This past spring at Overland Expo West in Flagstaff, Arizona, the buzz was all about Off Road Electric Bikes. Watching groups embark on guided tours with these electric machines, it was clear they were onto something. These weren’t your average e-bikes; they were rugged, built for adventure, and looked like an absolute blast. Initially, I was skeptical. Do we really need another type of vehicle? But the sheer joy radiating from the riders returning from their test runs was undeniable. Every single one wore a grin that stretched from ear to ear. Intrigued, I decided to delve deeper and assembled a test fleet of off road electric bikes to understand the hype.
The appeal became instantly apparent on my very first ride. A friend and I were planning a lunch trip to a restaurant about ten miles away. It was a workday, time was limited, and the thought of battling traffic was unappealing. Grabbing a couple of street-legal off road electric bikes – a Super73 R Adventure Series for me and an Ubco 2×2 Special Edition for my friend – we zipped through side streets and even tackled some multi-use dirt paths to reach our destination. It was exhilarating to enjoy the fresh air and the thrill of the ride without the sweat of a traditional bike or the fumes of a scooter.
Later that summer, the versatility of these bikes truly shone. My friend used the Super73 to chase and photograph hot air balloons during Albuquerque’s iconic Balloon Fiesta. Instead of constantly getting in and out of a car, he effortlessly maneuvered on the bike, camera in hand, capturing stunning shots. The quiet electric motor allowed him to fully immerse himself in the experience, hearing the birds, the river, and the majestic roar of the balloon burners.
Taking a Land District Scrambler for a spin near my mom’s place in El Valle, New Mexico, I explored the rural dirt roads. Even a short 10-mile ride on this bike, capable of reaching 72 mph and boasting a 120-mile range, sparked dreams of epic off-road loops, all enjoyed in peaceful silence, free from engine noise.
Super73 also sent their K1D, a mini electric bike designed for kids. Despite its modest 15 mph top speed, it was a massive hit with my four children. They spent countless hours in our local field, creating obstacle courses and honing their skills. While they love their regular bikes, the K1D offered a new and exciting way to explore movement and balance.
One couple I know perfectly embodies the adventurous spirit these bikes unlock. They carry a pair of Super 73 R Adventure Series bikes on their overland truck. Setting up a remote campsite becomes their basecamp, and from there, the off road electric bikes become their exploration vehicles, perfect for venturing into the surrounding wilderness or quickly heading into town for supplies without breaking down camp.
Beyond recreation, I envision numerous practical applications. Ranchers could use them for fence and livestock checks, replacing noisy ATVs or side-by-sides. Hunters could utilize them to transport game out of remote forest roads, attaching carts for larger loads. The potential uses for off road electric bikes are vast and varied, blending utility with undeniable fun.
To help you navigate the world of off road electric bikes and find the perfect match for your needs, here’s a breakdown of the models we tested, highlighting their pros, cons, and ideal use cases.
Off Road Electric Bike Reviews: Find Your Perfect Ride
Super73 R Adventure Series ($3,995)
Rider on a Super73 R Adventure Series off road electric bike on a dirt path
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 with pedal assist on the Super73 R Adventure Series required significant effort, our testers consistently favored this model. Its simplicity and grounded feel were major draws, and 20 mph felt plenty fast for off-road adventures. Surprisingly, everyone enjoyed pedaling, even though it offered minimal speed increase. The robust knobby tires provided excellent grip on dirt and even handled sandy patches with ease, while still performing adequately on paved roads. The range is practical for full-day explorations, making it a versatile choice for various terrains.
Ubco 2×2 Special Edition ($6,999)
Ubco 2×2 Special Edition off road electric bike parked on gravel with pouches
Top Speed: 30 mph
Range: Up to 75 miles
If you envision an off road electric bike as your go-to vehicle for local adventures while your car handles longer trips, the Ubco 2×2 Special Edition is a strong contender. Equipped with racks and pouches, it’s designed for carrying essentials – water, gear, groceries, even a portable speaker. Its 30 mph top speed feels rapid on city streets and almost too quick for loose gravel. The distinctive green color evokes classic British military bikes, adding to its unique appeal. While the “Special Edition” carries a premium price, a similar base model is available for a significant cost saving, making the core functionality more accessible.
Land Energy District Scrambler (Starting at $7,800)
Land Energy District Scrambler off road electric bike on a dirt road in a mountainous landscape
Top Speed: 72 mph
Range: Up to 120 miles (mode one), 60–80 miles (average use)
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 motorcycle license requirements in some regions. However, unlocking its full potential in modes three and four, pushing speeds beyond 70 mph, necessitates a motorcycle license. This off road electric bike is capable of highway speeds and conquering mountain passes on rough terrain. While its power was almost overwhelming for a novice like myself, experienced riders will find its performance thrilling. Although the base price is reasonable for its capabilities, achieving the extended 120-mile range requires an additional battery upgrade, adding to the overall investment.
Super73 K1D ($1,295)
A child riding a Super73 K1D off road electric bike in a grassy field
Top Speed: 15 mph
Range: Up to 120 minutes of use
Consider the Super73 K1D as the electric equivalent of a Strider bike, designed to introduce children to the mechanics of motorized bikes before transitioning to larger models. For younger riders, its speed is ample, teaching throttle and brake control in a safe and manageable way. While my kids initially treated it as a fun novelty, I see its value in building a foundation for future motorcycle riding. It’s a great starting point for kids to develop confidence and skills before moving to more powerful electric or traditional bikes.
