bikes, electric dirt bikes have little to no maintenance.
Electric dirt bikes have no gears, no clutch, and no kickstart. This could make the dirt bike easier to ride.
Having no clutch on the electric dirt bike will be something that we old-timers may have a hard time with.
If you have ever spent time on a gas-powered dirt bike, you know that a carburetor or fuel injection system determines a power curve.
Gas-powered fuel systems have come a long way but still cannot match the one-off switch that a battery-powered electric motor produces.
Keep in mind the electric dirt bike industry still is working on producing a battery-powered electric dirt bike motor that can produce the same amount of power as the 450 four-stroke gas-powered dirt bike.
Right now, you can still easily make a more powerful gas-powered dirt bike versus an electric dirt bike.
The battery technology which powers the electric motor is the weak point.
With major car manufacturers like Tesla Motors investing in battery technology, this, in my opinion, will trickle down to the electric dirt bikes.
This also makes us wonder if you can get the same range with a battery-powered electric dirt bike as a gas-powered dirt bike.
Companies like Alta Motors and Zero Motorcycles started to produce modern electric dirt bikes and electric motorcycles.
Alta Motors focused on the offroad or motocross type of electric dirt bikes.
note Alta Motors no longer makes electric dirt bikes…sad, I know.
Zero Motorcycles are more on-road electric motorcycles.
Zero Motorcycle claims that the cost of ownership over the lifetime of the motorcycle is cheaper with an electric bike versus a gas-powered motorcycle.
But both of these electric motorcycle companies are small and not considered mainstream.
We have companies like Honda and KTM jumping into the electric dirt bike game.
KTM already has produced the KTM FREERIDE E-XC
For 2020 KTM has announced their Youth or kids electric dirt bike, models
Honda motorcycles have also shown the world a prototype electric dirt bike.
Honda has built this electric dirt bike of their popular CRF frames.
Companies like KTM and Honda building electric dirt bikes are crucial to the survival of electric dirt bikes.
Honda and KTM have decades of experience building quality gas-powered motorcycles and dirt bikes.
They have the money, research/development, and distribution channels.
Odds are you have heard of Honda, and if you are a dirt biker, you have heard of both Honda and KTM.
Chances are you have owned on.
As I mentioned, the major dirt bike manufacturers need to build electric bikes in order for them to survive.
We have already seen Alta motors go the way of the earth, and it wasn’t because they didn’t make a quality electric dirt bike.
I hope this article has explained what are electric dirt bikes.
About Sam Oldham
My name is Sam Oldham. Growing up I tried to ride anything with 2 wheels that I could. I have spent the last decade or more riding motorcycles and dirt bikes. Even after all of these years I still feel the same excitement I felt when I first rode a dirt bike as a kid. I have been interested in Electric bikes for years. Please follow me as I try and learn everything I can from riding these electric bikes.
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OSET Electric Dirt Bikes
Our bikes are recognised globally as the best beginner bikes for children to learn and improve their motorcycle skills and being electric they have no hot parts, require no gas, produce no fumes and are virtually silent, meaning riders can use them everyday in places other bikes cannot go
Check out our videos on YouTube and fantastic reviews on
12.5 Racing
World best selling beginner motorcycleFor riders aged 3. 52 hours run timeOffer price : 1899.00
MX10
The ultimate dirt and MX bikeFor riders aged 4. 73 hours run timeMSRP: 3199.00
24.0 Racing
Ultimate electric dirt bikeFor adults and teenagers. up to 90 kg2-3 hours run timeMSRP: 4399.00
Customer Reviews
I bought my 6 year old an MX-10 as the speed and power can be adjusted to suit the conditions where it will be used, nice slow speed control practice at the park to full power at the track or field. Very easy to use and maintain plus super quiet. I nearly bought a KTM50SX but so glad I got the OSET instead.
My son got his first OSET at 3. It was a 12.5 eco. He has since moved up to an OSET 16. What fabulous bikes! The new OSET 16 was so amazing that I bought a 24 for myself. I’m so impressed with the build quality of all 3 bikes. Keep up the good work guys!
Don’t waste money on your cheap ride on’s these are the real deal. OSET you have created a product that is without doubt the best way for any kid to develop skills that will last a lifetime!
These bikes are so much fun! I bought one for my son and it’s awesome to watch him and very safe too! What’s not to love?
Amazing bikes recommend them to anyone.My 3 year old boy is learning to ride his now and he is loving it they are very well built and very tuneable for all abilities.
The OSET is the best thing my son has! He has the freedom of the outdoors and quality time with his dad away from technology! My 9 year old has the 20 racer then his dad had to have a 24!!
News
TRIUMPH ANNOUNCES THE ACQUISITION OF THE ELECTRIC MOTORCYCLE MANUFACTURER OSET BIKES
Ahead of the launch of the Motocross and Enduro range, Triumph Motorcycles takes another exciting step in the off-road world through the acquisition of OSET Bikes, a leader in the world of children’s electric, off-road motorcycles.
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Padded Seats Now Available!
Many OSET owners or prospective buyers frequently ask about padded seats for more rider comfort, or to increase the seat height. We’ve imported some nice, gel-foam padded seats with gripper seat covers. See our parts tab for more model-specific pictures.
A WORLD OF FUN WAITING TO BE HAD
What people say about OSET ?
Before we got Harry on an OSET, I was sceptical over their ability to compete with a petrol powered machine. Well that’s been blown out of the water. Both Harry and his younger brother George both think their OSETs are great and I can only agree.I think that they’re a perfect introduction to trials riding. Parents can limit the speed, so kids are not going to grab a handful and disappear out of control; with no hot parts and being so lightweight means they can pick the bikes up themselves. OSET Bikes are something the boys can pull out of the garage after school, I don’t have to be there to supervise or get them started. They simply switch them on and ride without annoying the neighbours.
This must be one of the coolest bikes I’ve ever ridden!
Buying an OSET 12.5 in 2010 was one of the best things we have ever done as a family. Since then our son Myles has gone from strength to strength, and is now a contender at National level trials events. We didn’t come from a trials background, but are now 100% in. Myles likes nothing more than riding his bike, and has now gone through the 12.5, 16.0, 20.0-Lite and now the OSET 20.0 Racing.
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.
Yamaha XE4 Electric Dirt Bike First Ride Review
Electric dirt bikes have been making waves in the motocross industry in recent years. While new bikes like the Stark VARG and Flux Primo have garnered a lot of attention, the loss of Alta has left many wondering when Honda, Yamaha, and KTM will enter the full-size electric dirt bike market.
Amidst this yearning for new technology, it’s easy to overlook the decades of perfectly tuned chassis that have been developed by the best engineers, test riders, and racers in the industry, and they are ripe for electric conversion. Luckily, we’ve got some companies trickling into this space to make electric conversions that bolt on to some of the most proven motocross bikes that our industry has created.
Enter the Yamaha XE4 Electric Dirt Bike, built by Xtreme Electric MX (XEMX).
After experiencing a few successful electric conversions (and with other future ones in the works, wink wink), our attention has been captivated by the XE4 Yamaha, expertly crafted by XEMX. Our intrigue was piqued after witnessing JoJo Toole’s remarkable performance on the bike during the ECR eMoto Race at the 2022 Red Bull TKO.
XEMX Yamaha Electric Dirt Bike Specifications and Details
XEMX makes 2 different kits, the XE2 (air cooled) and the XE4 (liquid cooled).
The XE4 is a bolt-on conversion kit that is compatible with the Yamaha 250 and 450 YZF and YZFX bikes from 2014-2019 for the 250 chassis and 2014-2018 for the 450 chassis.
The liquid-cooled version utilizes the stock YZF radiators with a small 12v pump to circulate Engine Ice. Liquid cooling is the best way to keep the motor cool, making the XE4 more efficient the cooler it runs. The XE4 also features a proprietary fast-change battery swap technology, which is the fastest battery change on the market, taking less than 10 seconds to swap fresh batteries.
The XE4 bike that underwent our testing process is built upon a 2016 Yamaha YZ250F Chassis. XEMX currently utilizes a 12T front and 52T rear Sprocket, sometimes replaced by a 12T-54T combination. The bike’s components, such as sprockets, plastic, suspension, and grips, are all stock Yamaha parts. Front sprockets are sourced from a stock YZF450.
XEMX is currently experimenting with several different controllers to determine which one provides the best overall performance. The controllers under consideration include the Curtis 1236SE, Votol EM-260S, EBMX X-9000, Fardriver, Kelly, and the A5, which is a Curtis clone. All of the controllers will undergo racing tests to verify which one works best for the bike.
The Curtis 1236SE controller, rated at 450 amps at 72 volts, was the controller we tested on our bike.
XEMX’s batteries are rated at 72V nominal and 600 Amp max output, with a total capacity of 4.3kWh. Since the batteries are custom-made, XEMX can modify the type and amount of cells to meet the customer’s needs.
XEMX has developed proprietary fast-change battery swap technology that utilizes a modified aerospace connector, delivering 600 amps per terminal. The battery compartment features the lid formerly used for the Yamaha YZF gas cap. It’s a clean, straightforward design that takes less than 10 seconds to swap fresh batteries.
The bike has three ride modes that are fully programmable, as well as a reverse, auto regen braking, and options for lever regen braking. Additionally, the bike offers optional motor sounds with a speaker, a feature we’ve never encountered before.
The XEMX Yamaha XE4 is a custom order bike, but kits will be for sale once beta testing is complete. You can see below for a breakdown of cost options for the kits.
Riding the Yamaha XE4 Electric Dirt Bike
While we’ve had the opportunity to ride the Stark VARG and Alta Redshift, it’s more common to see the ECR crew on the KTM Freeride EXC and smaller, modified electric dirt bikes like the SurRon Lightbee X.
The XEMX Yamaha XE4 provides an incredible experience. The Yamaha YZF Chassis has become a reliable platform over the years, largely due to its unique reverse motor design that creates horsepower unmatched by the other manufacturers in the pro MX scene.
Since the motor is replaced by the electric powertrain in this bike, the gas power plant is no longer a talking point. However, the design allows XEMX to adapt the space for their motor and battery.
The Yamaha chassis is renowned for its stability and surefootedness in rough terrain. The proven KYB SSS suspension is sought after by many riders and comes stock on Yamaha YZF bikes.
Riding the XEMX Yamaha XE4 is an experience that lives up to all the hype that the Yamaha YZF chassis has received in the stability and suspension department. The bike feels incredible, especially after riding sub-150-pound electric dirt bikes that struggle in rough sand whoop terrain in Florida. It’s like you’re riding a Yamaha YZF250F, albeit with an electric powertrain, which is a great thing.
If there’s any complaint about the YZF chassis, it’s that the bike sacrifices some front-end steering for stability. It’s a bike that is notoriously known for benefitting from riders that “steer with the rear”, or those who prefer stability over a sharp turning bike like KTM, Suzuki, or Honda. Needless to say, we are simply splitting hairs here, and adjustments can be made to improve the turning characteristics and front-end feel of the YZF chassis.
In our video about the Yamaha XE4 electric dirt bike, we did encounter some issues. The bike would fault if we hit a sand whoop too hard when we were hard on the throttle. Mark from XEMX explained that the sensor and magnet in the motor were slightly misaligned from each other, causing the bike to shut off intermittently. This can be a common issue in new motors, and XEMX has resolved 99% of the issue since filming, claiming it is just an issue with the older style connectors. Regardless, it’s is an issue that will be resolved before kits will be sold.
In the field, Mark from XEMX made some changes by dialing the power back as much as 20%. In other words, only 80% power was being used when we tested the bike. This particular controller we were testing was only rated for 450 Amps, and the batteries have the capacity to put out 600 Amps. Needless to say, there is a lot more power that can be created on this platform.
XEMX Yamaha XE4 Electric Dirt Bike Pricing
XEMX have not officially started to sell kits, but will make Custom Billet motors(to order) and the parts needed for those who want them first. With their complete A kit, and rolling frame prepped, it is possible to build the bike in one day.
You will need a Yamaha 250 YZF or FX 2014-2019 or 450 YZF 2014-2018 Rolling Frame.
These motors have all Ceramic bearing with a Carbon sleeved rotor. They are finished all Black. (Cerakoting or Powder coating is extra)
BILLET 6061 ALUMINUM MOTOR ALONE: 3,500.
XE4 ALL BILLET AXIAL FLUX MOTOR WITH CARBON FIBER SLEEVED ROTOR, LIQUID COOLED, CERAMIC BEARING, 2.08 TO 1 GEAR REDUCTION. MAX RATING OF 58 HP. @ 600 AMPS NOMINAL 38 HP.
COMPLETE MOTOR A KIT: 6,995.
XE4 BILLET MOTOR AND KIT, WHICH INCLUDES: 1-3
#1 COMPLETELY BUILT BATTERY TRAY, BATTERY SIDE BRACKETS, BUSS BARS AND
#2 BRACKETS, FRONT, MID AND TWO REAR SEAT BRACKETS CARBON FIBER AIR BOX
COVER, SEVEN PIVOT POINT HINGE, HALL THROTTLE, WATER PUMP, MAIN CONTACTOR,
DC TO DC CONVERTER,12 T FRONT SPROCKET, CARBON FIBER AND MID SEAT PAD.
#3 CURTIS 1236SE-6571 PRE PROGRAMMED CONTROLLER AND COMPLETE WIRING
HARNESS. POWER PANEL, MODE AND ON/OFF SWITCHES.
QUICK SWAP BATTERIES SOLD SEPARATELY FROM THE KIT: 3,295.
INR 25R Samsung (400) 18650 CELL BATTERY 500 AMP PEAK AT 84V 4KW
10 MODULES (40 18650 CELLS EACH) MOLICEL P42 and P45 Available now also.
OPTIONAL CHARGER: 250.
MODEL S2500 BATTERY CHARGER INPUT: 120V AC VOLT
OUTPUT: 84V=10AMP WITH LED DISPLAY AND FINISH CHARGE INDICATOR.
(OTHER CHARGER OPTIONS WILL BE AVAILABLE (HIGHER AMP/FASTER CHARGING)
OPTIONAL PROGRAMMER: 695.
HAND HELD PROGRAMMER FOR THE CURTIS SE1236-6571 CONTROLLER
OPTIONAL SEAT: 250.
CUSTOM SEAT CONCEPTS SEAT COVER FOR QUICK SWAP BATTERY SYSTEM.
In conclusion, the Yamaha XE4 Electric Dirt Bike is an innovative new twist on a proven chassis that is sure to give riders yearning for a full size electric motocross bike something to look into. With a powerful electric powertrain and proprietary fast-change battery swap technology, the XE4 is a true work of art.