The electric dirt bike revolution is in full swing, and two models are currently dominating the conversation: the Tyemoto TYE5000 and the Sur-Ron Ultra Bee. Both machines promise to deliver electrifying off-road performance, but they approach the challenge with distinctly different philosophies.
In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll dive deep into the technical specifications, performance metrics, and real-world capabilities of these two electric powerhouses. Whether you’re a seasoned off-road enthusiast or a newcomer looking to enter the electric dirt bike scene, this detailed analysis will help you understand which machine best suits your riding style and performance expectations.
The Contenders: A Brief Overview
Before we delve into the nitty-gritty details, let’s establish what makes these bikes special. The TYE5000 represents the new wave of Chinese electric dirt bike manufacturing, boasting impressive power figures and aggressive pricing. The Sur-Ron Ultra Bee, meanwhile, comes from a more established player in the electric off-road market, with a reputation for refined engineering and proven reliability.
Both bikes target the same segment of riders who want genuine dirt bike performance without the noise, maintenance, and environmental impact of gasoline engines. But as we’ll discover, they achieve these goals through different technical approaches.
Motor and Power Delivery: The Heart of the Matter
TYE5000: Raw Power Approach
The TYE5000 features a mid-mounted BLDC (Brushless Direct Current) motor with some seriously impressive specifications:
- Peak Power: 20kW (22kW in some configurations)
- Rated Power: 5kW
- Voltage: 72V system
- Motor Type: Mid-drive with four-speed forward gears
What sets the TYE5000 apart is its four-speed transmission system, a rarity in the electric dirt bike world. This mechanical advantage allows the motor to operate in its optimal RPM range across various speeds and terrain conditions, potentially delivering more efficient power delivery and extended range.
The motor is specifically designed for off-road use, featuring air cooling for thermal management and what Tyemoto describes as “special tailor-made” construction for demanding dirt riding conditions.
Sur-Ron Ultra Bee: Refined Engineering
The Ultra Bee employs a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) with sophisticated control systems:
- Peak Power: 12.5kW (standard) / 21kW (Turbo mode on 2025 HP models)
- Continuous Power: 6kW
- Voltage: 74V system
- Motor Type: Mid-mounted with belt + chain combination drive
The Sur-Ron’s approach emphasizes sophisticated electronic control over mechanical complexity. The PMSM motor is paired with an advanced MTPA/MTPV (Maximum Torque Per Ampere/Maximum Torque Per Voltage) controller that optimizes power delivery based on riding conditions and battery state.
Winner: While the TYE5000 offers impressive peak power figures, the Ultra Bee’s sophisticated motor control and proven reliability give it the edge in real-world performance consistency.
Battery Technology: The Energy Equation
TYE5000: Flexible Capacity Options
The TYE5000 offers multiple battery configurations to suit different riding needs and budgets:
- Voltage: 72V system
- Capacity Options: 40Ah, 50Ah, 60Ah, or 73Ah
- Maximum Energy: 5.26kWh (72V × 73Ah)
- Cell Supplier: CATL (Contemporary Amperex Technology)
- Charging Time: 3-4 hours
- Range: Up to 150km (93 miles)
The use of CATL lithium-ion cells is noteworthy, as CATL is one of the world’s leading battery manufacturers known for quality and reliability. The Smart BMS (Battery Management System) with Bluetooth connectivity allows riders to monitor battery health and performance through a smartphone app.
The 60-second battery replacement feature is particularly innovative, allowing quick battery swaps for extended riding sessions – a significant advantage for riders who want to minimize downtime.
Sur-Ron Ultra Bee: Proven Performance
The Ultra Bee features a more standardized battery approach:
- Voltage: 74V system
- Capacity: 55Ah (standard) / 60Ah (2025 HP models)
- Energy: 4.07kWh (74V × 55Ah) / 4.44kWh (74V × 60Ah)
- Charging Time: 4 hours (0-100%), 2.5 hours (20-80%)
- Range: 140km (87 miles) at 40km/h cruising speed
The 4,070Wh battery pack in the standard Ultra Bee utilizes high power density cells (200 Wh/kg) that maintain low discharge temperatures even under heavy load. This thermal management is crucial for consistent performance during aggressive off-road riding.
Winner: The TYE5000’s larger battery options and quick-swap capability give it an edge in range and convenience, though the Ultra Bee’s proven thermal management is commendable.
Torque and Acceleration: The Thrill Factor
TYE5000: Monster Torque Claims
The TYE5000 makes some extraordinary torque claims:
- Peak Wheel Torque: 1,200 Nm (885 lb-ft)
- 0-100 meters: 4.8 seconds
- Top Speed: 125-130 km/h (77-81 mph)
These figures suggest the TYE5000 should deliver explosive acceleration and exceptional hill-climbing capability. The 1,200 Nm torque figure is particularly impressive – if accurate, this would provide incredible low-end grunt for technical off-road situations.
The four-speed transmission should help optimize torque delivery across the speed range, potentially providing better acceleration from a standstill and more efficient high-speed cruising.
Sur-Ron Ultra Bee: Consistent Performance
The Ultra Bee offers more modest but proven torque figures:
- Peak Torque: 440 Nm (325 lb-ft) / 511 Nm (2025 HP models)
- Top Speed: 90-96 km/h (56-60 mph)
- 0-50 km/h: Approximately 3.5 seconds
While the torque figures are significantly lower than the TYE5000’s claims, the Ultra Bee’s consistent and predictable power delivery has earned praise from reviewers and riders. The Sur-Ron Traction Control System (SRTC) helps maintain traction in challenging conditions, while the Sur-Ron Energy Regenerative System (SERS) provides engine braking on descents.
Winner: On paper, the TYE5000’s torque advantage appears massive, but real-world verification of these claims is needed. The Ultra Bee’s proven, consistent performance makes it the safer bet until independent testing validates the TYE5000’s extraordinary specifications.
Speed and Range: The Performance Balance
TYE5000: Speed Demon
The TYE5000 targets riders who prioritize outright performance:
- Top Speed: 125-130 km/h (77-81 mph)
- Range: Up to 150km (93 miles)
- Multiple Riding Modes: Including Eco and Sport modes
The higher top speed makes the TYE5000 more suitable for fire roads and open terrain, though this capability may be less relevant for technical single-track riding where maneuverability trumps outright speed.
Sur-Ron Ultra Bee: Balanced Approach
The Ultra Bee focuses on usable performance:
- Top Speed: 90-96 km/h (56-60 mph)
- Range: 140km (87 miles) at moderate speeds
- Multiple Riding Modes: Eco, Daily, Sport, Reverse, Crawl
The Crawl mode is particularly useful for technical terrain, providing precise low-speed control. The Reverse gear is a unique feature that can be invaluable when maneuvering in tight spots.
Winner: The TYE5000 wins on outright speed, but the Ultra Bee’s more comprehensive riding modes and proven range make it more versatile for varied riding conditions.
Build Quality and Components: The Details Matter
TYE5000: Value Engineering
The TYE5000 showcases impressive specifications for its price point:
- Frame: 6061 forged aluminum alloy with Q345B steel reinforcement
- Weight: 110-120kg (243-265 lbs) depending on configuration
- Suspension: MNT brand hydraulic shock absorbers with adjustable height
- Brakes: Hydraulic disc brakes with 240mm rotors
- Ground Clearance: 318mm (12.5 inches)
The use of forged aluminum for the main frame provides excellent strength-to-weight ratio, while the adjustable suspension allows riders to tune the bike for different terrain and riding styles.
Sur-Ron Ultra Bee: Proven Durability
The Ultra Bee benefits from Sur-Ron’s extensive development and testing:
- Frame: Forged aluminum alloy
- Weight: 85-93kg (187-205 lbs)
- Suspension: KKE 37mm inverted fork with 240mm travel, TR Intersect monoshock
- Brakes: 240mm hydraulic disc brakes with 4-piston calipers
- Ground Clearance: 318mm (12.5 inches)
The fully adjustable suspension (compression and rebound) allows precise tuning, while the forged construction ensures durability under hard off-road use.
Winner: The Ultra Bee’s lighter weight and proven component selection give it the advantage in handling and long-term reliability.
Pricing and Value Proposition
TYE5000: Aggressive Pricing
- MSRP: $8,999 (off-road) / $9,999 (road-legal)
- Value Proposition: Maximum performance per dollar spent
The TYE5000 offers exceptional performance specifications for the price, potentially providing super-level performance at a mid-level price point.
Sur-Ron Ultra Bee: Established Value
- MSRP: $6,499 (standard) / $8,259 (road-legal L3E)
- Value Proposition: Proven performance with established support network
The Ultra Bee’s established dealer network and proven reliability record provide peace of mind that may justify the price premium for some buyers.
Winner: The TYE5000 offers more impressive specifications per dollar, while the Ultra Bee provides established value and support.
Real-World Considerations: Beyond the Spec Sheet
TYE5000: The Unknown Factor
While the TYE5000’s specifications are impressive, several questions remain:
- Long-term reliability is unproven
- Parts availability may be limited
- Warranty support is relatively new
- Resale value is uncertain
Sur-Ron Ultra Bee: The Known Quantity
The Ultra Bee benefits from:
- Established dealer network
- Proven reliability record
- Active aftermarket support
- Strong resale value
- Comprehensive warranty coverage
The Verdict: Different Strokes for Different Folks
After this comprehensive comparison, it’s clear that both bikes serve different rider priorities:
Choose the TYE5000 if you:
- Prioritize maximum power and speed
- Want the latest technology and features
- Are comfortable with newer brands
- Value aggressive pricing over established support
- Need quick battery swapping capability
Choose the Sur-Ron Ultra Bee if you:
- Value proven reliability and support
- Prefer refined, consistent performance
- Want established dealer network backing
- Need comprehensive riding modes for varied terrain
- Plan to maintain resale value
Final Thoughts
The electric dirt bike market is rapidly evolving, and both the TYE5000 and Sur-Ron Ultra Bee represent significant achievements in electric off-road performance. The TYE5000 pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in terms of power and speed at its price point, while the Ultra Bee offers a more refined, proven package with established support.
For adrenaline seekers and early adopters, the TYE5000’s impressive specifications and aggressive pricing make it an tempting proposition. However, for riders who prioritize reiability, support, and proven performance, the Ultra Bee remains the safer choice.
As battery technology continues to advance and manufacturing processes improve, we can expect both bikes to evolve further. The real winner in this comparison is the consumer, who now has access to genuinely capable electric dirt bikes that can compete with traditional gasoline-powered machines while offering unique advantages like instant torque, quiet operation, and minimal maintenance.
Whether you choose the raw power of the TYE5000 or the refined performance of the Ultra Bee, you’re getting a glimpse of the future of off-road motorcycling – and that future looks electrifying indeed.
