With most of the 2020 dirt bikes already announced, KTM slipped in the 2020 KTM Freeride E-XC.

CLICK HERE to see the 2020 KTM FREERIDE REVIEW

A few years back, 2017 to be specific, KTM shocked the world with the release of the electric KTM Freeride E-XC dirt bike.

This KTM electric dirt bike was a mix between a trials dirt bike and an enduro dirt bike.

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This resulted in the KTM Freeride that has a smaller frame, shorter wheelbase, and lower seat height.

KTM corp decided that they would release the Freeride E-XC to the world but most of the electric Freerides ended up in Europe and not the USA.

Come to find out KTM in 2017-2018 had a small pilot program for the Freeride E-XC that only a few KTM dealerships could be part of.

This resulted in only a handful of electric dirt bikes hitting USA soil.

KTM FREERIDE E-XC PILOT PROGRAM

Why did KTM only do a pilot program?

I don’t know for sure but maybe they didn’t think that the USA was ready for an electric dirt bike.

America is a really big place and you can ride a dirt bike in a lot of that terrain. This results in much longer run time.

Who knows….

But for 2020 KTM has decided to bring back the Freeride E-XC to the USA.

The return of the 2020 KTM Freeride E-XC

This is exciting news.

Now I do know, just like last time, they are only allowing a few KTM dealerships here in the USA to get their hands on some.

Does this mean that KTM is still doing a pilot program with the E KTM?

I am guessing so.

Either way, it’s an interesting addition to KTM’s already diverse dirt bike lineup.

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KTM is known for building the micro-niche dirt bike. For example, they created a whole market for the KTM 350 F bikes.

I also credit KTM for being a HUGE part of the 2 stroke resurgence.

KTM only makes motorcycles and dirt bikes. This means they are able to pivot at a quicker pace and release new models.

The bigger motorcycle companies usually are on a 2 or 4-year new model schedule.

Why an electric dirt bike?

While I still don’t think that the Freeride is going to replace my KTM 250 XC 2 stroke.

I do think there is a place for electric dirt bikes. I really like the idea of the all-new kid’s electric bikes.

CLICK HERE to see a list of kid’s electric bikes

This will allow better communication with your kids while they are riding, and less noise will also be better for your neighbors.

They can now go back to mobbing around in the empty lots as we did as kids but with gas-powered bikes.

This is also the case for adults who want to ride around without going deaf and ticking off all your neighbors.

I am sure that my neighbors love the late-night tuning seasons that require me to start the bike in my garage at 11 pm at night.

Or the early morning 2-stroke zing for those AM rides.

There are some great things about having an electric dirt bike.

But there will be some hurdles as well. No noise means that horsemen, hikers, and mountain bikers will have to watch out for each other.

Like any good person, use good judgment on trails you know that you are not the only person using them.

What’s new for the 2020 Freeride?

2020 KTM Freeride E-XC Specs

• Weights 244.7 lbs
• Seat Height 35.8 inches
• 42 NM of Torque
• Max HP 24.5
• 1.3 hour charge time
• Quality WP Xplor fork and PDS rear shock
• 1.5 – 2 hour run time
• 21 in front wheel
• 18 In rear wheel
• 3 power modes
• Rear composite frame
• Kickstand
• No Clutch
• No foot brakes
• Headlight

Not only will the 2020 KTM Freeride be quiet, but there will also be zero emissions as well.

KTM has created its very own KTM PowerPack for Freeride. This powerpack can be removed and replaced with another fully charged battery.

I don’t know how much a second battery for the Freeride E-XC will cost, but I am guessing around $3000 – $4000 for a second one.

For Europe, KTM claims that the 2020 Freeride is fully road legal. I am not sure that it will be fully road legal when it hits the shores of the USA.

We will have to wait and see.

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The 2020 Freeride comes with a lower center of gravity, which helps in the slow technical terrain. The lower seat height helps with planting a foot and pivot turns.

KTM gave the Freeride E-XC high-quality brakes and suspension.

There is a massive aluminum skid plate that serves as a bash or glide plate. The skid plate also helps the frame retain the rigidity it needs for top speed and large jumps.

Yes, you can jump the 2020 KTM Freeride E-XC

Upfront, the Freeride E-XC is fitting with the WP XPlor 43 and the PDS WP shock in the rear.

If the WP 43 fork is as good as the WP XPlor 48 fork, you won’t hear any complaints from me.

High-quality Neken handlebars and ODI grips come standard on the 2020 Freeride.

Like XCW counterparts, the Freeride comes with a digital speedometer and mileage counter. This is a nice feature to have and comes standard on KTM’s XCW lineup.

The electric ECU or brain is water-cooled to ensure the very best performance.

You can check to see all of the vital statistics at a glance.

• Speed
• Battery Charge Status
• Power Modes

Are all on an easy to read display.

Charging the 2020 Freeride E-XC

The KTM external charger can be connected to any 230V socket and can be easily connected to the KTM PowerPack by flipping up the seat.

Charging time takes about 110 minutes for a full charge or about 75 minutes for an 80 % charge.

So far, KTM has been known for building quality dirt bikes, and I am sure that the 2020 Freeride is no exception.

The big question is…

How many people will buy one?

I want one, but I don’t think it will replace my current dirt bike but rather be a second dirt bike too sneak around on.

More like a REALLY good play bike.

Last but not least:

How much does the 2020 KTM Freeride E-XC cost?

• $10,499

Will the 2020 KTM Freeride E-XC be the beginning of the electric dirt bike taking over?

Only time will tell.