So, what about an electric dirt bike? No fuel, no fumes, no noise pollution, no clutch, and no fuss. Many riders are still reluctant to turn their backs on convention and go electric, however. Hopefully, this list of the best electric dirt bike models will be enough to tempt you into giving one a try. It’s no secret that the popularity of electric motorcycles is on the rise. But, with prohibitively expensive prices and lackluster range capabilities, many riders aren’t convinced enough to ditch their tried and tested gasoline machines in favor of battery powered two-wheelers, and that’s fine.
But what about an electric dirt bike though? Since it’s for off-road trail riding, the range shouldn’t be such a big deal. And the prices…well, they’re still pretty high. But, if you’re looking for a dedicated off-road machine that you’re not going to go cross-country touring on, why not invest in an electric dirt bike and explore a brand new near-silent off-road motorcycling experience?
How Do You Ride An Electric Dirt Bike?
One reason many riders aren’t interested in trying out an electric bike is the fact that they don’t know how to ride them. Manufacturer’s press releases simply say “it’s electric” and don’t go into the details about how the bike’s operation differs from a conventional motorcycle. Riding an electric dirt bike is pretty simple, but if you’re not used to it we can see how it could be intimidating on a test ride – so we’ll give you a quick outline of how it all works.
Since electric motors can offer instantaneous power delivery, there’s no need for a gearbox, and no gearbox means no clutch. On the bike’s handlebars you’ll find two levers in the usual places, one operating the front brake as usual, while the left-hand lever that usually operates the clutch now controls the rear brake. The throttle is in the usual position, and you simply “twist and go” to move forward. If you’ve ever ridden an automatic scooter, the operation is identical. It’s as simple as that. Alien, weird, and hard to get used to at first, but thankfully it’s a simple thing to grasp.
Are Electric Dirt Bikes Road Legal?
The legality depends on what electric dirt bike model you’re buying! Since these are dirt bikes, they don’t have to conform to road regulations since they’re designed for off-road riding, but some have been treated with some street-legal components for dual-purpose riding…while others haven’t. A couple of electric dirt bike models on this list actually come with pedals, which puts them in the moped category, so as long as the top speed is limited to a certain speed, you can probably get away with some kind of road riding. It’s best to always check with the manufacturer and your local DMV, as laws vary from state to state.
Wait, Some Electric Dirt Bikes Have Pedals?
Yes, some do. Thanks to the simplicity of an electric motor, some quick-thinking designers thought that putting an electric powertrain in a frame that’s not quite dirt-bike and not quite mountain-bike would be a good idea, and they were right. They might not look like much, but some of these pedal-powered electric dirt bike machines are very, very capable. They offer top speeds of up to 50 mph and a useable riding range of around 50 miles. Those figures are more than enough for an afternoon of trail riding. Having pedals also means that you won’t get stranded and have to push your bike home when you run out of battery. You just pedal it like a regular bicycle instead.
But that’s enough about that. Let’s take a look at some of the best electric dirt bike models out there! We’ll start the list with “light” electric dirt bike models, and then move on to the more heavy-duty motorcycles. This only makes sense, as the electric dirt bike industry is kind of split into two separate categories.
12 Electric Dirt Bike Models Worth Considering
#12. The Stealth H-52
The Stealth H-52 has proven itself as a more than capable electric dirt bike ever since it rolled onto the scene a few years ago. While it’s not the most powerful bike on the market, it has more than enough grunt to tackle off-road trails and churn up the dirt. Powered by a 4.5 kW motor, the H-52 boasts exceptional acceleration, the ability to climb tough hills with ease, and offers a comfortable and steady ride.
With a top speed of 50 mph, the Stealth H-52 provides more speed than you’d probably ever need off-road. It also offers a ride range of around 35-miles. On paper, 35-miles doesn’t seem like much. But, when you’re riding hard on the trails, 35-miles of hard riding is probably a lot more than you can handle in one sitting. However, if you need to go further, simply pull over and relax for a couple of hours, because the battery can reach a full charge in around 2-hours. Add some long-travel suspension and hydraulic disc brakes and you can tap into this electric dirt bike’s true potential. And the cost? Prices start at around $9,500.
#11. The Sur-Ron Firefly
If you like the idea of the Stealth H-52 but don’t feel like paying that kind of money, check out the Firefly from Chinese company Sur-Ron. Ok, it’s Chinese, but Chinese doesn’t always mean bad. Sur-Ron proves that with their Firefly electric dirt bike. In a nutshell, it’s essentially the same kind of light electric dirt bike as the Stealth model listed above, but at a fraction of the price. It’s cheap, it’s Chinese, but it’s good – and you shouldn’t discount it because of where it came from.
Performance-wise, we’re talking about an electric dirt bike that will hit a top speed just north of 45 mph, a peak torque figure of around 18.4 lb-ft, and will give riders a nice ride time of around two-hours for decent trail riding. As you can see, its claimed performance isn’t any better or worse than the rest of the light electric models listed. Here’s what makes the Sur-Ron Firefly so special though, the price for one of these bad boys starts at $2,000. That’s for the lowest battery specification and without any import fees on, but even for the top model and taxes included, you’re looking at no more than $3,500 for these rather special (but not at all road-legal) electric dirt bikes.
#10. The Kuberg Freerider
If you really can’t shake the Chinese provenance of the Sur-Ron Firefly then your next best bet for a similarly priced electric dirt bike with similar specs would be the Kuberg Freerider. Kuberg has been producing these cool looking bikes for a good few years now. They’ve built a reputation for delivering quality electric dirt bikes. The Freerider is one of two adult models made by Kuberg. While we like the street-focused Freerider Street Edition, we prefer this off-road model more.
Powered by a 48v motor that delivers around 11 hp and reaches top speeds of around 34 mph, the Kuberg Freerider isn’t the fastest electric dirt bike on the market. What it lacks in speed it makes up for with other redeeming features. The 22 Ah lithium-polymer battery pack promises a continuous ride time of around an hour, providing that you haven’t been overdosing on junk food. The battery can be also be recharged fully in two and a half hours. Or, even quicker if you invest in the optional quick charger. Not only is it fast charging, it also comes with a dongle that connects the bike’s sensors to an app. The app allows you to monitor battery life, track speeds, assesses torque, and limit the motor’s output, if 34 mph is too scary for you. Though that sounds condescending, 34 mph on a bike like this will feel seriously fast. Especially when the bike between your legs has a total weight of 79 lbs. Prices start from around $3,999, but that doesn’t include any taxes.
#09. The Cake Kalk
Yes, that is the real name of this weird electric dirt bike that some sources are going as far as to call “the Tesla of motorcycles.” While it’s impressive, it’s hardly the Tesla of the motorcycle industry at all. Well, it’s electric, looks pretty cool, and carries a hefty asking price, but that’s pretty much where the similarities end. But that doesn’t mean that it isn’t a good electric dirt bike. The unusually named Cake Kalk comes all the way from Sweden, features a wide range of advanced components, and generally looks like a blast to ride. All that comes with a hefty price tag of $14,000. And that’s pretty pricy for the performance specs, but it is a limited edition model, so that’s something.
It’s expensive, but you get some cool features for your money. The electric motor is capable of propelling the Kalk to speeds up to 50 mph. It produces around 16 hp and offers around 31 lb-ft of peak torque. It all comes in a carbon fiber package that weighs less than 150 lbs. The lithium-ion battery pack is good for a maximum range of approximately 50-miles, but that depends entirely on what riding mode you’ve selected, because the Kalk has three on offer. And what’s more, it comes with Ohlins-developed suspension, which is pretty impressive. $14,000 impressive? In the right hands, definitely. This isn’t an electric dirt bike for the casual rider, however, unless you have money to burn.
#08. The Bultaco Brinco R
Bultaco may not be the same as it once was, but when the company resurfaced in 2014, they decided to move in a whole new direction, manufacturing high-quality electric dirt bike machines that live up to the legendary Bultaco name. The first new platform launched by the newly resurrected marque is called the “Brinco.” There are four separate models within the range. They’re all fairly capable off-road, but the Bultaco Brinco C is the ideal choice for those who prefer to ride real dirt. And it has pedals too, which can be pretty handy.
The Brinco C is powered by a 1.3 kWh lithium-ion battery that can be fully charged in only 3-hours. It has a maximum range of 60-miles in Economy mode, and can be manually pedaled when you run out of juice. As for the top-speed, it’s limited to just over 15 mph. That can be more of a blessing than a curse, however, because it makes it road legal in plenty of states in the USA. Be sure to check with your local DMV for specifics. The price isn’t as cheap as it could be, but considering that you’re also buying into the Bultaco brand, it’s expected. One of these will set you back about $6,500 ish. While its not like a regular motocross motorcycle, it will offer some enviable performance compared to other electric bike offerings out there.
#07. LMX 161-H Freerider MX
Our last offering in the light electric dirt bike division is the LMC 161-H Freerider MX. A model that made its name on IndieGoGo and managed to impress enough investors to move into production. As a light trail bike that was “developed in France for riders and by riders,” it promises to be an electric dirt bike that is “optimized for extreme off-road use” – and we believe them. Comparable to a small 80cc dirt bike in performance but weighing a hell of a lot less. The total weight is only 92 lbs. The 161-H has incredible power, tough suspension for real jumps and hard landings, and can easily be thrown in the back of your car. What more could you want?
In terms of actual performance, this LMX electric dirt bike can hit a top speed of 28 mph and has a maximum range of around 50 miles. This equates to between 2 and 3-hours of hard off-road riding. In total, it requires about 3-hours to fully charge the battery, which isn’t bad at all. For the USA, you’ll need to buy a model with the pedal attachment kit, otherwise, it won’t be street legal. Prices aren’t cheap, but if you feel like parting with around $9,000 (excluding tax and import fees) you can throw a leg over one.
What About A More Powerful Electric Dirt Bike?
#06. The KTM Freeride E-XC
The KTM Freeride E-XC is KTM’s first electric bike and it has already proven itself to be a roaring success in Europe. This isn’t a street-legal electric dirt bike and it never will be, it’s not the fastest bike in the world either, and it certainly won’t be famed for its massive range. However, if you’re into hardcore off-road riding but can’t imagine hitting the trails on anything less than a KTM, then this is your weapon of choice. Boasting an electric motor that promises 21.5 hp and 31 lb-ft of torque the Freeride E-XC is more than enough for most trails. But, what makes it so special?
While the approximate ride time per charge is advertised at an uninspiringly low 1-hour, you’ll be pleased to learn that KTM has kitted the Freeride E-XC with an absurdly fast charging time. For a full 100% charge, it only takes a mere 80-minutes – and that’s crazy fast. In fact, after an hour of intense off-roading, a nice hour and twenty rest is a welcome treat. Ride, recharge, rest, and repeat. It’s a simple formula, but it makes the KTM a real contender for the best electric dirt bike crown. With a seat height of 35.9 inches and a weight of 244 lbs, this is a real KTM electric dike bike for adults that you can really enjoy. The price is quite attractive too, especially when compared with some of the lighter models above, with an MSRP of $8,299.
#05. The (RIP)
Alta Motors are an all-American motorcycle manufacturing company and they’ve been producing some excellent electric dirt bike models out of their California based factory over the past few years. While some prefer the supermoto variant, for real off-road riding the Redshift MX is really what you need. Designed and built to rival conventional gasoline-powered 250cc dirt bikes, the Redshift MX makes for the perfect off-road tool no matter what the conditions demand. It comes equipped with some top-shelf accessories like WP suspension and Brembo brakes as well.
Thanks to the combination of a modern lithium-ion battery and a high-speed PMAC motor, the Alta Motors Redshift MX is capable of shooting out the equivalent to 42 hp and a giant 120 lb-ft of torque. It can achieve a top speed of 80 mph and travel 50-miles per charge. 50-miles is more than enough, and when you learn that it can charge to full in 4 hours (or 2 with the rapid charge option) you can see why the Redshift MX is such a popular electric motocross bike. Unlike other Alta electric dirt bike models like the supermoto or electric enduro, the MX is not street-legal. Prices for this bad boy start from $10,495.
(Sadly Alta Motors went out of business in 2019)
#04. The Armotia Due X
Armotia is an Italian company with two rather special electric machines in its line-up. One is a road-oriented supermoto motorcycle, and the other is an off-road-focused electric dirt bike. What makes them different from the rest of the bikes on this list is the fact they both come with two-wheel drive. Obviously, this makes for an incredibly capable off-road machine. We’re not entirely sure why a road bike would need 2WD, but it sounds fun regardless. With that in mind, we’re here to talk about Armotia’s Due X electric motocross bike.
Powered by a 5.1 kW battery, the Armotia Due X is quoted to have a top speed of around 50 mph, a power output of 15 hp, and a ride time of approximately one hour and thirty minutes per charge. Those kind of specs are pretty standard, but what really set the Armotia Due X apart from the crowd is the use of top-end components like Ohlins suspension, and the really cool fact that the company will send you the relevant STL files so that you can customize and 3D print your own custom bodywork for the bike! Not a bad touch, eh? The prices are a little high at $13,460 a go, but come on: customizable bodywork and two-wheel drive!
#03. The Mugen E-Rex
The Mugen E-Rex might only be a concept at the moment, but it’s worth keeping an eye on. If you’re not familiar with Mugen, they’re effectively a branch of Honda that specializes in performance. They also have a rather amazing track record for winning the Isle of Man TT Zero races. While this isn’t a thoroughbred racer, it’s clearly a design exercise that proves that Honda is eyeing up the electric dirt bike category. Though it’s only a concept, there’s a lot going for the “E-Rex” that would suggest that some kind of derivative will be with us shortly.
We don’t know anything about the electric powertrain, but we can see that the E-Rex shares the same frame and swingarm as the Honda CRF250R, and wears similar hardware often found on Honda’s dirt bike range. This includes Showa dual suspension and Nissin brakes – though the Nissin brakes are paired with carbon-fiber rotors, which is an unusual choice. Other cool features include the Excel rims and Dunlop Geomax tires. And of course, there’s the insane bodywork which features a dinosaur theme. We’re doubtful that the E-Rex/T-Rex theme will make it to full production, but watch this space because the Honda Mugen electric dirt bike is coming in the near future. Surely. And when it does, it will likely be one of the best electric dirt bikes for adults ever made!
While we don’t know the powertrain of the E-Rex, we do know that Honda is up to something very, very interesting.
Honda has unveiled a new and exciting electric motor that functions without the use of expensive and heavy rare earth metals. Technologically, it’s an incredible feat. However, you might be thinking: “What does this mean for me?” Judging from the feedback we receive from our electric motorcycle related posts, we know that while the acceleration and instant power delivery is exciting, the negatives points outweigh the positive. Range and battery life is something that will no doubt eventually sort itself out, the ride experience is improving, but the biggest problem is this: price. The majority of our readership seems resistant to the idea of electric vehicles because of their incredible price points. If Honda can produce a motor without the use of the relatively expensive rare earth metals, then hopefully the prices of electric vehicles might come down. Maybe…
The Revolutionary Honda Electric Motor
Honda, working with Daido Steel, has managed this pretty incredible feat by inventing a magnet that works without the use of elements like dysprosium or terbium. To get around this problem, they’ve developed a new magnet out of neodymium-ion, through a process called hot deformation, manufactured with a fine crystal grain structure that’s capable of withstanding high temperatures without the usual rare earth additives.
Honda said about the magnet: “…a deformed neodymium magnet that contains absolutely no heavy rare earth but is usable for the drive motor of a hybrid vehicle, demonstrating torque, output, and heat resistance performance equivalent to those of a motor that uses the conventional type of magnet.”
Technically, neodymium is still a rare earth metal, but it’s far more widely available than the rest of them – which is great news. At the moment, countries like China have almost monopolized the market, and some people have accused China of purposefully limiting the supply of these metals to keep the demand (and prices) high. So, now that that issue can be circumvented, maybe EV prices can start to become more economical.
The new Honda electric motor will be introduced later on this year in a small minivan, for Asian soil only, but as they continue to improve their technology, it won’t be long until this revolutionary motor will be capable of working with heavy-duty hybrid cars, and all-electric motorcycles. It’s a step forward – but did we expect anything less from Honda?
#02. The Tacita T-Race Enduro
When it comes to electric motorcycles in general, we think Tacita is on to something. They understand the reluctance of old-school riders to convert to electric motorcycles, so they’ve come up with a compromise. Manual electric drivetrains, with selectable gears. So, if you want an electric dirt bike but still want to make use of a clutch, then the Tacita T-Race Enduro should be the bike for you. Proven to be capable of tackling tough desert trails, mountain tracks, and perform just as well on the road, this Italian electric dirt bike should impress you.
At the heart of the T-Race Enduro is a 34 kW motor that can produce the equivalent of 45 hp and 62.7 lb-ft of continuous torque. This motor is mated to a 5-speed transmission for ultimate control. The battery system is also pretty tidy and promises over 80-miles of range or over 3-hours of riding on off-road tracks. The Tacita T-Race Enduro is also available in different “engine” sizes to suit your needs. So, if you need something smaller to help circumvent certain licensing laws, they’ve got your back. The top-shelf model’s prices start from around $18,800 – not including tax and all that jazz though.
#01. The Zero FX
There are plenty of electric dirt bike manufacturers these days, with more and more surfacing every month. But, in our opinion, none have been able to usurp Zero and their FX model as the best electric dirt bike option. These days, Zero have become a name that you can trust and rely on for building quality electric motorcycles, from their road-going SR to their off-road diamond, the Zero FX. Equipped with top-end hardware and boasting some high-tech gadgetry, the Zero FX is a great do-all motorcycle. We highly recommend it!
What makes it such an attractive electric dirt bike is the power train more than anything. By spending a little more you can make the most with more peak power, faster charging times, and superior range. So we’re going to be quoting those figures. Capable of producing 46 hp, 78 ft-lb of peak torque, a top speed of 85 mph, and good for around 90 miles of standard riding you can see why we like the Zero FX so much. However, it gets better – with the fast charging kit the battery can be fully charged in just under 2-hours – which is exceptionally fast. The only real downside to the Zero FX is the price. While it’s not as expensive as some other electric bikes out there, the asking price of $13,990 (with all the optional extras) is quite steep. Expensive, but it is the best electric dirt bike for adults on the market.
But that’s the nature of the game with all-electric vehicles at the moment. The technology is relatively new, and therefore still expensive. What’s more, is that the technology is continually evolving. Even if you’re not impressed by the quality of these electric dirt bike machines now, you certainly will be in the near future. The electric revolution is coming, whether you like it or not!
And What About An Electric Dirt Bike Option For Young Riders?
#00. The Razor Dirt Rocket
Leave your training wheels behind, because this electric mini bike is the real deal! The Razor MX350 (Dirt Rocket electric motocross bike, as it’s better known) is the most popular model in a series of electric dirt bikes aimed at young riders by the electric maestro’s at Razor. Razor specialize in building fun outdoor equipment for adventurous youngsters, and their latest line of miniature electric dirt bikes are absolutely fantastic. The Dirt Rocket is essentially a small sized dirt bike for kids who want to tear up the trails. Coming in various motor outputs, the Dirt Rocket models offer serious performance and for an affordable price.
The Razor MX350 boasts a top speed of 14 mph, can run for up half an hour on a continuous run, a proper twist throttle, a chain driven rear wheel, adjustable handlebars, front and rear knobbly tires, and enough torque for real off-roading. It’s lacking disc brakes, but who needs them at that speed? Anyway, these little machines are tough and can withstand a lot of punishment, and the offer great performance for the price tag! The Razor Dirt Rocket retails for under $300 – which is a small price to pay for one of the best electric dirt bikes for kids. If you want something a little different, there are other models available from Razor, like the McGrath electric motocross bike called the Razor Dirt Rocket SX500 McGrath, and the Dirt Rocket MX500 or Razor MX650, which all take their name from supercross king Jeremy McGrath!
