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Zero Motorcycles’ new XE turns a compact electric dirt bike into a compelling argument for quiet, accessible off-road riding. I spent a day on the 2026 XE at Desert Rose Riding Academy in East Sussex and came away surprised by how much an electric package can change the feel of trail riding.
Zero at 20: a quick context
Zero celebrated its 20th year in 2026, a notable milestone for a company launched in 2006 by former NASA engineer Neal Saiki. While many electric bike startups have faded, Zero has expanded its lineup to include serious street and off-road machines.
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Last year the firm introduced the X line, which includes the 20.7 bhp XE and the smaller XB. The XE is street-legal in the UK and Europe but sold as an off-road model in the United States. That legal status aside, its 53 mph top speed makes it much more at home off the pavement.
On the trail: first impressions
My test began with a short guided loop through the trees. On the second lap I went the wrong way and ended up exploring most of Desert Rose’s roughly 80-acre site. The XE’s light weight and simple controls make it easy to push into terrain I’d normally avoid.
At 101 kg and a narrow profile thanks to the lack of a bulky engine, the bike feels surprisingly manageable. The seat is firm and the riding position mirrors a mountain bike more than a conventional motocrosser, but the high seat height (900 mm) and massive ground clearance (390 mm) mean it clears obstacles with ease.
Powertrain: instant force, respect the throttle
The XE delivers a startling amount of torque at the rear wheel — Zero quotes 468 lb‑ft. That surge is available immediately, which makes low-speed climbing and tight maneuvers effortless but also requires careful throttle control.
I learned that the hard way. Trying to induce a rear-wheel slide for a photographer led to a sloppy grab of the bars and an unintended full‑throttle lurch that ended with a tree and a quick tumble. Neither I nor the bike were seriously hurt, but the episode underlined that the XE’s delivery demands respect.
The bike offers three ride modes — ECO, Standard and Sport — and adjustable regenerative braking. ECO is intended to soften response, though I spent most of the day in Standard and didn’t experiment further.
Range and the removable battery
Zero lists a range of 65 miles for the XE, a figure derived from riding at a constant 31 mph and therefore of limited relevance for technical off‑road use. In practice it’s more useful to think in time rather than distance.
On a roughly two‑hour session across twisty, hilly terrain I finished with about 67 percent state of charge remaining, which suggests several hours of riding per battery on mixed trails. The bike’s 4.3 kWh pack is removable, allowing owners to carry a spare cell if needed — an important convenience for riders who transport bikes to remote trailheads or who lack garage power. A replacement battery is listed at £2,309.
Chassis, suspension and brakes
The XE runs CST knobbly tyres — 21‑inch front and 18‑inch rear on spoked wheels — and a forged aluminium frame and swingarm that help keep mass down. Fully adjustable suspension soaked up roots, ruts and small jumps well during my ride, and the large ground clearance reduces the chance of bottoming out on trickier lines.
Braking is handled by dual‑piston calipers with a 240 mm rotor up front and a 220 mm rotor at the rear. The front setup is tuned to avoid easy lock‑up; I didn’t push it to the limit, but the system felt confidence‑inspiring for typical trail work.
Technology and handy features
Despite its stripped-back appearance the XE packs several modern aids: selectable traction control, adjustable regen, hill‑hold and a tip‑over sensor that cuts the throttle if the bike falls. There’s even a reverse function that lets you back out of tight spots at walking speed — a thoughtful touch for exploring narrow lines.
Instrumentation is a small 2.4‑inch TFT panel mounted on the left grip that shows speed, charge, mileage and ride mode. It’s clear and simple, though the placement isn’t ideal for quick glances while moving.
Why it matters
The XE makes a persuasive case that electric power can expand the appeal of off‑road riding. Its quietness reduces conflict with other users and wildlife, and the instant torque removes many of the mechanical demands that intimidate less experienced riders. For someone seeking simplified ownership — fewer routine engine services and less fiddly maintenance — it offers practical advantages as well.
Verdict
Riding the Zero XE felt like the most fun I’ve had off-road in years. Its combination of light weight, very high rear‑wheel torque and approachable geometry encourages confidence and experimentation. It’s not designed for long stretches of public road, but once the pavement ends the XE delivers pure, grin‑inducing riding.
If you have the listed price of £5,590 and want an electric machine that opens new trail possibilities, the XE is worth a close look.
Gear worn in photos
- Helmet: HJC RPHA 60
- Jacket & trousers: Spada Vanguard
- Gloves: Richa Atlantic GTX
- Boots: Sidi Taurus GTX
2026 Zero XE specs
| Price | £5,590 |
| Power | 20.7 bhp |
| Torque | 468 lb‑ft (rear wheel) |
| Top speed | 53 mph |
| Battery | 4.3 kWh (removable) |
| Charging time | 5 hours |
| Range | 65 miles (measured at a constant 31 mph) |
| Seat height | 900 mm |
| Ground clearance | 390 mm |
| Weight | 101 kg |
| Front wheel | 21 inches |
| Rear wheel | 18 inches |
| Front brake | 240 mm rotor, dual‑piston caliper |
| Rear brake | 220 mm rotor, dual‑piston caliper |
| Front suspension | 210 mm fork travel, fully adjustable |
| Rear suspension | 85 mm shock travel, fully adjustable |
