The short answer
For most teens the Sykeruns X5 is the right pick at $975. It fits riders about 4 ft to 5 ft 11 in and up to 265 lb, and its top speed is 50 mph. A taller or heavier teen needs the Sykeruns X7 at $1350, which fits riders about 4 ft 8 in to 6 ft 3 in and up to 330 lb and tops out at 56 mph. Both ship free to all 50 states and both can be picked up the same day in Tempe.
When a teen has outgrown a 50cc
Our 50cc gas mini is $300 and built for kids about 5 to 13 with a 170 lb max rider. When a teen is too tall for it, too heavy for it, or bored with its 32 mph top speed, the next bike is electric. There is no fuel to mix and no pull start. You just charge it and ride. Our gas vs electric guide explains the trade in full.
Pick by size first
Size the bike by whether the rider can get the balls of both feet down at a stop. If the rider is under 265 lb and under 5 ft 11 in, the X5 covers them and you keep $375. If the rider is over 265 lb or taller than 5 ft 11 in, pick the X7. Our X5 vs X7 guide lays both bikes out side by side, and the full Sykeruns X5 review and Sykeruns X7 review go through real range and what each one costs.
Pick by ground second
On flat and open ground the X5 has plenty of pull. On hills, deep sand, and ground where a rider often starts from a stop on a slope, the X7 pulls harder and does not bog down. That gap matters more on every ride than the 6 mph gap in top speed.
Speed you can control
Both bikes have three gears. On the X5 gear one tops out at about 15 mph, gear two at about 27 mph, and gear three at 50 mph. On the X7 gear one tops out at about 25 mph, gear two at about 39 mph, and gear three at 56 mph. Start a new rider in gear one and only move them up when their riding is ready. Neither bike is a good first bike for a young kid, and the X7 is an adult bike, not a kids bike.
Charging and care
The X5 takes about 5 to 6 hours to charge on a normal household outlet and the X7 takes about 6 to 7 hours. There is no fuel mixing, no air filter, and no spark plug. Care is tire pressure, chain tension, brakes, and looking after the battery. Our battery charging guide shows how to charge it and make the pack last.
Gear and where to ride
At 50 mph and above, a helmet, goggles, gloves, boots over the ankle, long sleeves, and long pants are not optional. Our safety gear guide covers the full list. Both bikes are off road only, with no title, and they are not street legal. Ride on private property, at tracks, and on legal OHV ground. Our Arizona riding guide and our electric dirt bikes in Phoenix guide show where riders near Tempe can go.
What shows up and what you do
Each bike arrives about 90 percent built in its factory crate. You fit the front wheel and the handlebar with the included tools, then give it a first full charge before the first ride. Every bike comes with 1 year parts support through the manufacturer, and we handle the back and forth for you if a part comes through bad.
See both bikes in our electric dirt bike collection.
We are Plugged by 50CC, a family owned mini moto and ebike club in Tempe, Arizona. Text us at 623 320 8984 if you want help picking between the two.