ELECTRIC MOTION OFF-ROAD

Electric options for a variety of needs

Founded in a small town in the French countryside a little over a decade ago, Electric Motion (EM) took three years to release their first electric trail bike that was designed for more of a recreational application. In 2013 the first competition trials bike was introduced. The following year, in 2014, that same bike won the French Championship. In 2016 Electric Motion expanded into the recreational market with the launch of their Escape model. Electric Motion has continued to grow since, and now has four different models based on two different platforms. The ePure and ePure Race are trials bikes, while the Escape and Escape-R are more of a hybrid machine designed for recreational trail riding.

The Escape-R and Escape models are designed for recreational trail riding with bodywork and a seat. A larger-capacity battery is utilized, giving it more range than the ePure model, but also making them around 20 pounds heavier with a slightly higher retail cost.

RACE MODELS

Electric Motion’s Escape-R and ePure Race models are pretty much identical, except when it comes to bodywork. The ePure Race has the traditional trials configuration, whereas the Escape-R features a higher, more enduro-style seat.

The electric motors used in all four EM models are identical. They produce the same amount of torque at 600 N/m, with a top speed of around 47 mph. The Escape models have a slightly larger range due to the larger-capacity battery.

Exclusive to the EM R-models is their proprietary TKO (Tick Over) system that comes straight from the race department. A switch can activate Idle mode, which turns the electric motor at a constant, sustained rpm without the throttle being turned—similar to how it feels when a gas-powered machine is idling. This is designed to improve acceleration and traction at low revs, making it easier for the rider to control.

EM is also the first electric motorcycle company to equip their R-model machines with a fully functional hydraulic diaphragm clutch. This clutch works with the same concept of what we traditionally find on gas-powered machines and is very useful in trials competition settings, allowing the rider to build up rpm and then modulate power needed for doing certain maneuvers.

The ePure Race and ePure models are designed for trials use and look exactly like a traditional trials machine, minus the internal combustion engine of course. The Race model features suspension upgrades at both ends, Tick Over idle system, fully functional hydraulic clutch, and three more mapping options than the standard model.

On the Escape/ePure R, the top grey button activates the fixed regenerative braking system, which applies an engine brake force depending of the speed of the rear wheel. There is also an option for a progressive regenerative brake system on the “R” model, as well, just like what comes on the standard models.

The map button at the bottom of the switch allows the rider to switch between six different pre-programmed maps. The LED at the center displays a color that corresponds with the current map selection.

STANDARD MODELS

Just like the Race, the standard Escape and ePure models share a lot of the same features, but these features are targeted towards the general entry-level user not interested in competition-type settings. These models are equipped with the same motor, chassis, wheels and styling as the “R,” but do not have the upgraded suspension options, TKO idle system, hydraulic clutch or as many mapping options to choose from.

The one item on the standard model that is an option on the “R” models is the progressive regenerative brake (PRB) system on the left-hand lever. When PRB is enabled, the left-hand lever works almost like a rear brake. Pulling the lever engages the regenerative engine brake and slows the rear wheel all while charging the battery. The farther the lever is pulled in, the more the rear wheel slows.