Short answer: Yes, you can get a real electric dirt bike for under $1000. The Sykeruns X5 is $975 with free shipping to all 50 states and same day pickup in Tempe. It is a 3000W bike with a top speed of 50 mph, made for teens and adults who have outgrown a small gas bike.
What $975 covers
The X5 is not a toy. It has a 3000W brushless motor, a 48V 20Ah lithium battery, and hydraulic disc brakes front and rear. It fits a rider about 4 ft to 5 ft 11 in and up to 265 lb. It weighs 126 lb.
Three gears let a new rider start slow and grow into the bike. Gear one tops out at about 15 mph. Gear two tops out at about 27 mph. Gear three tops out at about 50 mph.
Range and charging in real life
The factory range number is up to 53 miles per charge. Real off road riding is closer to 20 to 25 miles. Plan around the lower number and you will be fine. A full charge takes about 5 to 6 hours on a normal household outlet with the charger in the box. Our battery charging guide shows how to make the pack last.
Who the X5 fits, and who should step up
Pick the X5 if the rider is under 265 lb, under 5 ft 11 in, and rides mostly flat and open ground like a field, a dirt lot, a track, or desert two track. It is also the right call for a first electric bike and for riding where noise is a problem.
Pick the Sykeruns X7 at $1350 if the rider is taller or heavier, or the ground has real hills and deep sand. We laid both bikes out side by side in the X5 vs X7 guide and in the full X5 review.
What about a younger kid
The X5 is too much for a young kid on day one, even in gear one. For ages about 5 to 13, start with our 50cc gas mini at $300, or $350 total with a helmet. It is a 50cc two stroke with pull start and automatic with no gears to shift, a top speed of 32 mph, and a speed limiter a parent can turn down. Our gas vs electric guide helps you pick, and our cost guide shows the full prices.
Gear and where to ride
Budget for gear with any bike at this speed. A helmet, goggles, gloves, and boots over the ankle are the base list. The full list is in our safety gear guide.
The X5 is off road only, with no title. Ride it on private property, at tracks, and on legal OHV routes. Our Arizona riding guide names legal spots near Phoenix and Tempe.
What shows up
The X5 ships sealed in the factory crate, about 90 percent built. You fit the front wheel and handlebar with included tools and a video, then give it a first full charge. It comes with 1 year parts support through the manufacturer, and we handle the claim for you if a part comes through bad.
We are a family owned mini moto and ebike club in Tempe, Arizona. Read the teen electric guide or the adult electric guide if you are still picking a size, or see both bikes in the electric dirt bikes collection.