We all want our kids to take their first steps on two wheels as soon as possible but it’s not always possible to find the time to take them to the MX track or the enduro park. By the same token, people don’t always take kindly to noisy two-strokes buzzing around on any open ground near residential areas.
One area where electrically-driven motorcycles are already making a lot of sense is in the off-road world. Yes, re-charging of batteries is always going to be a problem when out in the countryside but how about if you live a stone’s throw away from some open ground where your kids can play without “a” annoying the neighbours and “b” involving a whole day out just for a couple of hours riding?
KTM has already dipped its toes into the electric off-road world with the Freeride EX-C model and the SX-E5 junior MX bikes. Now, both KTM and Husqvarna have launched their 2023 electric minicycles.
KTM adds the SX-E3 to its line-up as a true entry-level motorcycle. The SX-E 3 delivers the same high-quality and advanced technology as its more powerful counterpart. Featuring the same chromium molybdenum frame, durable WP suspension, and advanced lightweight construction, the KTM SX-E 3 retains all the “big bike” attributes, but in more user-friendly packaging.
Powered by the same permanent magnet electric motor in the KTM SX-E 5, the KTM SX-E 3 has an output of 3.8 kW, with the 60 Li-Ion cells providing a capacity of 648 Wh in a low 48 V configuration. This results in approximately 2 hours of ride time between charges.
Upfront, 35 mm non-adjustable WP XACT USD forks take care of the bumps, providing 144 mm of wheel travel. On the rear, a WP monoshock is mounted directly to the swingarm, offering 133 mm of travel, and is perfectly matched to the front forks.
In keeping with its smaller dimensions, the KTM SX-E 3 is fitted with 10″ black-anodized lightweight aluminium wheels front and rear, wrapped in MAXXIS MX-ST tires. This complements the stock seat height of 600 mm.
The KTM SX-E 3 also features an adjustable seat height, which can be reduced to 555 mm by lowering the bodywork/seat, mounting the rear shock in an alternative position, and lowering the front fork in the triple clamps. From a safety standpoint, the KTM SX-E 3 is fitted with a roll-over sensor, which will cut power as a result of a crash or tip-over. This is supported by a wrist-worn lanyard key, which also stops the motor in the event of an uncontrollable riding scenario. Additionally, the low noise emissions make the KTM SX-E 3 more accessible to younger riders by being less intimidating and more accepted in areas where noise emissions are restricted.
Keeping the KTM SX-E 3 charged is easy, thanks to an external charger supplying up to 900 W. This can be connected to any 110- or 230-Volt socket and plugs directly into the battery pack for easy charging, with a full charge from empty taking approximately 70 minutes.
Husqvarna offers a choice of two models, the EE 3 and EE 5, both of which have performance that matches a 50cc petrol-driven motorcycle, making them perfect for young riders. The EE 3 will allow kids to learn off-road skills while the EE 5 is more competition-focused.
Mechanically similar to the KTM models, the Husqvarna EE 3 and EE 5 fulfil the same rôles: EE 3 for learning the basics and EE 5 for the next level up, which is competition riding. Both offer six power modes so that Junior can work his or her way up to full power as skills develop.
The EE 5 replaces the EE 3’s 10-inch front wheel with a 12-inch item, and power goes up to 5kW, from the EE 3’s 3.8kW. You’ll still get up to two hours of ordinary riding or 25 minutes of flat-out competition riding, with a recharge time of 70 minutes. Suspension on the EE 5 is top-of-the-range WP XACT.
If your kids are serious about learning off-road riding techniques, there can’t be a better way of helping that ambition find a toe-hold, on quality motorcycles built by two companies that know a thing or two about building winning off-road bikes.
For more information contact your nearest KTM or Husqvarna dealer, or click on the links below…
