This Could Be the Telsa Model 3 of Dirt Bikes

A new Oregon-based startup Dust Moto’s first bike, the Model_1, leverages electrification to create a dirt bike that’s fun and approachable to a new class of riders.

Dust Moto Model 1 Electric Dirt bike sitting on stand on dusty roadDust Moto

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Electric dirt bikes have been one of the motorcycle industry’s most exciting stories over the last several years, in part because the technological shift just makes so much damn sense for the category. 

Electric dirt bikes are far quieter and won’t choke you with intense exhaust fumes compared to their gas-powered counterparts. They’re also easier to ride because they don’t have a transmission and are plenty fun due to the near-instantaneous torque that makes electric vehicles, in general, so thrilling to drive.ย ย 

As usual with innovative product categories, startups likeย Zeroย andย Cakeย have helped blaze a trail that traditional bike makers are just starting to follow.ย 

Bend, Oregon-basedย Dust Moto is a new startup entering the market that clearly understands the opportunity this transition presents for expanding the dirt bike market to a broader potential consumer base whose never considered owning any dirt bike before, let a lone an electric version. ย 

The brand’s inaugural offering, theย Model_1, doesn’t aim to compete against other flagship models as Tim Huber at HiConsumption notes. Instead, it’s scaled to 90% of the standover and 95% wheelbase size of full-sized bikes and features an automatic twist throttle. Its targeted weight is also right at 200 lbs. In Dust’s own words, the goal is to build “the ultimate play bike” that’s “built for the backyard tracks, freeride zones, and single track.”

Electric Cycle Rider had the opportunity to see Dust’s Alpha build on the Model_1 in action.

Despite its more manageable sizing and intuitive controls, the bike’s 26-KW mid-mounted engine will still offer plenty of go, delivering 35hp of peak power and ~368 lb ft. of torque. It’s also powered by a 3.5kWh battery capable of providing between one to two hours of power, depending on how hard you push it. However, it’s easily swappable for extended driving sessions. And Dust is committed to building the bike in the U.S. 

The catch? The bike is currently only sold as part of a unique crowdfunding campaign called The First 100. As the name suggests, orders for the first 100 bikes are available for pre-order via a reservation system. Those who sign up must put $500 down upfront and agree to 15 additional interest-free payments of $500, plus a final payment of $1800 that covers shipping of the bike to the U.S. and Canada. 

As an incentive to sign up and support the brand earlier, the $9300 bike cost is 15% off the Model_1’s expected $10950 MSRP. Backers will also be provided with “exclusive access to the development program along the way – meetings, live updates and demos” according to Dust. They can also cancel anytime for a full refund minus the $500 deposit. 

Like all crowdfunding initiatives, there’s a chance this product dream will never come to fruition, but the company’s early progress seems very promising. We’ll be watching this project closely to see what happens next. 

Dust Moto

Dust Moto Model_1 Electric Dirt Bike

Specs

Battery Size 3.5kWh
Power 35hp
Top Speed 60+ mph
Weight 91 kg