The verdict
This KTM Freeride is a fantastic little machine that offers some serious off-road performance without the ear-splitting soundtrack and nasty emissions. Some will argue that the noise and smell of motocross is part of the appeal but KTM's Freeride-E range of bikes open up a new set of opportunities and very different, visceral riding experience.
The E-Scape off-road centre, for example, skirts a number of planning permission restrictions, such as noise and CO2, thanks to the use of electric motorcycles.
This means owners of the KTM's Freeride E range could soon find that they can thrash their bikes on forestry commission land, mountain bike trails and even special indoor circuits thanks to the lack of noise and emissions.
Better still, the road legal bikes are fairly adept as an in-town daily commuter. Granted, they can't tackle longer journeys but they only require an A1 licence to operate.
That's the same licence that applies to those wanting to ride a motorbike or scooter with up to a 125cc engine, so all that's required is the simple and affordable Compulsory Basic Training (CBT).
Verdict
This all-electric off-roader provides emissions-free mud-plugging thrills, as well as a cheap daily commute. Or at any rate, cheap once you've coughed up the £10K necessary to own it in the first place.
For
Epic performance
Stylish looks
Cheap to charge
Against
Not overly cheap
Limited range
KTM Freeride E-XC | out now | £10,299