KTM FREERIDE E-SM
FIRST RIDE
P74
tery. If one or more green LEDs are illuminated,
you're good to go, so thumb the starter button,
then twist the throttle and wheee!
Moreover, there are three central red windows
numbered 1-2-3, which light up to indicate the rid-
ing map selected. Number three is Beginner level,
with very soft throttle mapping, since KTM has pro-
grammed the controller to deliver a highly progres-
sive throttle response, and limited power delivery
leading to reduced road speed. (Basically, you can
only go pretty slowly in this mode, 31 mph is tops.
Number 2 is Intermediate, quite usable around
town, and probably good on damp surfaces, with
maximum torque now delivered at 500 rpm, then
holding flat to the theoretical 6,600 rpm digital lim-
iter. Theoretical, because with direct drive and no
gearbox, you'll need a long straight piece of road
to reach this, especially as the overall gearing is
longer on this road version of the Freeride E than
on the two off-road variants. Mode Number 1 gives
maximum power, and maximum torque is available
from 1 rpm upwards, so there's plenty of potential
for you to flip over backwards if you simply wind
the throttle hard open! Selecting options 2/3 on
the mapping also extends battery duration, as
will the style of riding you employ. Basically, after
my hour was up the yellow light was showing, but
that's quite enough for a practical commute or a
good spirited ride before having to plug in the on-
board charger for at least 50 minutes.
Riding the Freeride E is both extremely simple
The Supermoto-style
Freeride E-SM gets 17-inch
wheels and disc brakes.
The Freeride E-SM's
battery is remarkably
small.
KTM is making E-bikes look cool.
