This past spring at Overland Expo West in Flagstaff, Arizona, something caught my eye: groups of people test-riding new off-road adventure e-bikes. These weren’t your average bikes; picture something akin to a Vespa in size and speed, but equipped with robust knobby tires and a powerful electric motor. Designed for exploring back roads and tackling daily errands, they looked incredibly fun. The proof was in the smiles – every rider returned from their 30-minute circuit around the venue beaming.
Initially, I was skeptical. Do we really need another type of vehicle when we already have e-bikes, motorcycles, and more? But the sheer enjoyment on those riders’ faces was compelling. Upon returning home, I decided to delve deeper, assembling a test group of these off-road electric bikes to understand their appeal.
It didn’t take long to grasp the allure. On my very first ride, a friend and I decided to grab lunch at a restaurant ten miles away. It was a workday, so a leisurely bike ride was out, and battling traffic in a car sounded dreadful. We opted for two street-legal electric bikes – I chose a Super73 R Adventure Series, and my friend rode an Ubco 2×2 Special Edition. We zipped through side streets and even ventured onto multi-use dirt paths to reach the restaurant quickly and enjoyably. We experienced the exhilaration of the open air without breaking a sweat or using any gas.
Later that summer, my friend spent hours exploring dirt roads on the Super73, capturing photos of hot air balloons during Albuquerque’s Balloon Fiesta. Instead of constantly getting in and out of a car, he could effortlessly move around, camera in hand, capturing stunning shots. The quiet electric motor allowed him to fully appreciate the sounds of nature – birdsong, the river’s flow, and the whoosh of balloons being filled with hot air.
I also had the chance to test a Land District Scrambler, a model capable of reaching 72 mph. I explored rural dirt roads near my mom’s house in El Valle, New Mexico. During a quick 10-mile ride, the District Scrambler’s impressive 120-mile range sparked daydreams of extensive dirt road adventures, all without the noise of a combustion engine.
Super73 also provided their K1D model for my children, a smaller bike topping out at 15 mph, which turned out to be a huge hit. My four kids spent countless hours in the field next to our house, joyfully yelling “full throttle” and creating obstacle courses to hone their skills. While they already love traditional bikes, the electric version offered a new and exciting way to experience movement.
One couple I know utilizes a pair of Super 73 R Adventure Series bikes mounted on their overland truck. They establish remote campsites and then use their e-bikes to explore the surrounding area and make quick trips to town for supplies. These bikes enhance their day trips and eliminate the need to pack up their entire truck for errands.
Off-road electric bikes have practical applications beyond recreation. Ranchers could use them to inspect fences or livestock, replacing ATVs or horses. Hunters could transport game meat using bike racks and attached carts on forest roads. The potential uses for electric adventure bikes are vast and varied.
To assist you in choosing the ideal off-road adventure e-bike, I’ve compiled reviews of the models we tested, outlining their pros, cons, and best applications.
Off-Road Electric Bike Reviews
Super73 R Adventure Series (From $3,995)
Super73 R Adventure Series off road electric bike in black, showcasing its knobby tires and rugged design suitable for trail riding.
Top Speed: 20 mph (motor only), 28 mph (pedal assist)
Range: 40 miles (motor only), up to 75 miles (pedal assist)
While reaching 28 mph in pedal assist required significant effort, our testers favored the Super73 R Adventure Series for its simplicity and stability. Twenty mph felt sufficiently fast for most situations. Despite the minimal speed increase from pedaling, riders enjoyed the option. The robust knobby tires provided excellent traction on dirt roads and even performed well in sandy conditions, without feeling cumbersome on paved streets. The range is adequate for day-long excursions. This electric bike is a solid all-around choice for off-road exploration and urban commutes.
Ubco 2×2 Special Edition (From $6,999)
Ubco 2×2 Special Edition off road electric bike in green, highlighting its dual-wheel drive and utility-focused design for adventurous terrains.
Top Speed: 30 mph
Range: Up to 75 miles
If you envision using an adventure e-bike primarily for local trips and errands while your car handles longer journeys, the Ubco 2×2 Special Edition is an excellent option. Equipped with racks and pouches, it’s designed for carrying essentials like water, extra layers, portable speakers, and groceries. Its 30 mph top speed feels brisk on city streets and almost too quick on gravel roads. The distinctive green color evokes classic British military bikes, adding to its adventurous aesthetic. While the price is premium, a similar base model is available for a significantly lower cost. This off-road electric bike excels in utility and urban maneuverability.
Land Energy District Scrambler (Starting at $7,800)
Land Energy District Scrambler off road electric motorcycle in silver, emphasizing its high-performance capabilities for diverse terrains.
Top Speed: 72 mph
Range: Up to 120 miles (mode one), 60–80 miles (average)
The Land District Scrambler is a true adventure machine, offering four riding modes. The first two modes limit the speed to under 40 mph, potentially negating the need for a motorcycle license in some regions. However, modes three and four unleash its full potential, exceeding 70 mph and requiring a motorcycle license. This electric bike is capable of freeway speeds and tackling challenging mountain passes on rough dirt roads. While its high performance was almost overwhelming for a novice like myself, experienced motorcycle riders would find it exhilarating. Lower modes are manageable, but they don’t fully utilize the bike’s capabilities. The base price is reasonable for its class, but the extended 120-mile range requires an additional battery upgrade. This electric bike is for serious off-road enthusiasts seeking high speed and long range.
Super73 K1D (From $1,295)
Super73 K1D kids electric balance bike in black and white, highlighting its small size and safety features for young riders learning balance and throttle control.
Top Speed: 15 mph
Range: Up to 120 minutes of use
The Super73 K1D serves as a motorized balance bike, ideal for children transitioning to motorcycles. For younger kids, its 15 mph top speed is ample, teaching them throttle and brake control. While my children primarily saw it as a fun novelty, it’s a valuable tool for developing skills before progressing to more powerful motorized bikes. It offers a safe and engaging introduction to electric mobility for kids.
