Our caravan of five Polaris Ranger side-by-sides had to cross a bridge over a creek where there was a lone man fishing, enjoying the isolation and peace of the backcountry in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. I felt horrible, as I had done for decades when trying to coexist with other outdoor enthusiasts while enjoying off-road motorsports.
But this encounter between us off-road riders and the fisherman was different; he waved. This was the first time I’d ever ridden an off-road vehicle (ORV) within arm’s-length of any human-powered outdoor enthusiast and received anything but negativity. Our group was aboard electric Polaris Ranger XP Kinetic side-by-sides (SxS), with little noise and no exhaust.
After decades of incredulously exercising my right to access approved trails aboard internal combustion dirt bikes, I got used to the disapproval of others enjoying the same wild spaces. Especially when I was in groups, which I often was for safety. And, embarrassingly, I wore ear plugs to protect my own hearing while simultaneously rationalizing that the noise was to be tolerated by others.
As a rock climber, I’ve enjoyed remote cliffs in stunning wilderness locations. However, dirt bikers have shattered the sounds of birds and wind rustling through trees. My climbing partners shot a knowing and disapproving look my way. Yes, that was me on other days.
Although I would defend my right to ride in these places, I understood it changed our wilderness experience. Often, the birds would remain silent, or other wildlife would leave the area for a long time.
But this excursion was different. The only sounds were from tire knobs deforming and the faint hum of the electric powertrain. There were no fumes and, notably, no yelling to return the politeness to the fisherman or conversing with co-drivers.
The Problem With Electric Off-Road Vehicles
The current issue with any electric ORV that I’ve tried is the range. Compared to gas-powered ORVs, the range on any electric ORV I’ve tested has been abysmal.
The electric trail bikes I’ve ridden all required judicious use of the throttle, especially on loose soil or sand, to ensure returning to the trailhead. Three hours and 60 miles is my high mark to date, and this was aboard an e-moto that was more of a cross between a mountain bike and motorcycle than it was a true dirt bike.
Even the Polaris Ranger XP Kinetic, being several hundred pounds heavier than its gas counterpart, is limited to 40-80 miles. This depends on the aggressiveness of driving, terrain, and all the other things a driver doesn’t have to worry about as much with a gas vehicle. And, even then, hauling extra fuel on both two wheels and four isn’t difficult and is a regular occurrence. Not so with batteries.
But Polaris, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), and locals in the Ontonagon area of the Upper Peninsula (UP) exercised amazing cooperation to address this limitation of electric ORVs.