The Elektrode balance bike is a gateway for young kids, ages 3 to 8, to get into riding. (Kawasaki/)

The Kawasaki Elektrode is intended as a first bike for young riders before they move up to small motorcycles. Because it’s electric, with simple twist-and-go controls, it’s easy for kids as young as three years old to get comfortable with it. When the power is off, the bike is suitable for kids to practice balancing; turn the power on, and the world is the kid’s playground.

The Elektrode’s front number plate and motocross-inspired graphics are a small nod to its KX brethren. (Kawasaki/)

Don’t worry, parents: There are ways to keep things reined in. There are three selectable speed modes, low, mid, and high, each with a cap at different speeds (5, 7.5, and 13 mph, respectively) to allow for controlled and manageable power. The bike must be completely stopped to switch it between modes, and a parental lock requires a unique passcode to prevent unapproved speed mode changes.

A 250-watt motor is hidden within the hub of the rear wheel. Little to no maintenance is required to keep it running. (Kawasaki/)

An in-frame lithium-ion battery feeds a 250-watt brushless motor housed within the rear wheel, so the bike’s design is not only sleek, but has no moving external parts to fret over. Kawasaki claims the battery has about 2.5 hours of run time, or approximately 9 miles, and takes the same amount of time to recharge for a 1:1 relationship between charge time and play time.

The in-frame battery is almost completely hidden from view. (Kawasaki/)

The charger plugs into the front of the bike and can be connected to a 110-volt outlet. (Kawasaki/)

With kids, distractions are inevitable; a toy can be left on and forgotten only for a kid to return to a dead battery. Luckily, there’s an auto-sleep feature that powers down the Elektrode after 10 minutes of inactivity.

The bike is also extremely compact. A wheelbase of just 32.8 inches not only means that the bike will handle easily, but is also small enough to fit in the back seat or trunk of a car. At only 32 pounds, the bike is lightweight for easy loading and unloading too.

To accommodate the varying heights of the Elektrode’s target audience, the seat has more than 4 inches of adjustability. Its common seat post size of 27.2 millimeters makes it easily swappable with taller seats. (Kawasaki/)

If your child is a threenager or independent grade schooler, the Kawasaki Elektrode is an exciting new electric entry in the balance bike market that will help them develop their riding skills. Perhaps one of the most important details for parents: It’s priced at $1,099.

From the brand that offers a range of dirt and streetbikes, watercraft, ATVs, and side-by-sides, the Kawasaki Elektrode is designed to inspire the youngest family members to get into powersports. (Kawasaki/)

The 16-inch cast aluminum rear wheel is fitted with a 160mm mechanical disc brake. (Kawasaki/)

Foldable pegs transform this bike from a balance bike to something more closely related to a peg-equipped mini dirt bike or motorcycle. (Kawasaki/)

Battery level is shown on the LCD screen. Three speed modes can be selected from this display. (Kawasaki/)

Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com