In this article, we compare the Razor MX350 vs MX500 electric dirt bikes.
Both may be an excellent choice if you want to treat the adrenaline junkie in your family to a well specified dirt bike. But, although they share some of the same components, there are important differences between both models.
Our guide below will show you which is the most suitable for your child. First we’ve got a quick comparison table of the main features of the Razor MX350 vs MX500.
Then we look at the main differences between them and the advantages of each dirt bike, in turn. Finally, we’ll summarize the pros and cons of both rides, to help you make the right choice for your kids, and for you.
Razor MX350 vs MX500 – Quick Comparison
These bikes were our top choice for Budget (MX350) and Overall Value (MX500) when we reviewed the best electric dirt bikes for kids and youths in 2024. Let’s take a closer look at how they compare against each other.
In the table below we’ve summarized the main features of each bike in a side by side comparison, to make it easy to see the differences between them.
Razor MX350 | Razor MX500 | |
---|---|---|
Description | Small electric dirt bike with single speed, no suspension and single rear brake | Larger electric off-road dirt bike with variable speed, dual suspension and dual disc brakes |
Age Range | 5-10 * (see note below table) | 8-14 * (see note below table) |
Weight Limit | 140 lbs | 175 lbs |
Top Speed | 14 mph | 15 mph |
Price | See at Amazon | See at Amazon |
Battery System | 24V (2 x 12V) sealed lead acid - charger included | 36V (3 x 12V) sealed lead acid - charger included |
Battery Life | Up to 30 minutes of continuous use | Up to 40 minutes of continuous use |
Battery Recharge Time | 12 hours | 12 hours |
Motor and Gearing | 350W, high torque, chain driven | 500W, high torque, chain driven |
Throttle | Single speed, twist grip | Variable speed, twist grip |
Brakes | Hand operated rear band (i.e. drum) brake | Hand operated front and rear discs |
Suspension | None | Dual suspension (rear is adjustable) |
Seat Height | 20" | 24" |
Handlebars | Adjustable angle, riser style, with soft rubber grips | Adjustable angle, riser style, with soft rubber grips |
Tires | 12" pneumatic knobby | 16″ (front) and 14" (rear) pneumatic knobby |
Product Weight | 62 lbs | 98 lbs |
Assembled Dimensions | 44" L x 24.5" W x 31" H | 56" L x 24.5" W x 36" H |
Assembly Time | 15 minutes | 30 minutes |
* Note on Age: Razor’s recommended age for the MX350 is a highly conservative 13+ but an age range of 5-10 (real world guide from many buyers) with parental supervision may be more suitable. Because this dirt bike is small – the MX350 seat height is only 20″ so older kids would fit better on its bigger brother, the MX500.
* Note on Age: Likewise, Razor’s recommended age for the MX500 is 14+ but this is also very conservative. An age range of 8-14 (real world guide from many buyers) with parental supervision may be more suitable. The Razor MX500 seat height of 24″ is still at least 10″ lower than on a regular, adult sized dirt bike.
See the videos in the next section below for a real world view of the appropriate ages for these bikes.
Main Differences
The biggest difference between both dirt bikes is the size and age of rider that each was designed for.
The Razor MX500 is the big brother of the MX350 – it has a 20% larger frame, bigger wheels and weighs 36 lbs more. The MX500 supports a heavier rider (175 lbs vs 140 lbs) and is more suitable for older children – Razor recommend age 14+ for the MX500 compared to 13+ for the MX350.
Thanks to a more powerful motor (500W vs 350W) and extra battery (36V vs 24V), the top speed of the Razor MX500 is higher than the MX350 (15 mph vs 14 mph) and it gives a longer ride per full charge (40 minutes vs 30 minutes). The MX500 also has variable speed and dual suspension whereas the MX350 is single speed with no suspension.
Check out the video below for a real world view of the size of the larger Razor MX500 Dirt Rocket with a 9 year old boy riding:
For comparison, the video below shows the smaller Razor MX350 Dirt Rocket with 7 and 4 year old boys riding:
Advantages of Razor MX350 Dirt Rocket
- Better size for young children – the Razor MX350 seat height is 20″ (which is 4″ lower than the MX500)
- MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price) is about $200 cheaper than the MX500 – but check the actual prices below
- 37% lighter than the MX500 (62 lbs vs 98 lbs) = easier for small kids to ride and to lift back up off the ground if it falls over
- 20% smaller frame than the MX500 = less storage space required and easier to transport
- Available in 3 colors (only 1 color option for the MX500)
- Razor MX350 top speed is 14 mph (compared to 15 mph on the MX500) and slower acceleration makes it less risky for younger kids
Advantages of Razor MX500 Dirt Rocket
- Better size for older kids or early teens – the Razor MX500 seat height is 24″ (which is 4″ higher than the MX350) and the frame is 20% larger
- Can carry a heavier rider (maximum load of 175 lbs vs 140 lbs in the MX350)
- Longer battery life (40 minutes continuous use vs 30 minutes) so you can have more fun before it runs out of juice
- The Razor MX500 top speed is 15 mph (vs 14 mph in the MX350), thanks to a more powerful motor
- Variable speed = smoother power delivery (MX350 is single speed i.e. on or off which makes the start quite jerky)
- Dual suspension = better off-roading capability (MX350 has no suspension so the ride is stiff and not forgiving over bumps)
- Dual disc brakes = better stopping (MX350 has a single rear brake)
- Larger wheels = better traction and ride comfort (16″ front / 14″ rear vs 12″ front and rear on the MX350)
Pros of Both Bikes
Here is a summary of what we love about both models:
- Specifically designed for children or early teens
- User friendly controls
- Adjustable angle handlebars can adapt to fast growing kids
- Quick enough to give an adrenaline rush
- Slow enough (compared to gas dirt bikes) to minimize risk of a high speed crash
- Knobby rubber pneumatic tires (unlike plastic tires of cheap bikes and ride on toys) can tackle many ground conditions including off-road
- Steel frame with authentic motocross frame geometry
- No pollution (compared to a gas dirt bike)
- Quieter than a gas dirt bike
- Requires much less servicing than a gas dirt bike
- Razor is a long established US manufacturer – spare or replacement parts are readily available from their website
Cons of Both Bikes
Here is a summary of what we don’t like so much about both models. But most of these issues are common to all electric dirt bikes in this price range:
- Relatively short battery life. But 30 or 40 minutes is still enough to cover 7 or 10 miles respectively
- Battery full recharge time is up to 12 hours so charging needs to be planned
- No reverse gear – can be awkward to maneuver backwards
- No headlights or rear lights – can only be driven in daylight
- Not intended for use on public streets
- Helmet and protective clothing (see our Electric Dirt Bike Buying Guide for recommended safety gear) may be uncomfortable in hot weather
- Must be stored in a dry area, due to the electrical components
- Batteries must not be stored in temperatures below freezing
- Batteries must be recharged at least once a month
Conclusion
A smaller frame and lower seat make the MX350 the better choice for very young kids, especially those who are new to dirt bikes. The single speed (simple stop/go) is easier for them to handle and the lack of any suspension won’t make much difference if they don’t go off-roading.
However, the larger frame, variable speed and dual suspension of the MX500 makes this Razor dirt bike a much better choice for older kids and early teens, especially on rough terrain.
Owner’s Manuals
The owner’s manual for the Razor MX350 Dirt Rocket is available in PDF format from Razor here.
The owner’s manual for the Razor MX500 Dirt Rocket is available in PDF format from Razor here.
NOTE: A parent’s decision to allow their child to ride either the Razor MX350 or the Razor MX500 should depend on the child’s individual maturity, skill and ability to follow rules.