If you’re thinking of diving into electric racing, the RFN SX-E5 might just be the smarter place to start. While last issue we tested the SX-E8 – the first “65cc equivalent” electric to race in higher classes – many petrol 50cc bikes in junior racing have little engine development so a petrol bike may not have as much of an advantage. The SX-E5, by contrast, already offers competitive performance out of the box, meaning it stands a better chance of being race-ready without extensive tinkering.

The SX-E5 isn’t the first electric kids’ bike eligible for 50- to 65cc classes, but it is among the most affordable to do so. With a peak 5 kW motor, strong torque, and a price point within reach for savvy families, it presents a decent option.

Because electric bikes eliminate carb tuning, clutch wear, and thermal issues, the SX-E5 gives young riders a level playing field to learn racing fundamentals: traction, lines, race starts, and consistency. Many beginner petrol bikes lack the performance needed to compete in class, forcing upgrades just to stay relevant – that’s one more barrier removed with the SX-E5.

In Europe, we’re already seeing youth riders enter electric classes with bikes like the E5 or E8 alongside petrol machines. They are proving the concept that electric power can coexist, or even edge ahead, in junior racing. Here in Australia, adoption will depend on local class rules and grassroots support, but the SX-E5 is positioned well to become a go-to for families wanting to embrace racing dirtbikes for their kid without breaking the bank.

What’s in it?

The RFN Warrior SX-E5 is powered by a 48V 25Ah lithium-ion battery (1,200Wh) feeding a 5 kW peak output motor that produces around 7 hp and 145 Nm of torque. The bike reaches a top speed of 60 km/h and offers a range of up to 40 km at a steady 35 km/h, with a 2.5-hour fast charge and a swappable battery design for quick turnaround between rides.

Built on a steel frame with 12-inch front and 10-inch rear Kenda off-road tyres, the SX-E5 uses 205 mm of front fork travel and 180 mm of rear shock travel from it’s own in-house suspension. Braking is handled by hydraulic discs front and rear, again, in-house, and riders can switch between three control modes (Eco, Mid, Sport) to suit their ability.

Weighing just 47 kg with a seat height adjustable between 615–665 mm, the SX-E5 is lightweight and adaptable. The sine-wave controller, digital battery indicator, and simple plug-and-ride setup make it a low-maintenance, high-tech option for young racers entering the 50 cc class.

How does it go?

Eight-year-old Nixon and ten-year-old Tate were our test pilots for the RFN SX-E5, the latest electric contender in the 50cc class. Both riders have solid petrol backgrounds–Nixon rides a Yamaha TTR110, while Tate’s familiar with the high-strung Cobra 50–making them the perfect pair to compare the RFN SX-E5 with a similar powered petrol bike.

From the get-go, both boys were impressed with how easy the SX-E5 was to handle. Nixon described the front-end as “definitely soft and easy to turn into corners,” noting how much more compliant the suspension felt compared to his TTR110. “It’s definitely better than the 110,” he added, which says a lot considering how forgiving those trail bikes already are. Tate agreed, saying “it turned really good, and the suspension was pretty soft… it felt pretty good over bumps.” The key word for both testers was “soft”–but not in a bad way. The suspension soaked up everything they threw at it without bottoming or bouncing back harshly, giving them confidence to push harder.

When it came to fit, both riders noticed how compact and lightweight the SX-E5 felt. Tate admitted he’s a bit big for the bike at ten years old, but even so, it “still handled me a bit,” though he reckoned his weight might have slightly dulled the acceleration. Nixon, being smaller, found the dimensions spot-on. He could easily get both feet on the ground, and said the bike felt “really nice” and narrow between the legs – nimbler than any petrol minibike he’d ridden before. That slim profile and low seat made it easy for both riders to balance through tight corners or dab a foot when needed.

Then came the power test – and this is where the SX-E5 started to flex. Nixon experimented with the bike’s adjustable ride modes and described the power as “pretty good,” while Tate was quick to point out how immediate the throttle felt. “The power was just straight on,” he said, impressed by how quick the bike responded off the line. Compared to his Cobra 50, Tate explained that the SX-E5 “came on earlier” – delivering instant torque at corner exits – whereas the petrol two-stroke needed revs to hit its powerband. Once the Cobra was on the pipe, it would eventually carry more speed down the straights, but off the mark and out of corners, the electric easily had the advantage.

As the laps piled on, both riders grew more comfortable, taking turns exploring the bike’s power settings and pushing harder. Nixon liked how smooth the throttle delivery was, and neither tester complained about arm pump or fatigue – something that’s common on small two-stroke petrol bikes when the powerband hits hard. The silence of the motor also seemed to help them focus on their lines rather than the noise, creating a calmer environment for learning.

By the end of the day, both Nixon and Tate agreed the RFN SX-E5 was a standout little bike – fun, confidence-inspiring, and easy to ride fast. It turned sharply, the suspension worked well for their size, and the electric motor delivered a punchy, instant feel that made corner exits exciting. For families looking to step into racing without the tuning hassles of a petrol 50, the SX-E5 offers an approachable, capable, and genuinely exciting way to go racing.

Is it competitive?

The RFN SX-E5 proves that electric minibikes have well and truly arrived. It’s not just a novelty or a training tool – it’s a legitimate race-ready option for kids stepping into the 50cc class. Nixon and Tate showed that even young riders with limited e-bike experience can jump on and feel comfortable within minutes, thanks to the bike’s smooth, instant throttle response and forgiving suspension.

The big question is, what will the future look and sound like with these bikes really starting to grow on young riders. We remember growing up with the sound of a two-stroke ringing in our helmets as we went to sleep, that unmistakable smell and the hours and hours spent sitting in the shed watching dad fix something we just broke. The thought of losing that is a little disheartening but it won’t be lost entirely. There will always be a place for combustion engines even if government regulation forces us from our oily steeds. So it’s good to know there are other options that still offer dirtbike fun but without the government watching over our shoulder.

In a class dominated by small-displacement two-strokes, the RFN SX-E5 is a breath of fresh air – fast, simple, and surprisingly affordable for what it offers. For parents looking to get their kids started in racing, this is the future made fun-sized.

RFN SX-E5 Specifications

  • Motor:5kW peak output (7 hp), 145Nm torque
  • Battery:48V / 25Ah lithium-ion (1,200Wh), swappable
  • Top Speed:60 km/h
  • Range:Up to 40 km at 35 km/h
  • Charge Time:5 hours (fast charge)
  • Ride Modes:3 – Eco / Mid / Sport
  • Suspension Travel:205mm front, 180mm rear
  • Brakes:Hydraulic discs front & rear
  • Tyres:12” front / 10” rear Kenda off-road
  • Seat Height:Adjustable 615–665mm
  • Weight:47kg
  • Controller:Sine wave with advanced motor algorithms
  • Frame:Steel construction with digital battery indicator