RESPONSIVE ELECTRONIC MTB SUSPENSION SYSTEM
Optimize suspension performance in real time and experience a whole new way to ride.
LIVE VALVE DOES THE WORK. YOU FOCUS ON THE RIDE.
Sensors transmit terrain and rider inputs a thousand times per second. The Controller then independently adjusts both forks and shocks one hundred times faster than the blink of an eye. The result is the best possible combination of XC pedaling efficiency and enduro descending capability.
FIND Live Valve on these partner products
2023 Trance X Advanced E Elite 2022 Trance X Advanced E 2022 Reign Advanced Pro 29 2022 Trance X Advanced Pro 29 2022 Trance Advanced Pro 29 2022 Anthem Advanced Pro 29
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2023 Mach 4 SL 2023 Trail 429 2023 Shadowcat 2023 Mach 6 2023 Switchblade 2023 Firebird
E-BIKE INTEGRATED
Live Valve integrates seamlessly with the Giant/Yamaha drive system and is powered by the e-bike’s battery directly – no extra batteries to charge. With the slightly different handling characteristics and capabilities of e-bikes, Live Valve has an optional setting within Climb mode that stabilizes the bike’s chassis to preserve frame geometry while climbing. This makes even the most technical of climbs more possible than ever before.
FINE TUNE SETTINGS WITH THE LIVE VALVE APP
Select from factory tunes or customize your own. Track rides and suspension service intervals. All from your smartphone via the Live Valve app.
Race Proven Pedigree
Since it was first introduced in 2018, Live Valve’s electronically controlled suspension system has pushed the limits of Powersports racing in off-road vehicles such as the Ford Raptor and Polaris RZR. When adapted to mountain bikes, the same state-of-the-art technology has earned victories at UCI World Cup and Enduro World Series races.
With research and development always ongoing, Live Valve continues to earn the accolade of riders, drivers, and journalists all over the world.
IN THE MEDIA
The bottom line is that Live Valve represents the most useful and important suspension innovation to emerge during a decade of boring gradual improvements. It works great, and I don’t want to ride without it.
Live Valve suspension is the real deal, and I’ve come away very impressed. If efficiency is any sort of priority to you, it’s going to spoil you.
Because Live Valve does all the thinking for you, you can simply FOCUS on the trail ahead, which we’ve found to be especially beneficial when racing.
FAQs
Battery life can vary depending on Live Valve settings and terrain. Average life ranges between 16 and 20 hours. For most riders, that will cover a few weeks of riding.
Charge times range between 1.5 and 2 hours depending on the power source. If you forget to charge the system before a ride it only takes 15 minutes to get enough power for a 2-hour ride.
The battery can be charged on or off the bike, using a standard micro-USB cable included with the system.
When the system detects a low battery, it goes into open mode and shuts down. You can continue riding the bike, it will remain in open mode.
Yes, within reason. Things like washing your bike, riding in the rain or normal puddles and small water crossings are fine. We do not recommend total submersion or a direct blast of water from a pressure washer – both could push water past seals and compromise the electronic system.
If you forget to turn the system off, Live Valve shuts off automatically if motion is not sensed for 1.5 hours. However, it is best to turn it off manually for battery charge preservation.
No, the Live Valve system requires mounting for the Controller, wire porting, and a rear accelerometer mount built into the frame.
Download the Live Valve app and pair your Bluetooth compatible phone with the Live Valve system to fully control all aspects of your ride.
Recalibrate your system by following the instructions in the Owner’s Guide. After that please contact your dealer of FOX customer service for additional assistance.
STARK VARG
With 30% more power than a traditional 450 combustion bike the Stark VARG outperforms all other bikes on the market.
With 30% more power than a traditional 450 combustion bike the Stark VARG outperforms all other bikes on the market.
Light and Agile
With the lightest motocross frame on the market, the lowest centre of gravity and an optimized weight distribution the Stark VARG provides agility and a featherweight riding sensation.
With the lightest motocross frame on the market, the lowest centre of gravity and an optimized weight distribution the Stark VARG provides agility and a featherweight riding sensation.
938 NM 14200 RPM
The Stark VARG delivers an incredible 938Nm of torque on the rear wheel and the carbon fibre sleeve motor spins at up to 14200rpm.
The Stark VARG delivers an incredible 938Nm of torque on the rear wheel and the carbon fibre sleeve motor spins at up to 14200rpm.
100 Ride modes
The Stark VARG is equipped with an Android Stark phone that allows you to customize the bike, adjusting the power curve, engine braking, flywheel effect and traction control, to make the perfect bike for every rider and track.
The Stark VARG is equipped with an Android Stark phone that allows you to customize the bike, adjusting the power curve, engine braking, flywheel effect and traction control, to make the perfect bike for every rider and track.
6.5kWh – Up to 6hrs of riding
The 6.5kWh of the Stark VARG allows you to ride for up to 6 hours of easy trail riding or complete a full MXGP heat and recharging takes between 1 or 2 hours depending on the outlet and charger.
The 6.5kWh of the Stark VARG allows you to ride for up to 6 hours of easy trail riding or complete a full MXGP heat and recharging takes between 1 or 2 hours depending on the outlet and charger.
Ride anywhere, anytime
The Stark VARG’s near-silent motor allows you to ride anywhere, anytime, letting you ride in places you’d previously never imagined possible.
The Stark VARG’s near-silent motor allows you to ride anywhere, anytime, letting you ride in places you’d previously never imagined possible.
Zero emissions, low maintenance
With zero emissions and no filters to change the Stark VARG requires a very simple level of maintenance. It’s as easy to take care of as a bicycle.
With zero emissions and no filters to change the Stark VARG requires a very simple level of maintenance. It’s as easy to take care of as a bicycle.
SUR-RON STORM BEE | ELECTRIC DIRT BIKE | Bike Reviews
Electric bikes are slowly improving, are petrol powered bikes destined for museums?
Two-strokes are bad for the environment and four-strokes while better are not emission free – an electric dirt bike is quiet so it opens up a large amount of riding areas.
Electric Future
With Stark Varg releasing the details of their new electric dirtbike the motorcycle industry has exploded with talk about electric bikes and whether or not it’s going to be the future. Not having a whole lot of experience with electric bikes I was on the fence as to whether or not electric would be the right direction for our industry.
I was born and bred a petrol sniffing motocross kid. I grew up mixing fuel and racing two-stroke motorcycles where a decent percentage of the fuel we poured in the fuel tank came out of the exhaust unburnt. This on a mass scale is bad for our environment and no amount of arguing can change that. Two-strokes are bad for the environment and four-strokes while better are not emission free.
In today’s age, riding petrol burning dirt bikes projects us as the villains to society. This is where electric comes in. An electric dirt bike is quiet so it opens up a large amount of riding areas.
I’ve lost trails to housing in my local area but having a dirt bike that emits no sound means I can now ride right behind these houses without having them call the Police. The other bonus is the lack of emissions. I’ll be brave enough to put my hand up to say I’m not one that has ever been too concerned about this point.
I’ll likely be long gone from this planet before we ever cause enough damage for it to affect me, but becoming a father has got me thinking about what we are leaving behind for my children and grandchildren. Not only that but I want them all to enjoy motorcycles just as much as I have.
Unplug and play Not your usual powerplant
The Storm Bee
This brings me to the Sur-Ron Storm Bee. When I received the message that we were going to test the Sur-Ron Storm Bee my first thought was “who the heck is Sur-Ron?” A quick Google search tells me they have been around since 2014 developing a bike on the quiet.
My next thought was “oh no, not another Chinese bike”. In the past we have tested Chinese bikes which have left us stranded in the bush while we wait for the rescue crew. I told myself I would go into this with an open mind and take the bike for what it is and not judge it too harshly.
Fast Ace Air Absorber rear shock Black and yellow colour scheme suits the name
Looking at the Storm Bee you can see that it is Chinese made but it looked well put together. They have paid attention to things like wire and cable placements and where and how things are mounted. I have noticed in the past Chinese bikes are built to a price not a standard but the Storm Bee appears to have been made with build quality in mind.
E-bikes are generally just a mountain bike with an engine and they feel very foreign but once I threw my leg over the Storm it felt just like a dirt bike. Sur-Ron has done a good job at replicating the feel of a petrol bike. The seat to foot pegs and pegs to bar ratios all seemed correct and comfortable.
I commend Sur-Ron for this is as being a company that has not mass produced dirt bikes in the past this could have been easily overlooked. After a crash course on how to turn the Storm Bee on and how to select the power modes I was off for my first experience on an electric dirt bike.
How Did It Go?
The first ten minutes was me getting used to the electric dirt bike and the power but mostly the brake on the handlebar. While getting used to the Storm Bee I was thinking to myself “how am I ever going to tell people how good this bike is without them thinking I’m full of it?” Honestly, I was riding around wondering whether this was real or the mushrooms in the forest were spawning and I was hallucinating.
The lack of engine noise allows you to hear the chain and tyres as well as the sticks banging on the swingarm and frame. One noise I did find to my advantage was the rear wheel noise. You can hear it biting into the dirt or spinning and breaking traction. This isn’t something you usually hear on a petrol bike and all of a sudden you can use your sense of hearing to control the rear wheel traction rather than feedback through the pegs and seat.
Rear brake is hand operated Suspension is well balanced for trail riding
The rear brake on the handlebar threw me for a while and I did find myself going for the foot brake out of habit. By having the brake on the handlebar you can feather it with your finger while going through tight trails much easier. You don’t have the weight of your foot on the pedal trying to throw off the balance while you‘re trying to steer.
One question thrown at me the most since the test ride was “how was it having no clutch?” I never once felt like I needed a clutch. The torque of the electric motor allows you to pop the front wheel up any time with the smallest blip on the throttle the same as a clutch. The smoothness of the engine allowed me to trail the throttle through turns without needing to pull a clutch in to skid or change direction.
The balance of the chassis works very well. The Fast Ace suspension comes from mountain bikes but they did a good job at developing and tuning a setup for trail riding. The front and rear is balanced and tuned well together.
Minimal clutter on the ‘bars USB charge point
Not having a whole bunch of rotating mass in the engine such as a heavy crankshaft and cam shafts which you fight against to change directions means you can corner and turn the Storm Bee very easily. It is a great bike to stand up on the pegs and tip in and out of the trees. It requires no effort from the rider to steer it whatsoever.
The power modes are a great addition but I found myself riding around in full power and managing it with the throttle. If you don’t have great throttle control the slower modes would be a great addition. The Turbo mode sounds like a cool feature but it wasn’t something I felt I needed to use so I only turned it on a few times. The reverse feature is certainly something different on a dirt bike and while I only used it out of curiosity I could see it being handy if you get stuck in a deep rut or bogged.
The brakes have a nice solid feel to them and while they are not Brembo they did do a good job for trail riding and managed to pull the bike up easy enough.
The Battery
We rode the Storm Bee for a solid four hours predominately through single trails at slow to moderate speed. We rode it hard for the entire time up many challenging steep hills that required the engine to work hard and we only got the battery down to 50%. I would assume that this run time would cut down if you were riding in sand or on faster tracks and the power would drop at some point but for us the battery did everything we asked.
Black and yellow colour scheme suits the name 240mm rear disc
We Liked
Handling – The Storm Bee was a very smooth and easy bike to ride. It might be a little on the heavy side but it did not feel that way to ride. Power – This electric dirt bike has plenty for the average trail rider. The bike was smooth but aggressive when you needed it to be. Traction – The throttle feels directly connected to the rear wheel. There is no lag time between the rear wheel and your wrist making the Storm Bee a very easy bike to find traction on.
We Didn’t Like
Racing – While we had loads of fun on the Storm Bee I would want more out of the motor and the suspension if I was going to race it. In saying that we had a petrol bike to back it up against on the day and we all felt faster on the Storm Bee through the tight trails than it. The Name – Come on, Storm Bee? Why not Typhoon Tiger or Monsoon Mamba? There’s nothing tough about a Bee.
The Verdict
I was born and bred a petrol sniffing MX kid but the tech enthusiast in me was always curious about an electric dirt bike. I kept telling myself the technology isn’t there yet to compete with a petrol engine but maybe one day. I feel like I need to toss away a large amount of masculinity to admit this but the technology is there and in some circumstances I would even have to say better.
There is so much rotating mass in a petrol engine that negatively affects the way the bike handles. We try to make parts lighter, move the engine around and alter the way the chassis flexes to make it better but it’s a problem we just can’t eliminate. With an electric engine we solve this problem and the bikes handle and react completely different but in a much better way. I am basing this decision solely on what the Storm Bee was like to ride and if this is the start for electric then I think we are heading in a very exciting direction for the motorcycling industry, as long as we allow it to.
SPECS
MOTOR/OUTPUT: BLDC Mid Motor/22.5kw peak and 520nm of Torque BATTERY: 90v 48Ah Sony VTC LI-ion (Removable) RANGE: 105kms claimed – Varies on conditions SPEED: 110km/h Offroad use only TRANSMISSION: Oil Bath Gear Reduction BRAKES: Dual Piston Front 270mm Disc and 240mm Rear FRONT SUSPENSION: 290mm Fast Ace 47mm Inverted Fork REAR SUSPENSION: 290mm Fast Ace Air Absorber CONTRUCTION: Aluminium Alloy Forged Frame TYRES: MX and Enduro F21/R18 CST Mud Tyres WHEELS: 80/100 – 21 Front and 110/100-18 Rear LIGHTS: Headlight and Rear Taillight on Enduro Model THROTTLE: Fly By Wire Twist Throttle with Eco, Rain, Sports plus Turbo Modes USB: USB Charging Point On Board HILL CLIMBING: Up to 80% CHARGE TIME: 3 hours (Fast Charger) WATER RATING: IP55 LOADING: Max Loading Weight 120kg DIMENSIONS: 2120 x 805 x 1265mm SEAT HEIGHT: 940mm WARRANTY: 12 months BIKE WEIGHT: 126kg RRP PRICE: MX 12,999 ENDURO 14,999 plus on road costs DISTRIBUTOR: EBMX CONTACT: ebmx.com.au
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.
The Best Electric Dirt Bikes of 2023
Remarkably, only one of them went for the Dirt-E joke.
The motoring world is going electric. And it’s not just fancy, 1,000-horsepower, six-figure electric trucks. Electric motorcycle options have been increasing over the past few years. And even the relatively humble and underpowered dirt bike segment now offers a proliferation of emissions-free options — and we’re here to help you separate the battery-powered wheat from the chaff.
Why You Should Get an Electric Dirt Bike
Helps Save the Planet: Smaller motorcycles are far from the most fuel-thirsty vehicles. But electric dirt bikes still reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and every little bit helps.
Less Maintenance: Electric motors require far fewer moving parts. That means more time riding and less time (and money) replacing parts. You also don’t need to buy things like oil.
Less Noise: Electric dirt bikes do make some noise, but they make less than internal-combustion dirt bikes — noise that can diminish the enjoyment of being in nature for riders and those nearby.
Accessible to New Riders: Like electric cars, electric dirt bikes do not need a manual transmission. This may disappoint some riders looking for a traditional feel. But it’s also way easier to manage while off-road.
Torque: Electric dirt bikes tend to have a lot of torque, and it comes on instantly. This helps them accelerate rapidly and feel quick in everyday riding.
What to Look For
Street Legality: Like combustion dirt bikes, many of them will not be street-legal. And you may live in a municipality that will confiscate and crush them if you try to use them for that — electric or not. There are dual-sport electric dirt bikes (lighter than adventure motorcycles), which can also be used as commuter bikes. But make sure you clarify that before buying.
Battery Range: Range is a significant drawback to any electric vehicle. You want to ensure you have enough range to do the amount of riding you’re planning. expensive electric dirt bikes will have range that can exceed what most drives can handle physically. But that may be costly.
Battery Charging: A nother important factor beyond range is how long it takes to charge the battery. Shorter is better. Manufacturers may offer accessories that improve charging speed. Some dirt bikes can instantly swap in a newly charged battery and return to the trail.
How We Tested
Gear Patrol writers and editors are continually testing the best electric dirt bikes on a variety of terrains to update this guide looking at features like comfort, ease of use and riding characteristics. Our testers have spent time riding the Zero XF and the Cake Kalk INK so far; however, we’ll be updating this guide as we continue to test more models.
Zero’s FX isn’t a one-trick pony; it’s good at a little bit of everything. It’s fast but torque-heavy up front. For comparison, it’s nimble but still about 50 pounds heavier than KTM’s 350EXC-F. And it’s quiet, which anyone who’s ridden a dual sport before knows has distinct advantages and downsides. (Upsides include not disturbing nature as you ride through and saving your eardrums; cons include being unable to announce yourself to other riders on the trail or cars on the street.)
The FX’s ride is very smooth — from city streets to rutted-out trails and even completely off-road in the ungroomed wild. The tires grip well on city streets, even after a light rain. The FX can reach a top speed of 85, but I rarely found myself pushing it above 65 — this is a great cruising bike built for the trails as much as it is for the road. The acceleration feels torque-y until you get the hang of the feeling; I’d recommend starting in Eco until you get a feel for how the bike handles, experienced rider or not.
The profile is lean and mean, just as advertised. Your tester is 5’4” and weigh 110 pounds, and she could handle and maneuver this bike with relative ease, although she did make sure to get comfortable on the bike on uncrowded trails before taking it to the streets. Zero says the charging time is 1.3 hours, but I found it to be much longer than that. the bike was delivered to me with an 80 percent charge, and it took more than two hours to get it full. The range is 91 miles which is a solid day’s ride, but unless you have the means to give the bike a good overnight charge, you’ll be SOL the next day. And that 91-mile range is in the city — if you’re riding on the highway at 70 mph without starting and stopping, it drops to 39 miles per charge.
We’ve been fans of Swedish manufacturer Cake — and Stefan Ytterborn’s helmet/eyewear/apparel brand, POC — for years. Founded in 2016, Cake has consistently put out smooth, innovative electric bikes that offer both gorgeous looks and purpose-built function.
The Kalk class of offroaders, however, is much more about play than work. The street-legal Kalk INK picks up quick thanks to 252Nm of electric torque, while reliable suspension (200mm of travel) and beefy dual-sport motorcycle tires help you keep the shiny side up from the road to the trails.
- Removable battery charges from 0 to 80 percent in two hours, 0 to 100 percent in three
- Three ride modes and three braking modes adapt to your style and environment
- Not exactly the cushiest seat on the planet (or this page)
- You must come to a full stop to adjust ride and braking modes