The silent revolution

E-power out of the black forest

Electric motocross and the environment

Over the years, motocross has developed into an exciting and popular motorsport. With the growing awareness of environmental issues and the pursuit of sustainable alternatives, the need has arisen to find more environmentally friendly solutions in motocross as well. In conversation with Florian Bockstaller, the co-founder of Pohlbock GmbH from Brenden in the Black Forest, we find out why electric motocross bikes represent the future of racing, what role battery capacity and efficiency play, and what contribution Isabellenhütte is making to this.

Motocross: Electric Motors in Focus

The origins of electric motocross date back to the early 2000s, when the first prototypes of electric motorcycles for off-road use were developed. In the following years, more and more manufacturers began building electric motorcycles for off-road use, including Pohlbock GmbH.

"We wanted to build motorcycles that are quiet and emission-free," Florian Bockstaller tells us. "As passionate motocross riders, my colleague Romano Pohl and I were very familiar with the noise and exhaust fumes on traditional motocross tracks. But nature and peace are important to us. We wanted to combine that with fun, and that's how we came up with the idea of the 'green motorcycle.'"

Bockstaller recalls the company’s founding in 2017. Back then, the performance and range of electric motors were rather modest, and the technological possibilities were limited. Thanks to the rapid development of battery technology and electric drive systems, our electric motocross bikes became more efficient. Improved battery capacity and efficiency led to a longer range for the bikes. A key milestone was the introduction of lithium iron phosphate batteries, a new technology that offers higher energy density and a lifespan two to five times longer than other batteries. The motors also became stronger, and the ability to install a shunt for current measurement was a revolutionary step for the young entrepreneurs. Now they could determine the real and lost power of the batteries installed in the motocross bikes.

The challenge was finding a suitable manufacturer for the necessary current-sensing resistors. At Pohlbock GmbH, everything from development to production happens at their new location in Ühlingen. The company prefers to source parts from Germany and other European countries, focusing on quality and sustainability. Regional suppliers and short delivery routes are always a priority.

"Our Need Was Recognized"

Eventually, Bockstaller and Pohl were made aware of Isabellenhütte by a colleague from the Formula Student Racing Team in Darmstadt. Isabellenhütte, a long-time supporter of university racing teams, already had a suitable current-sensing resistor in its portfolio. The KVM precision resistor can handle low voltages of 72 volts and high currents of around 800 amps without overheating, enabling highly precise measurements. Additionally, the shunt integrates perfectly with the battery size of the eBock.

The low heat generation, measurement accuracy, and compactness of the KVM precision resistor were all factors that played into the hands of the two entrepreneurs. Florian Bockstaller also rated Isabellenhütte’s service very highly, as they were able to provide the requested quantity on short notice. “They recognized our need and helped quickly. Here, people matter,” says Bockstaller.

Sustainability can also be enjoyable.

Today, we are at a point where electric motocross motorcycles can compete with traditional combustion-engine bikes in terms of performance. Technological advancements have led to the growing acceptance and popularity of electric motocross. More and more riders and racing teams are taking advantage of electric mobility, using powerful and environmentally friendly electric motocross bikes. In addition to reduced greenhouse gas emissions, noise emissions also play an important role on the racetrack. Unlike traditional bikes, electric motocross bikes can be used at any time since they do not contribute to noise pollution.

Florian Bockstaller also sees electric motocross motorcycles as the future. With a "green motorcycle," as he calls it, nature, peace, and riding fun can be combined. The ongoing improvements in electronic control systems, new battery technologies, and design advancements are making the bikes lighter and more agile, giving riders greater control and maneuverability on the track. Alongside the development of the bikes, high-performance fast-charging stations have been created to reduce battery charging times. Additionally, electric motocross bikes require less maintenance and have a longer lifespan than combustion-engine motorcycles. This not only saves money but also benefits the environment.