Are Electric Dirt Bikes Any Good?

Made to carry you over the rocky and muddy terrain of dirt roads, rugged e-bikes have caused quite a stir among adventure lovers. Most of the best electric dirt bikes are a fancy package of speed, energy efficiency, and thrill. But are electric dirt bikes any good? Read on to find out.

Are Electric Dirt Bikes Any Good?

Electric dirt bikes are pretty good at what they do. They are energy efficient and provide a lot more speed and torque than normal bikes do. Additionally, their motor doesn’t need warming up, so the bikes are ready to use the moment you turn them on.

Electric dirt bikes are less problematic in the long run too. Not only are they silent when driving, but the motors don’t require frequent oil changes like petrol bikes. Finally, the battery has a considerably long-lasting life, justifying the craze surrounding electric dirt bikes. 

The hefty upfront cost, expensive repairs, battery range, and weight are all things that riders worry about before investing in these bikes. However, their advantages beat all their drawbacks by a mile. 

What Is the Range of an Electric Dirt Bike?

The range of an electric dirt bike can be anywhere from 30 to 200 miles on a single charge. This depends mainly on models, with the more expensive options having the best range. However, it can also depend on your battery’s wattage. For example, a 250W bike can reach up to 20mph at most. 

An electric dirt bike takes a lot of time to charge, and the range may still fall short for some people. If you need to travel long distances often, a petrol bike may suit you better. 

How Fast Can Electric Dirt Bikes Go?

Depending on the model and battery strength, an electric dirt bike can go as fast as 35 to 50 mph. Some dirt bikes, mostly those that have been upgraded, can touch up to 55mph too.

How Long Do Electric Dirt Bikes Last?

You should expect your electric dirt bike to last anywhere from 3 to 50 years if well-maintained, and depending on how much you abuse them. If you never ride, or just ride at low speeds on the sidewalk, expect the bike to last much longer. However, the bikes don’t go obsolete after. The lithium-ion battery that powers the bike dies with time. You can simply replace the battery and keep the adventure going… so the bike will last as long as the major components last. 

Do Electric Dirt Bikes Have Gears?

No, they do not. The motors in traditional fuel-powered cars and bikes give the best power at fixed RPM ranges only. A gear is there to make sure your motor is at its most efficient RPM range, and you get the maximum torque at all speeds. 

However, electric bikes provide maximum torque from the moment they are switched on, regardless of speed. This eliminates the need for a transmission altogether. 

Not having transmissions not only makes the bikes easier to drive, but increases their range, available torque, and overall speed. Some bikes may have clutches and gears, however, the manufacturers only include that to appeal to traditional bike drivers. 99% of electric dirt bikes have no gears.

Also read: How Long Do Electric Dirt Bikes Last?

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Arsal Sher — Mud Bike Writer

With an interest in dirt bikes developing from an early age, Arsal now pursues his passion for bikes by restoring old ones. He specializes in vintage collectibles and works hands-on with motorbikes when he has time to spare from his content writing career.

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