Is the Talaria Sting or the Surron LBX better? These two electric dirt bikes remain the most compared, despite all the new e-moto companies. The Surron was the OG of e-moto, and Talaria came shortly after. From this perspective, it’s no wonder that they are the e-motos that are always being compared even today.
The question now is, is the latest Talaria Sting or the latest Surron LBX better? And how do they stack up against all the new e-motos that are now available going into 2026?
The latest release in the Sting lineup is the MX5 Pro, which is in Talaria’s mid-sized e-moto range. We’ll compare the full range of Talaria Sting e-motos to the LBX, which is Surron’s mid-sized e-moto.
If you’re considering buying a mid-sized e-moto but are not sure which one to get, this is the article for you. First, we’ll cover the stats on both the 2025 Talaria Sting MX4 and the Surron LBX, then work out which one is the better e-moto for you based on your needs and riding style. Then, we’ll have a look at a few other different options so you know what’s available elsewhere on the market.
The Main Contender: Surron LBX
The revered Surron LBX (also known as the Light Bee) received some big new changes in 2025 that will be carried over into 2026. These are among the most significant upgrades that Surron has made in the history of the LBX.
The biggest change is the increase in power from 6kW to 8kW, giving the bike a significant power bump across the entire rev range. Other changes include a necessary update to DOT fluid in the brakes, an 18-inch rear wheel better suited for off-road use, and a few cosmetic modifications that help the LBX look even cooler right out of the box.
The Surron LBX is well known for its lightness in feel and flickability – it’s closer in feel to what my mountain bike feels like than to my YZ gas dirt bike. And this is the fun part that many riders are after in this mid-sized e-moto range: parts for modding are easily available. Surron has a huge aftermarket range of just about any upgrade you would need on your LBX. Faster, lighter, more range, better colors – with an LBX, it can all be done.
Here is a great video from Talaria Boys timestamped for the changes for 2025:
What’s the downside?
Possibly the biggest downside to Surron is the ability to easily purchase or service your LBX. For some reason, as of 2025 Surron now only allows authorized dealers to sell their bikes, and they can only sell them in person. As far as I’m aware, they’re the only manufacturer selling this way, and it’s a strange approach for selling any kind of vehicle, let alone an e-moto.
This isn’t such a big deal unless you don’t live near an ‘authorized’ dealer. If you are capable of doing your own service on the bike (our maintenance articles can help you), or you have a good independent local shop that is willing to wrench on e-motos, you’re good. You just can’t go test ride one or order one online as easily as you could if everyone could sell Surrons.
On a side note, if you do come across a store selling a Surron online, chances are they’re not authorized, which means if you buy from there, Surron won’t honor your warranty claims. I wish we could tell everyone in the Surron world about that! We’ve seen it cost people a lot.
As Surron was the original e-moto, most riders have a soft spot for this bike. But, does it stack up against the Talaria Sting or other new brands that you can get? To find out, let’s have a look at the offerings from Talaria going into 2026.
In The Other Corner: Talaria Sting Range
Unlike Surron, Talaria released upgraded versions of their Sting since the first model was created the better part of a decade ago. They have increased power and a few other functional and cosmetic features along the way, often turning the upgraded version of the bike into its own new model. For some reason, it is still possible to buy the earlier Sting models for a cheaper cost, so it makes the comparison with the LBX slightly difficult.
The result is an indirect comparison between the Surron LBX and three flavors of the Talaria Sting, all of which are very similar but not exactly the same.
To add to the confusion, for a short time, Talaria marketed the MX3 as the X3 and as the dubiously named XXX. What will they call it in 2026?
MX3? MX4? MX5? XXX?
As you can see in the chart above, the MX3 is less powerful than the LBX, but it is cheaper. The MX4 is the most similar to an LBX; it is 8kW and comparable in weight. The MX5 is much more powerful and runs a 72V system, so this wouldn’t be a fair comparison. We’ll discuss this in more detail shortly.
For now, let’s concentrate on the MX4, also known as the Sting R. With like-for-like power output to the Surron LBX, the Talaria MX4 has had a few upgrades itself over the years. The latest 2025 version – being carried into 2026 – has an improved battery, higher peak power, larger 220mm brake rotors, and an upgraded 125 Amp circuit breaker, among other improvements.
Where’s the downside?
There really isn’t one, other than everyone on the GritShift team prefers a well-sorted LBX (or even more obscure competitors like E Ride Pro and Electro & Co) over a Sting when it comes to actually riding the bike.
You can purchase a Talaria Sting online from an authorized dealer, which does make things easier for those who don’t live in close proximity to a shop. Just be sure to check out which shops are authorized dealers so you’re covered with a warranty, should you need it.
Upgradable parts are plenty for the Sting, and as the Surron and Talaria are very similar, many parts can be interchanged, making upgrades simple. And the bikes themselves are well-built and easy to maintain, which isn’t surprising considering the rumors that Talaria was started by a team of people who left Surron back in the early days.
So, is the Talaria MX4 or the Surron LBX better? Let’s compare:
Talaria MX4 vs Surron LBX
On initial glance, the Talaria MX4 and the Surron LBX are very similar. Similar size, power output, battery, and seat height! One of the biggest differences between the LBX and the Sting is the chain vs belt drive. The LBX has a belt drive, and you can get conversion kits to change to a chain drive if you prefer. There are arguments for and against which is better. Belts can come off or snap, while chains can be noisier.
The other difference is the price. The LBX is typically around $1000 more, unless you can spot yourself a great deal. Our staff tends to think the LBX is nicer to ride as it’s more flickable and has a really light weight feel. It is slightly lighter, which would help, but with only 20 lbs of difference between them, that’s only a personal preference. Just skip lunch 🙂
Is an LBX worth $1000 more than a Sting? There are no standout features that make one bike better than the other; they are both great e-motos. I think the price would determine which e-moto would be the chosen one in most cases. But, that depends on your use case, so let’s explore that real quick.
Who are these bikes suited to?
Both the Talaria Sting MX4 and the Surron LBX, have midrange acceleration, lower top speeds, and lower costs of entry compared to other e-motos available. We are definitely looking at the lower midrange of what’s possible with electric dirt bikes – somewhere between a child’s dirt bike and a full-size competition ride. As such, these bikes are well suited for an entry level rider. Someone who will be doing some commuting, some tracks through the woods, but not going hardcore.
Unless you’re planning on modding. Both the LBX and the Sting can become as hardcore as you want, up to and including competition-level race-winning builds.
Do you build the perfect bike or buy a higher spec?
This is the number one question you need to think about before buying your e-moto.
Option 1: Start with a really good base, like the MX4 or the LBX, and upgrade to customize perfectly for your needs, taste, and riding style as you go along.
Option 2: Buy a higher-priced bike, but one with all the options you want right from the start.
Option 1 is great for those starting out with e-motos, or are just starting off on dirt as a whole, as it is at a lower price point to get you started. As your abilities grow, you can upgrade the bike to grow with you. This means you’re spreading out the cost as you go. Keep in mind, upgrades can get expensive, especially when you start upgrading the motor/battery/controller combo, or even upgrading the suspension. The list can be endless, or you can pick and choose what you need.
Option 2 is great for those who are coming from a gas dirt bike background, and will probably be pushing the limits on a smaller e-moto in no time. There are also plenty of options in the middle – you could get something that is mid range, so you don’t have much to mod.
You’ll need to weigh up the cost of the initial bike, the cost of upgrades, and the time it will take you. It’s up to you. Some riders enjoy tinkering with their bikes, and modding is all part of the process. Others can’t wait and need it to be ready from day 1!
What are my options?
While the Talaria Sting and the Surron LBX are both excellent bikes, there are other options that could be added to this list.
- For something in a similar price range, the Electro & Co. ETM RTR is $3200 at the time of writing, 8kW, 72V, and all with a really solid build quality. It’s from a company known for aftermarket parts, so upgrades are a breeze, backed by the same quality as the bike itself.
- The E Ride Pro SS 3.0 is the same price as the Surron LBX (as I’m writing this), but it comes with a huge 16kW, 72V system, and in our opinion, has many more features and is overall a better value. That might simply be too much power for new or younger riders, but for experienced dirt riders, this is a better bike than an LBX in almost every way.
What do we choose?
Our staff consists of commuters, competitors, and weekend riders. There are still some Surron LBXs and Talaria Stings floating around the office, but most of us gravitate toward the E Ride Pro range these days. They are less expensive, better built, and more unique than an LBX or a Sting, and we love supporting a company that’s doing those things at a price where regular people can actually buy the bike without breaking the bank.
Talaria and Surron in 2026: Our Predictions
So, what e-moto are you eyeing in 2026?
If you’re a Surron fan, then the Surron LBX is a great bike. It might be more expensive, but if you prefer the Surron feel, then Surron it is! Same as buying a GoPro or a Kleenex, you’re getting a well-established bike with a solid community built around it over time.
If you’re not brand loyal, the Talaria Sting MX4 is a cheaper option with very similar features to the LBX. Same can be said for it – good community, good build quality, maybe not pushing any boundaries or innovating in big ways, but you could probably ride a Sting for a long time and not get bored with it.
However… For the best value for money, we recommend going outside the box. Have a good look at either the Electro & Co. ETM RTR or the E Ride Pro SS 3.0. We’re in the unique position to have ridden nearly every e-moto on the market, and with hundreds of thousands of miles under our collective belts, the SS and the RTR are the bikes we like the most. Take that as you will!
Rest easy though – you really can’t go wrong here. Whether you’re new to riding dirt, new to riding electric, or not new to any of it, the LBX and Sting are two of the best choices you can make!
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