From the brand behind the KX motocross powerhouse comes the all-new 2023 Kawasaki Elektrode electric balance bike. Little rippers can now start their journey on two wheels as early as three years old. Means, that the path to the podium now starts earlier than ever.
It’s an official welcome to world-class, high-performance, iconic Kawasaki vehicles when young riders get started on the Elektrode. While standard bicycles are a common first step for a child learning to ride, few products exist to help bridge the gap to a small displacement motorcycle.
The all-new 2023 Kawasaki Elektrode electric balance bike is an approachable bike for kids ages 3-8 and is the perfect first step in their journey on two wheels. Now the whole family can get in on the fun and help kick-start the process of getting little rippers on their first bike.
Featuring a powerful 250-watt brushless in-wheel electric motor, the Elektrode™ offers a quiet, maintenance-free experience. The motor position allows for a low center of gravity for better balance, making it easier to steer and handle.
The 2023 Kawasaki Elektrode fits children from 37 to 55 inches tall. This is accomplished via a seat 16.1 inches above the ground in the low position and 21.5 high at the highest setting.
The handlebar height is also adjustable, or a different bar can be fitted. The maximum weight is 99 pounds, and Kawasaki says the result is a bicycle intended for riders aged 3 to 8.
The 32-pound Elektrode has an aluminum frame. It’s a suspension-free design, with the battery integrated into the frame. The fork is a steel for improved durability.
The Elektrode’s 5.1 Ah lithium-ion battery has an estimated runtime of 2.5 hours and an identical recharging time.
Keep in mind that the runtime depends on the rider’s weight and how aggressively the bicycle is ridden. The estimated range is nine miles in normal use. Charging is via a standard home 110-volt outlet. The battery cannot be swapped out.
Three power modes allow parents to select the performance for their children. Low mode keeps the speed down to 4.8 mph, ramping up to 7.2 mph in the Mid mode, and High mode delivers a 12.6 mph top speed.
The modes are switched on the Elektrode via an LCD screen. The bike can also be ridden with the power off. If you forget to turn the power off, the system power itself down after 10 minutes of non-use.
Parents retain control of the 2023 Kawasaki Elektrode. The mode buttons are passcode-protected, and modes can only be changed with the Elektrode stopped.
The utility is enhanced by the 16-inch, pneumatic Duro-shod cast-aluminum wheels. The large wheels allow the Elektrode to roll over obstacles more effectively, and make it possible to provide a higher seat height to older riders. The Duro knobbies make the Elektrode off-road ready.
The rear wheel houses the motor and has a disc brake attached. The rear 160mm disc exclusively handles braking duties via a mechanically actuated caliper.
As much as our young test riders love the Stacyc bikes, it’s great to see Kawasaki develop its own electric-powered balance bicycle. The list price of the 2023 Kawasaki Elektrode is $1099. We don’t know when it will hit showroom floors.
PHOTOS
FULL SPECIFICATIONS
2023 Kawasaki Elektrode Specs
MOTOR
Type: Brushless, in-wheel
Maximum power: 250 watts / 0.33 horsepower
Top speeds: Low, 4.8 mph; Mid, 7.2 mph; High, 12.6 mph
Cooling: Air
Transmission: Clutchless single-speed
Final drive: Direct
BATTERY
Type: Lithium-ion
Maximum capacity: 5.1 Ah
AC charge time: 2.5 hours
Range: 9 miles (2.5 hours)
CHASSIS
Suspension: None
Wheels: Cast aluminum
Tires: Duro
Front and rear tire: 2.15 x 16
Front brake: None
Rear brake: 160mm disc w/ mechanical caliper
DIMENSIONS and CAPACITIES
Wheelbase: 32.8 inches
Seat height: 16.1 to 21.5 inches
Maximum rider weight: 99 pounds
Rider height range: 37 to 55 inches
Curb weight: 32 pounds
Colors: Lime Green
2023 Kawasaki Elektrode Price: $1099 MSRP
