Electric Dirt Bikes: The Advantages and Disadvantages

If you love biking around trails or along major roads, then you should consider getting an electric dirt bike. Since it runs on charged batteries, it helps you do your part for the environment.

While electric dirt bikes have many advantages, there are some drawbacks to using this machine. If you’re thinking of making a switch, you should learn more about the pros and cons of this lean, mean machine.

Advantages

Environment-friendly

This is perhaps one of the best things about the electric dirt bike. You don’t have to fill up on expensive gas, which, when processed by your bike, emits substances that contribute to global warming. It’s hot enough as it is – the glaciers are already melting! As a good citizen, it’s your responsibility not to contribute more to your existing carbon footprint.

Although electricity sources are not 100% earth-friendly, companies are leaning towards sustainable sources. More and more plants are producing electricity derived from solar and wind power, which is more than good for Mother Earth.

Easy to use

Similar to a car, you need to shift your bike’s gears for it to run well. Unless you have done this before, you may be apprehensive to take a bike with such intricate mechanisms. After all, who wants to be in a fiery bike accident?

If you want something that you can learn riding right away, then the electric bike is for you. It’s very easy to use, as all you need to do is either twist, squeeze, or press a certain button or handle.

Powerful torque

Gas bikes need to sit a while before they could get moving. With electric bikes, you don’t have to worry about downtime. They can accelerate right on the get-go.

Remember: time is gold. Less waiting time equals more adventures!

Low maintenance

Gas-powered bikes, while cheaper at face value, require a lot of maintenance work. You need to service the engine, apart from changing the oil, spark plug, and coolant every so often.

If you can’t do this by yourself, then you need to pay for the services of a mechanic. Add all these up and you’ll be surprised with the cost.

Electric dirt bikes, on the other hand, need very little maintenance. Unless you like tinkering with things, this is a true advantage. And as long as you take care of your wheels, battery, and motor properly, they’re sure to last you for a long time.

Less noise

Ever received complaints because of your bike’s deafening ruckus? Well, with an electric bike, you don’t have to worry about drawing the ire of your neighbors.

Most models operate on just 80 decibels, which is a surprising change of pace. It works so quietly that people won’t even notice you are there.

Yes, now you can sneak out!

Tax incentives

It’s fun to receive tax incentives from the government. Well, you can have that if you purchase an electric dirt bike.

Thanks to the e-motorcycle federal tax credit, the government will cover 10% of your purchase. With a maximum credit of $2,500, you can even spoil yourself with a more expensive model.

Disadvantages

Expensive price

Right off the bat, electric dirt bikes are markedly more expensive than combustion ones. You have to shell out a few thousand dollars just to get your hand on a good bike model.

Unfortunately, this price tag is due to the battery that keeps the bike running. Like any other sophisticated machine, it needs costly wirings and other parts.

Even with this disadvantage, you need to remember that the government gives tax incentives for e-bikes. This equates to a few thousand dollars off, which still amount to something.

Long charging time

Unless you get a device that hastens the charging process, you need to wait for a few hours before you can use your bike again.

With that being said, this requires you to plan your trips properly. Not only will this help you determine the best charging time, but this will also save you from running out of juice in the middle of the road.

Weight

Electric dirt bikes are undoubtedly heavier than their combustion counterparts. This is due to the additional gadgets and wirings needed to run this bad boy.

If you’re used to a lighter motorbike, this added weight may affect the way you handle your bike.