2024 Beta Explorer Buyer’s Guide: Specs and Price

The 2024 Beta Explorer is a compact, small-chassis electric trail bike designed for trail riding, camping, hunting, and working around the ranch. Built through a collaboration between Apollo Moto and Beta USA, the bike is roughly 30% smaller than a standard off-road motorcycle and can be registered as an off-road bike by California riders. Power comes from an electric motor producing 17 horsepower, drawing energy from a 74-volt, hot-swappable battery with a capacity of 35 Ah. The bike reaches a top speed of 40 mph.

Instead of a traditional gearbox and clutch, it features a clutchless direct drive system, complete with standard reverse. Three selectable power modes adjust performance: Casual mode halves top speed and torque compared to Medium mode, pushing claimed range between 50 and 100 miles (up to 100 miles on Speed One); Medium mode is rated for 30 to 60 miles (up to 60 miles on Speed Two); and Rocket mode unleashes a 10-second burst of maximum power. The battery can be swapped out in minutes to extend trail rides, and charging from a standard electrical outlet takes two to three hours. The machine features a forged aluminum frame with a steel upper structure, suspended by an adjustable inverted fork up front and a linkage-assisted, fully adjustable shock in the rear.

To keep weight down, Beta utilizes brakes and suspension components closer to mountain bike specifications than traditional motorcycle hardware, paired with narrow Kenda tires mounted on a 19-inch front wheel and an 18-inch rear wheel (Front tire: 2.75 x 19, Rear tire: 3.00 x 18). Stopping power is handled by 210mm disc brakes with hydraulic calipers front and rear. The Explorer weighs 150 pounds, has a 33.8-inch seat height, a 52.4-inch wheelbase, and accommodates a maximum rider weight of 265 pounds. Practical touches include an under-seat storage compartment with space for a water canteen, a small dome tent, or a picnic lunch.

The battery and sealed motor come with a two-year warranty. The 2024 Beta Explorer carries an MSRP price of $4890.