1. The Kuberg Freerider is a lean, mean, bang for the buck
Kuberg's Freerider is the brand's most powerful motorcycle, outputting up to 14 kW of peak power to a factory limited top speed of 43 mph (or 75 kph). Unlike many other platforms, the Kuberg Freerider allows for a lot of customisation during ordering, with wheel options including 26"/24", 24"/24", and 20"/20" combinations. Buyers can opt for 8 kW, 12 kW, and 14 kW motor and controller options, too. The Freerider starts at US$5,508 and tops out at US$7,140
Kuberg's customisation options let you build a bike for exactly what you want to do. If you want a mean street machine, opt for the 20-inch wheels with shorter 180 mm RST suspension and a 14 kW motor. Opting for the larger wheels will make the bike more comfortable for taller riders and far more capable off-road. The battery capacity depends on what motor package you choose, but Kuberg claims up to two hours of mixed riding. The same goes for the weight, which ranges from 40 to 44 kg (79 to 97 lbs), thanks in no small part to the bicycle rims and lightweight components.
2. The Cake Kalk OR and Kalk INK are snappy mini motorcross bikes
The Cake Kalk OR and Cake Kalk INK are both variants of the same bike, but the Kalk INK comes in a little cheaper, at US$11,580 as opposed to the OR's US$13,870. Both of these bikes feature the same unique looks, 11 kW peak power output, and 56 mph (90 kph) top speed. What's different is the suspension components. Where the Kalk OR features air suspension and a linkage-mounted rear shock, the Kalk INK does away with the linkage and moves to spring forks in the front, cutting down the adjustability and capability a tad. Both the OR and INK feature the same 2.6 kWh battery pack, claiming around three hours of ride time.
Cake's component choices lie somewhere between motorcycle and bicycle, bringing the total weight up to around 169 lbs (77 kg) for the INK and 152 lbs (69 kg) for the OR. The minimalist Scandinavian design of the Cake Kalk lineup is probably its biggest draw, and it is a solid example of just how interesting an electric vehicle platform can be thanks to the simplicity of the components.
If you're going to be playing in the dirt, you'll need a good pair of MX gloves, like the Troy Lee Designs Scout Gambit gloves, available on Amazon.
3. The KTM Freeride E-XC is a full-size e-moto
KTM's Freeride E-XC is a full-sized electric dirt bike with a motor that puts out 18 kW of peak power. In internal-combustion terms, that's about the same as a 125 cc four-stroke thumper. The biggest difference, though, is that the E-XC puts out 31 ft.-lbs. (42 nm) of torque. For a bike that weighs in at a modest 245 lbs (111 kg), the instant power and electric torque is going to be invaluable. Compared to the truly lightweight bikes like the 14-kW Kuberg Freerider, the KTM provides a much sturdier motorcycle frame and suspension components, making it a better choice for harder hits.
KTM rates the Freeride E-XC's 3.9-kWh battery for three hours of riding time, but this will vary greatly depending on everything from the weather to the pace and terrain.
In typical KTM fashion, the Freeride E-XC comes in at an eye-watering MSRP of US$11,299.