The ETM RTR isn’t just another Alibaba-spec small electric dirt bike. It’s Electro and Co.’s brand-new, powerful dirt bike hidden in a pit bike-sized frame. It has the level of quality components you’d expect on a high-performance e-moto like the E Ride Pro.
Electro and Co. is an American company based in California, and they have been around for some time. Their specialty is creating electric powertrain conversions for dirtbikes and upgraded electric powertrains for the ‘kids’ style’ of pit bikes, converting them into powerful beasts.
The ETM RTR is the first complete electric dirt bike Electro and Co have designed and built, and let’s just say, the team from ETM RTR knows a thing or two about dirt bikes! They have incorporated some really cool features into their design not seen before on an e-moto. The ETM RTR has been designed from the ground up with upgradability in mind, knowing the guys and girls who ride e-moto love customizing their bikes.
We aren’t just saying all of that by the way. Here at GritShift, we only sell bikes we have personally thrashed and tried our hardest to break. The RTR has proven itself time and again, with a robust build quality and a speed and handling package that’s above most competitors. You can choose to buy the RTR from us to support independent aftermarket R&D efforts and articles like this one that help spread the word about electric dirt bikes that are truly worth the money.
So, is this bike designed for adults or kids? It’s a small bike, yes, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a kids’ bike…
ETM RTR Specs
The ETM RTR has some impressive figures built into its small frame. For starters, it has 8kW of peak power on a 130lb machine. 8kW is what you’ll find on the latest Surron LBX – the well-known GOAT of e-moto.
But what sets this bike apart from other pit-bike-sized e-moto is the build quality. We haven’t come across quality like this in this size category before. Made from high-grade materials, its ultra-strong and durable subframe is matched with a rigid swingarm, and the 72V ETM IPM Brushless Motor.
It’s a lot of power with not a lot of weight, and yet it’s a physically small bike, so the most common question we get is…
Can kids ride the ETM RTR?
Yes, long story short, kids can ride the ETM RTR, but this is what we’ve found:
Suspension:
The suspension is made for someone of adult size. As GritShift R&D manager Rusty says, “The suspension is pretty good for my weight at about 145lbs. This means, for a lightweight kid, the suspension will be too stiff. Not necessarily an issue, the suspension can be dialed in to suit the rider or upgraded for that full customization option.”
Seat Height:
The seat height is actually quite tall for a pit bike. At 30”, this could be more than little legs can reach. The ergonomics on the ETM RTR is designed not to be cramped for the average adult rider, making the bike feel big for kids. Again, not necessarily an issue as you can upgrade the rear shock to a race shock, which will lower the rear end.
Power:
The power is crazy fast. There are options to adjust the power output, but even on the lowest setting, you can still get some fast acceleration and a high top speed. Interestingly, if you compare the ETM RTR to the KLX 140, Kawasaki’s entry-level dirt bike, the power is about the same.
The difference is the power delivery. Gas vs electric is very different. Electric is instantaneous, acceleration is quicker, and there are no gears to hold you back. For any new young rider, this could cause some trouble. Especially as you don’t need to negotiate gears in the process. On the other hand, no shifting required.
If power is a concern, then have a look at the ETM RTR Lite.
What about the ETM RTR Lite?
As you can see, the difference between the ETM RTR and the ETM RTR Lite is mainly the power output. The Lite version has a max output of 5kW, producing a top speed of 45 mph. There are three selectable power levels.
For a size comparison:
ETM RTR
- Wheel base: 44.5”
- Seat height: 30”
ETM RTR LITE
- Wheel base: 44.5”
- Seat height: 30”
There is no size difference between the standard ETM RTR and the Lite. The main difference comes from the power output and the price. The Lite has a different controller, different battery, and different suspension, which is why the price is lower on this model.
This would be the e-moto I’d be looking at if I were going to purchase one for my kids. The price point is better, the power is slightly less nuts, and it gives them a really good starting point.
What about the adults?
Simple. Get yourself the ETM RTR! This bike has been designed for an adult-sized body. It’s made for those who love sending it. For the price point, this bike has just about everything you need to take it to the MX track.
Check out this video of us putting it through its paces and doing a backflip!
One of the surprising things we noticed when we first got our hands on the ETM RTR was how smooth the power delivery is. Compared to many other smaller e-motos, this one is just as good or even better than some of our favorite mid-sized bikes.
The ergos in the rider triangle – that is, the seat, handlebars, and footpegs – are just in the right position for most of the adults in the GritShift team. For those who are slightly taller or shorter, the adjustable peg mount bars are a great feature. They allow you to really customise your ride without even starting the modding process.
Can you ride the ETM RTR on the street?
No, you can’t ride the ETM RTR on the street legally in most locations. Due to the size and how it is made for the dirt, I doubt the ETM RTR will come as a road-registered option.
This e-moto is made for ripping (hence the name!) It’s made for those who want to ‘dominate the trail’ in the words of Electro and Co. Ride it wherever you’d ride a motocross bike.
However, if you do want to register your ETM RTR, visit our sister company Dirt Legal, and they’ll talk you through the process to get your ETM RTR road registered.
ETM RTR vs Surron HyperBee
The ETM RTR is commonly compared to the Surron Hyper Bee, which is designed more for a kid than an adult. From these stats, you can quickly see that the ETM RTR is much more powerful with a higher top speed.
ETM RTR
- Wheel base: 44.5”
- Seat height: 30”
Surron Hyper Bee
- Wheel base: 40.7”
- Seat height: 26.9”
The size of the ETM RTR is also larger, both in wheelbase and seat height. For a full rundown on the Surron Hyper Bee, check out this article
Both are considered pit-bikes, both will be a heap of fun, just think about why you want to buy one. Is it for you or your kid? Do you want something that will withstand some jumps?
We are official Electro and Co dealers, and can say with firsthand experience, the customer service that Electro and Co provides is fantastic. We will also ship the ETM RTR to you – something that Surron won’t do these days. And we are available after your purchase if you need to ask any questions, either about your ETM RTR or any mod you’re thinking of doing.
Check out our contact page here
Can you mod the ETM RTR?
Yes! The Electro and Co. team fully understands that modding is all part of the electric dirt bike world. While the ETM RTR doesn’t need any mods and is great right out of the box, there are plenty of aftermarket options for those who choose to mod.
Electro and Co. even offer many mods to their own ETM RTR, and of course, here at GritShift, Rusty and his R&D team are hard at work designing new parts.
Some of the more popular upgrades include:
- Electro and Co. Big wheel set – 14”/17” set
- Electro and Co. ETM RTR 14” street wheel set
- Upgraded range/power battery pack
- High-rise handlebars
- Complete body plastic set – great for replacement parts or a complete color change
- Upgraded rotors, brakes
- Lightning Charger which drastically shortens charging time
Who Should Buy the ETM RTR?
Anyone who is looking for a high-quality, fast pit electric dirt bike should check out the ETM RTR. It’s incredibly good value for what you get and is a heap of fun right out of the box.
For Adults:
- Anyone with dirtbike knowledge will love this pit-bike. It is ergonomically designed for an adult sized rider, the suspension is dialled in for the average adult weight, and the power is plenty!
- If you’re brand new to dirtbikes, the ETM RTR would also be a great starter bike. The smaller size and light weight, when compared to other dirt bikes, make it easy to learn on. Yes, the power and acceleration are awesome, just respect this and twist the throttle as fast as you’re comfortable.
For Kids:
- As the ETM RTR is made for adult riders, taller kids will be fine, but younger/shorter kids might have trouble touching the ground. Look into changing the rear suspension to something that is lower to help.
- The suspension might need to be adjusted depending on the weight and riding style of your kid. Check out this article to give you some ideas.
- You know your kid, if you think the power is going to be too much, consider starting with the ETM RTR LITE, or perhaps check out the MotoTec range, something like the MotoTec 60v Pro, which allows a top speed limit.
Whatever your experience is on dirt bikes, there is an electric dirt bike suited to you. The great thing with electric dirt bikes is the ability to mod. The ETM RTR comes at a fantastic price, which means it’s easier to perfectly customize the bike to your riding style.
To check out our range of electric bikes and parts at GritShift, click here. And to keep up to date with all things e-moto, sign up for our newsletter community here.
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