An electric dirt bike is easier to start riding than a gas bike: no clutch, no shifting, no stalling. It's also easier to get in trouble on, because full torque is available the instant you twist the throttle. Here's how we teach new riders to get comfortable fast without hurting themselves or the bike.
Gear up first
Wear this every ride, even "just around the yard":
- Helmet: a properly fitted, DOT-rated (or better) full-face moto helmet
- Goggles: roost and branches find your eyes
- Gloves: grip and protection, like the MSR Axxis Proto
- Boots: real moto boots protect ankles in a tip-over, like the Alpinestars Belize
- Knee and elbow protection, plus a chest protector as you start going faster
Learn the controls before you move
- Throttle: right-hand twist grip. Power comes on fast, so start small.
- Brakes: on most e-motos the right lever is the front brake and the left lever is the rear brake, like a motorcycle. Some bikes have a foot brake fitted instead, so know which yours has.
- Ride modes: most bikes have eco or low-power modes. Start in the lowest one.
- Kill switch: know where it is. A tether-style magnetic kill switch cuts power if you come off the bike.
- Habit to build: turn the bike off whenever you get off it. A switched-on e-moto makes no sound, and a bumped throttle will launch it.
Pre-ride check (2 minutes)
- Tire pressure and no loose spokes
- Both brakes firm
- Chain or belt in good shape and properly tensioned
- Throttle snaps closed by itself
- Battery charged and latched
Your first session
- Find open, flat ground: an empty field or private dirt lot. Not the street, not a busy trail.
- Roll on gently: sit with both feet down, eco mode on. Barely open the throttle and roll forward a few feet, then stop with both brakes. Repeat until it's boring.
- Ride straight lines: eyes up, looking where you want to go, not at the front wheel.
- Add wide turns: look through the turn, push the bike down a little, keep your body upright.
- Figure eights: slow, tight figure eights teach throttle, brake and balance all at once.
Throttle control is everything
Electric torque is instant, so the throttle works more like a dimmer than an on-off switch. Keep your wrist relaxed and roll the throttle on smoothly. Practice holding a steady slow speed. If the front wheel gets light or you feel the rear spin, ease off smoothly rather than snapping the throttle shut. The biggest beginner mistake is grabbing a handful of throttle in a panic. Your instinct is to hold on tighter, and that twists the throttle further.
Braking
- Use both brakes together. The front does most of the stopping on grippy ground.
- Squeeze progressively. Don't grab. A locked front wheel on loose dirt usually means a crash.
- Brake in a straight line before a turn, not in the middle of it, until you're more experienced.
- If your bike has regen, notice how it slows you when you roll off the throttle.
Body position
- Standing: stand on the pegs over rough ground. Knees bent, elbows up and out, grip the bike with your knees.
- Climbing: move forward and keep steady throttle so the front stays down.
- Descending: weight back, eyes far ahead, use steady brake pressure.
- Sand and loose ground: weight slightly back to keep the front light, smooth steady throttle.
Choosing a first bike
Smaller and lighter is easier to learn on. In the E-Ride Pro lineup, the E-Ride Pro S (16" wheels, 128 lb) is a step down in size from the full-size SS. The E-Ride Pro Mini and Sur-Ron Hyper Bee suit smaller and younger riders. Full-size bikes like the E-Ride Pro SS 3.0 or Sur-Ron Light Bee X are great first bikes for adults who keep them in eco mode while learning. See all the bikes we carry.
Know the rules
Off-road e-motos aren't street legal as delivered. Check local laws for where you can ride, and ride on private land or designated trails.
Keep learning
Our Talaria Boys YouTube channel has setup, review and how-to videos. For questions about your bike, email support@tbelectricmoto.com. You'll get an answer from people who ride these bikes. Shop protection and riding gear.
