Zero Goes After Sur-Ron With Lightweight Electric Dirtbikes

The Californian EV maker Zero Motorcycles has laid out its plans for the future, as it moves into the ultra-lightweight sector, and introduces sub-£9,000 offerings. The move is part of a strategy that Zero is calling its “All Access Initiative”, the fruits of which will result in six new models landing in the Zero range, each boasting a sub-£9,000 price tag. The idea behind All Access is to, unsurprisingly, get more bums on electric seats, with Zero stating it will make the “electric experience accessible to more consumers around the world.” Alongside making its full-size (and yet-to-be-revealed) new bikes to the global audience, Zero is also dipping its toe into a new sector with the ultra-lightweight XB and XE. The two bikes will be a familiar bike to those of us who live in cities in the UK, as they are along the lines of the Sur-Ron and Talaria off-roaders. The Zero XB The Zero XB New Zero XB and XE revealed The two bikes differ thanks to their motor specification, range, top speed, recharge time and chassis. The XB is the lower spec of the two machines, making 10 hp (7.5 kW) peak power and a whopping 275lb ft of torque – for comparison a Rocket 3 Storm R makes 165lb ft! The motor provides 10 hp peak power and 275lb ft of torque The motor provides 10 hp peak power and 275lb ft of torque Powering the XB is a 2.4kWh battery that provides a claimed 47 miles of range (at a continuous 31mph) and can be swapped on the go or recharged in around three hours. The XB is a true featherweight machine, boasting a ready-to-ride mass of just 63kg. The top speed of the bike is a claimed 28mph meaning it would be okay for urban commuting and off-roading, but would struggle on larger faster roads. A Zero XB pulling a wheelie A Zero XB pulling a wheelie The XB comprises a cast aluminium frame and sub-frame that uses the battery box as a stressed member for increased agility and sharper handling. Front suspension comes in the form of a fully adjustable fork with 195mm of travel, while a fully adjustable rear shock provides 176mm of travel. The Zero Motorcycles XE The Zero Motorcycles XE The higher spec machine in the new ‘X’ range is the XE, which Zero is calling “the true street-legal trail bike”. It boasts a top speed of 53mph, peak power of 21bhp and a claimed 468lb ft of peak twist! Its range is slightly longer than the XB at 65 miles, and its 4.3 kWh battery is also removable or can be recharged in a claimed five-and-a-half hours.