Naysayers and doubters now have one less reason to slam electric motorcycles: Zero's battery-powered MX motocross bike beat a field of 40 internal combustion (and four other electric bikes from rival Quantya) in a scramble-style race put on by the French Federation of Motorcycles.

The competition, which took place in Gironville, France, ultimately highlighted the Zero MX's strengths, though back-to-back qualifying rounds proved a challenge since 15 minute gaps didn't allow enough time for full recharges. Rider Thomas Aubrey qualified in 13th place, then used the bike's 156 pound weight and 23 horsepower to propel himself to fifth in the first moto, and first in the second, for a final top spot finish.

Though the battery capacity and top speed limitations of electric road bikes still force them to lag behind their gas-powered counterparts, it's clear that the instantaneous torque and light weight construction of electric dirtbikes makes them a force to be reckoned with on offroad circuits.

Tagged with: dirt bike • motocross • motorcycle • motorcycling

Filed under: Dirt Biking • Featured

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