Why are Sur Ron-style electric motorbikes so dang popular with teens today?
In recent years, Sur Ron-style electric trail bikes have surged in popularity among young riders across the US. These lightweight, nimble, and powerful machines are quickly becoming the go-to choice for adrenaline-seeking youth, and there are several reasons behind this trend.
First defined by the Sur Ron electric motorbikes that largely built the category in the latter part of the last decade, electric trail bikes have become popular among younger riders who favor their combination of freedom, power and accessibility.
Just don’t confuse them with actual electric bicycles. Unlike most e-bikes, whether more traditional electric mountain bikes or even the moped-style SUPER73 and other imitation mopeds, electric trail bikes like those from Talaria, Sur Ron, Tromox, and others are a far cry from street-legal electric bicycles.
It’s not just that they lack pedals, immediately removing them from the electric bicycle category altogether. But they’re also usually around 5-10x more powerful than a typical electric bicycle, feature long-travel full suspension for more aggressive riding, and are priced at a fraction of what an honest-to-goodness dirt bike or street motorcycle usually costs. They’re also incredibly accessible, meaning they take little more experience than a bicycle to ride and don’t require the operator to understand the intricacies of fiddling with a carburetor or swearing while searching around for a 10mm socket each weekend.
Basically, they’re the Honda 50 of today’s generation, minus the exhaust and the oil stains. They’re ubiquitous, affordable, and easier to ride than ever before. Except that, unlike the good ol’ Honda 50, they aren’t exactly street-legal. At least, not most of the time. More on that in a moment.
A blend of power and control
Sur Ron-style electric trail bikes offer a unique combination of power and control that appeals to younger riders, especially those in their teens and twenties. With their powerful electric motors, these bikes can reach impressive speeds, yet they remain easy to handle thanks to their lightweight and intuitive design. Even the most entry-level of the category can often reach speeds of up to 40 mph (64 km/h). Many riders know how to tinker their way to higher speeds on such models, though new offerings that push speeds closer to 60 mph (96 km/h) are quickly joining the market.
This balance of high power and simple controls makes them accessible to beginner riders looking for a thrill. However, it can also lead to many new riders getting in over their heads when they haven’t built up the requisite skills and experience to handle what can prove to be too much power for the uninitiated.
Low maintenance and cost-effective
Compared to their gas-powered counterparts, electric trail bikes require significantly less maintenance. There’s no need for oil changes, keeping a fuel can handy, or making complex engine repairs that require poring over a grease-smudged owner’s manual in the garage. This makes ownership much more convenient and affordable for young riders.
The cost-effectiveness of these bikes, combined with lower operating costs, also helps make them an attractive option for those on a budget. With Millennials and Zoomers more cash-strapped than ever, the ability to get their speed and power fix for a few thousand dollars compared to a much more expensive “real” motorcycle is an enticing option. A traditional dirt bike might cost $5-10k when purchased new, not including all the other costs of ownership. An electric motorcycle can be even more expensive, though lower-cost electric motorcycles are becoming more common. But an electric trail bike like a Sur Ron or Talaria can cost as little as $3k, making them far more accessible to younger riders. And after the initial purchase, the cost of ownership is nearly zero.
Even more importantly, unlike larger combustion engine motorcycles that usually require a trip to a dealership and a complicated ordering process, ordering an electric trail bike can be as simple as clicking ‘Buy Now’ on Amazon. A few days later, a cardboard box full of adrenaline and questionable decision-making shows up in your driveway. Cruising at 50 mph is just one click away.
Legal gray area leaving plenty of wiggle room
Electric trail bikes like those from Sur Ron, Talaria, and others exist in something of a legal gray area.
They certainly aren’t street legal in most areas, but they also usually aren’t required to be registered for off-road use, either. California is one of the few states that has made headway in issuing regulations regarding such motorbikes, but most states simply haven’t had time for their laws to catch up with the proliferation of affordable light electric motorbikes like these.
While these types of bikes are inherently designed for off-road riding, many young riders treat them more like street bikes for cruising the neighborhood. This is illegal just about everywhere in the US since these vehicles don’t meet electric bicycle requirements or DOT requirements for street vehicles. But the lack of familiarity of such laws among many local law enforcement departments means that many riders have gotten away with skirting the laws.
More police departments are starting to crack down on road use of such electric motorbikes, but we are still in the early days of these novel vehicles and many police officers are playing catchup.
Community and culture
The rise in popularity of Sur Ron-style electric bikes has led to the growth of a passionate community, both in local rider groups and online.
Riders connect through social media as well as group rides and events, sharing their experiences and tips. This sense of community is a significant draw for young riders who enjoy being part of a larger movement and culture that celebrates adventure and innovation, doing so on a shared platform like an electric trail bike.
The ease of modifications and customizations for these bikes, as well as the fairly sophisticated accessories aftermarket, also helps young riders customize their rides as a sense of self-expression. It’s something we’ve seen before in the electric bicycle community, especially among companies like SUPER73 that have developed significant rider culture and brand loyalty, but now the trend has pushed further into the trail bike community as well.
Not without backlash
While young riders have flocked to these powerful and lightweight electric motorbikes in large numbers, the number of detractors has also grown.
Their rise in popularity has not been without controversy. Critics of these bikes have raised concerns about their impact on trail environments, user safety, and the broader implications for outdoor recreation.
One of the primary points of contention is the potential environmental impact of these powerful electric bikes on trails traditionally used by hikers, mountain bikers, and other non-motorized activities. Ironically, while these zero-emission vehicles aren’t impacting pollution levels, they often result in physical damage to the local environment when used in inappropriate areas.
Many motocross tracks and dirt bike trails are specifically designed to handle the power and impact of high-torque motors combined with aggressive tires, but more delicate mountain bike trails are not. These trails are often narrower and built on softer terrain that blends into the local ecosystem, serving as a living playground that balances nature and recreation.
Riders of Sur Ron-style electric motorbikes have been increasingly encroaching upon mountain bike trails, often leading to conflicts. Critics argue that the powerful motors and increased speed capabilities of these bikes can result in more significant wear and tear on trails, contributing to erosion and damage to sensitive ecosystems.
Additionally, there is concern that these bikes might encourage off-trail riding, which can further disturb wildlife habitats and fragile plant life.
Another major source of backlash comes from conflicts between motorbike riders and other trail users. Traditional trail users such as hikers, equestrians, and mountain bikers often share these natural spaces, and the introduction of fast-moving electric motorbikes can create tension. There have been reports of near-misses as well as dangerous accidents, with critics arguing that the speed and quiet operation of these bikes can catch others by surprise, increasing the risk of collisions. This has led to calls for stricter regulations or even bans on electric bikes in certain areas to preserve the safety and enjoyment of all users.
Unfortunately, traditional electric mountain bikes are sometimes caught up in this storm, as other trail users often fail to differentiate between a more traditional 20 mph electric mountain bike and a 45 mph Talaria trail bike.
Finally, there is a growing concern about the behavior of some Sur Ron-style bike riders.
Critics argue that the thrill-seeking nature of many young riders can lead to irresponsible riding practices, such as excessive speeding, ignoring trail etiquette, and riding in prohibited areas – both on and off-road.
This has fueled a negative perception of electric trail bike riders in some communities, leading to increased scrutiny and stricter enforcement of existing rules.
The popularity of Sur Ron-style electric trail bikes among young riders in the US is no passing fad. These bikes offer an exciting blend of power, sustainability, and ease of use that resonates with the values and desires of today’s youth. But at the same time, the illegal road use and potential for trail damage when ridden in inappropriate locations raises serious and legitimate concerns among diverse groups ranging from neighborhood fist shakers to mountain biking communities.
As technology continues to advance, and as more riders discover the joys of electric biking, it’s likely that this trend will only grow stronger in the coming years. But the responsible use of such machines will also become more important if riders hope to continue to enjoy the same type of freedom to operate and ride.
There’s little doubt that the popularity of these bikes will continue to grow, and thus finding solutions that protect both the environment and the safety of all trail users will be essential.
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The Tesla Cybertruck is in crisis. The automaker is still sitting on a ton of old inventory, which it is now heavily discounting, and it is throttling down production to try to avoid building up the inventory again.
When launching the production version of the Cybertruck in late 2023, Tesla CEO Elon Musk claimed that the vehicle program would reach 250,000 units a year in 2025:
“I think we’ll end up with roughly a quarter million Cybertrucks a year, but I don’t think we’re going to reach that output rate next year. I think we’ll probably reach it sometime in 2025.”
We are now in 2025, and Tesla is expected to currently be selling the Cybertruck at a rate of about 25,000 units a year – a tenth of what Musk predicted.
Earlier this month, we reported that Tesla began the second quarter with 2,400 Cybertrucks in inventory, valued at over $200 million.
This is a real problem for Tesla as many of those Cybertrucks are older 2024 model year units not eligible for the federal tax credit, and even some ‘Foundation Series’, which Tesla stopped building in October 2024 – meaning that Tesla is sitting on some 6-month-old trucks in some cases.
Tesla is now offering deeper discounts on the new inventory of Cybertrucks. The discounts can go as high as $10,000, but the average one is closer to $8,000, which is more than the tax credit:
Despite Tesla’s efforts, the automaker has only reduced its Cybertruck inventory by about 100 units since the beginning of the month.
Tesla is now further throttling down production of the Cybertruck at Gigafactory Texas, according to a new report from Business Insider.
According to two Tesla workers speaking with BI, the automaker has reduced its Cybertruck production teams and now operates at a fraction of its original capacity. It also moved some Cybertruck production workers to Model Y production at the plant.
One of the workers said:
“It feels a lot like they’re filtering people out. The parking lot keeps getting emptier.”
As we previously reported, Tesla has been operating all its factories at approximately 60% capacity to avoid building up excessive inventory amid lower demand.
When it comes to the Cybertruck program, it sounds like Tesla is lowering production even further.
Last week, Tesla launched a new version of the Cybertruck in an attempt to boost demand, but it has been poorly received due to the automaker’s removal of many essential features.
Electrek’s Take
There are a lot of other automakers that would have already given up on the Cybertruck ith these results, but not Tesla. Musk is not one to admit defeat easily.
However, Tesla is running out of options.
The new Cybertruck RWD was a desperate attempt, and I doubt it will work. Now, it sounds like Tesla is further throttling down production – virtually confirming that the new trim didn’t help.
The next step would be a complete production pause.
Again, I don’t think Musk wants to admit defeat, but at some point, it’s inevitable.
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LiveWire, the electric motorcycle brand spun out of Harley-Davidson, has officially launched a new line of electric motorcycles tailored for law enforcement and security use. The move marks another example of electric two-wheelers expanding beyond consumer markets and into professional and government fleets.
The company’s new LiveWire fleet program debuted with its electric motorcycle models adapted to include law enforcement-specific features like sirens, emergency lighting, and reinforced mounting points for gear. They are designed for urban patrol duties, security, and events where agility and low operational noise are critical.
As LiveWire explains, the electric drivetrain offers several advantages over traditional gas-powered police motorcycles, including lower maintenance needs, reduced operational costs, and near-silent operation. Those can be strategic advantages for many law enforcement departments. Instant torque and quick acceleration also give officers a performance edge in dense urban environments.
Additionally, the lack of a clutch and the ability to operate the motorcycle entirely with just the right hand and right foot, as opposed to a traditional motorcycle requiring the use of both hands and both feet, make the bikes ideal for reducing rider fatigue during long shifts and for low-speed operation like motorcade duty.
Departments will be able to configure bikes with a range of custom options through LiveWire’s fleet division. The fleet program highlights benefits such as regenerative braking for improved efficiency, customizable ride modes, and short recharging times allowing officers to quickly recharge during shifts if needed.
The initiative comes at a time when interest in electric police vehicles is rising. Several major cities have already begun integrating electric vehicles including e-bikes into their fleets to reduce emissions and lower fuel costs. LiveWire’s dedicated police motorcycles could help fill a niche where traditional gas-powered motorcycles are too noisy, high-maintenance, or costly for modern policing needs. That’s exaclty what we’ve seen in the past when the original Harley-Davidson LiveWire electric motorcycle was already drafted into police department use years ago.
For now, LiveWire’s police models are targeting agencies across North America, but given the growing global demand for greener fleets, it’s likely we’ll see broader adoption if the program proves successful.
Electric motorcycles have also proven popular among police departments and security forces both in the US and around the world.
As electric vehicle technology continues to improve and charging infrastructure expands, it’s all but inevitable that more police and security fleets will gradually transition to electric models.
The combination of lower operating costs, easier maintenance, and environmental benefits makes electrification an increasingly practical and attractive option for public safety agencies.
Current battery technology, which generally provides around 100 miles (160 km) of range, positions these electric motorcycles ideally for urban law enforcement roles. This urban setting is precisely where their strengths become most apparent. Quiet operation, zero emissions, and significantly reduced maintenance costs make electric police motorcycles particularly beneficial for high-mileage city fleets.
via: Officer.com
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Environment
Archer unveils eVTOL air taxi network with United to connect passengers to all major NYC airports
Imagine landing at JFK or LaGuardia after a fun but taxing vacation, and instead of hailing a two-hour cab ride or asking your brother-in-law to come and get you, you take to the skies in an eVTOL. You’re back on the ground in 15 minutes for a short trip back home to bed. What a time to be alive. eVTOL developer Archer Aviation is making this dream a reality alongside its business partner, United Airlines, offering travelers to NYC a new map of air taxi routes to travel to and from NYC airports.
As you may or may not already know, Archer Aviation ($ACHR) is a Santa Clara, California-based aviation developer specializing in designing and developing electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, particularly for use in urban air mobility (UAM) networks such as air taxi services.
Archer remains one of the more exciting eVTOL developers we follow and stays relevant on our news beat with steady announcements of new partnerships with companies worldwide to develop and implement networks of sustainable air travel using its flagship Midnight eVTOL aircraft.
One of Archer’s long-standing partners has been Stellantis, which signed an agreement to become the exclusive manufacturer of Archer’s eVTOL technology at a new facility in the US, specifically Covington, Georgia. Last summer, Archer announced that a new US facility had completed construction, and Midnight eVTOL production was scheduled to begin in early 2025.
In addition to Stellantis, plenty of other big names have invested in Archer and/or signed agreements with the eVTOL specialist, including Boeing and ARK Invest. Aviation companies like Southwest and Soracle in Japan have signed ventures to establish eVTOL air taxi networks in major metropolitan areas like Tokyo, Los Angeles, and Chicago – the latter of which comes via a landmark agreement with Signature Airlines signed in June 2024.
Another partner is United Airlines, which is working alongside Archer to establish a new eVTOL air taxi network around the NYC metropolitan area, connecting Manhattan to several nearby airports. You can see the NYC air taxi route map below:
Archer unveils eVTOL air taxi routes coming to NYC
Archer Aviation unveiled the initial route map for air taxi operations in NYC this morning alongside details of its ongoing partnership with United Airlines. The pending air taxi network includes vertiports at JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark Airports around NYC and a presence at regional airports and three helipads in the city itself.
Per Archer, the goal is to provide travelers with a new, safe, and sustainable method of transportation in which they can visit a nearby heliport and fly 5 to 15 minutes in a Midnight eVTOL to their destination as opposed to potentially sitting in hours of NYC traffic. Archer founder and CEO Adam Goldstein elaborated:
The New York region is home to three of the world’s preeminent airports, serving upwards of 150 million passengers annually. But the drive from Manhattan to any of these airports can be painful, taking one, sometimes two hours. We want to change that by giving residents and visitors the option to complete trips in mere minutes. With its existing helicopter infrastructure, regulatory support and strong demand, I believe New York could be one of the first markets for air taxis in the United States.
Thanks to its partnership with United, Archer said its future passengers can book air taxi flights in NYC as an “add-on” to their existing itinerary. As an example, the eVTOL developer said a customer would be able to take a Midnight eVTOL, which is designed to transport four passengers plus a pilot, from a vertiport downtown to the Newark Airport in less than ten minutes, then go through security and board their commercial flight as normal, saving tons of time along the way.
As a long-term investor and customer in Archer’s eVTOL technology, United Airlines intends to work alongside its partner to help make these air taxi routes around NYC a reality. Andrew Chang, Head of United Airlines Ventures, also spoke:
At United, our focus is on driving innovation, reimagining the future of air travel and enhancing the customer experience every step of the journey. Our strategic collaboration with Archer will be key to our efforts to build and optimize the infrastructure – such as real estate development, air space management, and safety and security protocols – necessary to bring advanced air mobility to our customers.
Here is the full list of planned vertiports for air taxi travel around the NYC metropolitan area:
- Major Airports: John F. Kennedy International Airport, LaGuardia Airport, Newark Airport
- NYC Helipads: East 34th Street Heliport, Downtown Skyport, West 30th Street Heliport
- Regional Airports: Westchester County Airport, Teterboro Airport, Republic Airport
The NYC network is a part of Archer’s more extensive plans to establish eVTOL air taxi travel across populated and traffic-dense areas in the US, including additional networks in San Francisco and Los Angeles. Archer shared it is currently working through the final stages of FAA approval to get those routes up and running.
A representative for the company shared the following update when asked when we might see Archer air taxi operations in the New York City area:
We’re taking a step by step approach for any new market we’re launching in, starting with a few aircraft on a few routes. We’ll ramp commercial operations upon receiving Type Certification from the FAA. We’re in the final stages of FAA type certification for Midnight, and once complete, we’ll be ready to begin commercial operations. We will start slowly, with a “crawl, walk, run” approach with Midnight’s roll-out. In the U.S., we’ve identified New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco as our initial markets.
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