Husqvarna has announced that it has developed a “competition machine” powered with an electric engine that will rival 50cc gas units in the youth motocross category. The EE 5 will weigh just 89 pounds (claimed) when it goes on sale in the North American market this Fall at Husqvarna dealerships. Pricing has not been announced.
Husqvarna is claiming the battery in the EE 5 can be fully charged in 70 minutes and offer two hours of casual ride time or 25 minutes at race pace. Here is the press release from Husqvarna:
Husqvarna Motorcycles are proud to launch the new EE 5 – an electric engine Minicycle that continues the brand’s pioneering motocross journey and delivers a complete and fully adaptable, five-kilowatt competition machine. Set to rival any 50cc fuel-powered motorcycle, the quick-charging EE 5 combines the latest high-quality componentry with bodywork specifically designed to give young riders an ergonomically effortless, all-electric riding experience.
The first ever electric model from Husqvarna Motorcycles, the EE 5 offers youngsters an environmentally friendly way to learn, compete and have fun. Easily adaptable, the ride height can be simply adjusted to keep pace with an improving or growing rider. Delivering two hours of riding enjoyment for beginners and 25 minutes for serious racers, the supplied charger takes just 70 minutes to fully charge the lithium-ion battery.
Featuring the latest suspension technology, the EE 5 is fitted with 35 mm WP XACT forks that offer 205 mm of travel and combined with a fully-adjustable WP rear shock ensure exceptional damping characteristics. A high-strength chromoly frame, hydraulically operated brakes, lightweight wheels, tapered NEKEN handlebars and striking graphics complete Husqvarna Motorcycles pioneering, all-new EE 5 machine.
EE 5 TECHNICAL HIGHLIGHTS
• State-of-the-art electric motor with 5 kW peak performance
• 6 different ride modes, easy to select
• 907 Wh lithium-ion battery
• Quick charging
• High-end chassis with race proven technology
• Modern, Swedish-inspired design
• Ergonomic bodywork and adjustable seat height
• WP suspension – XACT air fork and rear shock – for advanced performance and control
Accompanying the EE 5, Husqvarna Motorcycles offer the KIDS RAILED GEAR – a range of offroad clothing and protective equipment that ensures safe and comfortable riding. Designed specifically with tomorrow’s champions in mind, premium materials are mixed to ensure stylish and functional garments. In addition, a line-up of ACCESSORIES is available for the EE 5, which enhance performance and increases protection.
The new Husqvarna EE 5 will start to be available worldwide from July 2019 onwards at all authorised Husqvarna Motorcycles Dealers (excluding North America where the EE 5 will be available in Autumn 2019). Availability may vary from country to country. For all details on pricing and availability, please refer to your national Husqvarna Motorcycles Subsidiary or Importer.
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That is one pricey pitbike if I ever seen one
This is based on their 50cc ICE race bike that retails for about 5K.
https://motocrossactionmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/2018HUSKYTC50.jpg
Looks like a fun little ride.
I own an electric-assist bicycle that has a 350 watt motor, and it pulls my 200 lb frame around sufficiently. When I was shopping for an electric-assist bike, I saw some that went up to 750 watts. This little bugger has *5,000* watts! I would love to try one, just to evaluate what 5,000 watts feels like! Can we guess that it is as strong as their gasoline 50cc MX bikes? Stronger?
I am all for the electric movement! Bring on the full size dirt bikes! Stealth will keep trail riding alive in suburbia!
5000 watts (5 KW) = about 6.7 horsepower. That is what it would feel like.
Correct on the peak, but it will probably feel much faster than any 6.7 hp ice engine due to electric motors having an incredibly broad powerband compared to gas engines.
Not necessarily. An ICE engine has the benefit of a multi-ratio transmission to achieve even broader range and additional torque multiplication through the lower gearing.
That’s why ICE engines have to have multi-ratio transmissions is to make up for such a narrow range of torque. EV motors have instant torque and pretty much at the max right from the get go, and you are not wasting time shifting with an EV, it’s just open the “throttle” and go like hell.
You are talking torque at the motor. I am talking torque at the rear wheel. ICE first gear overall reduction is sometimes as high as 20:1 whereas electrics are stuck with a single ratio maybe around 3:1. If an ICE engine is producing 30 ft-lb of torque at the engine, that’s 600 ft-lb at the wheel (excluding 10-15% losses) in first. An electric bike with 100 ft-lb at the motor and a 3:1 gear will only have a maximum of 300 ft-lb at the wheel (excluding losses) but it does retain that 300 over the entire speed range. I’ve seen a number of people who had hyped up the whole “electric torque” thing, only to be underwhelmed by the performance of electrics. It is interesting to be able to accelerate without shifting – not as fun but interesting – but quoting engine/motor torque is entirely misleading and doesn’t give you an indication of the performance.
Perfect back yard bomber that won’t piss off the neighbors. Best use of electric bikes yet. Don’t ask the typical Husky price; ie, be cheaper than a CRF/TTR 50 and you are in biz.
This bike has disc brakes, alloy wheels, WP suspension an aluminum swing arm modern, Swedish-inspired design and is based on a 50cc ice bike that costs about 5K. It will never be cheaper then any play bike from Japan.
Well said! I think I’ll adopt a child so I can own one of these or try to make it into an radio controlled bike
This isn’t meant for a playbike.
This makes a lot of sense. Probably much less $$ to make by virtue of it’s light weight and appropriately lower power/small battery (there are electric bicycles with batteries of this capacity). Plus, kids can practice in smaller areas and not drum up noise complaints.
Hopefully they blow this tech out to the other jr. sizes and get the cost of the KTM Freeride-E down to a more reasonable range.
Lol , that’s wild. What a great idea by Husky. Start em young on electric and they will grow up on electric.
The first thing I noticed was that long exposed chain = lawyers in waiting for injuries
Husky and current parent company KTM have been making 50cc ICE bikes like these for many years and have somehow avoided going bankrupt from the lawsuits.
https://motocrossactionmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/KTM50SXleft201.jpg