The most interesting and rational Zero?
Zero Motorcycles is the oldest electric motorcycle manufacturer in history. As its 20th anniversary approaches, the Santa Cruz based company has entered the hot market of the electric off-road motorcycle market for the first time since NASA engineer and Zero founder Neal Saiki manufactured the prototype of the Electricross Drift in 2006. The X series is the first model released under the Zero “All Access” program, offering new models in different niche markets at prices below $10000.
Zero’s brand new XB and XE electric off-road motorcycle series compete in a professional field. XB and XE are not yet fully equipped to compete with models such as Stark Varg, so they are in the same field as popular Surron, Talaria, and Rawrr small electric off-road vehicle brands. This is a category that has experienced significant growth in the past five years.
XE and XB devices
Zero positions the 2026 XB as the entry-level model of the X series, equipped with smaller batteries, lower power, shorter seat height, and a lower price of $4395 (as of November 30, 2025). The XE is the flagship model, equipped with a larger battery, stronger power and torque, longer suspension travel, larger wheels, higher seat height, and of course, a higher price of $6495 (until November 30, 2025). After November 30, 2025, the XB will be priced at $5095 (including $700 import fee), and the XE will be priced at $7395 (including $900 import fee).
XB
XB uses a detachable 2.4kWh lithium battery with a voltage of 74V and a current of 32Ah to drive a permanent magnet motor. Zero claims that the XB powertrain can output 10 horsepower and 274 pound feet of torque. Torque, claimed to have a range of 40 miles and a speed of 31 miles per hour. The charging time for Zero XB is 3 hours. 800W， 1.9 hours. 1200 watt hours, 1500 watts in 1.6 hours. The maximum speed is 47 miles per hour.
Like most high-quality motorcycles in this class, XB features a forged aluminum alloy frame and rocker arm. Its 32.7-inch seat height and official claimed curb weight of 139 pounds are considered controllable for most riders. As a reference, the seat height of Kawasaki KLX140R L is 31.5 inches and the weight is 209 pounds.
XB is equipped with front and rear 19 inch wheels, dual piston hydraulic brake system, and fully adjustable KKE suspension, with a front suspension stroke of 7.7 inches and a rear suspension stroke of 6.9 inches.
xenon
The flagship XE features a detachable 4.3kWh battery, 74V, and 58Ah, driving a permanent magnet motor with a claimed maximum power of 20.1 horsepower and torque of 468 pound feet. Torque. Zero claims that the XE has a range of 65 miles and a speed of 31 miles per hour. Zero claims that the XE has a charging time of 5.5 hours. 800W， 3.25 hours. 1200W， 2.5 hours. 1500W. The top speed is 53 miles per hour, the seat height is 35.4 inches, the wheelbase is 53.3 inches, and the curb weight is 223 pounds.
Like its sibling models, the XE features a forged aluminum alloy frame and rocker arms. The wheel size of XE is the same as that of full-size off-road motorcycles, with a front diameter of 21 inches and a rear diameter of 18 inches. The suspension travel of the XE model has been increased. The front fork stroke is 8.5 inches, and the shock absorber stroke is 9.8 inches. And like XB, the suspension components are also fully adjustable.
The two cars share a 2.4-inch TFT display screen and electronic system, including three riding modes (Eco, Standard, Sport), switchable traction control, hill hold, and rollover sensors.
How is the riding experience of Zero XB and XE?
Our day started with XB and we rode in an open area of the Austin, Texas motorcycle adventure track, which was filled with training obstacles. Crossing the XB model, you will immediately feel the easy to handle seat height, slim body, and compact proportions of this car. Most riders will appreciate XB’s affordable size and the convenience of its electric power system. Simply put, turn around and walk away. All works are within reach; Both XB and XE have no foot pedal control at all.
At low speeds, the initial response of XB is sensitive in all three modes, but when you step on the accelerator and gain power (or skid the rear wheels based on your aggressiveness), the “power range” becomes linear and easy to control. The twist grip feedback is excellent, and the subtle and precise input can be accurately transmitted through the power system. Whether you’re taking a turn, climbing a slope, or maintaining a balanced head, the throttle is connected to the rider’s will.
The low torque of the standard mode is sufficient to light up the rear wheels at low speeds. The sport mode is stronger, and if you press the accelerator hard a few times during a dead stop, it may cause you to overturn. Once the power exceeds the mid-range, XB loses its strong impact and maintains stable pulling force until reaching a top speed of 47 miles per hour.
The energy-saving mode is much milder, but the low-speed torque is still strong. After activating traction control, XB is very suitable for beginners. But if the motorcycle loses control and experiences a whiskey style throttle, it can quickly reach its maximum speed. An application that allows riders to connect their smartphones to customize power maps and limit maximum speed would be an excellent addition to the XB and XE.
XB is very easy to make. Its slender body makes it almost as agile as a mountain bike, and it turns quickly. However, due to the small diameter of the wheels, the XB lacks straight-line stability when driving at high speeds on bumpy terrain. When crossing rough roads at high speeds, motorcycles become shaky and dance on the paths.
When jumping to land on flat ground, the front fork or shock absorber never touches the bottom; The suspension structure is sturdy and provides bottom resistance. In rugged terrain, KKE components are uncomfortable and have limited control at high speeds – the original suspension is prone to overload and jamming due to vibration, reducing damping control and travel. We have tried the clicker, but found that regardless of the settings, hanging on a smooth surface has the best effect. Except for sharp bumps and performance issues, other road sections are not weak and have sufficient obstacles, making them suitable for challenging test drives. The front fork does not sink too much when braking, and the shock absorber does not sink too much when accelerating.
We can ride XB and XE equipped with Sirius secondary suspension and find that a more sturdy front fork can provide better suspension action and control. Zero is working hard to provide Sirius forks as accessories. At present, it is only supplied as a modified component.
Sharp braking components allow the rider to lock the wheels, achieving sliding and nose stopping. The front and rear dual piston calipers provide ample power and feedback. XB is equipped with 220mm and 201mm rear brake discs, but as these are off-road motorcycles, there is no anti lock braking system.
XE provides a similar experience to XB, but with a larger and more powerful size. The power is significantly stronger at low speeds, with a top speed of up to 51 miles per hour. Like XB, the low-end torque in the power range is relatively high, but as the throttle increases, the power range becomes linear and easy to control.
There will be significant differences when switching power modes on XE, just like XB. Sport mode is best suited for fast and smooth off-road driving, allowing riders to fully utilize the weight of 468 pound feet. Torque. On a single lane, the sport mode is too aggressive and difficult to control, with front wheels losing weight or rear wheels slipping, or both, which can make the chassis unstable. The standard mode is most interesting in narrow terrain. It provides sufficient torque to loosen the tires or lift the front wheels, while providing strong acceleration, and is easy to manage and measure. The energy-saving mode provides the softest acceleration and slowest acceleration, which is very useful for riders with less experience or low grip.
The riding experience of XB and XE is similar, except for volume, power, and weight. Like its compact sibling, the XE turns quickly, feels relaxed between its legs, and although the suspension is hard, it is not perfect. On rugged rocky terrain, the suspension control is limited, and the faster the speed, the more unstable and unpredictable the motorcycle becomes. But when the terrain is flat or the speed decreases, XE is flexible and stable. Rushing into the bend, slammed on the rear brake, kicked out your foot, and then placed the car sideways. XE performed very well on flat tracks.
The larger suspension travel, higher seats, larger wheels, and longer wheelbase make the size of the XE close to that of a full-size off-road motorcycle. Ergonomic design is significantly larger than XB, providing more comfort and control for full-size riders. The seat is long and flat, allowing you to sit straight and place your weight on the handlebars.
Why do we buy zero XB or XE
The all-new XB and XE are two extremely fun motorcycles that are an excellent addition to the Zero all electric vehicle series. For experienced off-road vehicles, these bicycles cannot replace your 450. But they will become another way to enjoy off-road motorcycle riding. Both beginners and beginners will appreciate the rotating and walking motion of XB and XE, which simplifies the riding experience and lowers the threshold for off-road cycling. Zero’s XB and XE are less intimidating than traditional off-road motorcycles, but their performance and capabilities are outstanding in the emerging field of small electric off-road.
