Dust Moto has introduced an all-electric dirt bike that it says punches above its weight class. The Hightail, previously known as Model_1, delivers a simplified user experience, compact chassis, swappable battery pack, and quiet drivetrain aimed at peak enjoyment for more riders across more terrains.

“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,” said Colin Godby, Founder and CEO of Dust Moto. “But the benefits of electric aren’t only for new riders. Suddenly, backyard tracks, urban areas, and natural sites with noise restrictions became accessible to riders that weren’t available with gas-powered bikes. The unrivaled agility and lack of maintenance mean more time spent with a smile plastered across your face. We’re not trying to reinvent the wheel here, just amplify the experience for more people via the benefits of electric.”

Godby founded Bend, OR-based Dust Moto in 2023 to create accessible, high-performance electric dirt bikes and, with leadership help from co-founders Head of Design Jarett Volkoff and COO Neil Tierney, is on a mission to create the number one American moto brand globally. Before forming Dust Moto, Godby was Chief Product Officer at utility electric vehicle company UBCO and held several senior engineering positions at brands including Walt Disney Imagineering and Skullcandy.

Raised in Southern California, his love for high-performance vehicles began with BMX racing and dreams of designing race cars. Starting his career as a mechanical engineer, he worked on vehicle projects spanning military, racing, theme parks, and consumer EVs. As an experienced off-road co-driver, Colin has competed in international events like the Baja1000 and TransSyberia Rally.

His Bend, OR-based startup developed the Hightail in partnership with Bloom, a Detroit-based manufacturing platform developer focused on re-shoring electric and conventional micromobility vehicle manufacturing in the U.S., with other customers including Benno Bikes, Cardinal Cycling Group, and Civilized Cycles. The collaboration is intended to bring Dust Moto’s vision to fruition within the U.S., giving the company access to new capacities for domestic manufacturing, assembly, delivery, and servicing in Michigan—and cementing its commitment to be designed and built in America.

Overall, Dust Moto is aiming for a riding experience that is far more immersive with the rider’s surroundings, enabling a stronger connection with the bike and other riders. Take a quiet watch and listen to the company’s YouTube launch video.

The Hightail is designed for performance and longevity, with geometry specs of 1400 mm (55.1 in) wheelbase, 900 mm (35.4) seat height, and 420 mm (16.5 in) peg height. Its suspension enables travel of 260 mm (10.2 in) in front and 285 mm (11.2 in) in the rear.

The electric dirt bike is light in weight, at less than 100 kg (220 lb), and compact, having a 2 in (51 mm) shorter wheelbase and a lower seat height than an average 250-cm³ internal combustion engine bike. Combined with 32-kW peak power and torque of 60 N·m (44 lb·ft) at the motor and 660 N·m (485 lb·ft) at the wheel with an 11:1 gear reduction, the result is a better power-to-weight ratio and more nimble, responsive behavior described as “telepathic” to rider inputs. The proprietary motorsport motor/gearbox features a 3.4:1 reduction, 12,000 rpm top speed, and high-torque-optimized PMSM (permanent magnet synchronous motor) design.

The Hightail’s customizable ride modes can be adjusted for various skill levels from new to seasoned. With no clutch, gear shifting, or foot controls, a rider can “just flip the switch and go.”

Its 4.4-kW·h battery can be swapped out in under a minute and recharged from 0 to 100% in 4 h. It offers up to 2 h of continuous riding, with ranges of 40 mi (64 km) at a 25-mph (40-km/h) cruise and about 35 mi (56 km) for “hard” riding on a charge. It’s “built to last” thanks to automotive-grade safety, an IP67 rating for water resistance, over 600 discharge cycles maintaining 80% capacity, with optimized thermal management ensuring peak performance in varying conditions.

With electrification, the bike’s maintenance schedule is radically simplified. Operating at a just 55 dB (about the volume of a typical conversation voice, according to the company), the quiet custom electric drivetrain means more riding locations are possible.

In a commitment to transparency, the company has taken an unconventional “build in public” approach, allowing backers and followers to view the design and engineering process firsthand. It says the model has cultivated a community of passionate riders engaged not only in the bike but also in its development journey.

The Hightail is priced at $10,950 and is now available for pre-order in the U.S. at dustmoto.com with a $100 refundable deposit. Initial deliveries are set for late 2025.