Husqvarna isn’t just about big-bore hoonigan antics, or dirt-shredding enduros. The good people at Husky also know kids have to get out on two wheels, and that’s why the company has built the EE 5 electric bike.
It’s genius, if you think about it: today’s busy parents have lots to do, and winterizing, then restoring a gas-powered minibike every spring is just one more unwanted chore, especially if they aren’t the handy type. And, all season long, a gas-powered bike needs constant maintenance, oil changes and refuelling. Guess what? Those problems are non-existent with an electric bike.
It’s also genius because while electric bikes can be a hard sell to jaded adults who poo-poo the limited range, most kids don’t have that problem—they have to be home at bedtime. Their needs are much more modest, especially when you consider they also don’t have anywhere near as much weight to haul and their parents probably don’t want them traveling at breakneck speed in the first place. Supposedly, this machine makes 7 hp, and has six different ride modes, some of which are no doubt fairly neutered, to keep kids safe.
Husky says this machine is quick to recharge, with a 907-watt lithium ion battery. What’s more, Husqvarna is talking up its chassis, saying it’s based on race-proven technology, and even pointing out the bike has WP Suspension. So, this is aimed at more than just the minibike market; it seems like they plan on enabling kids to work out their inner dreams of speed.
It appears likely the EE 5 will come to Canada, although when, and how much it will cost, is still a question.
GALLERY
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I’m not sure how many will end up on race tracks (I doubt many of the existing mini’s do) but noise has ALWAYS been the prime limiting factor for dirt bikes particularly in urban areas. A little kid, a decent sized yard and maybe the next generation of motorcycle owners is created.
Ah yes.
Kid: “Daddy! the battery ran out! Come get the bike and recharge it!”
Dad (Looks at bike at the other end of the local track sitting half buried in a mudhole at the bottom of a hill on a track busy with other kids racing, so he can’t take the truck over to it but has to drag that thing out of the hole and all the way back to the truck by himself…) “Thanks, kid!” (Reminds himself to buy condoms on the way home…)