How does RFN compare to Surron?

They don’t. They compare to brands like Honda, Kawasaki, and KTM. They’re built for motocross and trail riding.

That’s usually my answer when someone asks about Surron.

People put them in the same category because they’re electric. But having a battery doesn’t tell you what a bike is built to do—or whether it’s the right bike for you.

If you want something to throw in the truck, take into the mountains, and ride with your kids, here are five things I’d look at before spending the money.

1. Start with what you want to do with it

Do you want to do trail riding? Track? Hard enduro? Rip around the cabin or campground? If this is what you are wanting to do on your dirt bike, chances are you are going to want a name-brand bike, like an RFN, Honda, KTM, and so on.

If you want a small electric bike to dink around on where riding is permitted, I understand the appeal of a Surron Light Bee. Some people also enjoy buying a bike and making it their own with upgrades.

2. Electric vs. gas

A lot of people are electric haters, but we need to be real here—for most trail riding, electric just does better. I ride Utah mountain trails at roughly 6,000 to 9,000 feet. We’re often working our way up steep sections with rocks and roots.

On a gas bike, you’re managing the clutch, choosing a gear, and trying to keep the power where you need it while picking your way through everything.

On the RFN, I can focus on the trail.

There’s no clutch to work and no gear to change. When I need power to get through a section, I roll on the throttle.

That’s what I mean when I say I prefer these bikes for technical trail riding. There’s less to manage while you’re riding, and that makes the experience more enjoyable for me.

So, to have a bike where I really have minimal maintenance is amazing. I don’t have to deal with fuel or top-end rebuilds, and all I really have to do on a daily basis is plug my bike in after I ride. It makes a huge difference for me because now I can spend more time riding and still be a responsible husband.

Gas still has an advantage when you need to refuel quickly on a long ride. With an RFN, you can swap the battery in under 90 seconds.

3. The brakes and suspension matter more than another power claim

Start shopping electric bikes and you’ll see a whole lot of talk about kilowatts.

But you’re buying the whole bike.

You need suspension you can adjust for your weight and riding. Powerful brakes. Wheels and tires suited to the terrain. A bike that feels composed when the trail gets rough.

The E15 models come stock with Kenda tires, adjustable suspension, and hydraulic motorcycle brakes. The Plus has a 21-inch front wheel and an 18-inch rear wheel. The E15 uses a smaller 19-inch/16-inch setup and a lower seat.

4. You should know who will help you after you buy it

This is another reason I want you thinking about RFN the way you’d think about buying a dirt bike through a dealership. For most electric brands, parts are extremely difficult to come by.

For RFN, we stock replacement parts in our Utah warehouse. Our support team answers questions Monday through Friday, 9 to 5, helps diagnose issues, and sends links so you can order the correct part.

We ship through UPS and FedEx to get those parts moving and help get you riding again.

The Warrior lineup also has a published limited warranty, including 24-month coverage on the battery, motor, controller, and charger. Coverage is subject to the warranty terms; installation labor is excluded.

You should know where the parts come from and who to contact before you need either one.

5. A Surron Ultra Bee deserves a closer comparison

Apart from the Varg, the Ultra Bee is the only other bike I’d compare to an E15. I hear from dealers over and over again that the E15 is everything that the Ultra Bee should have been but wasn’t, and hundreds of dollars cheaper. Plus, RFN has actual after-sales support including dealers all over the nation and parts readily available in the US.

Ultra Bees CAN ride better than an E15 Plus if you UPGRADE them. But then you’ll be thousands deeper in upgrades by the time you even get to the E15 Plus. If your plan includes different suspension, tires, wheels, or electrical components, price those out before deciding which bike is the better deal. Include installation, too.

Upgrades aren’t automatically necessary for every rider. But if you already know you want them, they’re part of your purchase cost.

My reason for recommending the RFN is simple: for the family and trail riding we’re talking about, I want to get you on a bike you can enjoy in its stock configuration.

You’re already busy. Buying a dirt bike shouldn’t require becoming an expert in building one.

For most people reading this, the next step is choosing the right fit. The E15 Plus has the taller stance and larger wheels. The E15 gives you a lower seat and smaller wheel setup. A dealer can help you compare them in person.

And if you’re shopping for younger kids, RFN also has the E5 and E8. You can get help choosing bikes for the family in the same place.

You don’t need to spend months researching electric dirt bikes. You need to know what you want to do with one—and find a bike and a dealer that can help you do it.