
Alta Redshift EX
Years: 2018 – 2019
Alta Motors (originally BRD) proved that a well-engineered electric could hang with petrol bikes in the toughest arena: motocross and enduro. The Redshift platform used dense, crash-tolerant battery packs, a compact motor, and refined mapping to deliver instant, controllable torque with minimal drivetrain mass. Riders discovered new lines and traction strategies enabled by precise throttle and the absence of engine braking pulses. Alta raced seriously—AMA Supercross showings, endurocross wins—and its data-driven iteration cycle improved thermal limits, charging routines, and service procedures. Commercial headwinds and funding shortfalls ultimately ended production, a loss still lamented by testers who praised the bikes’ composure and low-speed technical prowess. Historically, Alta’s influence is profound: it shifted the conversation from “if” to “how soon” for electric off-road, trained dealers and racers to think in SOC and heat soak, and showed that silence can coexist with adrenaline. Many design cues—battery packaging, waterproofing, clutch-free control strategies—echo in today’s e-moto programs. The Redshift remains a benchmark for how focused engineering can translate electrons into dirt-riding joy.