Stage 2 M1
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Stage 2 M1

"The Comfortable Entry Point for New Electric Riders"

March 12, 2025
Jake Morrison
|8 min read
Overall:6.3/10

THE VERDICT

"A comfortable, approachable bike that's perfect for beginners, but its limited range and power will leave experienced riders wanting more."

WHAT WE LIKED

  • Most comfortable full-size seat
  • Good FastAce fork suspension
  • Approachable power for beginners

WHAT NEEDS WORK

  • Worst range in class at ~11 miles
  • Linkage-less shock limits rear travel
  • Underpowered for experienced riders

The Stage 2 M1 is the kind of bike that doesn't try to be everything to everyone, and that's both its greatest strength and its most significant limitation. We spent two weeks with the M1 on the beginner-friendly trails of the Rowher Flats OHV area, where its comfortable ergonomics and manageable power made it an ideal companion for new riders learning the ropes.

The first thing you notice about the M1 is its seat. It's the most comfortable full-size seat in the class, with enough padding and width to make extended riding sessions genuinely pleasant. For a segment dominated by narrow, hard perches, this is a welcome change.

Performance & Power

The 6kW peak (3kW nominal) motor provides smooth, predictable power that's ideal for beginners. There's enough torque to handle moderate climbs and maintain a comfortable cruising speed on flat terrain. However, experienced riders will quickly find the power ceiling, especially on steep climbs or when trying to keep up with more powerful bikes.

Range & Battery Life

This is the M1's most significant weakness. With only about 11 miles of aggressive riding range, it has the shortest legs in the entire class. Even in eco mode, you're looking at maybe 25-30 miles on flat ground. For anything more than a short loop around a local trail, range anxiety is a constant companion.

Suspension & Handling

The FastAce fork up front is a genuine bright spot, providing good damping and compliance over rough terrain. However, the linkage-less rear shock is a letdown, offering limited travel and a harsh ride over bigger bumps. The combination creates an unbalanced feel — confident up front, but unsettled in the rear.

Who Is This For?

The Stage 2 M1 is for the absolute beginner who wants a comfortable, non-intimidating introduction to electric dirt biking. It's also a decent option for casual riders who stick to short, easy loops. However, anyone with ambitions beyond basic trail riding will quickly outgrow this bike.

VOLT DIRT SCORE

6.3
/10
Stage 2 M1
2025 Model
Performance
Average6.0
Range
Below Avg4.5
Build Quality
Good7.0
Suspension
Good7.2
Brakes
Average6.8
Value
Average6.5

KEY SPECIFICATIONS

Motor6kW peak
Battery60V
Range11 mi aggressive
Top Speed45 mph
Weight140 lbs
MSRP$4,200