- New electric motor with 19.2 kW (approx. 26 PS) peak output
- 5.5 kWh battery for 2 to 3 hours of enduro operation
- 112 kg ready-to-ride, rideable from age 16 with A1 or B196 license
KTM originally announced the redesigned Freeride E for early 2025. However, insolvency turbulence surrounding the home plant in Mattighofen derailed the timeline and significantly delayed production start. Starting in April 2026, the electric enduro is now available at KTM dealers as the 2027 model year. The delayed market launch is accompanied by an unusual marketing campaign: six-year-old Zayn Sofuoglu, son of five-time Supersport World Champion Kenan Sofuoglu, was allowed to operate the Freeride E for a promotional video and performed a wheelie directly after mounting and riding over a wooden ladder.
KTM Freeride E since 2014: From Pioneer to Second Generation
The history of the KTM Freeride E dates back to 2014. At that time, the Austrians unveiled the first generation in Enduro and Motocross variants. KTM describes the further development as follows: “In 2014, the first KTM Freeride E was presented in Enduro and Motocross variants. Later, a version approved for road use was added. A decade later, the technology is more advanced, the hardware better and lighter, the software smarter.” The manufacturer made this statement in October 2024 during the first presentation of the new generation. The basic concept of a compact, lightweight, and off-road-capable electric enduro has not changed since then, though the technology in detail certainly has.
New Electric Motor: 19.2 kW Peak Output at 8.3 kW Rated Power
At the heart of the Freeride E is a newly developed liquid-cooled electric motor from KTM with 50.4 volts operating voltage. Peak output is up to 19.2 kW (approx. 26 PS), with the formal continuous rated power at 8.3 kW (approx. 11 PS). Maximum torque is 37.6 Nm, which is lower than the previous version, which delivered 42 Nm. KTM specifies a top speed of 95 km/h.
With a rated power of 8.3 kW, the Freeride E remains formally a light motorcycle in the 125cc category. In Europe, it can be operated from age 16 with a Class A1 driver’s license, and in Germany also with the car driver’s license extension B196. Also practically relevant is the power-to-weight limit of the A1 category of maximum 0.1 kW per kilogram, which is comfortably met at 112 kg vehicle weight.
The new electric motor is designed to be water and dust resistant and is said to be quieter than its predecessor. Since only one gear is used, clutch and transmission are completely eliminated. Instead, both brake levers operate the brakes.
Three Riding Modes and Three-Stage Recuperation
Power output can be controlled via three riding modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport. Additionally, three recuperation levels (Off, Medium, High) are available, which affect both deceleration behavior and energy recovery. Adjustable traction control is also part of the equipment. A lean sensor cuts power in case of a crash.
5.5 kWh Battery: 20 Percent More Capacity Than Predecessor
The battery pack, type MX50, is based on lithium-ion technology and offers a capacity of 5.5 kWh (110 Ah). Compared to the first generation, this represents an increase of 1.5 kWh, which according to KTM yields approximately 20 percent more riding time or range. Depending on the use profile, two to three hours of enduro operation should be possible.
The battery pack weighs 29 kilograms and is said to be replaceable in less than ten minutes according to the manufacturer. Anyone with a second pack on hand can extend operating time accordingly. The battery cells are said to withstand more than 1,000 charge cycles and then retain approximately 80 percent of their original capacity.
However, charging times are comparatively long. A complete charge from a standard wall outlet takes approximately eight hours (480 minutes) with the included 660-watt charger. From 20 to 80 percent, according to KTM, takes four to five hours (approximately 360 minutes).
WP Sport Enduro Suspension with Up to 250 mm Travel
The chassis features a chrome-molybdenum steel tube frame in which the motor and battery unit is integrated as a load-bearing element in a weight-optimized manner. The frame rear is made of aluminum and glass-fiber-reinforced nylon and is designed for solo operation.
Front suspension is an adjustable WP XACT upside-down fork with 250 millimeters of travel. Rear suspension is a WP XPLOR monoshock with PDS system offering 240 millimeters of travel. The disc brakes measure 260 millimeters in diameter at the front axle and 220 millimeters at the rear axle.
Neither ABS nor a combined braking system (CBS) are installed. This is permissible despite road approval because sport enduro models with a seat height over 900 millimeters as single-seaters have an exemption clause.
112 Kilograms Ready-to-Ride: Light, Tall, and Off-Road-Capable
The KTM Freeride E weighs 112 kg (247 lbs) ready-to-ride. Seat height is 910 millimeters and ground clearance is 360 millimeters, both typical values for a sportive enduro. The wire-spoked wheels carry tires in dimensions 90/90-21 front and 120/90-18 rear.
Availability and Price of the KTM Freeride E 2027
The redesigned KTM Freeride E is available from April 2026. KTM has not announced an official price yet. The last price of the previous version Freeride E-XC can serve as a guide, which in 2023 was around 13,000 euros. In Italy, a price of 10,590 euros (approx. 11,100 USD) is circulating. Whether sister brands Husqvarna and GasGas will follow with related electric enduros in the foreseeable future remains to be seen.
➜ This article is part of our comprehensive overview: New Motorcycles 2026: All Models, Releases, and Highlights at a Glance. Find all key information on this topic in one place.
