Silent Revolution or the Next Big Thing?
Love them or hate them, electric dirt bikes are becoming impossible to ignore. They’re turning up at motocross tracks, enduro parks and family riding spots around the world
RFN has put together an electric off-road range that caters for everyone from youngsters taking their very first ride to experienced riders looking for full-size electric machinery. The line-up spans beginner-friendly models, youth bikes and serious off-road machines, each designed with a different rider in mind. Here’s a closer look at the range and what each model has to offer.
RFN SX E15 Plus
Sitting at the top of the range, the SX E15 Plus is aimed at taller, more experienced riders looking for full-size dimensions and serious performance. It features a 15kW peak electric motor, a 74V 40Ah lithium battery and fully adjustable suspension. Larger 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels, along with a taller seat height, give it a familiar full-size motocross feel. RFN quotes a top speed of around 100 km/h, depending on conditions.
| Tyre Size | Front- 80/100-21, Rear- 90/100-18 |
|---|---|
| Diameter size | F 240mm / R 220mm |
| Rear suspension | Fully Adjustable Forks |
| Front suspention | Fully Adjustable Forks |
| Range | 80km |
| Wheel Base | 1,340mm |
| Seat Height | 920mm |
| Brakes | Front – disc, rear – disc |
| Rider Height | 170cm + |
| Model Code | SX-E15 Plus |
| Motor | 8kW |
| Battery | Lithium battery 2960 Wh |
| Max Speed | 100km/h |
| Max Rider Weight | 150kg |
RFN SX E15
The standard SX E15 shares much of the Plus model’s technology but in a slightly more compact package. It uses the same 15kW peak power output and removable 74V battery while rolling on 19-inch front and 16-inch rear wheels. Adjustable suspension, hydraulic disc brakes and smartphone app connectivity all form part of the package, making it the flagship for riders who don’t need the taller ergonomics of the Plus.
| Tyre Size | Front- 70/100-19, Rear- 90/100-16 |
|---|---|
| Diameter size | F 240mm / R 220mm |
| Rear suspension | Fully Adjustable Forks |
| Front suspention | Fully Adjustable Forks |
| Range | 80km |
| Wheel Base | 1,340mm |
| Brakes | Front – disc, rear – disc |
| Rider Height | 160cm + |
| Model Code | SX-E15 |
| Motor | 8kW |
| Battery | Lithium battery 2960 Wh |
| Max Rider Weight | 150kg |
| Max Speed | 90km/h |
| Seat Height | 880mm |
RFN SX E8
Stepping down the ladder, the SX E8 bridges the gap between youth bikes and the larger E15 models. It is designed for riders moving up in size and confidence, offering more power and bigger chassis dimensions without jumping straight onto a full-size machine. Like the rest of the RFN family, it focuses on instant electric torque, low maintenance and adjustable riding modes to suit different skill levels.
| Tyre Size | Front- 60/100-14, Rear- 80/100-12 |
|---|---|
| Diameter size | F 203mm / R 190mm |
| Rear suspension | Fully Adjustable Forks |
| Front suspention | Fully Adjustable Forks |
| Wheel Base | 1,145mm |
| Seat Height | 745mm |
| Brakes | Front – disc, rear – disc |
| Rider Height | 140 – 160cm |
| Model Code | SX-E8 |
| Motor | 5kW |
| Battery | Lithium battery 2100 Wh |
| Range | 60km |
| Max Speed | 85km/h |
| Max Rider Weight | 110kg |
RFN SX E5
The SX E5 is all about introducing younger riders to off-road riding. Compact, lightweight and easy to manage, it provides a stepping stone before progressing to the larger models. Multiple power settings allow the bike to grow with the rider, while its electric powertrain removes the need for fuel, clutch work or kick-starting. It’s designed to keep the learning curve simple and confidence high.
| Tyre Size | Front -60/100-12, Rear 70/100-10 |
|---|---|
| Diameter size | F 160mm / R 160mm |
| Rear suspension | Fully Adjustable Forks |
| Front suspention | Fully Adjustable Forks |
| Range | 30km |
| Wheel Base | 1,032mm |
| Seat Height | 615/665mm |
| Rider Height | 100 – 140cm |
| Model Code | SX-E5 |
| Motor | 2kW |
| Battery | Lithium battery 1200 Wh |
| Max Rider Weight | 90kg |
| Max Speed | 60km/h |
RFN SX E500
For the youngest members of the family, the SX E500 is the entry point into the RFN world. Its small size, manageable power delivery and selectable speed modes are aimed at beginners learning the basics of throttle control and balance. Hydraulic disc brakes and a proper motorcycle-style chassis help it feel more like a scaled-down dirt bike than a toy.
| Tyre Size | 14/14 |
|---|---|
| Rider Height | 100 – 120cm |
| Diameter size | F 160mm / R 140mm |
| Model Code | SX-E500 |
| Motor | 500W |
| Range | 18km |
| Battery | Lithium battery 270 Wh |
| Max Speed | 35km/h |
| Wheel Base | 685mm |
| Seat Height | 490mm |
| Rear suspension | Spring Suspension |
| Front suspention | Spring Suspension |
| Max Rider Weight | 50kg |
| Brakes | Front-disc, rear-drum |
RFN SX250
The SX250 slots into the youth category as a bike for riders who have outgrown the smallest machines but aren’t quite ready for the bigger E5 or E8 models. It offers a lightweight platform, electric simplicity and enough performance to help younger riders continue developing their off-road skills while keeping the bike approachable and easy to ride.
| Tyre Size | 12/12 |
|---|---|
| Motor | 250W |
| Battery | Lithium battery 187.2 Wh |
| Wheel Base | 665mm |
| Seat Height | 460mm |
| Diameter size | R 140mm |
| Rear suspension | Spring Suspension |
| Front suspention | Spring Suspension |
| Model Code | SX-E250 |
| Max Speed | 25km/h |
| Max Rider Weight | 50kg |
| Brakes | Front-drum, rear-drum |
Final Thoughts
Electric off-road bikes are evolving at an incredible pace, and RFN has clearly built a range that covers just about every stage of a rider’s journey. Whether you’re introducing a youngster to dirt bikes or looking at a full-size electric machine, there’s a model aimed at that particular rider.
The big questions, how they ride, how they handle rough terrain and how they stack up against their petrol-powered rivals, will have to wait and see…
We’ll grab one for an SA test soon.
For more information check out your local Big Boy Dealer.
