Zero Motorcycles is the longest-standing electric motorcycle manufacturer, and as it approaches its 20th anniversary, the Santa Cruz-based company enters the red-hot market of electric dirt bikes for the first time since former NASA engineer and Zero founder Neal Saiki built the Electricross Drift prototype in 2006. The X-line is the first range of bikes to be released under Zero’s “All Access” initiative, offering new models across different segments priced below $10,000.Zero’s new XB and XE range of electric dirt bikes competes in a specialized space. Not fully equipped to take on bikes like the Stark Varg, the XB and XE play in the same field as the widely popular Surron, Talaria, and Rawrr small electric dirt bike brands. It’s acategory that has seen massive growth in the last 5 years.

XE and XB EquipmentZero has positioned the 2026 XB as the entry into the X line with a smaller battery, less power, a shorter seat height, and a lower price of $4,395 (until November 30, 2025). The XE is the flagship model with a larger battery, more power and torque, longer-travel suspension, bigger wheels, a taller seat height, and, of course, a higher price tag of $6,495 (until November 30, 2025). After November 30, 2025, the XB will cost $5,095 ($700 import fee) and the XE will cost $7,395 ($900 import fee).XBThe XB utilizes a removable 2.4kWh lithium battery with 74V and 32Ah powering a permanent-magnet motor. Together, Zero claims the XB powertrain produces 10 hp and 274 lb.-ft. of torque, and gets a claimed 40 miles of range at 31 mph. The Zero XB’s charge times are 3 hrs. at 800W, 1.9 hrs. at 1200W, and 1.6 hrs at 1500W. Top speed is 47mph.

Like most of the higher-quality bikes in this class, the XB has a forged aluminum frame and swingarm. Its 32.7-inch seat height and claimed 139-pound curb weight are manageable for most riders. For reference, Kawasaki’s KLX140R L has a 31.5-inch seat height and weighs 209 pounds.The XB is equipped with 19-inch wheels front and rear, dual-piston hydraulic brakes, and fully adjustable KKE suspension with 7.7 inches of travel up front and 6.9 inches at the rear.XEThe flagship XE uses a removable 4.3kWh battery with 74V and 58Ah powering a permanent magnet motor producing a claimed 20.1 hp and 468 lb.-ft. of torque. Zero claims the XE has a claimed range of 65 miles at 31 mph. The Zero claims the following XE charge times: 5.5 hrs. at 800W, 3.25 hrs. at 1200W, 2.5 hrs. at 1500W. Top speed is 53 mph, the seat height is 35.4 inches, the wheelbase is 53.3 inches, and the claimed curb weight is 223 pounds.

Just like its sibling, the XE utilizes a forged aluminium frame and swingarm. Wheel sizes on the XE are the same as full-size dirt bikes, measuring 21 inches in diameter up front and 18 inches at the rear. Suspension travel is increased on the XE. The fork offers 8.5 inches of travel, and the shock provides 9.8 inches of travel. And just like the XB, the suspension components are fully adjustable.

Both bikes share the same 2.4-inch TFT display and electronics suite, which includes three ride modes (Eco, Standard, Sport), switchable traction control, hill hold, and a tip-over sensor.What Is the Zero XB and XE Like to Ride?Our day started on the XB, riding in an open field at Texas’ Austin Moto Adventures dotted with training obstacles. Swing a leg over the XB and you will instantly feel comfortable with the bike’s manageable seat height, slim profile, and small proportions. Most riders will appreciate the XB’s approachable size and the ease of an electric powertrain. Simply, twist and go. All of the controls are at your fingertips; both the XB and XE are completely absent of foot controls.

At slower speeds, the XB’s initial response is snappy in all three modes, but as you roll into the throttle and gain momentum (or spin the rear tire, depending on your aggression), the “powerband” becomes linear and manageable. There’s great feedback from the twist grip, and small, precise inputs are reciprocated through the powertrain accurately. Whether you are coming out of a corner, climbing a hill, or balancing a wheelie, the throttle is connected to the rider’s will.

The low-end torque in Standard mode is strong enough to light up the rear tire at slow speeds. Sport mode is even stronger and can flip you on your head if a handful of throttle is applied at a dead stop. Once the power gets past the midrange, the XB loses its hard-hitting punch and continues to pull steadily until it reaches its 47-mph top speed.Eco mode is much more tame but still torquey down low. Turn on traction control and the XB is great for beginners. But if they lose control and get whisky-throttle, it won’t take long for the bike to reach top speed. An app allowing riders to connect their smartphone to customize power maps and limit top speed would be a great addition to the XB and XE.

The XB is super easy to maneuver. Its thin profile makes it feel almost as flickable as a mountain bike, and it’s quick to steer, but with the smaller diameter wheels the XB lacks straight line stability at fast speeds on bumpy terrain. When charging through rough stuff at speed, the bike becomes twitchy and dances around the trail.

Jumping to flat ground landings, the fork or shock never bottomed out; the suspension is stiff and provides bottoming resistance. In rocky terrain, the KKE components are not comfortable and don’t provide much control at fast speeds— the stock suspension gets overwhelmed and packs up on chatter bumps reducing damping control and travel. We played with the clickers but found the suspension to work best on smooth surfaces no matter the setting. Besides the sharp bump performance issues, the rest of the ride is not soft or squishy and there’s ample holdup for attacking the trial. The fork doesn’t dive too much under braking, and the shock doesn’t squat too much under acceleration.We were able to ride an XB and XE with Sirius after-market suspension and found the beefier fork to provide better suspension action and more control. Zero is working towards offering the Sirius fork as an accessory. For now, it is only available as an aftermarket part.

Sharp braking components allow riders to lock up the wheels for skids and nose stoppies. There’s plenty of power and feedback from both dual-piston calipers, front and back. The XB uses a 220mm and a 201mm rear disc, but as these are dirt bikes, there is no ABS.The XE offers a similar experience to the XB, but in a bigger, more powerful package. The power is noticeably stronger at low speeds and pulls to a faster 51-mph top speed. Just like the XB, the powerband is torque-rich at the low end but linear and manageable as you apply more throttle.

Switching between power modes makes a noticeable difference on the XE, just like the XB. Sport mode is most suitable on fast, flowy trails where riders can take full advantage of 468 lb.-ft. of torque. On single track, Sport mode is too aggressive and hard to control, unsettling the chassis at the front tire unweights or the rear tire spins or both. Standard mode is the most enjoyable in tight terrain. It offers enough torque to break the tire loose or lift the front wheel while providing strong acceleration yet is easy to manage and meter. Eco mode offers the softest delivery and slowest acceleration, which proves useful for less experienced riders or low-traction situations.The riding experience of the XB and XE is similar, aside from the size, power, and weight. Just like its smaller sibling, the XE is quick to steer, feels manageable between the legs, and the suspension is stiff but not perfect. On rough and rocky terrain, the suspension doesn’t provide much control, and the bike becomes twitchy and unpredictable the faster you go. But when the terrain is smooth or the speeds decrease, the XE is agile and planted. Charge into a corner, rip the rear brake, kick your foot out, and pitch it sideways. The XE is great at flat trackin’.

Increased suspension travel, a taller seat, bigger wheels, and a longer wheelbase give the XE near full-size dirtbike dimensions. The ergonomics are noticeably larger than the XBs, giving full-sized riders more comfort and control. The seat is long, flat, and allows you to sit up on the bike and get your weight over the bars.

Why We Would Buy a Zero XB or XEThe new XB and XE are two incredibly fun motorcycles that serve as great additions to Zero’s all-electric lineup. For seasoned off-roaders, these bikes won’t replace your 450. But they will serve as another way to enjoy dirt bike riding. New and beginner riders will appreciate the XB and XE’s twist and go operation, simplifying the riding experience and lowering off-road riding’s barrier to entry. Zero’s XB and XE are less intimidating than traditional dirt bikes, but full of performance and capabilities especially in that new smaller electric off-road space.

2025 Zero Motorcycles XB Specs