As motors grow stronger and batteries continue to get more potent while becoming smaller and smaller in size, EV powertrains have begun permeating just about every motorized vehicle space. With near-silent operations and gobs of torque on tap, electric powertrains have also become increasingly conducive to the off-road segment — with one of the latest outfits to adopt this tech and apply it to go-anywhere vehicles being American startup Dust Moto, which has just pulled the cover off of its inaugural offering, the Model_1.
The Fledgling Firm
Founded and headed up by Colin Godby, Dust Moto is an Oregon-based startup that was established last year. Following successfuly closing initial angel investment rounds in 2023, Dust has delivered a fully-functional prototype for its electric dirt bike — a protobike that points to a very competent eventual production model. In order to bring this ambitious two-wheeler to market, Dust has partnered with Bloom, America’s leading integration platform for light electric vehicles. Additionally, the Oregon-based outfit has also inked a deal with Newlab in order to setup up manufacturing at Detroit’s Michigan Central.
The Dust Moto Model_1
The The Dust Moto Model_1 is an all-electric dirt bike that’s similar in size to a standard 250cc dirt bike, with a 35” seat height and an off-road-ready wheel set with a 21” front hoop and a rear wheel that’s offered in 18” or 19” sizes. It’s also comparable in weight to a quarter-liter brapper — if not a bit more svelte — with the Model_1 tipping the scales at around 200lbs. Sporting a sleek and thoroughly modern take on traditional MX bodywork, the electric dirt bike also features petal-style rotors, Excel Takasago A60 spoked wheels, an aluminum swing-arm and subframe, and an inverted closed-cartridge fork and mono shock — both of which are fully adjustable — affording 10.25” and 10.82” of travel respectively.
Silent Shredder
Powering the bike is a mid-mounted 26-kW motor that’s paired with a chain final drive. Despite the electric motor’s small size, the thing is able to crank out 35hp and a mind-blowing 368.8ft-lbs of instantly accessible torque — figures that allow the Model_1 to achieve a top speed of over 60mph. The motor draws from a centrally-located battery pack with a capacity of 3.5Wh or greater. Fortified via a skid plate, the battery can be swapped out in less than a minute, and provides between 1 and 2 hours of spirited riding per charge.
What Makes The Model_1 So Special?
Developed, designed, and made entirely in America, the Dust Moto Model_1 takes an interesting approach to its segment. Rather than aiming to replace flagship 450 MXers, the company seeks to harness the power and technology of electric powertrains in order to make off-road riding both more fun, and more importantly, more accessible to novice riders. This is made possible through the bike being 90% in scale and sporting a slightly shorter wheelbase. The Model_1 also removes one of the most intimidating aspects of riding for novice users, jettisoning the normal clutch and gearbox setup for a simple automatic twist-and-go throttle.
Additional Advantages
Despite being more approachable, the thing is still high-performance through and through, with everything from its motor to its frame geometry being made for hardcore off-road riding, whether that be in your backyard or at your local single track. What’s more, compared to regular gas-powered motocrossers, the Model_1 is markedly easier to service, plus requires significantly less maintenance. It was also designed to be as modular and customization-friendly as possible. We also imagine the Model_1 will feature multiple ride/power modes, meaning the bike can be enjoyed by practically any rider, regardless of their skill or experience level.
Spec Sheet
Brand: Dust Moto
Model: Model_1
Motor: 26-KW Mid-Mounted
Battery: 3.5kWh
Power: 35HP & 368.8FT-LBs
Seat Height: 35.0”
Weight: 200LBs
Starting Price: $10,950
Scheduled Release Date: Mid-2025
Pricing & Availability
Scheduled for a release in mid-2025, the Dust Model_1 will be priced starting at $10,950. The company is also offering a 15% discount and interest-free payments spread over a 15 month period for what it’s calling its First100 run (I.e. the first 100 units made).
Recap
Dust Moto Model_1
Designed and made in America, the Dust Moto Model_1 is a high-performance, fully-electric dirt bike that aims to make off-road riding markedly more accessible.
