Photo: KTM
If there is one bike maker firmly embedded in the motorcycle racing world, then that’s KTM. The Austrians are a solid presence in several globally important competitions (as we speak, they’re racing in the Dakar Rally), and almost always at the top of the standings thanks to the machines they make and the riders who use them.
One secret to the company’s success is the fact that it goes after talented riders from a very young age. Most recently, KTM is doing so with its range of electric balance bikes, which got refreshed and “race injected” for the new model year.
There are two offerings on the table for 2022, namely the 12eDRIVE and 16eDRIVE, both considered the precursors of the mini electric dirt bike called SX-E 5, and both offering between 30 and 60 minutes of riding time.
The 12eDRIVE, created to be ridden by kids aged three to five, is equipped with 12-inch wheels with pneumatic tires, has a 33 cm (13 inches) seat height, and weighs eight kilograms (18 pounds).
A bit larger, the 16eDRIVE is the go-to ride for kids aged four to eight, hence slightly taller. It rides on 16-inch wheels and comes with a seat height of 43 cm (17 inches).
“The practicality and the versatility of electric power provides the perfect entry-level platform for the smallest of potential bikers. Juniors can revel in the simplicity of power-assisted pace and the raw instincts of motorcycling thanks to the KTM 12eDRIVE and 16eDRIVE electric balance bikes,” the company said in a statement.
Those are the same specs the bikes had last year, but this time KTM is also throwing into the fray a new collection of apparel. We get things like the STATUS helmet, STRATA goggles, and a shirt that is made of the same material as the one used by adult motocross riders.
The company says both bikes and apparel will be available in North America and Europe starting this month. It didn’t say anything about potential price changes.
There are two offerings on the table for 2022, namely the 12eDRIVE and 16eDRIVE, both considered the precursors of the mini electric dirt bike called SX-E 5, and both offering between 30 and 60 minutes of riding time.
The 12eDRIVE, created to be ridden by kids aged three to five, is equipped with 12-inch wheels with pneumatic tires, has a 33 cm (13 inches) seat height, and weighs eight kilograms (18 pounds).
A bit larger, the 16eDRIVE is the go-to ride for kids aged four to eight, hence slightly taller. It rides on 16-inch wheels and comes with a seat height of 43 cm (17 inches).
“The practicality and the versatility of electric power provides the perfect entry-level platform for the smallest of potential bikers. Juniors can revel in the simplicity of power-assisted pace and the raw instincts of motorcycling thanks to the KTM 12eDRIVE and 16eDRIVE electric balance bikes,” the company said in a statement.
Those are the same specs the bikes had last year, but this time KTM is also throwing into the fray a new collection of apparel. We get things like the STATUS helmet, STRATA goggles, and a shirt that is made of the same material as the one used by adult motocross riders.
The company says both bikes and apparel will be available in North America and Europe starting this month. It didn’t say anything about potential price changes.
Google News