Zonveer ZX3 review: one of the best-value electric dirt bikes for beginners

The Zonveer ZX3 is one of the best values I’ve seen in electric off-road riding, and one of the most fun things I’ve ridden to date – value for the dollar. Its Black Friday sale brings the 2,800W electric dirt bike down to $1,299, $500 off its $1,799 list price. For that money, you get a 1,200Wh battery, dual hydraulic disc brakes, and full suspension in a 130 lb package. That’s a great entry point for beginners. Zonveer ZX3 specs and price Zonveer is a young brand. It launched in the US in March with two bikes, the kid-sized DX1 and the ZX3, and it’s run by United Mobility, which lists its address in Dover, Delaware. It sells direct and ships from US warehouses, and Zonveer also sells the ZX3 across Europe under its own brand through its EU store. Screenshot Here’s what the ZX3 brings, according to Zonveer’s product page: Motor: 2,800W peak rear hub motor (2,000W rated), 110 Nm of torque Top speed: 37 mph, with 20 mph and 28 mph modes Battery: 48V 25Ah (1,200Wh), removable Claimed range: 40 to 45 miles on throttle, up to 65 miles with pedal assist Weight: 130 lb (59 kg), with a 265 lb max load Brakes: dual hydraulic disc brakes front and rear, 220 mm rotors Wheels and suspension: 19-inch off-road tires, dual hydraulic suspension front and rear Charging: about 6 hours on the included 4A charger Price: $1,799 list, now $1,299 on sale A hub motor means there’s no motor chain to maintain, and the NFC card and PIN unlock mean there’s no app to fight with. I like that. Fun first, and built for lighter riders Zonveer sent me a ZX3 to test, and I’m impressed with what they shipped, knowing the cost. It isn’t trying to be a race bike. And it doesn’t need to be. Here’s my first ride review: With 2,800W peak, it’s somewhat modest by e-moto standards. That’s exactly what makes it approachable for someone who has never ridden a dirt bike: the power is enough to have a blast on trails without being intimidating. My girlfriend had never ridden a dirt bike before, and she got comfortable within a few minutes, and she was hooked as soon as she got the hang of it. And while testing with my girlfriend, it was clear this bike makes the most sense for lighter riders. Zonveer claims it climbs slopes of up to 30 degrees, which is optimistic for anyone over ~175 lbs, like myself. It still climbed some of the worst slopes on my land, but it did so with some difficulty, which wasn’t the case for some of my lighter friends who also rode it. Range is the other claim to take with a grain of salt. Riding 45 miles on 1,200Wh means using under 27Wh per mile, which is e-bike efficiency on a 130 lb dirt bike with knobby tires. It’s still a lot of energy, and you can ride this long distances at lower speeds. Just expect less if you ride it hard, and that’s where the fun is at. Black Friday deal Zonveer’s Black Friday sale has the ZX3 at $1,299, and the company gave Electrek readers the code ELECTREK for an extra 5% off, which brings it down to $1,234.05. The sale also includes a free water bottle and lock, and can be combined for a two-pack of ZX3s for $2,599. Shipping is free, the warranty is one year, Zonveer told us it accepts returns within 30 days on bikes ridden less than 10 miles, with a $200 restocking fee. Here’s the full refund policy. Electrek’s Take We’ve ridden a lot of electric two-wheelers, and the ZX3 is one of the most fun per dollar. At $1,299, or about $1,234 with our code, it’s hard to find another 1,200Wh electric dirt bike with dual hydraulic disc brakes and full suspension from a brand that ships from US warehouses. It’s not fast by e-moto standards, and the range and climbing claims are optimistic. But for beginners, and especially lighter riders, the power lands right in that sweet spot of manageable fun. It’s a bike you can learn on without scaring yourself, and it’s cheap enough that a family can buy two for less than one Sur-Ron. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.