Volcon Runt electric mini bike to help your kids join the EV revolution
It’s clear the younger generation is having little trouble embracing an electric vehicle future, but for those resisting, the battery-powered Volcon Runt mini bike looks a convincing way to aid the re-education.
“Rip down that Lamborghini V12 poster son, Daddy’s got you an electric Runt for your birthday. Let’s go find some sweet jumps!”
This kid-friendly version of Volcon’s full-size Grunt electric off-road motorbike manages 56-kilometres on a single charge, recharges in two hours using a household socket, and is on sale in the US now from US$2995 ($3900). US deliveries are expected by the middle of 2021.
Texas-based Volcon, which claims to be the first “all-electric, off-road only powersports company”, says the Runt is there to allow families to “join together in off-road powersports adventures, creating lasting memories and setting the groundwork for a lifetime of off-road fun.”
While you’re welling up with the family bonding loveliness, it basically means the offspring can now accompany dad on his huntin’ fishin’ shooting’ adventures in the American wilderness.
The adult-sized Volcon Grunt electric motorbike offers 37kW and 100Nm, a range of up to 160km and the ability to ride underwater. Really.
No such detail on the pint-sized Runt version, but Volcon’s website lists the junior model as having 60Nm, a top speed of 56km/h and 27-inch (69cm) seat height.
Being the concerned parent I am, its listed weight of 82kg is going to prove challenging. A kid’s 50cc dirt bike, such as a Honda CRF50F, weighs under 50kg, so would be far easier to lift when the inevitable dirt road tumbles happen.
Electric motorbikes have many benefits, but battery weight clearly isn’t one of them. The adult Grunt, for example, weighs only a few sugar bags more than the Runt at 90kg.
More parent-friendly are the Runt’s app-driven geo-fencing controls, restricting where it can be ridden. Basically, little Billy-Ray can’t make a run for the State border unless the app permits it. Should he leave the pre-assigned boundary, power’s cut and game’s over.
Depending on the young ‘uns ability, parents can put on performance limiters, use remote monitoring and be alerted of tip-over notifications. I bet Toby Price’s mum never got such alerts while the future Dakar champ was out busting bones.
As with the adult Grunt, the battery is interchangeable if you fancy staying out in the wilds for longer, but it’s not known how costly a spare is.
Volcon says the Grunt will begin first deliveries in a matter of months, followed by this little Runt soon afterwards. Four-wheeled Stag and Beast models (gotta love whoever gets to name these things) will apparently follow in late 2021 into 2022.
Could you bring one to Australia? They appear to be off-road use only and not registrable for road use, so theoretically you could secure zero-emissions motorbikes for the whole family to enjoy round the paddocks.
