If you're staring at a screen trying to figure out which surron should i get, you've probably realized by now that the choice isn't as simple as it used to be. A few years ago, there was really only one bike everyone talked about, but now the lineup has expanded, and picking the wrong one can be an expensive mistake. You don't want to end up with a bike that feels like a toy if you're a big guy, and you definitely don't want a heavy monster if you're just looking to flick something around your local mountain bike trails.
Choosing between the models basically comes down to how you plan to ride, how much you weigh, and—let's be honest—how much money you're willing to drop on a "toy" that quickly becomes an obsession.
The OG Choice: The Light Bee X
For most people, the Light Bee X is the default answer. It's the bike that put the brand on the map. It's small, it's light, and it's incredibly "flickable." If you're coming from a mountain bike background, the Light Bee X is going to feel like home, just with a lot more "oomph."
One of the best things about the Light Bee is that it doesn't feel intimidating. It weighs about 125 pounds, which means you can throw it on a heavy-duty hitch rack or even lift it into the back of a truck by yourself if you've been hitting the gym. It's perfect for tight, technical single-track trails where you need to navigate between trees or hop over logs.
However, it does have its limits. If you're over 6 feet tall or you weigh more than 200 pounds, the Light Bee X might feel a bit cramped. You'll probably end up spending another grand on seat extenders, riser bars, and peg drops just to make it fit your body. Also, while the stock power is fun, many people find themselves wanting more after a few months. That's why the Light Bee has the biggest aftermarket community in the world. You can change everything on this bike, but just know that the "budget" bike can quickly become a $10,000 project.
The Sweet Spot: The Ultra Bee
If you're stuck in the middle and wondering which surron should i get because the Light Bee feels too small but the Storm Bee feels like overkill, the Ultra Bee is your answer. This bike is widely considered the "Goldilocks" of the lineup.
The Ultra Bee was released to bridge the gap, and it does a phenomenal job of it. It's bigger, faster, and much more capable of handling actual motocross tracks or high-speed desert trails. It's got about double the power of a stock Light Bee, and you can really feel that torque when you twist the throttle. It actually feels like a proper motorcycle rather than a beefed-up mountain bike.
What makes the Ultra Bee special is the balance. It's around 187 pounds, so it's still significantly lighter than a 250cc gas dirt bike, but it has enough weight to feel planted at high speeds. It also comes with much better suspension out of the box. While many Light Bee owners immediately swap their forks for something better, the Ultra Bee's stock setup is actually quite decent for most intermediate riders. If you have the extra budget, this is usually the bike I recommend to people who aren't planning on doing a ton of heavy street riding but want a serious off-road machine.
The Heavy Hitter: The Storm Bee
Then we have the Storm Bee. This is the big boy. If you're looking for a full-sized electric enduro bike that can compete with 250cc or even 300cc gas bikes, this is the one. It's heavy, it's tall, and it's fast.
The Storm Bee is for a specific type of rider. If you're mostly riding on wide-open trails, fire roads, or actual enduro courses, you'll appreciate the sheer power and the 100 km/h top speed. It also features a "reverse" gear, which sounds like a gimmick until you're stuck on a steep, muddy hill and need to wiggle your way out.
However, for a lot of people, the Storm Bee loses some of the "magic" that makes Surrons fun. It's heavy—coming in at nearly 300 pounds depending on the battery. You aren't going to be picking this up and tossing it over a fence, and you definitely aren't sneaking it onto mountain bike trails without getting some very angry looks. It's a real motorcycle, and it requires a real motorcycle trailer or a truck to transport. If you want the silent stealth of an electric bike but the physical presence of a KTM, get the Storm Bee.
Considering Your Riding Environment
Where you live and where you plan to ride should be the biggest factor in your decision. Are you living in a suburban area where you want to hop curbs and ride through the woods behind your house? The Light Bee X is king of stealth. It's quiet enough that most people won't even notice you're there, and it looks "bicycle-ish" enough that you can often get away with riding it in places where a gas bike would get the cops called on you in five minutes.
If you have access to dedicated OHV (Off-Highway Vehicle) parks or you live in a rural area with miles of open land, the Ultra Bee starts to make a lot more sense. It can cover more ground faster, and the battery life is better for longer excursions.
Street riding is another beast entirely. Depending on your local laws, getting these bikes street-legal can be a bit of a headache. The Light Bee is the easiest to "disguise," but if you're actually planning on commuting or keeping up with traffic, the Ultra Bee or Storm Bee are much safer choices because they can actually maintain road speeds without screaming at the top of their RPM range.
The Budget Reality
Let's talk money. When you're asking which surron should i get, you have to look past the initial MSRP.
- Light Bee X: Cheapest entry point, but the most likely to be modded. You'll probably want a better seat, better tires, and eventually a bigger battery and controller.
- Ultra Bee: More expensive upfront, but you might not feel the need to change anything for a year or two. It's a very complete package right out of the box.
- Storm Bee: The most expensive, and also the most expensive to maintain in terms of tires and parts because everything is heavy-duty.
Don't forget the gear! Please, for the love of everything, don't buy a $5,000 bike and then ride it in a t-shirt and shorts. You need a good helmet, boots, and pads. If you're at the top of your budget just buying the bike, maybe go for the Light Bee so you have some cash left over for a decent helmet.
The "Modding" Rabbit Hole
You can't talk about Surrons without mentioning the aftermarket scene. It's huge. If you're the type of person who loves to tinker in the garage, the Light Bee X is your dream canvas. People are out here putting 72V batteries and high-powered controllers on them, turning them into little rockets that can do 70mph.
The Ultra Bee is starting to get more aftermarket support, but it's still not on the level of the Light Bee. If you want to build a "one-of-a-kind" custom bike that looks like a work of art, the Light Bee is the way to go. If you just want to ride the thing and have it work perfectly every time, the Ultra Bee is a better "buy it and forget it" option.
Final Thoughts
So, at the end of the day, which surron should i get?
Get the Light Bee X if you're a smaller rider, if you want to ride stealthily in suburban areas, or if you plan on spending thousands of dollars customizing every single bolt. It's the most "fun" in a silly, playful way.
Get the Ultra Bee if you're a serious rider who wants the best performance-to-weight ratio. It's the best all-around bike they make and is likely the future of the brand. It handles like a dream and has power that will actually keep you excited for years.
Get the Storm Bee only if you are a larger rider who specifically wants a full-sized enduro experience and doesn't care about the extra weight or the lack of "stealth."
Whichever one you choose, you're going to have a blast. There's just something about the instant torque and the silence of an electric motor that makes you feel like a kid again. Just be prepared for everyone to stop you in the parking lot and ask, "Hey, is that electric?" because it's going to happen every single time you go out.