This awesome new electric ATV is great for both thrill seekers and special forces

All terrain vehicles or ATVs have traditionally been loud, bulky vehicles designed for traversing rough terrain. Recently though we’ve seen a number of unique electric entries into the ATV industry, from the UBCO 2×2, a powerful all-wheel-drive electric farm motorbike, to Honda’s own ATV and UTV projects.

But as cool as those vehicles are, the EZRaider line of all-electric ATVs are unlike anything I’ve ever seen before.

Israel-based DSRaider developed the EZRaider line of ATVs to provide a solution for navigating rough terrain that was previously only passable by foot.

With a more narrow design than traditional ATVs and 4×4 quads, the EZRaider can squeeze through, around and over obstacles.

The nimble ATV uses a novel design where the rider stands and leans his or her body in a motion similar to skiing. The vehicle can also be folded, allowing it to be stowed in tighter spaces for storage or travel.

DSRaider currently offers three different models including the entry level EZRaider as well as two higher power models, the HD2 and HD4.

The entry level EZRaider features two 1,200 W motors and a 60V, 1.7 kWh battery, as well as 50 cm (20 in) of suspension travel. This model is intended more for thrill seekers and weekend adventurers.

The two higher powered models are designed with more tactical uses in mind. The HD2 includes a larger and more rugged frame to handle extra abuse and also increases the battery pack size to 3 kWh.

The HD4 adds four-wheel-drive capability for the most extreme terrain, with each wheel connected to its own individual suspension system to allow independent vertical and horizontal movement. It has a load capacity of 167 kg (370 lbs), can carry two riders (with an optional rear seat for the passenger), and has a range of 80 km (50 mi) on a single charge.

The HD4 also reaches speeds of up to 70 km/h (43 mph), though don’t expect to hit those speeds on most rough terrain – that’s likely a pavement only speed.

In addition to the EZRaider line of ATVs, DSRaider also manufacturers all-terrain carts designed to be towed behind the ATVs. The carts come in multiple sizes, with the largest also sporting its own 3 kWh battery and dual 1,200W electric motors, increasing the carrying capacity of the cart to 250 kg (550 lbs) and serving as a range extender for the ATV.

The powerful performance and silent operation of the ATVs has found favor in both the outdoor adventure communities and for military and law enforcement use.

Both the US Army and Israel Defense Forces have been evaluating the HD4 model, with the US Army recently purchasing the ATV after a successful evaluation.

According to Breaking Defense, the EZRaiders have already been used in at least one Middle Eastern raid where they were inserted via helicopter along with US special forces soldiers and used to cover ground faster en route to the mission target.  EZRaiders are also currently in operational use by Israeli Border Police.

The ATVs are also being tested by US law enforcement, with a source rather cryptically describing to Breaking Defense that the ATVs were being used “above and under the ground.” While the company hasn’t elaborated on the US law enforcement use, they did release this photo which appears to show an EZRaider in some type of underground train tunnel, which might add some insight.

Electrek’s Take

I think we are going to be seeing a lot more electric ATVs such as these, both for civilian and military/police/first responder use.

On the civilian side, electric vehicles are simply more fun. From electric jet skis to electric UTVs (that we tested out!), electric fun-mobiles are just more exciting. The instant torque and whisper quiet rides allow you to hear the nature and wind around you, making the experience that much more thrilling.

On the military side, we are seeing an increasing number of armies adopting EVs, such as Norway’s recent use of electric bicycles for border patrol and the Russian military’s electric motorcycles. The US Army is even exploring the options for electric tanks.

EVs are simply the future for essentially every vehicle, not just road vehicles.

Just like they should be.