Home Insight Honda CRF-E2 Electric Bike Review

Honda CRF-E2 Electric Bike Review

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Honda CRF-E2 Electric Bike Review


American Honda enters the kids electric motorcycle segment conservatively, with the help of Greenger Powersports. Meet the Greenger Powersports Honda CRF-E2 electric dirt bike ($2,950), an officially licensed American Honda product. What does that mean?

“The CRF-E2 is a product brought to market through a collaboration between Honda and Greenger, both companies worked together to make this available to Honda dealers and customers,” says American Honda’s Colin Miller, Powersports Public Relations – Assistant Manager. “This product is developed, manufactured, and distributed by Greenger. Honda licensed its trademarks for use by Greenger. All customer service and warranties are provided by Greenger.”

There you have it…

American Honda enters the youth electric motorcycle segment with the help of Greenger Powersports as an officially licensed product.

American Honda enters the youth electric motorcycle segment with the help of Greenger Powersports as an officially licensed product. (Jeff Allen/)

The CRF-E2 is a minibike oriented to youths who have experience riding pedal bicycles, including electric bikes. Maximum rider weight is no more than 88 pounds and height is just under 4 feet, 3 inches. It is available for purchase at select US Honda powersport dealers. For reference, Honda’s comparable tried-and-true gasoline-powered CRF50F entry-level off-road bike costs $1,799. It’s more newbie oriented versus KTM’s faster and also way more pricey SX-E 5 or the Husqvarna EE 5 copy cat.

The CRF-E2 is a youth-oriented electric minibike that kids ride as their first motorcycle.

The CRF-E2 is a youth-oriented electric minibike that kids ride as their first motorcycle. (Jeff Allen/)

Dimensionally the CRF-E2 splits the difference between the CRF50F equipped with 10-inch wheels and the CRF110F with its 14/12-inch combo. For the review, we enlisted first-timer, 9-year-old Harvey Silva.

The CRF-E2 is powered by a quiet, air-cooled brushless motor that’s capable of speeds up to 20 mph.

The CRF-E2 is powered by a quiet, air-cooled brushless motor that’s capable of speeds up to 20 mph. (Jeff Allen/)

“I had a lot of fun riding the dirt bike because it was really fun,” Harvey says with a smile. “It was hard to ride with the gear on, but once I rode it for an hour or so, I started to get used to it and then it was really fun.”

The CRF-E2 is designed for first-timers. It’s quiet and easy to ride, making it well suited to teaching kids how to ride a motorcycle.

The CRF-E2 is designed for first-timers. It’s quiet and easy to ride, making it well suited to teaching kids how to ride a motorcycle. (Jeff Allen/)

Like any bike, we recommend riders don appropriate motorcycle gear including an off-road helmet (with fixed chinbar), goggles, above-the-ankle boots, long-sleeved jersey, pant, and gloves. And as Harvey pointed out, that can take some getting used to for a new motorcycle rider.

A removable 950-watt battery powers the CRF-E2. It offers nearly two hours of run time and can be charged at home with a standard 120-volt power outlet in the US.

A removable 950-watt battery powers the CRF-E2. It offers nearly two hours of run time and can be charged at home with a standard 120-volt power outlet in the US. (Jeff Allen/)

The CRF-E2 is powered by a maintenance-free air-cooled brushless 48-volt direct current motor. It’s rated at 18.4 lb.-ft. torque. Unlike a gasoline-powered dirt bike, maximum torque is available as soon as the throttle is twisted.

Weighing in at 106 pounds, the 12-inch wheel equipped CRF-E2 is the perfect tool to introduce children to motorcycling.

Weighing in at 106 pounds, the 12-inch wheel equipped CRF-E2 is the perfect tool to introduce children to motorcycling. (Jeff Allen/)

A removable 950-watt lithium-ion battery offers nearly two hours run time. The battery is charged via a traditional 120-volt household power adapter in about four hours. Greenger Powersports offers a fast charger as an accessory that reduces charging time to 2.5 hours.

The CRF-E2 boasts pleasing CRF-family styling including its robust-looking aluminum frame and swingarm.

The CRF-E2 boasts pleasing CRF-family styling including its robust-looking aluminum frame and swingarm. (Jeff Allen/)

Two power modes are available, limiting top speed to 10 mph (Mode 1) and 20 mph (Mode 2). Like a conventional motorcycle, the CRF-E2 employs a right-hand handlebar-mounted twist throttle. A handlebar-mounted LCD panel keeps tabs on battery capacity. A right-hand brake lever actuates the front hydraulic disc brake, while a left-hand-mounted lever controls the rear disc. There’s no clutch or gear-shift lever.

“It makes me feel happy,” Harvey says when asked what he thought of the bike’s power.

“Because it has a lot of power it’s like perfect,” he grins.

For the most part, Harvey operated the CRF-E2 in Mode 1, but he’ll be able to select Mode 2 as he gets more comfortable.

Rolling on 12-inch spoked wheels and weighing 110 pounds, the E2 is a tad lighter than its gas-powered equivalent. It sports two seat height options (24.8 or 25.6 inches) to accommodate different sized riders. Adjustment is made by shifting the upper shock Allen bolt.

“Um, it was OK,” the youngster says when asked about how it rides and steers. “When I was steering or like turning on this little ramp, [but] I fell down. It was OK because I tried my best.”

Still with its forgiving specifications, Harvey was comfortable operating this little CRF despite limited seat time on anything but a bicycle.

“I felt comfortable [but it] also makes me a little nervous because you can fall when riding.”

Another neat thing about this CRF-E2 is that it uses real motorcycle suspension and brakes. Suspension consists of a telescopic fork and a rebound-adjustable shock absorber with nearly 4 inches of travel. This helps junior get a feel for what it’s like to ride a real motorcycle in a compact and easy-to-use package.

Harvey favored the feel of the rear brake when asked which brake was his favorite: “If I would have had to pick, I would have picked the left brake because it is a lot more bendy [forgiving].

If your child is comfortable riding a bicycle and wants to give motorcycling a shot, the CRF-E2 is a remarkable option. Considering its nearly maintenance-free design (aside from wear and tear items, i.e., tires, brake pads, and final drive chain), quiet ride, and legendary Honda styling and dealer support, the E2 is a good fit for novices. Whether your kid wants to have a little bit of fun or desires an introduction to motorcycles, as usual, Big Red delivers.

Gear Box

Helmet: Fox Youth V1 Xpozr

Jersey: Fox Youth 180 Xpozr

Pant: Fox Youth 180 Xpozr

Gloves: Fox Youth Dirtpaw Gloves

Boots: Fox Youth Comp

Greenger Powersports Honda CRF-E2 Technical Specifications and Price

PRICE $2,950
MOTOR Air-cooled brushless 48-volt direct current
BATTERY 960-watt lithium-ion, removable
CLUTCH N/A
TRANSMISSION N/A
FINAL DRIVE Chain
FRAME Twin-spar aluminum
FRONT SUSPENSION 33mm telescopic fork; 3.9 in. travel
REAR SUSPENSION Hydraulic shock, spring preload and rebound damping adjustable; 3.8 in. travel
FRONT BRAKE 1-piston caliper, 190mm disc
REAR BRAKE 1-piston caliper, 190mm disc
WHEELS, FRONT/REAR Die-cast aluminum; 12 x 1.6 in. / 12 x 1.6 in.
TIRES, FRONT/REAR Kenda Millville K771; 60/100-12
RAKE/TRAIL 25.0°/1.3 in.
WHEELBASE 38.2 in.
SEAT HEIGHT 24.8–25.6 in.
CAPACITY 20AH/960Wh
CHARGING TIME 4 hr. (2.5 hr. fast charger), 100% / 3.2 hr. (2 hr. fast charger), 80%
RUN TIME 2 HR.
CURB WEIGHT 106 lb.
WARRANTY 2 years battery; 1 year frame and powertrain

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