We rolled to a stop at the T-intersection with our blinkers on. My riding partner, Dylan Drown, the mastermind behind the dual-terrain electric Terra Prime motorcycles we were riding, turned to me and indicated that I should switch to mode 3 before we turned onto the country frontage road.

　　Careful, though. Its going to be a lot faster, he warned before silently zapping away on his Terra Prime. I flicked the switch on my right handlebar to 3. I checked that the coast was clear. Then, I twisted the throttle.

　　The familiar G force of electric vehicle acceleration gripped me as the bike rocketed forward. I crouched over the handlebars, watching the mph climb: 20, 30, 45, 55 — and higher. The bike handled smoothly as we cruised, winding past turkey farms, guest cabins, and small clusters of mountain homes.

　　If it hadnt been for the lack of noise and rumble, Id have lost track of the fact I was riding an e-moto. It certainly didnt look like one.

　　(Photo/Dylan Brown) Eventually, we turned, and I followed Brown up a steep BLM four-wheel-drive dirt road. Switching back into mode 2, I started scrambling the loose, rocky, muddy, snowy-in-places double-track trail behind him — like a mountain goat. We charged up the variable, sometimes technical terrain.

　　If I had thought that I wanted one of these sexy electric motorcycles before, I was infatuated after that.

　　In short: With a max speed of 65 mph and a max range of over 70 miles per charge, this e-moto is both a capable commuter and recreational vehicle. What it lacks in the power you might get from a traditional motorcycle or dirt bike, it makes up for with its impressive zero-emissions range, respectable top speed, and classic aesthetics.

　　Terra Bikes Terra Prime 2.0 Check Price at Terra Bikes

　　(Photo/Terra Bikes) Specifications Frame: Single-pivot chromoly steel Net weight: 155-190 lbs. (depending on battery size) Top speed: 50-60 mph (depending on rider weight) Battery box: 5052 aluminum, 1/8″ Faux tank: 5052 aluminum, 1/16” Front fork: DNM USD-8 200mm w/ 20mm through axle Rear shock: DNM MK-AR w/ 1,000 lbs. spring Rear suspension travel: 165mm Wheels: Warp9 19x1.65 w/ custom Warp9 hubs Tires: Duro 3.0” HF307 Brakes: Magura MT5e Brake rotors: Warp9 220mm floating discs Kickstand: Pletscher Comp 40 Flex Wheelbase: 58″ Min. ground clearance: 11″ Standover height: 32” Motor type: PMSM Motor mounting position: Mid Motor weight: 11kg Drivetrain gear ratio: 1:4.14 Drivetrain transmission: 420 drive chain Battery size: 72V32AH (base); 72V50AH (med); 72V70AH (large) Battery dimensions: 340mm X 210mm X 150mm Battery charger: 11A, 110V A/C Horn: DOT-approved standard Headlights: LED 21W projector Front indicators: Bullet-style LED Rear indicators: Bullet-style LED Brake lights: LED round Speedometer: 7” LCD w/ Odo Battery charge level: Integrated 7” LCD Pros High top speed range on electric charge DOT-approved components for legal road riding Capable of off-road riding scrambling Sleek classic motorbike aesthetic, with 3 colors Cons No attachment points for panniers or cargo racks (yet) Will Brendza Terra Bikes Terra Prime First Look Review Terra Bikes, out of Western Colorado, started producing its first full-scale electric motorcycle, the Terra Prime ($5,995-7,995), in December 2024. It has a long-travel suspension and purpose-built wheels for off-road travel. Its also VIN-assigned and comes with DOT-approved components for legal road riding.

　　I covered Terra Bikes for GearJunkie back in 2023. When Brown and I spoke for that piece, wed talked about an eventual demo day where I could ride one of his bikes. In the span since, wed coincidentally both moved within 15 minutes of each other. So when he hit me up to let me know he was getting ready to launch version 2.0, Terra Bikes first full production model, it was a no-brainer to get together and go ride.

　　We met in New Castle and saddled up in his driveway. He set me up on one of the pre-production models, an eye-catching yellow-tanked e-moto. We set off for the spider-webbing network of BLM trails west of town.

　　Having interviewed Brown and written about his bikes before, I generally understood what I was getting into. Brown grew up with a motorcycle dad and rode bikes from a young age. He liked the idea of e-motos, but couldnt get over how slow and unattractive most of them were.

　　Dylan Brown surrounded by his creations; (photo/Dylan Brown) So he decided to build his own. This year, Terra Bikes launches its first full-scale production bike, the Terra Prime. Its currently only available for preorder, with units scheduled for delivery in March.

　　The Terra Prime Indiegogo campaign will launch toward the end of February. Customers who want one can put a $20 VIP deposit down now and get $2,796 off the MSRP.

　　Construction Price The first 13 Terra Bikes were built here in the U.S. in Browns garage. The price tag on the original Terra Prime was $12,000 (and he still still sold 10 of those).

　　Since securing an overseas manufacturer, the cost of the Terra Prime has come down significantly — without the need to skimp on components, materials, or other construction elements. The basic package will have an MSRP of $5,995. The extended-range Terra Prime retails for $7,995.

　　No matter how you slice it, thats still expensive. You can buy a brand-newYamaha XT2250 for $5,500. The Terra Prime might be a tough sell for folks who ride traditional dirt bikes, but electric motorcycles present a more approachable option for those seeking a zero-emissions vehicle.

　　(Photo/Dylan Brown) Steel, Not Plastic Plastic is cheaper and lighter to build with, but Terra Bikes uses a chromoly frame and an aluminum battery housing. That decision was made in part for aesthetics but largely for function, Brown told me. This bike is rugged. You dont have to baby it.

　　Wheels Suspension Terra Bikes use a custom wheel that Brown designed from the hub up. Theyre made with billet aluminum and have enduro, multi-sport tires.

　　The suspension on the Terra Prime is also built for business. The front fork uses DNM USD-8 lightweight moto shocks with 200mm (8 inches) of travel. The rear is a DNM MK-AR with a 1,000-pound spring that offers 165mm (6.5 inches) of travel.

　　That suspension isnt quite as juiced up as, say, a real dirt bike with 300mm of travel. But its significantly more than whats offered on other off-road e-motos like UBCO.

　　(Photo/Dylan Brown) Street-Legal Terra mindfully included a number of DOT-required components to make the Prime street legal. The Prime has front and rear turn indicators, an LED 21W projector headlight, an easily readable 7-inch LED screen speedometer, and a standard DOT-approved horn. It also comes VIN-assigned.

　　All you have to do when you get your Terra Prime is register it, and youre ready to rip. Just make sure you have a motorcycle license if you plan on riding over 28 mph.

　　Battery, Top Speed, and Range Dont let the faux gas tank on top of the Terra Prime fool you (thats a glove box). This bike uses a 72V lithium battery pack with a peak output of 16kW. Its powerful enough to achieve a top speed of 65 mph and a range of about 70 miles per charge on pavement; off-road, the range decreases to about 40 miles.

　　Brown told me that for around-town use, he only charges his once every 2 weeks or so, and charging takes about 6 hours.

　　(Photo/Dylan Brown) Riding Modes The Terra Prime has four riding modes: Mode 1 is low power and chill for safe neighborhood riding; mode 2 is faster and better for city commuting; mode 3 is faster yet and ideal for scrambling around in the backcountry; and mode 4 is ludicrous mode — which I did not get a chance to use but is somewhat self-explanatory.

　　Weight The Terra Prime is sub-200 pounds. Its not a light bike —but it is compatible with any bike rack thats capable of e-moto carry.

　　Racks like the QuickrStuff Mach 2 or the 1Up Super Duty would do the job and allow you to take your Terra Prime on road trips.

　　On Road The on-road experience with the Terra Prime was a lot of fun. The bike handles nicely and silently accelerates faster than any gas motorbike or motorcycle Ive been on.

　　With a top speed of 65 mph, you wont be winning road races against crotch rockets on a Terra Prime. But its perfectly fast enough to cruise with traffic in the city, on frontage roads, and even on country highways. You wont be an on-road obstruction puttering along and blocking traffic.

　　(Photo/Dylan Brown) The Terra Prime would be an amazing option for commuting to work, grocery store trips, errands, visiting friends, or simply cruising around on a Sunday afternoon. If this was your primary around-town vehicle, it would eventually pay itself off in gas savings. That might take a while, but along the way, youd save a lot of carbon emissions as well.

　　Not to mention, these bikes turn heads. Theyre slick-looking and attract attention — when people find out theyre electric, it only amplifies the excitement.

　　Off-Road As soon as we left the pavement, I fell in love with these e-motorcycles. The trail conditions were less than ideal. It was November, and snow had fallen earlier in the week. Much of it had melted, though, making the terrain muddy, puddle-pocked, snowy in spots, and dry here and there. It was a great mix to really put these bikes to the test.

　　We ripped to the top of a mountain ridge. The bike handled loose gravel, rocks, and dirt very easily. It was maneuverable in more technical terrain and scrambled up chunky boulders in the trail without issue.

　　(Photo/Dylan Brown) The progressive 3:1 spring ratio in the rear provided a controlled, damp ride. The mud proved to be a challenge on some of the steepest sections, but I think that was more of a user problem than anything to do with the bike.

　　I have ridden gas-powered dirt bikes, and its definitely a different feeling. Theres a rumbling vibration and slight delay in acceleration that you dont experience at all with electric vehicles. Higher cc engines also bring more power to the table than batteries are capable of — for now.

　　So, if youre looking for a true powerhouse off-road dirt bike with a max speed and cc count in the triple digits, a gas engine is still your best option.

　　Wish List Items The only other e-moto Ive reviewed for GearJunkie was the UBCO Special Edition Off-Road Bike. I loaded that thing up, packed its cargo bags full, strapped a tent, stove, and even firewood to its frame, and went on a camping/fishing trip to my favorite Hidden Gems reservoir.

　　The Terra Prime outshines that Kiwi utility e-moto on most fronts. But the UBCOs cargo capacity and built-in attachment points for panniers, molle panels, and other portage accessories were really nice.

　　(Photo/Dylan Brown) The preproduction Terra e-moto I rode didnt have any of that. But Brown told me the production version will have an 8-inch tubular rack and fender with a mounting point for a license plate, pannier, and molle panel attachment points and (later this summer) a seat attachment accessory for rack and peg mounts.

　　Hardcore dirt bikers might wish they had more than 200mm (8 inches) and 165mm (6.5 inches) of travel in the suspension. But it was more than enough for me as an intermediate rider. Even at higher speeds, the suspension didnt feel underpowered off-road.

　　Adding a bigger front fork would also potentially add significant weight.

　　Changes From Pre-Production Terra Prime As noted, I was riding a pre-production model of the Terra Prime. I asked Brown what other specific differences there would be between the version I rode and the production version that customers would receive.

　　Aesthetically, there will not be any big changes, he said. But internally we are using high-output battery packs (5C output); our motor will be customized specifically for the Prime and will be 6kW nominal versus 3kW nominal. Peak output from the motor will be the same, so performance will be increased on the production model. The rear swing arm has been shortened slightly and widened to accommodate motorcycle brakes.

　　Terra Bikes Prime 2.0: Who Is It For?

　　(Photo/Dylan Brown) If I owned a Terra Prime, I probably wouldnt drive my car around town during the summer, maybe ever. Commuting and putzing around my area would be so much fun. Id look for excuses to go to the grocery store or post office. Id probably make afternoon rides —whether on pavement or dirt — a part of my daily routine.

　　If youre a dedicated dirt bike enthusiast, you could get a lot more power for the same price if you went with a gas motorcycle instead of this electric alternative. However, I think most dirt bike riders would still be impressed with the Terra Primes handling and climbing abilities. As far as electric motorcycles go, I havent seen another one thats as close in form and function to a classic gas motorcycle as this one.

　　The production versions price might scare off some. But you get a road-legal motorcycle and a rugged off-road scrambler in one. Sleek looks and lack of emissions are the cherries on top.

　　Electric Utility Bikes Go Camping: UBCO 2x2 Special Edition Off-Road ReviewUBCO e-bikes are popular among ranch hands, hunters, and pizza delivery drivers around the world — but they're also radical camping and off-road machines. Read more