Zero Motorcycles partner with Zongshen in China on XE and XB lightweight off-road electric bikes

Electric motorcycle brand Zero have introduced a pair of battery powered off-road trailies to their line-up – the £3710 XB and the sportier £5410 XE.  

Built in partnership with Zongshen, both models lean towards off-road end of the spectrum but are also road-legal. They feature a 125cc-equivalent power output, but the XE requires an A1 licence due to its higher speed, while the XB is AM endorsement-friendly. 

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The 101kg XE packs a suitably bonkers torque figure of 465lb.ft from its permanent magnet synchronous motor and 4.3kWh li-ion battery combo.

Top speed is quoted at 53mph and range is said to be 65 miles before the battery will either need to be swapped or charged – which takes 5.5 hours to complete from 0-100%. 

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True to its off-road orientation, it sports an 18/21-inch wheelset and long travel fully adjustable suspension at both ends – 215mm travel upfront and 248mm outback. 

The XB gets a more basic spec to accompany its lighter price. Full charge time is reduced to just three hours; however, this is down a smaller 2.4kWh battery. Top speed is 28mph, peak power is just 9.8bhp, and torque is 275lb.ft. 

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Wheels are 19-inches at both ends and suspension travel is reduced over compared with the XE too. It’s still fully adjustable at both ends, but the forks offer just 195mm, whereas the rear monoshock is good for 176mm of bounce.