**This is a review of the all-new 2021 KTM Freeride E-XC electric dirt bike. It is the same bike with the same specifications as previous 2020 model, with improvements in brake performance. Note this is our first impressions of the dirt bike and will continue to update the article with more information.
First things first below is a list of what we have learned so far about the 2020 KTM Freeride E-XC. This is also a getting started with the 2021 KTM Freeride E-XC guide.
But first, lets see how this electric dirt bike handles the dirt, rocks and how well it rides.
CLICK HERE TO SHOP DIRT BIKE GEAR
2021 KTM Freeride E-XC Specifications
- An hour and a half run time on 3rd power setting
- 50 MPH Top speed
- Weighs 244 lbs
- Xplor WP Fork
- PDS rear shock
- Tight turning radius
- Easy to Operate
- 2nd Battery costs $3500
- 110 Minute 100% charge time
- 75 Minute 80% charge time
- 220v Charger
- New 2021 brakes for improved performance
How Much does the 2021 KTM Freeride E-XC Cost?
New KTM Freeride E-XC should cost $10,499, as is the manufacturer’s suggested retail price. However, that price might vary when you purchase from a local dealership. The 2020 KTM Freeride E-XC cost us $11,949. You can only buy the new 2020 KTM Freeride E-XC Electric Dirt Bike version.
The battery on the Freeride is removable. This means that you can invest in a second battery and easily swap them to increase your ride time.
How Much does a replacement battery cost for the KTM Freeride E-XC?
A new battery or 2nd battery for the 2021 KTM Freeride E-XC costs $3500
This KTM Battery pack has to be ordered from the factory in Austria.
Get started with the 2021 KTM Freeride E-XC electric dirt bike
- Drain the battery all the way before charging it for the first time
- Requires a 220v plug
- Charge the battery to 100% for the first charge
*** CLICK HERE For video and article about how to charge the KTM Freeride in the USA
It’s important to note that KTM recommends that when you first get the Freeride E-XC….make sure that you run the battery ALL THE WAY DOWN before you charge it for the very first time.
Once you drain the battery all the way and there is no more juice left then plug it into a 220v plug.
Make sure that its charged 100% for the first time.
All this above information comes from an authorized KTM Electric Dirt Bike dealership.
CLICK HERE to shop Electric dirt bikes
How to start the 2021 KTM Freeride E-XC for the first time
- Turn the key switch
- Click the kill switch to on
- Hit the start button
- Roll the throttle back
2021 KTM Freeride E-XC Ride Mode Power settings
The KTM Freeride E-XC comes with 3 different ride modes or power settings. This allows you to change the power of the bike depending on the terrain or the skill level of the dirt biker.
KTM Freeride E-XC Ride modes
- Economy Ride Mode 1 has the least amount of power
- Standard Ride Mode 2 power is in the middle of the road
- Advanced Ride Mode 3 has the most power
In ride Mode 1 you can get close to 3 hours of run time and in ride mode 3 you can get around an hour and half of run time.
How does the KTM Freeride E-XC Power compare to a gas-powered dirt bike?
We haven’t been able to get the Freeride E-XC out on a real dirt bike ride yet. But from riding it around the house it feels like the power is comparable to a 250 Fourstroke dirt bike.
The power is really smooth and kinda has a powerband like a normal dirt bike. With it being an electric dirt bike KTM could be allowed the Freeride E-XC to completely be full power all at once. However, traction and the ability to hold onto the dirt bike is more important.
We plan on doing shootouts with gas-powered dirt bikes and also riding the KTM Freeride E-XC on technical terrain to see how it performs.
CLICK HERE to shop Electric dirt bikes
The power seems to suit slow technical riding with the power being all-electric the bike doesn’t kill or shutoff when riding slow.
This actually allows you to practice riding slower than you can on a gas-powered dirt bike.
What is the Top Speed on the 2021 KTM Freeride E-XC?
When we tested the top speed on the Freeride E-XC our top speed was 50 MPH. However, we have been told that you can achieve a higher top speed by adding a smaller sprocket in the rear.
- Top Speed with Stock Sproket is 50 MPH
Having a smaller toothed sprocket will help you increase the overall top speed of the Freeride but it will also take some of the low-end grunt out of the electric dirt bike.
CLICK HERE TO SHOP DIRT BIKE GEAR
Is the KTM Freeride E-XC street legal in the USA?
So, there is some grey area surrounding the topic of making the Freeride E-XC street legal or not in America. The previous generation bikes came with a “not for legal street use”.
- KTM DOES NOT make a street legal kit for the Freeride E-XC
Depending on the state you live it and the Motorcycle Certificate of Origin…will determine if you can street legal the E-XC or not.
Who is the 2021 KTM Freeride E-XC built for?
- Beginners
- Trail Riders
- Hard Enduro
- Significant others that kinda want to dirt bike
- People who have a hard time with a clutch (injuries and such)
- People who want to improve their skills
- People who have noise emission issues
- People who like to have fun
Everyone. Now the hardcore motocross and offroad dirt bikers might not prefer the KTM Freeride E-XC as their only dirt bike in the stable.
However, the Freeride E-XC is a great bike to work on your skills around the house and trail ride.
It’s important to note that while you might not choose the KTM Freeride E-XC 2021 we so far have been surprised at how well it works. We are learning that there might be a bigger audience to where it fits then we originally thought.
Charging time has gone up on the old unit: the old battery took 50 minutes for an 80% charge and 80 minutes for a full charge, but new battery takes 75 minutes for 80% and 105 minutes for 100%. But the Freeride E-XC now incorporates a recharging system that feeds power back into the battery when freewheeling downhill. The level of motor performance can be set from the same three power mode buttons as previously, giving the options of Cross (full power, least range), Enduro (less power, more range) and Economy (max range with regen).
I’m assuming that altitude won’t effect the performance of the bike, but I am concerned about steep mountain assents at altitude, especially above tree line. How comfortable do you feel putting the freeride in these types of riding conditions. For example, how confident would you be in taking the ride from Telluride to Ouray via the Imogene pass??
I’m close to making the switch over to electric dirt bikes. I just need a little bit more range to make it worthwhile.
The chances of someone having a gas can out in the woods are 50/50. The chances of someone having a 220v charger?
ZERO
Got it on my truck, derp.
When are these things for sale ?
Very good article, i think KTM shop sells best bike ever
Just got mine and love it – seem to be destroying the tires on the road. Super quiet except for the chain noise. Nicely finished great for beginner through expert.
Very nimble considering the weight.
Very happy / 2022 FR KTM