FEATURE - 2024 Kawasaki Elektrode
Words: Mike Ryan
Photos Kawasaki Motors Australia
Getting kids started in motorcycling can be intimidating. Not just for juniors, but for their parents, too. While there are a number of options out there for first rides, in the form of balance bikes and electric two-wheelers that ease the transition to that first motorcycle, Kawasaki have brought some new thinking and some genuine quality to this market with the ‘Elektrode’.
One of the most recent additions to Kawasaki’s range, the Elektrode has been designed exclusively for young kids, allowing them to get comfortable with the basics of motorcycling, like balance, throttle and braking control, before they move up to a KX65, KX85 or even the Kawasaki-exclusive KX112. And with the KX65 made to suit juniors aged 8 to12, the Elektrode that’s aimed at kids aged 3 to 8 offers the ideal first step towards a conventional motorcycle.
Being electric, the Elektrode produces no emissions and has virtually no noise, meaning it can be used in suburban areas without causing disruption. And as it’s designed and built by Kawasaki, the Elektrode is made to a standard you’d expect from a major manufacturer.
New Electric Thinking
The Elektrode is the first electric two-wheeler of any type to be produced by Kawasaki, so this clean sheet approach has resulted in some new and clever thinking.
While most of the electric kids’ bikes that are currently available feature a frame-mounted motor and chain drive to the rear wheel, the Elektrode uses a hub-mounted motor. This not only eliminates complexity, but improves safety, for even with a guard, there’s potential for injury with chain drive. Kawasaki says the motor position lowers the centre of gravity, too, making the bike easier to handle.
The motor is a 250W brushless unit that delivers power in a smooth, linear fashion, which is just what kids need to feel comfortable as they learn riding.
Another point of difference is the battery, which is integrated into the Elektrode’s frame, rather than as a separate unit that slots in or clips on. The internal placement of the 36V, 5.1Ah lithium-ion battery also offers protection from dirt, mud, water and damage in the event of a fall.
The integral battery offers up to 2.5 hours of ride time between charges, but it should be noted that this varies, depending on the rider’s size and weight, as well as the mode the Elektrode is ridden in.
Recharging can be done from a standard power point, via the included charging cable, and takes approximately 2.5 hours from zero to full charge. Kawasaki says up to 500 charging cycles can be conducted before the battery starts to lose a percentage of its total capacity.
Battery charge level is displayed on an LCD screen on the left-hand handlebar, where the power mode (more on that below) is also displayed.
Ensuring battery life is maximised, the Elektrode automatically shuts off after 10 minutes of inactivity.
A third differentiator on the Elektrode, compared to most other options, is its disc brake. Fitted to the rear wheel and cable operated, this 160mm wave-pattern disc allows children to get familiar with braking performance before they step up to similar systems on conventional motorcycles.
The brake lever is on the left-hand handlebar, which is obviously not conventional, but placing throttle and braking control in “opposite” hands prevents accidental engagement of either if they were both on one side of the handlebars and also keeps the feet free for balance.
Three Options
To ensure first-time riders aren’t intimidated by the Elektrode’s performance, power delivery can be set to one of three modes - low, mid and high – that caps the maximum speed, ensuring the available power matches the child’s abilities. As skill and confidence increases, mid- and high-power modes can be activated, ensuring the transition is comfortable for child and parent alike.
In low-power mode, maximum speed is 8km/h. In mid-power mode, this increases to 12km/h and peaks at 21km/h in high-power mode. Importantly, these modes are passcode protected. Buttons on the LCD screen on the left-hand handlebar need to be pressed in a specific sequence before modes can be changed, allowing parental control. Additionally, these modes can only be changed when the Elektrode is stationary.
Of course, the Elektrode can also be used as a push-along balance bike. Footpegs with rubber grips fold up, allowing the bike to be ‘walked’ by the child, even before they start to ride it.
Strength and Adjustability
The Elektrode is built around a light, but strong aluminium frame, with the main downtube holding the battery. The front fork is made from steel for durablility and the wheels are cast aluminium.
Minimal use of plastics is all about ensuring the Elektrode will last. As it’s made for kids aged 3 to 8, the Elektrode will potentially see years of junior use, so Kawasaki have built it accordingly. The only potential downside is the bike’s metal construction, combined with the battery, results in a total weight of 14.5kg, which may be significant for very small children.
With the Elektrode’s broad age range in mind, there’s adjustability in the seat height, handlebar height and reach for the brake lever. Seat height varies from 410mm to 520mm and is easily adjustable using basic tools. There’s less range in the handlebar height and it’s a little more complex to adjust, requiring the bars to be removed and a spacer in the headstem removed or added as required. Brake lever reach is adjustable in the perch, again requiring only basic tools.
The wheels are 16 inches, which may seem large for a junior bike, but Kawasaki say this ensures smaller wheels won’t have to be swapped out as the child grows. Pneumatic tyres with a motocross-style knobby tread pattern are standard, ensuring good traction on dirt and other off-tarmac terrain where this bike will most often be ridden.
There’s no suspension or springing in the seat, but at the low speeds the Elektrode will be ridden, this shouldn’t be a factor. That being said, there is an ‘Elektrode 20’ coming that features telescopic front suspension, adds a front disc brake and features larger wheels, too.
In terms of dimensions, the Elektrode is 1235mm x 582mm x 767mm (LxWxH), so if your preferred riding spot isn’t close by, or you want the kids to join you tackling some mild trails off-road, it’ll easily fit in a car boot, or even on the back seat. Wheelbase is 832mm and those large wheels ensure ground clearance is a respectable 139mm.
Team Green Style
As junior riders look up to their heroes and the bikes they ride, Kawasaki have ensured the signature Lime Green and identifying graphics from their iconic KX250 and KX450 MX bikes have been transferred to the Elektrode.
Lime Green on the frame and lower fork legs is complemented with black for the wheels, seat post, seat, handlebars and controls. Bold Kawasaki identification on the sides of the frame and a racing number plate on the front continue the KX inspiration.
Electric Christmas?
With the festive season fast approaching, the Elektrode may make the ideal gift for the child who wants a dirt bike, but isn’t quite ready to jump onto a KX65. Available now from Kawasaki dealers, the Elektrode is priced around the $1,500 mark (depending on retailer). Against the alternatives, this is undeniably expensive, but it’s reflective of the bike’s quality and its features.
For more details, visit your Kawasaki dealer or go to: kawasaki.com.au
Elektrode 20 coming
Kawasaki are on the verge of expanding their electric range with the addition of the ‘Elektrode 20’. Produced to the same formula as the Elektrode, the Elektrode 20 is designed for bigger kids – aged 8 and up.
Key changes on the Elektrode 20 over the Elektrode include a more powerful (750W) electric motor, larger (48V, 10.2Ah) battery and 20-inch wire spoke wheels instead of 16-inch alloys. There’s also a front disc brake and telescopic fork front suspension.
A variant on this, called the Elektrode 20FS, is aimed more for street use, with different tyres and handlebars, a rigid front end and variations in seat height adjustment. The 20FS also gets its own colours, details and styling, but at this stage, it appears this variant won’t be offered in Australia.
Like the original Elektrode, the bigger Elektrode 20 places the motor in the rear hub and offers three selectable power modes. Top speed ranges from 21km/h in low mode to 39km/h in mid and high mode, with the upper two modes offering “mild” and “strong” acceleration, respectively. Run time varies from 1 hour to 3 hours, depending on the power mode, and recharge time is listed at 4 hours.
To counter the additional power, a disc brake is added to the front wheel, of the same 160mm size and cable operation as the rear, with the resulting addition of a brake lever on the right-hand handlebar.
In anticipation of speedier and more aggressive off-road use by older children, telescopic front forks have been added, too. These are 28mm in diameter and offer 50mm of travel.
As with the smaller Elektrode, there’s handlebar and seat adjustment on the larger version, with seat height ranging from 550mm to 693mm and a spacer for handlebar height adjustment. The Elektrode 20’s weight is 20.9kg.
A release date for the Elektrode 20 was still to be confirmed at time of writing, as was a price. Check with your Kawasaki dealer for details, or watch this space for more on the Elektrode 20 as its release draws nearer.
