Electric dirt bikes are exploding in popularity—and for good reason. They’re quiet, eco-friendly, low-maintenance, and increasingly powerful. But with so many models flooding the market, how do you know which one actually delivers? Enter the Nova 5 electric dirt bike—a machine that’s been generating buzz online, especially after a viral video claimed it hit 68 mph on public roads.
But is that accurate? And more importantly: Is the Nova 5 worth your hard-earned money?
In this in-depth, hands-on review, we go beyond marketing fluff to deliver real-world data, honest cons, and practical insights from actual riding experience. From GPS-verified top speed tests to overlooked design flaws, this is the Nova 5 review you won’t find anywhere else.
The Nova 5 Top Speed: Myth vs. Reality
Let’s address the elephant in the room first: How fast does the Nova 5 actually go?
The manufacturer claims a top speed of 53 mph. But in a previous video, the rider reported hitting 68 mph—a number that raised eyebrows (and concerned moms!). So, to set the record straight, a controlled speed test was conducted using GPS tracking on a closed course.
Test Conditions:
- Rider weight: 170 lbs
- Rider height: 5’7”
- Battery level: 100%
- Terrain: Flat, paved road
- Tires: Stock motocross setup
- Gear ratio: 48T rear sprocket (adjusted from factory 58T)
- Wind: Slight breeze (tested in both directions)
Results:
- Run 1 (with wind): GPS recorded 59.6 mph
- Run 2 (against wind): GPS recorded 58 mph
- Onboard display: Showed inconsistent readings (up to 71 mph at one point—but likely inaccurate)
✅ Verdict: The realistic, GPS-verified top speed is ~59–60 mph—7 mph faster than advertised. That’s impressive for a bike in this class.
While not quite 68 mph, beating factory specs by over 13% is a strong endorsement of the Nova 5’s motor and battery performance. And yes—this was done in full safety gear, on a controlled stretch, away from traffic.
5 Honest Cons of the Nova 5 (That Most Reviews Ignore)
Many reviewers gloss over flaws to keep brands happy. Not here. After 43+ miles of real-world riding—on campus streets, in traffic, and during wheelie practice—here are the five biggest drawbacks of the Nova 5:
1. Poorly Designed Tail Light Wiring
The tail light assembly is buried under a plastic plate, with wiring routed awkwardly underneath. Accessing it for maintenance or upgrades is a nightmare.
💡 Fix Suggestion: Add 3–4 inches of slack to the wiring harness so it tucks neatly under the seat mount—simple, cheap, and user-friendly.
2. Non-Adjustable Headlight
The headlight cannot be angled up or down. At night, this means either blinding oncoming traffic or under-illuminating the road ahead.
🛠️ Ideal Solution: Include adjustment screws (like most motorcycles) to fine-tune beam direction based on rider height and load.
3. Tail Light Can’t Be Turned Off
Even when parked, the tail light stays on as a running light. While useful for visibility, there’s no kill switch to disable it—draining battery unnecessarily.
🔌 What Riders Want: A hidden toggle or key-position option to fully power down lights when not in use.
4. Wrong Tire Choice for Dual-Use Riders
The Nova 5 ships with motocross knobbies—great for dirt, terrible for pavement. Yet, it’s street-legal (with plates) and often ridden on roads.
🛞 Better Approach: Offer dual-sport tires as standard—or at least as an option. Most riders use these bikes 70% on-road, 30% off-road.
5. Uncomfortable, Forward-Leaning Handlebars
At 5’7”, the rider already feels hunched over. For taller riders (6’+), this could cause back and wrist strain on longer rides.
🏍️ Upgrade Tip: Install 2-inch riser bars to achieve a more upright, comfortable posture—especially for urban commuting.
Bonus Quirks & Observations
Beyond the major cons, a few smaller—but notable—issues emerged:
- Brakes squeak at low speeds (likely needs bedding-in or pad replacement).
- A high-pitched whining noise comes from the controller/converter box when coasting at speed (not regen-related).
- Throttle response is snappy and lag-free—a big plus for quick acceleration.
- No cup holder (but aftermarket options exist—essential in Louisiana heat!).
Real-World Riding: Campus, Traffic & Daily Usability
The Nova 5 isn’t just a trail toy—it’s being used as a daily commuter. The reviewer rode it through UL Lafayette’s campus, navigated busy parking lots, and even hit a drive-thru (yes, on a dirt bike!).
Key Takeaways:
- Visibility is high—you get noticed (for better or worse).
- Bike lanes are your best friend; riding in traffic feels exposed and risky, especially with distracted drivers.
- Parking is easy, but college lots are chaotic—expect near-misses with inattentive students.
- Range anxiety is real—which leads us to...
Upcoming: The Critical Range Test
With only 43 miles logged, the bike is still in its break-in period. But the next big test? Real-world range.
Two testing methods are being considered:
- Controlled test: Ride at a steady 28 mph until battery depletion (for apples-to-apples comparison with bikes like the Sur-Ron X2).
- Realistic test: Mixed riding—city streets, light trails, stop-and-go traffic—to simulate actual usage.
📊 Why this matters: Advertised range often assumes ideal conditions. Real riders need honest numbers.
Stay tuned for that data—it could make or break your buying decision.
Who Is the Nova 5 For? (And Who Should Skip It?)
✅ Ideal For:
- Urban commuters wanting a fun, eco-friendly alternative to cars.
- Beginner to intermediate riders looking for manageable power with room to grow.
- Dual-sport enthusiasts who ride both dirt and pavement (if you swap the tires!).
- Tech-savvy riders who don’t mind minor DIY fixes (like rerouting wires).
❌ Not For:
- Pure off-road riders who want aggressive suspension and true dirt performance.
- Tall riders (6’+) without handlebar modifications.
- Those expecting plug-and-play perfection—this bike has quirks that require patience.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Nova 5?
Yes—but with eyes wide open.
The Nova 5 delivers on performance, exceeding its advertised top speed and offering responsive, quiet electric power. It’s street-legal, fun to ride, and turns heads everywhere.
However, design oversights—like the inaccessible tail light, fixed headlight, and motocross-only tires—show that the engineers prioritized specs over rider experience.
🌟 Bottom Line: If you’re willing to make a few small mods (tires, bars, wiring), the Nova 5 becomes a versatile, high-value electric bike that punches above its weight. But if you want a flawless, out-of-the-box experience, you may want to wait for Gen 2—or consider alternatives.
Pro Tips Before You Buy
- Always wear full gear—even for short rides. Speed + pavement = high risk.
- Swap the tires immediately if you plan to ride on roads.
- Test the lights at night before your first evening ride.
- Check local laws—some areas restrict electric dirt bikes on public roads, even with plates.
- Join owner forums—many fixes (like the tail light mod) are shared by the community.
What’s Next?
The reviewer plans to:
- Conduct a full range test (both controlled and real-world)
- Test off-road capability on trails
- Compare the Nova 5 directly with the Sur-Ron Light Bee X/X2
- Explore aftermarket upgrades (suspension, controller tuning, etc.)
Subscribe or bookmark this page—we’ll update it with new findings!
Your Turn: What Do You Think?
Have you ridden the Nova 5?
Do you agree with these cons?
What mods have you made?
Drop a comment below! And if you found this review helpful, share it with a fellow rider.
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