If you seek thrill and love off-road, you must be in awe of the latest electric dirt bikes. They are truly making a statement that we don’t need to stop dirt races to be environmentally conscious. There are so many choices in the global market right now that getting confused is natural. However, if performance or budget is one of your concerns, worry not. We got your back! The best and most cost-effective e dirt bikes available right now is hands down the latest 2020 KTM Freeride E-XC! Especially if you want to ride close to home, E-XC is the answer.
The KTM E-XC motorcycle is a single-speed automatic dirt bike. It is a total steal at the price, with respect to the performance, robustness, and panache it offers. On top of that, it gives you a pretty smooth ride and a good grip. A cross between a trial dirt bike and a motocross dirt bike, this KTM flaunts a zero-limits attitude. Unlike its fuel powered sibling, it produces zero emissions. It can be grabbed at $10,399 retail price. If you are thinking of getting it from your local dealership, the price will vary a bit, of course. One might have to pay up to $12,000 for one.
Now, let's talk about the Freeride E - XC electric dirt bike and how it is worth every dollar spent on it.
5 Frame & Dimensions
2020 KTM E – XC is light, has a robust frame, and is perfect for beginners as well as adults. It weighs at 242.5 pounds, but, the weight does not bother during the ride. In fact, if you don't know the weight, you won't be able to discern it exactly. It is made of lightweight, good-quality chrome-molybdenum steel with aluminum sections. In comparison to the previous models, it comes with an open lower section and massive aluminum skid plates, which ensure maximum safety and ideal stiffness on all types of trails and even during high jumps.
The high-end wheels are sturdy and stable. They provide a lot of rider mobility and smooth handling. The standard open handguards are included for a nice grip and added safety. The frame has an unloaded ground clearance of 340 mm and a wheelbase of 1418 mm. Both the brake master cylinders are mounted on the handlebar, thus, no longer requiring the foot to hit the drift. It is very rare to find a lightweight yet powerful e dirt bike at this price.
4 Battery & Engine
The new KTM power pack battery (with 360 Lithium-ion cells) is fully removable and offers about 2 hours of ride time in a single charge. The ride time will depend upon the terrain and the riding style, though. It is rated at 3.9 KWh in comparison to the last version's 2.6KWh, thus fully leveling up to the manufacturer's claims of 50% extra power. The latest powerpack is also compatible with the previous models, so that’s another plus right there. To get more ride time, you can buy a second battery and simply swap the exhausted one with the charged one during the ride, within a few seconds. A new battery pack can be bought for $3,500. Even after 700 charge-discharge cycles, the new KTM power pack still retains its 80% of the initial capacity, which makes it extremely cost-effective.
3 Accessories
The latest E-XC is laced with an enhanced electric motor, advanced battery with 50% increased capacity, energy recuperation technology, and WP PDS suspension. In addition to these, the bike has a dashboard that features a digital speedometer from MAE, ease of use, indicator lights, and integrated warning. The bike also has an easy access ignition lock by the side of the headlight mask. It comes with the option of an external charger that can be bought along with the bike. The charger can be connected to any socket with regular 230V 13A. It takes about 110 minutes for a full charge. All the accessories including those which are free with the bike, are tried and tested.
2 Performance
The claims of 50% more battery capacity hold true and provide for an overall increased battery life too. The 2020 E – XC come equipped with three ride modes which the rider can adjust, according to the terrain, or, the skill level. The first mode is the Economy Ride, which has the least power and is perfect for beginners. Mode 2 is the Standard Ride, which is good for on-road use and the third mode is the most aggressive Advanced Ride mode. All the modes offer equally smooth rides and decent handling. According to chargethebike, the bike’s power is equivalent to a 250 Four-stroke dirt bike or 125 cc bike with a combustion engine.
The electric motor makes for a 24.5 max Horsepower and 42nm Torque which is much more responsive than its competitors. Not only off-road, E - XC is also good for running errands or going for daily 9 to 5. It moves swiftly, hardly making any noise. However, please check with your local authorities to ensure if it's street legal in your state, before you ride the E-XC to your office.
1 Total Cost & Maintenance
The manufacturer’s suggested retail price is $10,399. It includes the Powerpack but, the charger has to be bought separately. Actual sale prices will vary according to the dealership or the accessories you choose to buy. To increase the ride time, an extra battery needs to be purchased that might run you down further by $3,500. However, with this e dirt bike, you won’t be spending on gas, pistons, rings, air filters or exhaust systems ever. The maintenance costs are minimal too with the added benefit of charging or swapping the power packs at one’s own convenience. At such specifics with no gearbox complexities or zero surplus maintenance costs, Freeride E-XC is totally worth it.