If you’re in the market for the best lightweight electric dirt bike and aiming to stay under the $5,000 mark, you’ve landed in the right spot. We put eight of today’s most sought-after lightweight eMotos through rigorous testing to pinpoint the advantages and disadvantages of each model.
Our evaluation team at ECR consisted of riders with diverse backgrounds, sizes, and skill levels to ensure a comprehensive perspective. Dustin, a seasoned double A class enduro racer, Michael, a B class racer, Mike, with a background in downhill mountain bike racing, and Tucker, ECR’s founder, collectively assessed each bike across varied terrains. We ranked them based on our combined experiences and insights. Here’s a detailed look at what we discovered.
Meet the Contenders: 2024’s Lightweight Electric Dirt Bikes
For our head-to-head comparison, we selected these 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
Our testing protocol involved evaluating each bike across critical categories including drag race performance, battery range, battery swap ease, braking efficiency, suspension quality, weight, peak power output, and overall price point.
Peak Power Performance: RFN and Beta Lead the Charge
When it comes to peak power, the RFN Ares DLX and Beta Explorer stood out, both achieving 12.5kW, securing them the top position in this category. The E Ride Pro SS 2.0 followed closely behind with a peak power of 12kW and a nominal power of 5kW. At the other end of the spectrum, the Surron Lightbee X and Stage 2 M1 tied for the lowest peak power, both at 6kW peak and 3kW nominal power. It’s worth noting that the E Ride Pro SS, Beta Explorer, and RFN Ares DLX are equipped with a turbo button feature, providing a temporary surge in power. Therefore, considering nominal power alongside peak power is crucial for a complete picture.
Examining the peak power of 2024 electric dirt bikes
Drag Race Domination: E Ride Pro SS Takes the Crown
Our initial performance test was a drag race designed to assess acceleration and top speed. We started with a group including the Beta Explorer, Surron Lightbee X, Talaria Sting R, and Rawrr Mantis. The Talaria Sting R quickly emerged as the frontrunner from this group. Subsequently, we pitted the Talaria Sting R against the RFN Ares DLX, E Ride Pro SS, and Stage 2 M1. The E Ride Pro SS demonstrated superior speed and acceleration, establishing itself as the bike to beat. Finally, with the arrival of the 79Bike Falcon M, we raced it against the Talaria Sting R, the previous second-fastest. The Falcon M surpassed the Talaria Sting R, claiming the second spot for speed, but the E Ride Pro SS remained unchallenged as the ultimate winner in both acceleration and top speed.
Witnessing the drag race among the fastest 2024 electric dirt bikes
Battery Range and Capacity: E Ride Pro SS Goes the Distance
To evaluate battery range, we rode each electric dirt bike until the battery level reached approximately 15 percent. In terms of battery capacity, the RFN Ares Rally DLX led with 3.2kWh, followed by the E Ride Pro SS with 2.9kWh. However, the E Ride Pro SS outperformed in range, achieving 25 miles on a single charge. The 79Bike Falcon M followed closely with 24 miles, and the RFN Ares DLX recorded 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 reached 11 miles.
Comparing the battery range of 2024 electric dirt bikes
Analyzing the battery capacity of 2024 electric dirt bikes
Battery Swappability: Surron Lightbee X Leads in Ease
We assessed the ease of battery removal, ranking the bikes from quickest and easiest to slowest and most difficult.
Identifying the easiest swappable battery on 2024 electric dirt bikes
The Surron Lightbee X, Talaria Sting R, E Ride Pro SS, and 79Bike Falcon M share a nearly identical battery compartment design. Despite the similar style, battery 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, E Ride Pro SS, and the 79Bike Falcon M, which proved to be the most challenging due to its larger battery in a snug compartment. However, easier removal seemed to correlate with increased battery rattle. Expect to use shims to secure batteries in these compartments to minimize rattling.
The Rawrr Mantis, with its automatic button release, offered effortless battery changes, but its system’s failure when disconnected was a drawback.
The full-size seat on the Stage 2 M1 slightly complicated battery swaps.
The RFN Ares DLX and Beta Explorer share the same complex battery removal system, but the Beta Explorer, with its lighter battery, had a slight edge in ease of removal.
Braking Performance: 79Bike Falcon M Stops on a Dime
The 79Bike Falcon M impressed us with the best braking performance by a significant margin. Its brakes are undoubtedly the most effective we’ve encountered on a stock eMoto. The E Ride Pro SS secured second place in braking. The Rawrr Mantis lagged considerably behind in this category, ranking last.
Evaluating the brakes of 2024 electric dirt bikes
Weight Analysis: Surron Lightbee X is the Featherweight Champion
In terms of weight, the Surron Lightbee X is the lightest at 123 pounds, while the Rawrr Mantis is the heaviest at 165 pounds. The 79Bike Falcon M, despite housing a larger 72v battery, remains impressively light at 130 pounds, positioning it among the lighter options.
Comparing the weight of 2024 electric dirt bikes
Suspension Quality: Talaria Sting R Rides Smooth
The Talaria Sting R boasts the best suspension setup, a notable advantage for this bike. Our test model featured a FastAce fork and shock, with some versions equipped with the Talaria Factory fork, representing the most refined factory suspension we’ve experienced.
The Surron Lightbee X was a surprising second in suspension performance, especially considering inconsistent suspension quality in earlier models. The E Ride Pro SS suspension provided good support but lacked the plushness of the Sting R and Lightbee X.
The Stage 2 M1’s FastAce fork is a positive feature, but its linkage-less shock, while performing better than anticipated, is a slight disadvantage. The Beta Explorer and RFN Ares DLX offered adequate suspension but fell short compared to the leaders. The Rawrr Mantis felt stiff and also uses a linkage-less shock, while the 79Bike Falcon M had the least impressive suspension among the tested bikes.
Assessing the suspension of 2024 electric dirt bikes
Price Point Comparison: Stage 2 M1 is Most Budget-Friendly
Analyzing the price points of 2024 electric dirt bikes
Prices can fluctuate based on the point of purchase, but based on MSRP, the Stage 2 M1 is the most affordable at $4,200, and the Beta Explorer is the most expensive at $5,200.
Individual Bike Deep Dive: Pros and Cons
Beta Explorer
- Pros: Reputable 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 jumps and BMX-style riding, improved suspension.
- Cons: Underpowered, outdated brakes and ergonomics, compact size, less comfortable for larger riders.
Rawrr Mantis
- Pros: Larger bike feel, decent initial power delivery, firm suspension.
- Cons: Early power drop-off, weak brakes, stepped seat design.
Talaria Sting R
- Pros: Comfortable ergonomics, consistent power output, excellent suspension, numerous upgrade options.
- Cons: Battery rattle, small 44-tooth rear sprocket.
RFN Ares Rally
- Pros: Extended rocket mode duration, upgraded tires, high-quality foot pegs, interchangeable headlight/number plate, reinforced swingarm.
- Cons: Low front end, unresponsive throttle, tendency to scrape pegs in ruts, limited power.
Stage 2 M1
- Pros: Comfortable riding position, good ergonomics, robust front fork.
- Cons: Slow overall performance, poor battery range, unusual handlebar bend, lacks battery percentage display.
E Ride Pro SS
- Pros: Fastest bike tested, highest top speed, good suspension support, desirable features.
- Cons: Sensitive front end, large display screen may be vulnerable 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: Crown for the Best Lightweight Electric Dirt Bike
The E Ride Pro SS Version 2.0 emerged as our unanimous top choice for the best lightweight electric dirt bike under $5,000 in 2024. The Talaria Sting R secured a very close second place, largely due to its superior suspension, rider ergonomics, and efficient transmission. Our team agreed that if the Talaria Sting R matched the power of the E Ride Pro SS, it would unequivocally be the leading bike. Stay tuned for future content as we explore modifications to the Surron Lightbee X and Talaria Sting R to enhance their competitiveness with the E Ride Pro SS.
Determining the best lightweight electric dirt bike of 2024
Final Rankings: Lightweight Electric Dirt Bikes 2024
- E Ride Pro SS
- Talaria Sting R
- 79Bike Falcon M
- Surron Lightbee X
- Stage 2 M1
- RFN Ares Pro DLX
- Beta Explorer
- Rawrr Mantis
