Looking for a first eMoto but want to skip the child’s play? These are the best electric dirt bikes for beginners who also happen to be adults.
We’d wager just about everyone has seen that pack of rabid pre-teens blasting around the neighborhood on eMotos and thought, “That looks fun, but do bikes like that come in adult sizes?” We’re here to inform you that yes, it’s as fun as it looks, and yes, there are plenty of folks currently building great beginner electric dirt bikes for adult riders.
So what makes an eMoto a good candidate for a full-sized human? The size of the bike itself is definitely a factor, but it’s not the only one you should be worried about. Power, range, and componentry all play a role in finding the right machine for your first ride, as does price and overall quality.
Below, we’ll give you the short list of electric dirt bikes we typically recommend to our friends when they come asking. Each of these machines is an eMoto we’ve tested firsthand, and is also a motorcycle you can either buy at your local dealer or order online today.
Surron Ultra Bee
The Surron Ultra Bee has been one of our favorite eMotos since it was first released, and to this day, it’s basically our “one bike for everything and everyone” solution. Power is good without being too crazy, it’s super lightweight at around 190 pounds, and even in fully stock trim, it’s a shockingly capable machine on just about every variety of terrain, from backyard fun to hard enduro trails.
The Ultra Bee is also one of the best electric dirt bikes for beginners because its height can be adjusted to suit just about any size rider. The stock 19/18 wheel setup is a great starting point for a first bike, but as you progress into more advanced riding, an 21/18 wheel setup adds height and capability to the package. We’ve also seen smaller riders size down to a 19/16 setup, and have seen good results with female riders swapping to the 1″ lower seat option.
We’ll also add that as you get to know the bike and get better at riding, few bikes can match the Surron Ultra Bee in aftermarket support. We’ve even found the Ultra Bee to be competent on tighter motocross tracks with the right wheel/suspension combo, so the possibilities are limitless regardless of what off-road discipline you find yourself in.
Stark Varg EX
You might be surprised to see Stark’s latest Varg EX on this list, especially considering its reputation as the “most powerful dirtbike on the planet.” Don’t get us wrong: the Varg EX is insanely powerful, especially in its 80hp “Alpha” trim, but the beauty of the Varg is that while it’s built to outperform everything under the sun, it can also be as beginner-friendly as a 125cc dirt bike.
That’s because the Varg EX’s power output can be set as low as 10 horsepower on demand, and then progressively increased as your skills develop. You’re still getting the full benefit of premium KYB suspension, powerful Brembo brakes, and high-quality components from stem to stern, which means the Varg EX won’t require additional investment in things like suspension, wheels, or bars down the line. It’s expensive, but it’s by far the best electric dirt bike for beginners currently available, especially if you prefer a full-sized frame intended for adults.
With that being said, we’ll also point out that the Varg is much larger and heavier than we’d normally recommend for a new rider, regardless of their height. The Varg weighs about 20 pounds more than your typical gas-powered dirt bike, which can make it a little more intimidating for newer riders looking to build confidence.
Arctic Leopard XE Pro R
Take a small-sized eMoto chassis (what we call the “lightweight” category) and fit it with proper 18/21-inch wheels, and you’ve got the Arctic Leopard XE Pro R. This is the path we typically go when we start upgrading bikes like this anyway, so one that’s delivered from the factory in a more “adult-friendly” package makes a great beginner electric dirt bike for full-sized folks.
That small-frame build also comes with a few other perks, not the least of which is a featherlight 175-pound curb weight. The same goes for the XE Pro R’s relatively low seat height of just 34.3 inches. We also appreciate that Arctic Leopard lives up to the “Pro R” designation by giving the XE a properly quick 35-horsepower motor. Multiple power modes allow you to work your way up to full tilt at your own pace, and above-average battery life delivers a claimed range of up to 60 miles.
The best part of the Arctic Leopard XE Pro R, however, is the price. With a $5,799 MSRP, the Pro R is more than competitive for the segment despite its above-average specs. A full-color TFT display and beefy four-piston hydraulic brakes round out the package, making the XE Pro R a plug-and-play machine and a clear candidate for the best electric dirtbike for beginners money can currently buy.
E Ride Pro SR
E Ride’s latest Pro SR is arguably the perfect electric bike for new riders. It’s incredibly light at 183 pounds, and comes with a confidence-inspiring seat height of just 33.5 inches, a full two inches lower than an Ultra Bee and a whopping five inches lower than a Stark Varg EX.
The E Ride Pro SR also shines as a great beginner bike due to its above-average tunability. The Pro SR uses an integrated Bluetooth system to allow quick and easy customization through your smartphone. You can tune maximum power output for each of its three modes (ECO, Sport, and Race), set your top speeds in each mode, and adjust the actual torque curve to affect how the bike accelerates. The app also allows you to tune your regen braking, adjust the speedometer to accommodate different wheel sizes, and even set a speed limit when in reverse.
We’ll also give this one high marks for affordability, as its $5,699 MSRP is tough to fault. You’ll likely want to upgrade the basic FaceAce suspension setup as your skills progress, but even after shelling out for the full Sirris treatment front and rear, you’ll still have one of the best electric dirt bikes for beginners for well under $10,000 when it’s all said and done.
Zero XE
Last but not least is the Zero XE, a bike we’ve tested extensively up to and including racing one during last year’s Biltwell 100. There are plenty of reasons to love the XE, not the least of which is the fact that you’re getting a well-made bike from the biggest name in electric motorcycles for the low price of just $5,995.
As for what makes the Zero XE among the best electric dirt bikes for beginners (and adults specifically), our first point here is that unlike the Surron Ultra Bee, the Zero XE feels much more like a full-sized motorcycle, something full-grown adults and taller riders will appreciate. The Zero also shines for its smooth and refined power delivery, making the most of its 20-horsepower motor with a strong bottom end that instills confidence in newer riders.
We’ll also note that the Zero gets high marks for its factory fit and finish. The adjustable suspension is above average in quality and delivers a very controlled, planted feel in rough terrain. It’s a bit heavier than some in this category at 223 pounds, but that’s still. plenty light enough to feel nimple and unintimidating. For your money, you’re also getting a full color TFT dash with multiple ride modes (and traction control), adjustable levers, cruise control, and footpegs you won’t need to immediately run out and replace.
