KTM show off three new electric Freerides

KTM’s name is synonymous with supermoto, motocross and off road bikes and for 2015 they are providing three new versions of the Freeride which was first seen in 2012. However, these new ones are all electric and A1 licence friendly.

• Freeride E-XC: street-legal enduro bike at £10,299
• Freeride E-SX: closed-course race version of the E-XC for £9,999
• Freeride E-SM: brand new supermoto-style. Price tbc

Spot the difference:

KTM Freeride E-XC

KTM Freeride E-SX

KTM Freeride E-SM

Each of the Freeride E models are powered by a brushless, permanent magnet synchronous motor which in turn uses a 2.6kWh lithium-ion battery and as with all electric motors, the torque is available from zero rpm, all 42Nm of it in the case of the Freeride-E’s.

The E-XC weighs only 110kg and provides 11kW of continuous power which therefore complies with A1 licencing so 16-year-olds could theoretically impress their mates with their no emission, no gears, no clutch, £10k electric BMX. This version is considered street legal because of its lights, indicators, mirrors and ignition lock, all of which is missing from the race version, the E-SX, which therefore tips the scales at 106kg.

Meanwhile, the E-SM is the newest of the three electric KTM’s on show in Cologne. SM stands for ‘SuperMoto’, although this non-polluting bike has also been designed to cope with city riding too. It differs from the E-XC because of its taller gears, different suspension, smaller wheels (17”) and almost treadless tyres.