E Ride Pro Has a Massive Flaw: Here’s How To Fix It

The E Ride Pro electric dirt bikes are awesome machines. We ride them, we race them, we sell them. There’s a range of options from the beginner SS 2.0 to the crazy fast SR. But one thing remains the same over most of the lineup. What’s up with the wheel size? 19 inch front and 18 inch rear? What’s that about?

For those new to dirt bike riding, you may be thinking, wait, what? The wheel size? Why does that matter?

In a nutshell, the wheel size does a lot to change the handling of the bike. E-motos like the E Ride Pro are smaller than your average 250cc or 450cc dirt bike, so you would expect the wheel sizes to be smaller; this is more about the ratio of bike to wheel. And while we think this e-moto is awesome as is, we know it can be even better with a simple wheel upgrade. 

In this article, I’ll recap some of the wheel terminology, give a basic understanding of the geometry, and make some suggestions to make the E Ride Pro handle even more like a pro… and I’ll explain why this will seriously improve your riding.

Wheel Terminology recap

Skip to the next section if you already know all about the terminology (I won’t tell anyone if you have a read through to brush up on those facts!)

Stock wheels on the 2025 models: 

• E Ride Pro SR Front: 80/100-19, Rear: 100/90-18
• E Ride Pro SS 2.0 Front: 70/100-19, Rear: 80/100-19
• E Ride Pro SS 3.0 Front: 2.75-19, Rear: 3.0-18

Let’s examine the E Ride Pro SR front wheel, which is 80/100-19.

• 80 is the Width. The measurement from sidewall to sidewall, in millimeters. 
• 100 is the Aspect ratio. This explains the cross-section profile. It is a ratio of the height of the sidewall to the width, shown as a percentage. 
• 19 is the Rim diameter. The diameter of the rim, measured in inches.

The size of the wheel is written as width/aspect ratio – rim diameter. As for the wheel measurement on the SS 3.0, that’s width in inches – rim diameter. Sometimes they do that.

Many riders just refer to their wheel size as something like 19/18. If that’s the case, they’re referring to the rim diameter for the front and the rear. Riders in some countries like to say the numbers 18/19. Just remember, the larger wheel will be the front, and the same size or smaller on the rear. 

Pro tip: When comparing tire sizes of the same width, a tire with a larger aspect ratio will be taller. 

What does all this mean for the E Ride Pro lineup? 

As you can see, E Ride Pro mainly uses the 19/18 setup. For reference, the guys in the AMA motocross are running 21/19 wheels, Stark Varg uses 21/19 or 21/18 depending on what you choose, and Surron LBX uses 19/18. In this mid-sized e-moto category, the 19/18 setup is popular. 

But, is it really the best choice? 

Are mid-sized e-moto manufacturers choosing to run 19/18 wheels as they’re simply following a trend? We’re not sure why this choice was made – and continues to be made – but what we do know is, the 19/18s create a really odd geometry on the bike. 

Let me explain why…

Why the Stock E Ride Pro 19/18 Wheel Size Sucks

With the current setup of 19/18 wheels, of which the rear 18” has a fairly large sidewall, the front wheel gets overpowered. As R&D guru Rusty explains, “It presents issues with bulldog stance – that’s where the front end is sitting lower than the rear, so the balance of the bike is very front-end heavy.”

When you get the balance of the bike being front-end heavy, you then run the risk of jack-knifing more easily when cornering – the front suspension seems soft, rear feels overly stiff, and it just overall feels wonky.

Wheel Size and Frame Geometry

Without getting too technical, let’s just say the e-moto’s frame geometry is designed specifically for a particular balance, to be paired with particular wheel sizes. Changing the wheel size changes the geometry of the bike, but it also changes the performance – in this case, we think, for the better. 

As an example, this is what will happen if you swap either the front or the rear wheel:

Smaller rear wheel (reducing the stock 18” to a 16”, while keeping the front as a 19”)

• A smaller rear wheel will result in more acceleration/torque (if the same sprocket is used).
• There is less rotating mass, and the mass is closer to the hub. This results in less rotational inertia and more maneuverability. 
• A smaller rear wheel will make the rear end of the bike lower, giving an overall lower center of gravity. 

Larger front wheel (increasing the stock 19” to a 21”, while keeping the rear as an 18”)

• Increasing the front wheel size changes the geometry of the bike, increasing height in the front end. This helps to minimize jack-knifing.
• Removes the issue of ‘bulldog stance’ and evens the balance of the bike.
• The larger wheel has a larger mass and it is further from the axle, creating more gyroscopic stability. This makes the bike feel more planted.

How to improve the performance of your E Ride Pro

The two easiest, most cost-efficient ways to improve the performance of your E Ride Pro are either to change the rear wheel or change the front wheel. Changing the front involves more work. Let’s look at both options.

Here are the benefits of each: 

Changing the Rear: Going to a 19/16 setup

The benefits of changing the stock setup to a 19/16 are huge. You’ll get way more low-end torque and faster acceleration. You’ll also have reduced rotational inertia. This all helps with any hills, sand, or technical tracks. Electric dirt bikes are already great on the acceleration, this just takes it one step further. 

This option is much easier than changing to a 21/18 setup, and it also gives you a much greater range of high-performance ties to choose from. 

To change to a 19/16 setup, you’ll need to purchase a new rear rim and tire. Make sure the tires are somewhat matching, or get yourself a matching one for the front at the same time. 

Check out this awesome-looking upgraded wheel set from KKE Racing 19/16

Changing the Front: Going to a 21/18 setup

This setup resembles a more ‘traditional’ dirtbike feel, and there are reasons why this has been the go-to for some time. You’ll get greater frontend stability, reducing jack-knifing potential. You do get a higher rotational mass, which could be either good or bad, depending on your riding style. The larger front tire provides a better ride over obstacles. 

However, in order to change the stock setup to a 21/18 setup, you’ll need to change to a drop clamp so you get the right clearance to the front fender. There also isn’t a huge choice in high-performance 18” rear tires to match the 21/18 setup. 

Don’t forget, if you upgrade the wheel, you’ll be upgrading the tire. It works much better if you pair your tires. In other words, don’t run a paddle tire with a slick, if you get what I mean.

To upgrade to the 21/18 setup, grab yourself a new set of rims and tires. You’ll also need to change the drop clamp. 

Or check out this 21/18 setup from KKE Racing. What’s your fav color? (I like the red!)

What should you do? 

The E Ride Pro is a fantastic e-moto. We’ve ridden every e-moto possible, and can easily say the E Ride Pro is one of our favorites, if not the top bike. But we believe it can be even better.

If you’re the proud owner of an E Ride Pro, or most other mid-sized e-motos for that matter, and you’re having issues with jackknifing, or the suspension just feels off, then consider changing to a more balanced wheel set. 

It’s an easy mod to make. At the same time, why not think about what juicy tires you’re going to gift your e-moto?

Perhaps some grippy MX14s?

Or something great on lots of different surfaces like the Dunlop MX34s?

If you’re not sure what type of modding you need to do to dial in the performance, send us a message and we can give you some suggestions. Otherwise, head to GritShift.com and grab a new set of wheels to really find that performance edge and improve your ride!