Electric Dirt Bike Vs Gas Dirt Bike ?

Power, bike weight, speed, cost, range, energy efficiency, and noise! Those are the key considerations when picking a dirt bike. Interestingly, all these factors bring you to the electric dirt bike vs gas dirt bike debate. So, what’s better?

Electric dirt bikes are battery-powered, lighter, energy-efficient, quiet, and cheaper but are slower and have a shorter range. In contrast, gas dirt bikes are gas-powered, heavier, less efficient, noisy, and costlier but are faster and have a longer range.

So, both dirt bikes have their fair share of strengths and weaknesses, which you must consider when choosing between them, and that’s where I come in.   

I’ll compare them side by side and highlight their pros and cons to help you decide what is worth going for. We’ll also look at a few things the dirt bikes have in common and compare their kids’ and adults’ versions.   

Let’s get started!

electric dirt bike for adults vs gas dirt bike for adults

In a rush? Below is a table overview comparing electric dirt bikes and gas dirt bikes!

Electric Vs Gas Dirt Bike Table Comparison!

 Electric Dirt BikeGas Dirt Bike
Power SourceBatteryGas
Bike WeightLighterSlightly heavier
Energy EfficiencyMore efficientLess efficient
SpeedSlowerFaster
Travel RangeShorter rangeLonger range
Environmental ImpactQuiet and less messyNoisy and messy
Ease of RidingBeginner-friendlyLess beginner-friendly
Ease of StartingNeeds warming upIt doesn’t need warming up
CostCheaper to buy but costly to maintainCostly to purchase but more affordable to maintain

Electric Dirt Bike Vs Gas Dirt Bike Compared!

Below are ways in which the two dirt bikes differ:

1. Power Source

Electric dirt bikes usually use lithium batteries. So, you must charge the battery before riding the dirt bike.

On the other hand, a gas-powered dirt bike is powered by 2-stroke or 4-stroke engines, which are dependent on gas. You must fuel the dirt bike to enable the engine to undergo combustion and power it.

Note, however, that 2-stroke and 4-stroke engines differ in a few ways. For one, a 2-stroke engine combines fuel and oil, while a 4-stroke doesn’t. 

The other difference is that 2-stroke engine bikes are lighter and use less fuel but produce less power, while 4-stroke engines do the opposite. They are heavier and use more fuel but have more power.

2. Bike Weight

An electric dirt bike’s engine has fewer components, making it lighter than its gas counterpart. Additionally, it doesn’t contain a carburetor or clutch injector, as it’s the case of a gas dirt bike. That again makes it lighter.

That explains why electric dirt bikes are best for kids, as they can quickly move them around and control them. But like I mentioned, a 4-stroke engine is heavier than a 2-stroke. So, a 4-stroke gas dirt bike is likely to be heavier than a 2-stroke option.

3. Energy Efficiency

Electric dirt bikes don’t use as much power as gas dirt bikes. They save on power more than gas dirt bikes. The shortcoming, nonetheless, is that they don’t offer as much power as gas dirt bikes.

So, if you want a more potent dirt bike, go for gas-powered but if you want a more efficient option, settle for electric choice.

4. Speed

Gas dirt bikes are faster than electric dirt bikes as they use 2-stroke or 4- more powerful stroke engines.

But when comparing the two engines, the 4-stroke engine is much bigger and hence has more power to propel the bike and is thus faster than the two-stroke.

While it’s possible to hit up to 60mph with a budget gas-powered dirt bike like the X-Pro 125cc Dirt Bike (View on Amazon), you are only likely to average 12-17mph by an electric option.

Overall, if you are looking for a speedy electric dirt bike, consider the Razor MX650 Dirt Bike (View on Amazon), which averages a top speed of 17mph. Most of them go slower than that!

Are gas or electric dirt bikes better

5. Travel Range

Due to their less powerful engines and battery reliance, electric dirt bikes have a shorter travel range than gas dirt bikes. For example, most electric dirt bikes average 30-40 minutes per charge, while gas dirt bikes can go for hours on a full tank.

6. Environmental Impact

Electric dirt bikes’ engines have fewer moving components, making them quiet. You may hear a slight sound which is often that of the chain or the motor, but it’s never disturbing.

So, if you are looking for a bike that you can ride in your backyard without becoming a bother, consider an electric dirt bike.

The other advantage is that electric dirt bikes don’t have any emissions and are generally less messy. That’s unlike gas options, which are dependent on fuel combustion, which releases exhaust gases into the environment.

Gas dirt bikes are also noisy. They have a characteristic motorcycle or dirt bike sound, which is more likely to wake everybody up in your neighborhood if they are asleep.

So, in places where dirt bikes are not street legal, it’s easy to ride an electric dirt bike as it doesn’t negatively impact it.

7. Ease of Riding

It’s generally easier to ride an electric dirt bike than a gas option. They have a simple engine and powering system, making them more beginner-friendly. That also means they are the best for kids.

8. Ease of Starting

While electric dirt bikes are beginner-friendly, they require you to warm up the engine first before you can ride away. That, however, is not the case with gas dirt bikes.

Gas dirt bikes don’t need any warming up. You only need to fuel and go.

9. Cost

There are two costs to consider: buying the dirt bike and its maintenance.

Cost of buying the dirt bike:

Electric dirt bikes generally cost more than gas dirt bikes. Some cost twice as much as gas options. So, gas dirt bikes present as the best option for someone on a budget.

Cost of maintenance:

While electric dirt bikes are costlier to buy, they are much cheaper to maintain than gas dirt bikes. Gas dirt bikes require you to service the engine regularly when you don’t have to do that to an electric dirt bike’s engine.

Electric dirt bikes lack pistons, oil tanks, valves, and carburetors, resulting in minimal maintenance.

Moreover, you will still incur more on regularly fueling a gas dirt bike when you only need to charge the battery of an electric dirt bike.

electric dirt bike for kids vs gas dirt bike for kids

Gas Dirt Bike Vs Electric Dirt Bike Similarities

Though the two bikes differ in many ways, they still have a couple of things in common, which include:

  • Bike Technology

Both dirt bikes have a clutch system, even though an electric dirt bike can run without it. They also have a transmission system that transfers power from the engine to the bike wheels.

  • Bike Maintenance 

Though an electric dirt bike doesn’t have much maintenance, it still requires you to attend to it. So, both dirt bikes require some maintenance. You need to clean them up, check tire pressure, and tighten the loose endings at the very least.

Electric Dirt Bike for Adults Vs Gas Dirt Bike for Adults

While adult dirt bikes come in electric and gas options, the latter suits them better. That’s mainly because their engines are more powerful, promising more extended range and higher speed.

It’s essential, however, to consider the setting. Electric dirt bikes suit adults who plan to ride in the city more as their slow speed and lack of emissions make them safer and thus more likely to be street legal in most places than gas options.

But if you want to compete at motocross events or ride in rural settings, get a gas-powered electric bike as it’ll guarantee more speed and mileage.

Still, other adult electric dirt bikes are suitable for motocross events even though they don’t promise lots of speed. The Razor SX500 Dirt Bike (View on Amazon) is a perfect example.

This dirt bike promises a top speed of 15mph for about 40 minutes on one charge.

Electric Dirt Bike for Kids Vs Gas Dirt Bike for Kids

Choosing between an electric and gas dirt bike for kids depends on how skilled your kid is. Generally, electric dirt bikes are safer as they are slower and have no emissions. They typically suit beginner kids.  

More experienced kids are likely to find electric options slower. So, you can get them gas-powered options. One fantastic kids’ gas dirt bike is the Fit Right FRP DB001 (View on Amazon). It enjoys a top speed of 20mph, which is not bad for a 50cc dirt bike.

Are electric dirt bikes any good

Electric Dirt Bike Vs. Gas Dirt Bike Pros and Cons

Electric Dirt Bike

Pros

  • Easy to operate (rider-friendly)
  • Less messy
  • Quieter (suitable for residential)
  • Cheaper maintenance
  • Lightweight
  • No warming up

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Shorter range
  • Slower than gas options
  • You cannot charge their batteries on the go

Gas Dirt Bike

Pros 

  • Cheaper to buy
  • Easy to fuel them
  • More powerful
  • Speedy
  • Longer range

Cons

  • Noisy
  • Messy
  • Expensive maintenance
  • Requires warming up

People Also Ask

1. Are Gas or Electric Dirt Bikes Better?

Electric dirt bikes are better for kids as they are rider-friendly, lighter, safer, and cheaper to maintain. Gas dirt bikes, in contrast as better for adults as they are more powerful, faster, and have a longer range

2. Is a Electric Dirt Bike Faster Than a Gas Dirt Bike?

No! Electric dirt bikes are not as fast as gas dirt bikes. They have a less powerful engine which makes them slightly slower. While most beginner electric dirt bikes average a top speed of 12-22mph, you are likely to hit more than 25mph with most kids’ gas dirt bikes.

3. Are Electric Dirt Bikes Any Good?

Electric dirt bikes are good because they have less maintenance and are lighter, cheaper, and user-friendly. However, they are costlier to buy and slower and have a shorter range.  

4. Are Gas Dirt Bikes Any Good?

The best thing about gas-powered dirt bikes is that they are reliable. All you’ve to do is fuel them, and they are good to go. They are also fast, cheaper to buy, and have a more extended range.

Also Read: Are Electric Dirt Bikes Any Good?

Closing Thought On Electric Dirt Bike Vs Gas Dirt Bike:

Generally, electric dirt bikes and gas dirt bikes have advantages and disadvantages. Overall, electric dirt bikes are rider-friendly, less messy, quitter, and cheaper to buy, while their siblings are powerful, cheaper to maintain, and have a more extended range and more speed.