KTM announced it will bring its E-Speed electric scooter to production, with plans to introduce it to he European market in 2015.

Originally unveiled last month at the 2013 Tokyo Motorcycle Show, the E-Speed made its European debut at this past weekend’s Bike Austria show where KTM officially announced the scooter will enter production. The E-Speed will follow the Freeride E as the second electric model offered by KTM.

The E-Speed uses the same battery and motor as the Freeride E, but retuned for urban commuting rather than off-road riding. KTM claims 14.8 hp and 26.6 ft-lb. for the E-Speed compared to 29.5 hp and 30.9 ft-lb. for the Freedom E. Continue Reading »

KTM unveiled a new electric scooter concept at the 2013 Tokyo Motorcycle Show called the E-Speed. The E-Speed is the second electric model from KTM, following the Freeride E dirtbike.

The E-Speed actually shares the same electric battery and motor technology as the Freeride E, but repurposed for urban mobility. The E-Speed’s motor isn’t as powerful as the Freeride E’s however, with KTM claiming 14.8 hp and 26.6 ft-lb. compared to 29.5 hp and 30.9 ft-lb. for the Freedom E.

According to KTM, the E-Scooter weighs 309 pounds and has a top speed of 85 kph (53 mph). The E-Speed’s lithium ion battery has a capacity of 4.36 kWh which KTM claims offers a range of 40 miles can be fully charged within two hours from a normal household power outlet. Continue Reading »

KTM has started production of its light-weight Freeride 350 and units are already on their way to dealerships. Unfortunately, those of us in North America have to wait a while longer, with the infamous leaked Powerpoint slide from KTM’s dealer meeting listing the Freeride 350 as part of its 2013 offerings.

Still, we can’t help but be captivated by the photograph above released by KTM. A rider and his KTM Freeride 350 appear to be attempting to cross some sort of chasm by shimmying across on a cable. Riding on the Freeride is no doubt more fun than what this KTM rider is trying to do, but the image does help illustrate one of the bike’s key features: it’s light weight.

KTM claims the Freeride 350 weighs just 99.5 kg (219.4 pounds), without fuel. Based on this image, we believe it. Continue Reading »

It was only a matter of time before a major manufacturer took the plunge and developed its own electric motorcycle. Well, that time is now. Introduced at EICMA 2011, KTM has unveiled the Freeride-E. The small and nimble Freeride-E is meant to be an off-road vehicle with the capabilities to be ridden virtually anywhere.

Continue Reading »