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Last Updated on December 31, 2024 by Paul Clayton
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How Do Electric Dirt Bikes Compare to Gas?
Riding a dirt bike is a terrific way to see the outdoors. It provides speed and efficiency for traveling on any beaten path. You can ride through forests and across deserts while feeling the cool breeze.
Key Takeaway
Electric dirt bikes are quieter, lighter, and require less maintenance than gas-powered dirt bikes. However, gas-powered dirt bikes are faster and have a more extended range.
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- Engine: Electric dirt bikes use electric motors and lithium-ion batteries, while gas-powered dirt bikes use internal combustion engines (two-stroke or four-stroke) and gasoline.
- Speed: Gas-powered dirt bikes are faster than electric dirt bikes.
- Weight: Electric dirt bikes are lighter than gas-powered dirt bikes because electric motors weigh less than combustion engines.
- Noise: Electric dirt bikes are quieter than gas-powered dirt bikes.
- Torque: Electric dirt bikes have good torque, which gives them good acceleration.
- Maintenance: Electric dirt bikes require less maintenance than gas-powered dirt bikes.
- Charging: Electric dirt bikes require charging, while gas-powered dirt bikes need refueling. Electric dirt bikes typically have a shorter range than gas-powered dirt bikes.
Usually, you’d drive a gas-powered dirt bike, but electric models are becoming more popular among off-road enthusiasts. How do they compare? Here’s everything you need to know about electric dirt bikes.
How Do Electric Dirt Bikes Compare to Gas?
Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming more mainstream in the automotive industry, 
and you can see this trend emerge with electric dirt bikes. Here are the four primary distinctions between them and their gas-powered counterparts.
Engine
The top difference between the two bikes is their central operation. Electric dirt bikes use a battery-powered motor, whereas gas-powered versions have an engine dependent on gasoline. Electric dirt bikes typically have a lithium-ion battery — the same as most modern EVs.
However, some dirt bike owners use a lead-acid battery. Lithium-ion batteries are more powerful, producing about 13.2 volts, depending on the manufacturer. Consumers on a budget opt for lead-acid batteries because they’re less expensive.
Gas-powered dirt bikes run on an internal combustion engine (ICE), typically a two-stroke or four-stroke motor. Two-stroke engines are smaller and provide two cycles per power stroke, giving the motor its name. On the other hand, four-stroke engines are heavier and more powerful.
Speed
Dirt bikes are known for speed, with some reaching 60 mph. However, you’ll need a gas-powered dirt bike to achieve these high speeds. Most run on gasoline because of their efficiency, but you’ll occasionally see a diesel-powered one.
They have more powerful motors than electric dirt bikes and reach higher speeds.
Electric dirt bikes are typically slower, depending on the manufacturer and model you purchase. For example, the Segway Dirt eBike has a top speed of 46.6 mph, and the KTM Freeride E-XC maxes out at 50 mph. Your electric dirt bike might not beat a gas bike in a race, but it still serves well.
Weight
The motors significantly contribute to the weight difference between the two bikes. Gas dirt bikes have an engine containing a carburetor, a fuel tank, and other components. These individual parts might not weigh much — but the pounds add up.
Conversely, an electric motor makes your dirt bike weigh less, needing only a battery pack and controller.
The weight difference impacts how your bikes handle off-road. Gas-powered dirt 
bikes are heavier, enhancing stability when traversing uneven terrain. However, the lightweight nature of electric dirt bikes makes them easier to maneuver, especially for younger riders.
Weight also matters when towing. Imagine you head to the dunes with your dirt bikes. Your tow vehicle for the day isn’t great, so you try to decrease the trailer’s weight and enhance towing efficiency for your trip. Electric bikes will help your cause because they’re lighter, thus straining your towing vehicle less.
Noise
The great outdoors is known for its tranquility. You can walk through the woods or across the field with only the sounds of nature following you. To keep the noise level down, you can drive an electric dirt bike on the trail.
These machines are quieter, producing only noise from the electric motor. Their quietness makes them suitable for in-city trips and late-night driving, so you won’t disturb your neighbors.
Conversely, gas-powered dirt bikes can be much louder because of internal combustion. The engine’s combustion chamber combines oxygen and gasoline to create an explosion that makes your bike go. The noise can get loud, so dirt bike owners use a muffler to muzzle the sound.
However, they only go so far. What Are the Advantages of Electric Dirt Bikes? Electric dirt bikes are a change of pace compared to the ICE models you’re accustomed to. However, they’re advantageous for these four reasons.
Torque
Gas-powered dirt bikes may win regarding top speed, but electric versions hold their own with torque. This measurement determines how much force the engine can put on your rear wheel. More torque means you have an easier time accelerating and driving uphill.
Electric dirt bikes are advantageous because they easily reach maximum torque despite lower speeds. Once you start one, it gets its full torque ability. The motor doesn’t need high RPMs to produce power, so acceleration is no issue.
Maintenance
Dirt bikes aren’t large vehicles, but gas-powered machines can be complex and have numerous moving parts. These bikes have an engine, spark plugs, a fuel tank, an exhaust system, and more. Over time, these components wear and need replacement.
They may even break down on the trail and cause headaches for riders. The simplicity 
of electric dirt bikes makes them much easier to maintain. They have fewer moving parts, so you’ll have less to worry about.
Electric dirt bikes don’t require gasoline, oil or other fluids, making them more straightforward for owners. The main focus of electric dirt bike owners is maintaining the battery. Your upkeep typically involves checking the charge level and the controller to ensure the connections are tight and the devices haven’t worn out.
Environmental Impact
EVs are taking over the automotive industry and also influencing your outdoor rides. Why the sudden change? These vehicles have a lower environmental impact than gas-powered machines.
The transportation industry is responsible for producing greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO2). When your truck burns a gallon of gas, it sends about 24 pounds of CO2 into the atmosphere. Some gas-powered dirt bikes are more efficient than others, but they don’t compare to electric ones.
Electric models have no tailpipe emissions, thus minimizing their environmental impact. Electric dirt bikes require no fossil fuels and are more efficient with their motors. Remember how electric bikes produce maximum torque at low speeds?
Their high power makes them more efficient and less polluting. Off-road fans should also account for the noise level of electric dirt bikes and how they’re less disruptive to the surrounding environment.
Charging
Like other EVs, electric dirt bikes require charging before being used on the trails. The bikes need a few hours to charge, meaning you should plug them in the night before your excursion. Gas-powered bikes require going to the gas station for fuel.
You can charge electric versions at home and plug the cable into the wall. EVs typically need a charging station, but that’s not always an option in rural areas. Electric dirt bikes let you charge in the garage or wherever you like.
What Are the Disadvantages of Electric Dirt Bikes?
Electric bikes are a terrific option for outdoor enthusiasts to lower their environmental impact while having fun. Still, you should be aware of these four disadvantages.
Overheating
You can take an electric dirt bike on the same terrain as a gas-powered bike. However, there are risks associated with particular weather conditions. Excessively high or lower temperatures make your bike less efficient and can lead to mechanical failure.
For example, your electric dirt bike must work harder to start in cold weather, thus using more energy. If you ride too long on the hot dunes, your bike risks overheating and damaging the motor. It’s hard to avoid hot temperatures when riding the dunes in Glamis, California, where temperatures routinely eclipse 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer.
Range
Weather can negatively affect your electric dirt bike’s range, which can be disappointing. Electric dirt bikes already have a limited range because they lack power, so you may have to stop earlier than you’d like.
The Segway Dirt eBike has a range of about 75 miles, which is higher for this type of bike. Electric dirt bikes range between 20 and 60 miles on a single charge.
Market
Gas-powered dirt bikes have been popular for nearly a century, so riders have had decades to develop modifications and technologies to enhance them. For example, if you own a Honda CRF250R or a Yamaha YZ250F, you can easily find alternate parts and pieces to improve your bike.
Unfortunately, the aftermarket community isn’t as extensive for electric dirt bikes. These machines are relatively new to the off-road and racing worlds, so there hasn’t been enough time for gearheads to get creative. The modding opportunities will increase as time passes — but your options are limited.
Costs
Electric dirt bikes are relatively new to the mainstream, so there aren’t many options if you want a new one. The limited market makes them generally more expensive than gas-powered models. The battery-powered motors have more expensive parts and can be difficult for manufacturers to source, and supply chain issues make them even pricier.
If you’re on a budget, check out the options for used electric dirt bikes. However, limited supply may make this option just as challenging.
This video has been included to clarify the topic. Credit goes to Tech Charge
Getting the Dirt
Dirt bikes provide awesome rides regardless of the terrain you’re driving on. Typically, you’d ride on a gas-powered bike, but modern technology has led to electric-powered machines. Electric dirt bikes are quieter than their gas-powered counterparts and have a minimal environmental impact.
However, they’re generally more expensive and have limited aftermarket communities. Still, they’re worth a shot if you want an eco-friendly dirt bike for casual riding.
The only sounds accompanying your journey are the crunch of gravel under your tires and the rustle of leaves in the breeze. Electric dirt bikes, with their whisper-quiet operation, provide this peaceful experience, free from the disruptive roar of a gas engine.
And when it comes to maintenance, electric dirt bikes shine again. Gone are the hours spent changing oil, cleaning spark plugs, and adjusting complex parts. With an electric bike, it’s as simple as “charge and ride.” You’re spending less time in the garage and more time doing what you love – hitting the trail.
Now, let’s talk about power. You’re facing a steep incline, a challenge demanding immediate torque. With a gas bike, you’d have to rev and prepare. But on an electric dirt bike, twist the throttle: instant power, no delay. You’re ascending, the wind rushing past, an exhilarating thrill only electric dirt bikes can offer.
Remember your last visit to the gas station when you winced at the rising prices? An electric dirt bike spares you that expense. The investment might be more considerable initially, but the long-term savings on fuel, oil, and replacement parts are substantial.
If you’re a beginner or you’re teaching someone to ride, electric dirt bikes provide a safer, smoother learning experience. Adjustable power settings allow new riders to start slowly, gain confidence, and gradually increase speed. It’s less intimidating; before you know it, you’ve mastered the controls.
Electric dirt bikes are an exciting blend of technology, performance, and respect for nature, shaping the future of off-road riding. So, are you ready to join this revolution?
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