The electric dirt bike market continues to get more interesting. We have seen the Zero dual-sport bikes, which have limited off-road capabilities. KTM’s original electric Freeride took care of trail riding. The Stark Varg shows promise on motocross and arenacross tracks. The new KTM Freeride E and Stark Varg EX look to be legit dual-sport motorcycles. Now, we have a new trail contender designed in Bend, Oregon, by Dust Moto—the 2026 Dust Hightail.
Built in America by Detroit-based Bloom, the 2026 Dust Hightail is a slightly downsized dirt bike for trail use. Suspension travel is a bit shorter than off-road racers—10.2 inches in the front and 11.2 inches in the rear. That allows for a lower seat height—just 35.4 inches. Although the Hightail has a 21-/18-inch wheelset, the rear tire is just 100mm wide. Also, the wheelbase is compact at a hair over 55 inches.
The battery on the 2026 Dust Hightail is relatively small at 4.4 kilowatt-hours—the Stark Varg’s capacity is nearly half-again as much. The battery is swappable, though don’t expect a spare to be inexpensive.
According to insiders at Dust Moto, casual trail riders can get two hours of seat time out of the battery, while hard chargers will be limited to about 35 miles of range. There are no claims about charging times for the battery.
The motor puts out 42 horsepower, which is inarguably respectable for trail riding, and torque peaks at a muscular 44 ft-lbs. As is often the case, the Dust Hightail has a clutchless, single-speed transmission. The Hightail is twist-and-go.
The compact dimensions and smaller components keep the weight down to 220 pounds—similar to a 125cc two-stroke trailbike. That will help the ride make the most of the power on tap.
Dust Moto CEO and founder Colin Godby touts the 2026 Hightail’s ease of use and practical advantages, saying, “Teaching people to ride an electric dirt bike is easier; they pick it up more quickly, and, without the noise, a lot more riding opportunities become available.”
“But the benefits of electric aren’t only for new riders,” Godby continues. “Suddenly, backyard tracks, urban areas, and natural sites with noise restrictions become accessible to riders that weren’t available with gas-powered bikes.
“The unrivaled agility and lack of maintenance means more time spent with a smile plastered across your face,” Godby concludes. “We’re not trying to reinvent the wheel here, just amplify the experience for more people via the benefits of electric.”
The sound output of the 2026 Dust Hightail is 55 dB—about the level of background music, a normal conversation, an electric fan, or an electric toothbrush.
Information on the 2026 Dust Hightail remains limited. For instance, we don’t know who makes the suspension components, the brake caliper manufacturer, and the brand/model of tires.
We will have plenty of time to find out, as Dust Moto says the 2026 Dust Hightail won’t be brought to market until late 2025. The $10,950 MSRP aligns with its capabilities, and you can reserve a place in line for $100—refundable if you change your mind.
2026 Dust Hightail Specs
MOTOR
- Type: Dust Moto
- Battery: Swappable 4.4 kWh, 80 volts, 500-amp maximum discharge
- Maximum power: 42 horsepower
- Maximum torque: 44 ft-lbs
- Transmission: Clutchless single-speed
- Final drive: Chain
CHASSIS
- Frame: Twin-spar
- Front suspension travel: Fully adjustable damping closed-cartridge inverted 43mm fork: 10.2 inches
- Rear suspension travel: Linkage-assisted fully adjustable KYB shock; 11.2 inches
- Front tire: 80/100 x 21
- Rear tire: 100/100 x 18
- Front brake: 260mm disc w/ 4-piston caliper
- Rear brake: 220mm disc w/ floating caliper
DIMENSIONS and CAPACITIES
- Wheelbase: 55.1 inches
- Rake: 26 degrees
- Seat height: 35.4 inches
- Weight: 220 pounds
2026 Dust Hightail Price: $10,950 MSRP
2026 Dust Hightail Photo Gallery
