Zero Drops Dirt-Ready XE and XB with Sub-$5K Entry Point
- Paul Roberts
- Aug 5
- 3 min read
Zero Motorcycles has officially announced the pricing for its long-anticipated electric dirt bikes—the 2025 Zero XE and XB—and it’s clear the California-based brand is serious about carving out a place in the off-road segment.
These two models mark a deliberate expansion beyond Zero’s road-focused line-up, aimed squarely at riders who want trail-capable performance without petrol, noise, or oil changes. With competition heating up from brands like Stark Future, Sur-Ron, and even Yamaha’s hybrid off-road concept, Zero’s entry into the dirt world is late—but potentially game-changing.
A Quick Look at Zero Motorcycles
Founded in 2006 in Scotts Valley, California, Zero Motorcycles has spent nearly two decades refining its proprietary electric powertrain and chassis tech. Known for producing some of the most refined electric road bikes on the market (like the SR/F and DSR/X), the company’s DNA blends performance, innovation, and plug-and-play practicality. What sets Zero apart is its in-house development of both motor and battery systems. With the XE and XB, Zero is now bringing that expertise to the dirt.
What Are the XE and XB?
The Zero XE is a full-size electric enduro, designed for riders who want serious off-road capability and high-performance suspension. Think trail riders, off-road adventurers, and weekend enduro competitors.
The Zero XB is its smaller, more accessible sibling—slightly more compact, lighter, and aimed at newer riders, younger off-roaders, or those who prefer a more manageable ride. Both bikes are built on a new off-road platform, and while they clearly share some of the Zero DNA (Z-Force battery, proprietary motor, and Cypher-based firmware), they’re not road-legal—at least not in their current trim.
Prices and Availability
Here’s what Zero has confirmed:
Zero XE – £5,590 / €6,490 / $6,495 USD / ₹5.4 lakh INR (estimated)
Zero XB – £3,890 / €4,490 / $4,395 USD / ₹3.5 lakh INR (estimated)
Zero says both models have begun deliveries in the U.S. and Europe, with the UK already receiving stock. Availability in Australia and India has not yet been officially confirmed, though Zero has indicated broader rollout plans are in motion for 2026.
Key Specs
2025 Zero XE – Full-Spec Off-Roader
Motor: Air-cooled brushless motor
Peak Power: 21 hp (15.7 kW)
Torque: 635 Nm (468 lb-ft)
Battery: Z-Force 4.3 kWh, swappable
Range: Up to 100 km (65 miles) at 50 km/h (31 mph)
Suspension: Long-travel fork and piggyback shock (specs not confirmed)
Brakes: Front and rear disc
Weight: 101 kg (223 lb)
Drive: Chain
Ride Modes: Multiple modes, adjustable via display
2025 Zero XB – Lightweight Trail Bike
Motor: Air-cooled brushless motor
Peak Power: 10 hp (7.3 kW)
Torque: 373 Nm (275 lb-ft)
Battery: Z-Force 2.4 kWh
Range: Up to 75 km (47 miles) at 50 km/h (31 mph)
Suspension: Trail-spec fork and shock
Brakes: Disc brakes
Weight: 63 kg (139 lb)
Drive: Chain
Ride Modes: 3 configurable modes, adjustable via display
New Partnerships
Zero’s new XE and XB models were developed under a strategic partnership with Zongshen, one of China’s largest motorcycle manufacturers. Both models were built in China, leveraging their manufacturing infrastructure and off-road bike design experience.
This collaboration allowed Zero to bring the XE and XB to market more efficiently, tapping into Zongshen’s production capabilities while retaining Zero’s design, systems integration, and global support. The resulting machines offer 125cc-equivalent performance, full street legality in many parts of Europe.
What This Means for the Market
Zero’s move into the dirt segment is as much about competition as it is about brand evolution. With the Stark VARG setting a high bar on the performance end and brands like Talaria and Sur-Ron dominating the lightweight segment, Zero’s positioning seems to target the middle—performance-focused but not race-only.
It’s also a big win for riders who already trust Zero's reliability and support network but want to take that experience off-road.
Pricing is especially aggressive—particularly the XB, which lands well below the psychological $5K mark in most markets. The XE, meanwhile, delivers solid mid-level performance at a fraction of the cost of a high-end electric enduro.
Final Thoughts
Zero isn’t reinventing off-road riding—and they don’t need to. The dirt segment is already the fastest-growing part of the electric motorcycle market, driven by riders who are experimental, speed-hungry, and unafraid of new tech. With the XE and XB, Zero is entering a space that's already hot, bringing the build quality and system integration they’ve honed on the street. Whether these bikes live up to the expectations of hard-charging trail riders remains to be seen—but the specs and pricing suggest Zero’s serious about finding out.
If you’re already riding electric on the road, and the dirt’s been calling, the XE and XB might be the answer.
Ride safe, folks.
