Zero Takes Test Rides Off The Road And Into The Dirt

Zero X Line

Electric dirt bikes attract plenty of interest, but most riders won't buy one without trying it first.

The problem is that getting a proper off-road test ride isn't always easy, especially if you're new to riding and curious about going electric. That's what Zero is hoping to fix with its new X Line Experience.

Seat Time In The Dirt

Zero X Line

The X Line Experience is Zero's series of test ride events running across Northern Europe, focused on its XB and XE electric off-road models. Instead of the usual dealer demo route, riders get to throw a leg over the bikes at dedicated off-road venues and see what they can do in the dirt.

It makes sense because these bikes are built for loose surfaces, ruts and trails, not a quick spin around the local car park. A short road ride can only tell you so much.

Zero X Line at Biltwell

California-based Lightfighter has taken a similar approach with its V3-RH, giving riders the chance to properly stretch its legs on a racetrack. Different bike, same idea: let riders experience the machine where it's supposed to be ridden.

Plenty of riders are curious about electric dirt bikes. But getting a ride on one is often the hard part. Buying a bike, finding somewhere legal to ride and spending thousands of pounds just to find out whether you actually like it is a big ask. The X Line Experience lets riders get some real seat time before reaching for their wallets.

Where to Book

• Dolgellau, United Kingdom - With Moto Junkies

• Robertsbridge, United Kingdom - With The Desert Rose eBike Xperience

• Spaarnwoude, Netherlands - With BikeXperience

• Eethen, Netherlands - With Elektrisch Motorrijden

• Nijlen, Belgium - With Melis Motor Center

• Saint-Chéron, France - With GDC Mobility

Read more about the X-Line bikes in our close-up, here.

The BCB Take

Zero X Line

This feels like a better approach than the traditional demo day. If you're selling a dirt bike, let people ride in the dirt. It sounds obvious, but most manufacturers still rely on short road rides that don't always show what a bike is good at.

More importantly, it gives riders a chance to find out whether electric off-road riding is for them without spending thousands of pounds on a bike first.

Ride safe, folks.

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