Last fall at the EICMA show in Milan, Kawasaki announced it was going green… as in EV bikes in the foreseeable future and by 2035, it would only sell electric motorcycles in key markets. Kawasaki Motors President Hiroshi Ito further announced Team Green would introduce three new electric/hybrid models before the end of 2022. On June 7, the future arrived:
“Kawasaki’s first-ever electric vehicle — the Elektrode balance bike—is the perfect introduction to motorcycling for young riders. Its light weight, low center of gravity and parent-selectable speed modes provide plenty of peace of mind as kids make their first steps toward becoming riders,” claimed the company. “Plus it’s designed and built by Kawasaki especially for young riders, so you know that the Elektrode offers the build quality and reliability for which the Kawasaki brand is known.”
Moto-vation comes from a 250-watt motor paired with a large capacity battery designed to keep riders of the future actually riding for 2.5 hours from a single charge! The large-capacity battery offers ample riding time without the need to change batteries mid-session and being housed in the frame it is protected from day-to-day wear and tear and potential damage for added durability.
• The lithium-ion battery provides approximately 2.5 hours of running time from a single charge, requires 2.5 hours for a full recharge, and will power the Elektrode to approximately nine miles on a single charge. Running time varies based on rider weight, speed, and riding conditions.
• The Elektrode is equipped with an auto-sleep feature that shuts off the power after 10 minutes of inactivity, preserving usable battery time.
• The battery can be charged via a charging cable that conveniently connects between the front of the bike and any home outlet. It can be also charged from a car, camper or side by side vehicle so it can be ready to go even in remote locations.
• Housed within the aluminum frame, the battery is shielded from dirt, dust and rocks. The frame also helps protect it from potential damage from falls or hard use by kids, adding to the overall lifespan of the battery.
The KX-inspired machine features ergonomics for riders from 3-8, and the 16-inch wheels should do the trick as the little rippers get a little bigger. The Elektrode’s adjustable ERGO-FIT® seat height and a frame sized to accommodate it, which are paired with 16-inch wheels that work well for children of many sizes. “The result is a machine that does not need to be upgraded to a larger model as the rider grows,” claims Kawasaki.
• Adjustable seat height is 16.1 inches at the lowest point and 20.5 inches at the highest, accommodating 3- to 8-year-olds between 37 and 55 inches tall and weighing under 99 pounds.
• Folding steel footpegs with rubber pads as used on Kawasaki’s full-sized motorcycles are rugged and resist damage. They can also be folded up and out of the way to allow the rider to use the Elektrode as a balance bike.
• Handlebar design contributes to an upright riding position, while leaving plenty of room for the knees of growing young riders.
• Handlebar and seat component sizes are common with many standard bicycle parts for those who want to further customize the fit, feel and appearance of the Elektrode.
Let the good times roll!