If you’re on the hunt for the best Adult Electric Dirt Bike that’s both lightweight and budget-friendly, specifically under $5,000, you’ve landed in the right place. We rigorously tested eight of the most sought-after lightweight electric motorcycles (eMotos) to bring you a detailed comparison of their advantages and disadvantages.
Our evaluation process involved a diverse team of Electric Cycle Rider (ECR) testers, each bringing unique experiences, sizes, and skill sets to the table. The team included Dustin, a seasoned double A class enduro racer; Michael, a B class racer; Mike, with a background in downhill mountain bike racing; and Tucker, the founder of ECR. We collectively put each bike through its paces across various terrains and environments, ranking them based on our combined perspectives. Here’s a comprehensive look at what we discovered.
Meet the Lineup of Adult Electric Dirt Bikes
For our head-to-head comparison, we selected these adult electric dirt bike models:
- Beta Explorer
- Surron Lightbee X
- Talaria Sting R
- Rawrr Mantis
- E Ride Pro SS 2.0
- Stage 2 M1
- RFN Ares DLX Version 2.0
- 79Bike Falcon M
Each adult electric dirt bike was meticulously assessed across a range of performance metrics, including drag race performance, battery range, battery swap ease, braking power, suspension quality, weight, peak power output, and overall price point.
Power Performance: Peak Power Analysis
When it comes to peak power, the RFN Ares DLX and Beta Explorer stood out, sharing the top spot with a potent 12.5kW. The E Ride Pro SS 2.0 followed closely, delivering 12kW peak and 5kW nominal power. In contrast, the Surron Lightbee X and Stage 2 M1 models registered the lowest peak power, tying at 6kW peak and 3kW nominal. It’s worth noting that several models—the E Ride Pro SS, Beta Explorer, and RFN Ares DLX—feature a turbo button, offering a temporary surge of increased power. Therefore, considering nominal power alongside peak power provides a more balanced understanding of each bike’s power capabilities.
2024 Adult Electric Dirt Bikes with Top Peak Power
Acceleration and Speed: The Drag Race Challenge
Our first practical test was a drag race, designed to evaluate each adult electric dirt bike’s acceleration and top speed capabilities. We began with an initial group comprising the Beta Explorer, Surron Lightbee X, Talaria Sting R, and Rawrr Mantis. In this preliminary race, the Talaria Sting R clearly demonstrated superior speed and acceleration. We then pitted the Talaria Sting R against the RFN Ares DLX, E Ride Pro SS, and Stage 2 M1. This round quickly established the E Ride Pro SS as the benchmark for speed. Finally, with the arrival of the 79Bike Falcon M, we raced it against the Talaria Sting R, the previous second-fastest bike. The Falcon M outperformed the Talaria Sting R, claiming the second spot in speed, while the E Ride Pro SS remained unchallenged as the fastest adult electric dirt bike in terms of acceleration and top speed in our tests.
Adult electric dirt bike drag race for speed and acceleration
Battery Endurance: Capacity and Range Testing
To assess battery range, we rode each adult electric dirt bike until its battery level reached approximately 15 percent. The RFN Ares Rally DLX led in battery capacity with 3.2kWh, followed by the E Ride Pro SS with 2.9kWh. However, the E Ride Pro SS demonstrated the best range, achieving 25 miles per charge. The 79Bike Falcon M closely followed with 24 miles, and the RFN Ares DLX reached 23 miles. The Talaria Sting R achieved 19 miles, the Surron Lightbee X 17 miles, the Beta Explorer 15 miles, the Rawrr Mantis 14 miles, and the Stage 2 M1 11 miles.
Adult electric dirt bike battery range comparison 2024
Adult electric dirt bike battery capacity comparison 2024
Battery Swapping Convenience
We evaluated and ranked the adult electric dirt bikes based on the ease and speed of battery removal, from the most convenient to the most cumbersome:
Easiest swappable battery on adult electric dirt bikes in 2024
The Surron Lightbee X, Talaria Sting R, E Ride Pro SS, and 79Bike Falcon M share a similar battery compartment design. Despite the design similarities, battery sizes and compartment dimensions vary, leading to challenges in battery removal for some models.
The Surron Lightbee X emerged as the easiest for battery swapping, followed by the Talaria Sting R and E Ride Pro SS. The 79Bike Falcon M, with its larger battery in a snug compartment, proved to be the most challenging in this group. However, easier removal sometimes correlated with increased battery rattle. Owners might need to shim these battery compartments to minimize battery movement.
The Rawrr Mantis features an automatic button for battery release, simplifying battery changes. However, this system is non-functional when the battery is disconnected, which we considered a drawback.
The Stage 2 M1, along with the RFN Ares DLX and Beta Explorer, utilize a full-size seat design, which slightly complicates and slows down battery swaps. Both the RFN Ares DLX and Beta Explorer share an identical, somewhat complex battery removal system. Given the RFN’s heavier battery, the Beta Explorer offers a marginally easier battery removal experience.
Braking Performance Analysis
The 79Bike Falcon M stood out with the best braking performance, equipped with the most impressive stock brakes we’ve encountered on an eMoto. The E Ride Pro SS secured second place in braking. The Rawrr Mantis lagged significantly in this category, ranking last.
Best brakes on adult electric dirt bikes 2024
Weight Comparison
In terms of weight, the Surron Lightbee X was the lightest adult electric dirt bike at 123 pounds, while the Rawrr Mantis was the heaviest at 165 pounds. The 79Bike Falcon M, despite housing a larger 72v battery, remained relatively lightweight at 130 pounds.
Adult electric dirt bike weight comparison 2024
Suspension System Evaluation
The Talaria Sting R impressed with the best suspension setup among the tested adult electric dirt bikes. Our test model featured a FastAce fork and shock, with some versions offering a Talaria Factory fork, representing the most refined factory suspension available.
The Surron Lightbee X was a surprising runner-up in suspension, especially considering inconsistent suspension quality in earlier models. The E Ride Pro SS suspension offered good support but lacked the compliance of the Sting R and Lightbee X.
The Stage 2 M1 includes a desirable FastAce fork but utilizes a linkage-less shock. While performing adequately, the linkage-less shock was a minor disadvantage. The Beta Explorer and RFN Ares DLX had acceptable suspension but were less impressive compared to leading models. The Rawrr Mantis felt stiff and also uses a linkage-less shock. The 79Bike Falcon M had the least impressive suspension setup in the group.
Best suspension on adult electric dirt bikes in 2024
Price Point Analysis
Adult electric dirt bike price comparison 2024
Prices may fluctuate based on the point of purchase, but based on Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices (MSRPs), the Stage 2 M1 is the most affordable at $4,200, and the Beta Explorer is the most expensive at $5,200.
Individual Adult Electric Dirt Bike Breakdowns
Beta Explorer
- Pros: Renowned brand, extensive dealer network, appealing aesthetics, 18” rear wheel with Kenda tires.
- Cons: Difficult-to-disconnect brake sensors, flexible swingarm, complex battery removal, low front end, limited power.
Surron Lightbee X
- Pros: Established dealer network, abundant aftermarket parts, suitable for dirt jump and BMX-style riding, improved suspension.
- Cons: Underpowered, outdated brakes and ergonomics, compact size may be uncomfortable for larger adult riders.
Rawrr Mantis
- Pros: Larger bike feel, decent initial power, firm suspension.
- Cons: Early power drop-off, weak brakes, stepped seat design.
Talaria Sting R
- Pros: Comfortable ergonomics, consistent power delivery, superior suspension, numerous upgrade options.
- Cons: Battery rattle, small 44-tooth rear sprocket.
RFN Ares Rally
- Pros: Extended rocket mode duration, upgraded tires, excellent foot pegs, interchangeable headlight/number plate, reinforced swingarm.
- Cons: Low front end, unresponsive throttle, tendency to drag pegs in ruts, limited power.
Stage 2 M1
- Pros: Comfortable, good ergonomics, robust front fork.
- Cons: Slow overall performance, poor battery range, unusual handlebar bend, no battery percentage display.
E Ride Pro SS
- Pros: Fastest bike, highest top speed, effective suspension, desirable features.
- Cons: Sensitive front end, large display may be prone to damage.
79Bike Falcon M
- Pros: Fast acceleration, powerful brakes, minimal battery rattle.
- Cons: Prone to stripped primary belts, noisy linkage, weaker suspension.
The Verdict: Top Lightweight Adult Electric Dirt Bike
The E Ride Pro SS Version 2.0 emerged as our unanimous top choice for the best lightweight adult electric dirt bike under $5,000 in 2024. The Talaria Sting R secured a close second place, distinguished by its superior suspension, rider ergonomics, and efficient transmission. We all concurred that if the Talaria Sting R matched the power of the E Ride Pro SS, it would unequivocally be the leading model. Stay tuned for more content as we explore modifications to enhance the Surron Lightbee X and Talaria Sting R to rival the performance of the E Ride Pro SS.
Best lightweight adult electric dirt bike in 2024
Final Ranking of Adult Electric Dirt Bikes
- E Ride Pro SS
- Talaria Sting R
- 79Bike Falcon M
- Surron Lightbee X
- Stage 2 M1
- RFN Ares Pro DLX
- Beta Explorer
- Rawrr Mantis
