KTM FREERIDE E-SM
FIRST RIDE
P70
cated electric KTM street bike to reach the mar-
ketplace, leapfrogging the E-SPEED urban mobil-
ity device launched at the Tokyo Show in March
2012, which is the closest thing you're ever likely
to see to a KTM scooter.
"We at KTM are completely convinced of electric
mobility as a perfect complement to conventional
powertrains," says KTM CEO Stefan Pierer. "In
the long term, electric drive will come out on top
for short distances—particularly in areas which are
highly sensitive from an environmental perspective,
like open nature and densely populated metropoli-
tan areas. So we must be present in this sector, but
in entering it we must be true to our sporty traditions.
speed according to the little speedo, clearly dem-
onstrated KTM's intent on turning the bitter lemons
of political correctness into refreshing lemonade
that's enjoyable to sample. For while other man-
ufacturers of electric bikes or scooters focus on
E-biking's environmental benefits in providing per-
sonal transportation—either established bike build-
ers going green, or apostles of alternative energy
worshipping at the zero emissions altar—KTM has
a different agenda: green may be good, but it must
also be fun!
The Freeride E-SM is tall but also extremely
"WE AT KTM ARE COMPLETELY
CONVINCED OF ELECTRIC
MOBILITY AS A PERFECT
COMPLEMENT TO CONVENTIONAL
POWERTRAINS." - STEFAN PIERER
So the E-SPEED concept may advance to series
production only after the Freeride E-SM—this must
be our first Urban Streetfighter wearing a green
cloak! Vehicles like the E-SPEED and Freeride E
models will help power two-wheelers to win more
acceptance in society, not just because of their en-
vironmental credits, but because they are easy to
use, quick, and simply great fun."
The chance to be the first person outside KTM
to take to the streets on this politically correct
green E-Duke came when I was let loose on a
pre-production version of the Freeride E-SM to
cope with the Mattighofen mayhem that consti-
tutes the evening rush hour in KTM's home town.
An hour-long silent scoot through the streets of
the town, fighting for tarmac space with assort-
ed trucks, taxis, delivery vans and cars, coupled
with a longer, faster ride out into the surrounding
countryside, where I could max out its 56 mph top
