Motorcycles

Kuberg gets dirty with all-electric Freerider

Kuberg gets dirty with all-electric Freerider
The Kuberg Freerider in all-electric action in the woods
The Kuberg Freerider in all-electric action in the woods
View 10 Images
The Kuberg Freerider in action in an urban environment
1/10
The Kuberg Freerider in action in an urban environment
The Kuberg Freerider in all-electric action in the woods
2/10
The Kuberg Freerider in all-electric action in the woods
The Kuberg FreeRider is a US$4,000 bike that newbies and experts could enjoy
3/10
The Kuberg FreeRider is a US$4,000 bike that newbies and experts could enjoy
The Kuberg Freerider weighs less than 80 lb (36 k)g and can hit speeds of just under 35 mph (55 km/h)
4/10
The Kuberg Freerider weighs less than 80 lb (36 k)g and can hit speeds of just under 35 mph (55 km/h)
The 48 V motor kicks out 8 kW (11 hp)
5/10
The 48 V motor kicks out 8 kW (11 hp)
203 mm brake discs sit on both front and back
6/10
203 mm brake discs sit on both front and back
The DNM Burner RB-RCP rear shock
7/10
The DNM Burner RB-RCP rear shock
The Manitou Dorado Expert front fork with 7 in (180 mm) of travel
8/10
The Manitou Dorado Expert front fork with 7 in (180 mm) of travel
The rear sprocket and chain on the Kuberg Freerider
9/10
The rear sprocket and chain on the Kuberg Freerider
An optional dongle wirelessly feeds info to an app designed for both iOS and Android
10/10
An optional dongle wirelessly feeds info to an app designed for both iOS and Android
View gallery - 10 images

As electric dirt bikes gain in popularity, riders are going to demand more of what they've come to expect in the gas-powered versions – durability and power. The new Kuberg Freerider begins to solve both of those issues in a 79-lb (36-kg) package with a double cradle, powder-coated steel tube frame and a 48 V motor generating 8 kW (11 hp) that can propel the bike to 34 mph (55 km/h).

While these performance numbers don't come close to what the base Zero S delivers (54 hp/40 kW), they're particularly respectable if you're a newbie or an expert looking for a less expensive alternative. Keep in mind that the Zero S also weighs 376 lb (171 kg).

The Freerider is powered by a 22 Ah lithium polymer battery pack that the company claims can last for one hour while riding full speed with a 165 lb (75 kg) rider on board. Regular recharge time is listed at two and a half hours from a 110 V or 220 V outlet or generator. A quick charger is available as an optional accessory.

The Manitou Dorado Expert front fork with 7 in (180 mm) of travel
The Manitou Dorado Expert front fork with 7 in (180 mm) of travel

Suspension comes in the form of a Manitou Dorado Expert front fork with 7 in (180 mm) of travel and a DNM Burner RB-RCP shock in the rear to provide plenty of support through varied terrain and jumps.

Kuberg put hardened 203 mm brake disks with sintered brake pads on both front and rear to reduce the heat that regular discs can generate and to ensure longer disc life overall, then kitted both wire spoke wheels out in 20 x 2.5 Maxxis Creepy Crawler tires.

Seat height is listed at 34.5 in (86 cm) and the overall wheelbase is 48.5 in (123 cm), which means a pretty decent center of gravity, but the height alone will put this bike out of the reach for the really young and the height challenged.

An optional dongle wirelessly feeds info to an app designed for both iOS and Android
An optional dongle wirelessly feeds info to an app designed for both iOS and Android

Kuberg has also designed a special dongle for the bike that can be bought separately. It connects to the bike's sensors and communicates wirelessly to an app available for both iOS and Android. The dongle and app combo let you monitor the battery level, track average speed and torque, share your rides, and set the max torque and speed if you're a parent concerned about your young rider's safety.

Kuberg has only a handful of dealers around the globe, so getting a Freerider may not be easy. List price is US$3,999, excluding any taxes and shipping charges.

Check out the video to see this lightweight bike in action.

Source: Kuberg

The new fully electric KUBERG FREERIDER

View gallery - 10 images
4 comments
4 comments
HiPERR
If anybody knows the answer to this, I'd be very interested - does this bike have a 2kW peak-power motor as mentioned on the Kuberg site, or an 8kW peak-power motor as mentioned on the Freerider minisite? The two bikes on these different sites seem to be slightly different in terms of battery capacity - the first states a 15Ah battery, the second a 22Ah battery, but both have the same top speed (55km/h), and both are able to run 'for 1 hour at full speed'. So, does anybody know which one is correct?
I suspect that it is a 2kW peak-power motor, given the top speed, battery capacity and range - the Stealth H-52, with a 5.2kW peak-power motor reaches 80km/h, so it seems quite unlikely that the Freerider has an 8kW motor.
ljaques
Who are these made for? Rich kids ($4k bicycle?) who are 6'4" tall and less than 75kg? Seems like a very limited sales range. But at least they got the voiceover guy with the super deep voice to say "the Freerider from Kuberg", eh?
kdog
Sorry for the delay in response! The Freerider is very popular and we have been very busy getting the first shipment in the hands of dealer and customers! The motor on the production model has an output of 8kw. The old website lists it wrong and is getting changed. Top speed is estimated low at 55km but the bike can easily achieve 100km with different gearing! Acceleration is more important however as this is an off road bike.
8kW peak-power 22Ah battery The top speed ranges from 55 – 67 km/h
kdog
The Freerider appeals to a VERY wide range of riders! It is a teenage sized bike that adults will have a blast on as well. The weight capacity on the original website was listed incorrectly. The Freerider has a capacity of 220lbs or 100kg! The bike can be set up for taller riders simply by adding taller bars or gooseneck (downhill mountain bike parts). Who will want to ride a Freerider? Teenagers, racers, retired (lightweight motorcycle to place in the RV) women, casual riders, mountain bike riders looking for a different thrill, dirt bike riders/racers, security companies, search and rescue teams, indoor race facilities.
Where will people ride it? Anywhere and everywhere! mountain bike parks, single track trails, pump tracks, backyard moto tracks, inner city, suburbs, skate parks, race track paddock transportation, airport transportation, EVERYWHERE!
At $4000. Most that appreciate quality and engineering are shocked we can supply it at that price! We have our own factory in the Czech Republic. Most components are supplied in house, including our excellent state of the art electronics!
Remember, some are paying $8000 for a downhill pedal bike! and a Stealth Bomber is $10k+ !!