Zero Motorcycles Shows XB and XE Affordable Dirt Bikes

Zero’s going big and not heading home anytime soon. As the name suggests, Zero’s just-announced “All Access” strategic initiative starts by taking the LEV fight to the dirt and trails of America. Over the next two years, Zero claims it will release six new motorcycle models for off-road and street, all priced under $10,000. It’s part of a bold initiative to lower the price of entry and raise the bar for range, performance, and use cases for LEVs.

The first two new models were just unveiled at EICMA, the XE and XB, part of Zero Motorcycles’ new X line of light electric dirt bikes. It’s part of an industry-wide recognition that while full-size electric street motorcycles are running a marathon for consumer acceptance, electric dirt bikes are running and gunning for dirt bike enthusiasts right now.

The all-new XE is Zero’s first genuine trail bike offering, with a 4.3kWh battery, 635 Nm (468 lb.-ft.) of torque and a claimed 20.1 hp. With 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels, with 8.5 inches and 9.8 inches respectively of suspension travel, it’s a legit tool for all-afternoon trail and dirt riding. Especially with a claimed 65 miles of range, a swappable battery, and a 223-pound weight (curb and dry weight, lol). While it’s dirt-only for the US market, a street-legal model will be available in Europe. The big news might be the MSRP: $6,495. This is half what the classic dual sport Zero FX costs.

While the XE carves out a new niche in the light but full-size dirt category, the all-new XB joins a growing class of “90% scale” or ultralight electric dirt bikes. A 2.4kWh battery yields 373 Nm (274 lb.-ft.) of torque and a claimed 10 hp. A swappable battery offers 40 miles of range, with a 139-pound overall weight. More importantly, it offers identical 19-inch wheels, front and back, with 7.7 inches of suspension travel upfront, 6.9 inches in the rear. The rough size and dimension of the XB is becoming a standard in its own right. Recent startup Dust Moto, Surron, and Chinese maker NIU (among others) have put out bikes with very similar sizing concepts. With a few off-the-shelf parts and redundant wheels and tires, prices get low for beginner and/or casual dirt riders or commuters. Like the XE, the XB is dirt-only in the US, with a European street model available across the pond. Again, the big story is the small price: MSRP $4,195.

Both get full-color 2.5-inch TFT displays, switchable traction control, and factory-tuned (and adjustable) suspension. And crucial to their off-road appeal to beginners, both need no shifting. This is probably one of the bigger factors in finding new riders, rather than fighting for existing ones.

The lack of US street-legal status is likely not a deliberate engineering decision, but rather a quick market solve for navigating the patchwork of outdated state laws and antiquated DOT regulations. The NIU XQi3 is available in a “street legal” version that differs only in the governing ride mode. And its legality is questionable depending where you live. It takes more than a license plate and lights, people.

Still, the price points, dimensions, and swappable batteries are the real story here. Consumers win price wars, and even if new models are the result of modular assembly, redundant parts, and off-the-shelf components, a quality product is a quality product. Zero is the “Gray Lady” of the LEV world. It has been doing this for a long time. Given the choice between an unknown marque and one that’s been doing electric motorcycles for almost 20 years, Zero makes a strong case.

And it’s just the beginning. The “All Access” push promises more exciting bikes at easy price points. If you’re keeping score, that could be a win for electric lovers. Stay tuned.

Available summer 2025, reservations being taken now.