July 22, 2022 | By Andrew McLemore
With the release of several new intermediate entries, KTM seeks to fill a gap in its growing line of electric offroad bikes for kids.
When KTM AG unveiled three new mini bikes at its North America Dealer Summit in Charlotte, N.C., last weekend, it looked to onboard a new demographic of young riders.
The new SX-E 3, EE 3, and MC-E 3 aim to bridge the gap between KTM’s electric balance bikes and the burlier SX-E 5, EE 5, and MC-E 5 mini bikes. The three new electric bikes join the lineup that now offers more options for young riders with a range of skill sets, from absolute beginners to competition riders.
“Our relationships with our dealers, their feedback and input have always been invaluable to us,” said Florian Kecht, Chief Sales Officer at KTM AG. “That’s why we are proud to present our range of electric motorcycles for the youngest riders for the first time here in the world’s biggest offroad motorcycle market.”
One bike flies under each of KTM’s brand banners, which also include Husqvarna and GASGAS.
By the middle of the 2020s, KTM wants its electric lineup to include more than 20 offroad bikes. The SX-E 3, EE 3, and MC-E 3 fit its initiative to serve “young talents who are taking the future of motorsports to the next level.”
KTM hopped on the electric trend early, releasing its first fully electric dirt bike in 2011. At the time, it joined a few fringe brands offering the then-fledgling technology.
Now, it considers the category a critical aspect of its ongoing growth.
“Everyone is talking about e-mobility these days. At KTM AG we are constantly pursuing developments in this field, living up to our responsibility as an innovative, sustainable company,” said Hubert Trunkenpolz, the brand’s Chief Marketing Officer.
“We strongly believe that e-mobility plays a role when it comes to short distance, urban mobility, and small engine size. In the offroad segment, we need to consider the circumstances on the tracks, such as limited availability to charge big batteries.”
Its newly bolstered youth movement should help lead the way. KTM did not offer pricing and availability information on the three new mini bikes as of this writing. Dealers did list the previous (and burlier) 2022 KTM SX-E 5 at around $5,400.
An award-winning journalist and photographer, Andrew McLemore brings more than 14 years of experience to his position as Associate News Editor for Lola Digital Media. Andrew is a musician, climber and traveler who currently lives in Cuenca, Ecuador, which he uses as a home base for adventures throughout the Americas. When he's not writing, playing gigs or exploring the outdoors, he's hanging out with his dog Campana.
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