Dirt biking has always been an exciting and rewarding pastime for people of every age. Some people love the thrill of speeding down a trail with the wind whipping past their faces and the tree branches skimming their helmets. Others love the excitement of flying their bikes off of huge dirt jumps while performing impressive tricks. There are even those who just like to ride around their own property as a little escape from normal life, but no matter which group you find yourself in, everybody who has been around dirt bikes for any amount of time knows that they have a few not so great things in common.

Number one, they are LOUD. Because of their short mufflers, high engine RPMs, and how often they are accelerating versus cruising, the noise can not only be annoying, but it can actually cause hearing damage without protection! Number two, just like most other off-road vehicles, they expel exhaust that can really irritate some people! The fumes caused by gas-powered vehicles can cause problems for those with sensitive respiratory systems, but when you and your family are all out dirt-biking, and there are 3… 4… even 5 bikes, the smells can get overwhelming. The third thing to consider is the amount of maintenance that gas-powered dirt bikes require. Spark plugs, coolant, oil changes, engine services, and more are all expensive! The great news is that modern day electric dirt bikes don’t have ANY of these issues, and a lot of pros to consider. They are extremely fun to ride, and the most environmentally conscious choice you can make when buying a new bike. Let’s get into a few of the reasons why electric is such a great option to choose.

Electric Dirt Bike Introduction

The world of off-roading is in a constant state of flux. The mud, rocks, trees, and rugged landscapes that we all enjoy so much will never change, but what we use to navigate this beautiful natural terrain is changing rapidly. When you think of an off-road biking experience, you probably imagine some beautiful landscape far away, the roar of your engine echoing all around you, and the smell of gasoline tickling at your nose. While these memories may be held dear, there have been some game-changing innovations in the last decade that can all but eliminate the noise and exhaust that we have all become accustomed to. Below are just a few of the reasons why making the switch from gas-powered dirt bikes to electric dirt bikes is such a great choice.

One of the biggest selling points of an electric dirt bike is also one of it’s biggest drawbacks (for some people). We know...We like the roar of a gas-powered engine as much as the next guy, but hear us out on this one. Gas-powered bikes aren’t just loud. They’re so loud that they don’t only have the potential to cause hearing damage if protection isn’t worn, but they can really scare other people and the animals that call your riding spot home. As awesome as that roar is, it’s pretty likely that you aren’t the only person around trying to enjoy a little bit of the great outdoors. Hitting the trails without having to worry about bothering other people, or terrifying the poor critters to death makes planning a quick weekend trip a lot more enjoyable. While the sound of a combustion engine echoing off the nearby hills is still fun, moving towards an electric option is a move in the right direction for many people.

Besides being almost silent, you can also avoid all of that nasty exhaust that comes along with riding a gas-powered dirt bike. Since there is no engine, just an electric motor, there is zero exhaust and no fumes to deal with! That means you get to avoid the stench, the animals who live where you ride won’t be afraid, and the environment will thank you for it! The other benefit of no engine is the fact that there is almost no maintenance. With a gas-powered dirt bike, you have to replace the spark plugs every so often, keep track of the coolant levels, change the oil, service the engine, …. Well, you get the idea. With your electric bike, you’ll still need to maintain the wheels, the chain, and the other common parts of the bike, but you’ll never have to worry about the greasy engine, or any of the other complicated stuff that comes along with one.

One of the biggest benefits of electric motors is the fact that the power is 100% available from the second you hit the throttle all the way up until you hit the breaks. With gas-powered engines, there’s a ‘lag’ time when you initially hit the throttle, and acceleration is slower. An electric motor can use all of its power instantaneously, meaning when you hit the throttle, you are going to GO...Fast. Because of their electric motors, electric dirt bikes have some really neat capabilities that their gas-powered counterparts simply can’t match. Your power is 100% which means your torque is as well. Getting over intense terrain with instantly applicable torque and power is exactly what every off-roader dreams of.

This all sounds amazing right? Even so, we know exactly what you’re thinking. “How do I charge my bike when I’m on a trail in the middle of nowhere?” Well, since the batteries that power modern day electric dirt bikes are nowhere near as unwieldy or heavy as those that power cars, there is actually the option of carrying an extra in your vehicle to allow a battery swap while on the trail. When you find your range starting to dwindle, just make a trip back to the car and swap the battery out for hours more fun!

Top 5 Best Electric Dirt Bike Options

Electric dirt bikes aren’t just toys for kids anymore, though we will talk about a couple of great electric bikes for kids too. Today, there are options available that can rival some of the most popular gas-powered bikes currently on the market. Below, we’ll list and discuss 5 of the best electric dirt bikes that money can buy!

5. Alta Motors Redshift MX Electric Motocross Bike

This is an absolute monster of a bike. This thing is the real deal, but unfortunately is not made anymore. Even though it’s not available new, we couldn’t leave this off of the list, because it is literally the only full-fledged electric race motocross bike ever mass produced. With a mass speed of around 50 mph, and a battery life of one hour, this dirt bike will take you for a ride you’ll never forget. What really makes this bike different, however, is the build quality, and the quality of the parts used all over the bike. If you are able to pick one of these up on the used market, don’t hesitate!

4. CAKE Kalk OR

Cake is a company based out of Sweden that has a passion for innovating and creating new and exciting lightweight electric dirt bikes. The Kalk OR is their top model, and will definitely not disappoint. While it doesn’t look anything like most dirt bikes, and in fact will remind you more of a mountain bike with a motor, this thing is amazing for off-road riding, and is much more closely related to a dirt bike than to a mountain bike. With three hours of run time and a top speed of 56+ mph, this thing is made for fun. When you need a break, a 2.5 hour charge time means you can be back out on the trails before you know it. This one is on the higher end of the spectrum when it comes to price, but if you have the budget for it, you can’t go wrong.

3. Electric Motion Escape R

Unlike the Cake Kalk OR, this looks much more like an average gas-powered dirt bike. According to the manufacturer of this bike, “the Escape ‘R’” is the ultimate weapon for touring and extreme freeriding.” This bike is no toy, and with its ultra-high-end equipment and design, this bike is designed for real off-road riding. While some bikes can only handle an hour or less of hard riding, the Escape “R” can run for upwards of 2 hours and 30 minutes! This bike weighs in at 170 lbs, and boasts a top speed of around 45mph. If you are looking for a real adventure bike, this is a great option for you. The rugged build quality and high-quality brakes will never let you down.

2. Sur-Ron X

The Sur-Ron X electric dirt bike is a relative newcomer to the off-road scene, but has quickly established itself as a great choice due to some of the advanced technology it boasts. In sport mode, this bike can do something really cool. It offers “Regenerative Coasting” which basically recharges the battery by harvesting energy when you let go of the throttle. Another special feature is the swappable battery, which allows you to carry an extra battery to double the range of the bike on your adventures! After 3 hours of charging, the battery is fully charged and will push the bike up to a top speed of 47 mph. This is a great choice for beginners or advanced riders, and can even be put into a street legal mode if necessary.

1. 2021 Zero FX

The Zero FX electric dirt bike is a special beast. It has amazing aesthetics and an extremely powerful electric motor that pushes this bike to new heights. With incredible torque and maybe the highest speed available on an electric dirt bike, this is without a doubt the best hybrid electric dirt bike available. This thing is FAST. Clocking in at a crazy 85 mph, this bike is made to do it all. On-road or off-road, you will not be disappointed with this ride. Don’t expect it to be cheap though, as premium products come with a premium price!

Key Considerations for Finding a Street Legal Electric Dirt Bike

While some electric dirt bikes come with kits to make them street legal, or even come as street legal bikes themselves, there may come a time when you need to convert one of your own beloved bikes so that you can ride it to and from your favorite trail. Sometimes you just want to go riding, and don’t want to load the bike up in the truck. Here are some key considerations to make when attempting to convert any dirt bike into a street legal rocket.

Headlight

One of the most important things for you to do first, is add a DOT-compliant headlight to the front of your bike. Every single state requires one to be affixed that can be switched between high and low beam, and can function day or night.

A Functioning Taillight

While seeing what’s in front of you seems like the most important thing, it’s also important that anybody behind you is able to see you and your bike easily. This light can’t just be a rear facing light, but a functioning brake light too. If you can get one with integrated turn signals, you have just hit the road legal lottery!

Turn Signals

While many states don’t require them, it’s a good idea to keep the people behind you aware of your intentions at all times. They may be in an SUV, while you are much more vulnerable on your dirt bike.

Mirrors

Just like when you are driving a car, it’s important to know what’s happening behind you. While some states allow you to get away with a single mirror, we suggest you have two so you never have a blind spot. Riding on the road can be dangerous, but the more aware you are of your surroundings, the safer you can be.

A Horn

This one is pretty self-explanatory...not to mention, all states require a working horn, though some don’t require electric ones.

Tires

One part of your bike that is easy to overlook when it comes to making it road legal is the tires. It’s important that your tires meet the strict DOT requirements necessary for road riding. Off-road tires are not designed to be ridden on the road, especially at high speed. Don’t slack off in this area! Not only will you get a ticket, but you could be seriously injured if you use the wrong tires.

Odometer

While only one state (Indiana) requires the use of a working speedometer, it’s a really good idea to know how fast you’re going on the road. It’s not an excuse to say, “Sorry officer, I have no idea how fast I was going.” Keeping track of your mileage is a good idea too, as electric dirt bikes only have so much range!

Side Stand

Most dirt bikes don’t come with a stand because they can be a nuisance when you’re off-road. However, when you ride your bike to the nearest gas station for a snack, leaning it up against a wall will be frowned upon. Don’t forget this simple part!

License Plate Holder

Obviously to ride on the road, you need to register the bike and have a license plate! We suggest buying a nice license plate bracket – ideally one that comes with a tail light and turn signals integrated into the part for a much easier conversion.

Best Electric Dirt Bike for Kids

I know we said electric dirt bikes aren’t just kids toys anymore, but there are a few great starter bikes for your kid! Our favorite is the Kuberg Cross Hero, and it’s one of the most cost-effective and high-quality bikes you can buy for your 5-12 year old. It sports a 77 pound frame that can support a rider up to 220 pounds, and has a battery life of up to two hours. The top speed is limited to 17mph for your child’s safety, but that’s still pretty fast. Make sure they are wearing all of their safety equipment before you let them really open it up!

When your child grows up a little more, and is a little bigger and more experienced, the Kuberg FreeRider is one of the best options currently available. Made for teenagers and young adults, this bike will reach a much higher top speed of 34 mph. Because it’s a very lightweight bike, they can run for up to an hour before they have to charge it up. After just 2.5 hours on the charger, they can hit the trails again and enjoy all that nature has to offer! This bike also comes with different tire sizes for you to choose from, so be sure to pick the best size for your kid when you pick one of these up.

Electric Dirt Bike: Important Considerations

It’s important to remember that every bike is different, as is every rider. Between different brands, specs, and terrains you may ride, finding the right bike for you can be a bit of a chore. Lucky for you, we are here to help you decide what bike fits your style the best. The first thing to consider is the range of the bike, and how long you may plan on riding it at a time. The batteries in these bikes do not last forever, and having a battery die while on the trail can turn a great day into a pretty huge bummer. Depending on the bike you buy, batteries can take anywhere from 3-6 hours to charge, so be sure to pay attention to those specs when purchasing! Another important consideration is of course the speed of the bike. Ranging from 15-80 mph, there are all kinds of different bikes for all kinds of different riding. Be sure to consider how fast you need the bike to be before you buy a rocketship! Last but not least, consider comfort. We are all different sizes and shapes, so be sure to sit on the bike before you buy it. It may look great, but style is definitely not everything, especially when it comes to electric dirt bikes.

Your Electric Dirt Bike Parts Partner

No matter what kind of bike you decide to purchase, you’re going to need dirt bike parts, gear, and all of the best and most stylish clothing for your adventures! ZMPerformance has all of that, and so much more for you to explore. No matter what parts you need for your bike, you can find it here:

• Air/Fuel
• Electrical
• Bars/Control
• Body
• Brakes
• Suspension
• Drive
• Tires/Wheels

We also carry all of the safety gear that you and your family could possibly need. From helmets to gloves and full body protection, you can outfit everybody in your family for your next trip. Browse our clothing selection, and you’ll be riding in style!