KTM FREERIDE E (2015 - on) Review
At a glance
Power: | 21 bhp |
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Seat height: | Tall (34.3 in / 870 mm) |
Weight: | Low (238 lbs / 108 kg) |
Prices
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesA step in the right direction for the future of electric bikes but also completely impractical to live with for anything other than short trips. It’s good progress though and puts KTM ahead of almost every other manufacturer in the field.
Ride quality & brakes
Next up: EngineThe seat is narrow, thin and tall, but the long, adjustable well-damped WP suspension compresses to let you put your feet down. With no clutch, no gearbox and no noise, the E-SM gives the sensation of accelerating fairly briskly, taking three seconds to reach 30mph and peaking at a datalogged 56mph.
Stopping is taken care of with a single 260mm disc at the front, 230mm at the rear. As there’s no clutch the rear brake lever is on the left handlebar like a twist and go scooter.
Engine
Next up: ReliabilityThe water-cooled motor drives the rear wheel via a single fixed gear. It has three riding modes, but there is no need to use anything other than full-fat mode. In this setting it makes 21bhp, with 31ftlb of torque available at all revs.
Reliability & build quality
Next up: ValueLittle is known at the moment about the reliability of the Freeride E-SM as it’s not only a new bike but also relatively new technology. The motor does have minimal moving parts though which in theory at least should make it less prone to breakdowns.
Value vs rivals
Next up: EquipmentCharging costs pennies but the purchase price and limited range offset this.
Equipment
The three switchable riding modes are largely redundant, as the majority of riders will leave the bike in full power mode. The disappointingly low range of 20 miles between charges is slightly offset by a fast charge cycle of flat-to-full in 90 minutes.
Specs |
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Engine size | - |
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Engine type | Liquid-cooled brushless electric motor |
Frame type | Steel/aluminium composite |
Fuel capacity | - |
Seat height | 870mm |
Bike weight | 108kg |
Front suspension | - |
Rear suspension | - |
Front brake | - |
Rear brake | - |
Front tyre size | - |
Rear tyre size | - |
Mpg, costs & insurance |
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Average fuel consumption | - |
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Annual road tax | - |
Annual service cost | - |
New price | £10,599 |
Used price | - |
Insurance group |
- How much to insure? |
Warranty term | - |
Top speed & performance |
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Max power | 21 bhp |
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Max torque | 31 ft-lb |
Top speed | 56 mph |
1/4 mile acceleration | - |
Tank range | - |
Owners' reviews for the KTM FREERIDE E (2015 - on)
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