If you’re on the hunt for the best electric dirt bike that’s lightweight and budget-friendly, specifically under $5,000, you’ve come to the right place. We put eight of the most sought-after lightweight electric motorcycles (eMotos) through rigorous testing to pinpoint the advantages and disadvantages of each model.
Our Electric Cycle Rider (ECR) test team comprised riders with diverse backgrounds, sizes, and skill sets to ensure a comprehensive evaluation. The team included Dustin, a double A class enduro racer, Michael, a B class racer, Mike, a former downhill mountain bike racer, and Tucker, ECR’s founder. We collectively rode each bike across varied terrains and assessed them based on our unique experiences. Here’s a detailed breakdown of our findings to help you find the best electric dirt bike for your needs.
Meet the Contenders: Electric Dirt Bikes Tested
For this comparison, we tested a range of electric dirt bikes known for their lightweight design and performance capabilities:
- 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 of these electric dirt bikes was meticulously evaluated across several critical categories. Our tests included drag races to assess speed and acceleration, battery range tests to determine endurance, evaluations of battery removal ease for convenience, braking performance for safety, suspension quality for handling, weight for agility, peak power for performance, and of course, price to ensure they fit within the under $5,000 budget.
Peak Power Performance of Electric Dirt Bikes
When it comes to peak power, the RFN Ares DLX and Beta Explorer stood out, achieving a tie for the top spot with 12.5kW. The E Ride Pro SS 2.0 followed closely, boasting 12kW peak power and 5kW nominal power. In contrast, the Surron Lightbee X and Stage 2 M1 models were at the lower end of the spectrum, tying for last place with 6kW peak and 3kW nominal power. It’s crucial to consider both peak and nominal power, especially since the E Ride Pro SS, Beta Explorer, and RFN Ares DLX include a turbo button feature that provides a temporary power boost for enhanced performance when needed.
2024 Electric Dirt Bikes with the Best Peak Power
Drag Race Domination: Which Electric Dirt Bike is the Fastest?
Our first performance test was a drag race designed to measure acceleration and top speed capabilities. We began by pitting the Beta Explorer, Surron Lightbee X, Talaria Sting R, and Rawrr Mantis against each other. In this initial group, the Talaria Sting R clearly demonstrated superior speed. We then advanced to a race between the Talaria Sting R, RFN Ares DLX, E Ride Pro SS, and Stage 2 M1. This round quickly established the E Ride Pro SS as the bike to beat in terms of speed and acceleration.
Finally, upon the arrival of the 79Bike Falcon M, we matched it against the Talaria Sting R, which had previously been the second-fastest. The Falcon M swiftly outperformed the Talaria, claiming the second-fastest position. Ultimately, the E Ride Pro SS emerged as the undisputed champion in acceleration and top speed, solidifying its place as a top performer in our Electric Dirt Bike Best speed tests.
drag race against the fastest electric dirt bikes in 2024
Battery Capacity and Range: Distance Matters for Electric Dirt Bikes
To determine which electric dirt bike offers the best battery range, we conducted tests where each bike was ridden until its battery level reached approximately 15 percent. The RFN Ares Rally DLX led in battery capacity with 3.2kWh, closely followed by the E Ride Pro SS with 2.9kWh. However, when it came to actual range, the E Ride Pro SS outperformed the others, achieving 25 miles per charge. The 79Bike Falcon M was a close second with 24 miles, and the RFN Ares DLX achieved 23 miles. The Talaria Sting R provided 19 miles, the Surron Lightbee X 17 miles, the Beta Explorer 15 miles, the Rawrr Mantis 14 miles, and the Stage 2 M1 offered 11 miles of range. These results are crucial for riders looking for the best electric dirt bike for longer rides.
2024 Electric Dirt Bikes with the Best Battery Range
2024 Electric Dirt Bikes with the Best Battery Capacity
Battery Removal: Swapping Batteries with Ease
We assessed the ease of battery removal, ranking these electric dirt bikes from the quickest and easiest to the slowest and most difficult.
What is the easiest swappable battery on the 2024 electric dirt bikes?
The Surron Lightbee X, Talaria Sting R, E Ride Pro SS, and 79Bike Falcon M all feature a very similar battery compartment design. While the style is comparable, the battery sizes and compartment dimensions vary, making battery removal challenging on some models.
For the easiest battery swaps, the Surron Lightbee X topped the list, followed by the Talaria Sting R, E Ride Pro SS, and then the 79Bike Falcon M, which was the most difficult of this group due to its large battery in a tight compartment. However, we noted that easier removal sometimes correlated with more battery rattling. Riders might need to shim these compartments to minimize rattling.
The Rawrr Mantis came next, featuring an automatic button that simplifies battery changes, though it’s worth noting the system doesn’t function when the battery is disconnected.
The Stage 2 M1, with its full-size seat, resulted in slightly slower battery swaps. The same applied to the RFN Ares DLX and Beta Explorer, which share an identical, more complex design. Given the RFN’s heavier battery, the Beta Explorer edged it out for slightly easier removal.
Braking Power: Stopping When It Counts
Braking performance is paramount for safety, and the 79Bike Falcon M excelled in this category. Its brakes were by far the most impressive among the stock eMotos tested. The E Ride Pro SS secured the runner-up position for braking. In contrast, the Rawrr Mantis ranked last in braking performance, highlighting a significant area for potential improvement. When considering the best electric dirt bike, braking is a critical factor for rider safety and control.
2024 Electric Dirt Bikes with the Best Brakes
Weight Analysis: Lightweight Agility
Weight is a key factor in the handling and agility of electric dirt bikes. The Surron Lightbee X was the lightest in our test group, weighing in at 123 pounds. The Rawrr Mantis was the heaviest at 165 pounds. The 79Bike Falcon M impressively balanced a larger 72v battery with a lighter weight of 130 pounds, placing it among the lighter options despite its enhanced battery capacity.
2024 Electric Dirt Bikes by weight
Suspension Performance: Ride Comfort and Handling
Suspension quality significantly impacts ride comfort and handling, particularly on varied terrains. The Talaria Sting R stood out with the best suspension setup. Our test model featured a FastAce fork and shock, and some versions come with a Talaria Factory fork, representing the best factory suspension we’ve encountered in this class. For riders seeking the best electric dirt bike for challenging trails, suspension is a top consideration.
The Surron Lightbee X was a surprising runner-up in suspension. While earlier Surron models had inconsistent suspension, the current version impressed us. The E Ride Pro SS suspension offered good support but wasn’t as smooth as the Sting R or Lightbee X.
The Stage 2 M1 included a desirable FastAce fork but used a linkage-less shock. Although it performed better than expected, the linkage-less design was a slight drawback. The Beta Explorer and RFN Ares DLX had adequate suspension but lagged behind the leaders. The Rawrr Mantis felt stiff and also used a linkage-less shock, while the 79Bike Falcon M had the least impressive suspension of the tested bikes.
2024 Electric Dirt Bikes with the best suspension
Price Point: Budget-Friendly Electric Dirt Bikes
2024 Electric Dirt Bikes by price
Prices can fluctuate depending on the dealer and location, but based on Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices (MSRPs), the Stage 2 M1 is the most affordable at $4,200, while the Beta Explorer is the most expensive at $5,200, slightly exceeding our $5,000 limit, but included for comparison in the lightweight electric dirt bike category.
Individual Electric Dirt Bike Breakdowns: Pros and Cons
Beta Explorer
- Pros: Iconic brand recognition, extensive dealer network for support, aesthetically pleasing bodywork, 18” rear wheel equipped with Kenda tires.
- Cons: Brake sensors are not easily disconnected, swingarm exhibits flex, battery removal is complex, low front end design, lower power output compared to competitors.
Surron Lightbee X
- Pros: Well-established dealer network, vast aftermarket parts availability for customization, well-suited for dirt jump and BMX-style riding, improved suspension in current models.
- Cons: Underpowered compared to others in the category, outdated brakes and rider ergonomics, physically smaller and less comfortable for larger riders.
Rawrr Mantis
- Pros: Larger bike feel, decent initial power delivery, stiff suspension setup.
- Cons: Power sign-off occurs early in the power band, poor braking performance, step seat design may not suit all riders.
Talaria Sting R
- Pros: Solid rider ergonomics, consistent power delivery, excellent suspension system, numerous upgrade options available.
- Cons: Battery rattling issues within the compartment, small 44-tooth rear sprocket may limit top-end speed in some conditions.
RFN Ares Rally
- Pros: Extended duration rocket mode for power boosts, upgraded tires for better traction, high-quality foot pegs, swappable headlight/number plate combination for customization, reinforced swingarm for durability.
- Cons: Low front end can affect handling in certain terrains, disconnected throttle response, tendency to drag pegs in ruts, lower power output compared to some competitors.
Stage 2 M1
- Pros: Comfortable riding position, good overall ergonomics, solid front fork performance.
- Cons: Slow overall speed and acceleration, poor battery range, unusual handlebar bend, lacks a battery percentage readout.
E Ride Pro SS
- Pros: Fastest bike in the test, highest top speed achieved, good suspension support, incorporates nice feature sets.
- Cons: Front end can feel twitchy or overly sensitive, large display screen may be vulnerable to damage.
79Bike Falcon M
- Pros: Fast acceleration, powerful brakes, minimal battery rattling.
- Cons: Issues with stripped primary belts reported, clunky linkage noise, suspension is weaker compared to competitors.
The Verdict: What is the Best Lightweight Electric Dirt Bike Under $5000?
The E Ride Pro SS Version 2.0 emerged as our unanimous top pick for the best lightweight electric dirt bike under $5,000 in 2024. The Talaria Sting R secured a very close 2nd place, primarily due to its superior suspension, rider ergonomics, and favorable transmission. Our entire test team agreed that if the Talaria Sting R had the power output of the E Ride Pro SS, it would unequivocally be the top choice.
Looking ahead, stay tuned for more content as we plan to further modify the Surron Lightbee X and Talaria Sting R to explore their potential to compete even more closely with the E Ride Pro SS. For now, if you’re seeking the best electric dirt bike that combines speed, performance, and value under $5000, the E Ride Pro SS is the clear winner based on our comprehensive testing.
What is the best lightweight electric dirt bike in 2024?
Final Electric Dirt Bike Rankings
- E Ride Pro SS
- Talaria Sting R
- 79Bike Falcon M
- Surron Lightbee X
- Stage 2 M1
- RFN Ares Pro DLX
- Beta Explorer
- Rawrr Mantis
