KTM eDrive 16 electric balance bike review

Balance bikes are the perfect first step to getting nippers on to two wheels, but powered versions take things that one step further by introducing the concept of throttle control. Made by US company StaCyc (which is actually owned by Harley-Davidson), the KTM eDrive 16 electric balance bike is essentially an aluminium-tube framed 16in wheeled BMX that’s powered by a brushless motor and 20v 4Ah rechargeable lithium battery.

Who’s it aimed at?

The makers say the KTM eDrive 16 is suitable for kids aged 5-8 (a smaller 12in wheel version is also available for younger/shorter kids). With three power settings – low, standard and high – it’s capable of a top speed of 11mph (restricted to 5mph and 7.5mph in low and standard modes), and it’s at just 9kg it’s seriously lightweight.

That said, within 30 minutes he’d adapted to the throttle and was confidently powering himself forward, as well as revelling in intentional wheelies, burnouts, and pulling humongous skids via the rear brake lever on left handlebar. It’s turned my lad into a stunt rider – I’m so proud! Thankfully, for the sake of any unexpecting pedestrians or pets, the eDrive emits a fairly loud whining sound when ridden, which gives advance warning of an incoming loony four-year-old…

Battery Life

The battery lasts between 25-50 minutes depending on the terrain and how it’s being used – Angus rode with me on a run around Silverstone’s 3.7-mile MotoGP circuit and the battery still had a bit left to give, although he has also burned through it in 25 minutes when powering up grassy hills and performing endless burnouts! The battery itself is similar to the type you’d use on a DIY drill and simply slides in and out of the bike beneath the frame’s cross bar.

Charging

It takes about an hour and a half to recharge from totally empty, but the charger will not charge the battery if it’s straight out of the bike and too hot, so you have to add additional time onto that to allow it to cool. Cue the incessant ‘Mum, is the battery charged up yet?’ for the next 110 or so minutes… A spare battery would be good to have – if you don’t mind spending another £149 to buy one.

Verdict

Which brings us to the issue of price: the eDrive is eyewatering pricey at £859.89. Sure, it is really lightweight, well made, easy to use, and a heap load of fun – but rival machines can be picked up for around half that price. That said, judging by the reaction it gets at the local BMX track, there appears to be a lot of kudos from having an electric KTM when you’re four.

Other electric balance bikes to consider

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