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Razor MX400 vs MX500 Comparison

In this article, we compare the Razor MX400 vs MX500 electric dirt bikes.

Both are an exciting and environmentally friendly choice if you want to treat your kids to a well specified dirt bike that is less noisy and risky than a gas powered model. But, although they share some of the same components, there are many 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 MX400 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 MX400 vs MX500 – Quick Comparison

These bikes were our top choice for Best Budget (MX400) and Overall Value (MX500) when we reviewed the best electric dirt bikes for kids and youths recently. Let’s take a closer look at how they match up 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 MX400Razor MX500
Razor MX400 Dirt RocketRazor MX500 Dirt Rocket
DescriptionSmall electric dirt bike with single speed, no suspension and single rear brakeLarger electric off-road dirt bike with variable speed, dual suspension and dual disc brakes
Age Range5-10 * (see note below table)8-14 * (see note below table)
Weight
Limit
140 lbs175 lbs
Top Speed14 mph15 mph
Price$$$
Check Price
$$$$
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Battery
System
24V (2 x 12V) sealed lead acid - charger included36V (3 x 12V) sealed lead acid - charger included
Battery
Life
Up to 30 minutes of continuous useUp to 40 minutes of continuous use
Battery Recharge
Time
12 hours12 hours
Motor and
Gearing
350W, high torque, chain driven500W, high torque, chain driven
ThrottleSingle speed, twist gripVariable speed, twist grip
BrakesHand operated rear band (i.e. drum) brakeHand operated front and rear discs
SuspensionNoneDual suspension (rear is adjustable)
Seat Height20"24"
HandlebarsAdjustable angle, riser style, with soft rubber gripsAdjustable angle, riser style, with soft rubber grips
Tires12" pneumatic knobby16″ (front) and 14" (rear) pneumatic knobby
Product Weight62 lbs98 lbs
Assembled
Dimensions
44" L x 24.5" W
x 31" H
56" L x 24.5" W
x 36" H
Assembly
Time
15 minutes30 minutes

* Note on Age: Razor’s recommended age for the MX400 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 really small – older kids would fit better on its bigger brother, the MX500.

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. Yes, it is larger than the MX400 but the seat height is still about 10″ lower than on a regular, adult sized dirt bike…

See the videos in the next section below for a real world view of 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 MX400 – 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 MX400.

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 MX400 (15 mph vs 14 mph) and it gives a longer ride per full charge (40 vs 30 minutes). The MX500 also has variable speed and dual suspension whereas the MX400 has single speed and no suspension.

Advantages of Razor MX400 Dirt Rocket

Razor MX400 Dirt Rocket
  • Better size for young children – the 20″ seat height 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) so it is much easier for small kids to ride and to lift back up off the ground if it falls over
  • 20% smaller frame than the MX500 so less storage space is required and it’s easier to transport
  • Available in 4 colors (only 1 color option for the MX500)

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Advantages of Razor MX500 Dirt Rocket

Razor MX500 Dirt Rocket
  • Better size for older kids or early teens – the seat is 4″ higher than the MX400 and the frame is 20% larger
  • Can carry a heavier rider (maximum load of 175 lbs vs 140 lbs)
  • Longer battery life (40 minutes continuous use vs 30 minutes) so you can have more fun before it runs out of juice
  • More powerful motor gives a faster top speed (15 mph vs 14 mph)
  • Variable speed provides smoother power delivery – MX400 is single speed i.e. on or off which can make the start quite jerky
  • Dual suspension = better off-roading capability (MX400 has no suspension so the ride is very stiff and not as forgiving over bumps)
  • Dual disc brakes = better stopping. MX400 only has a single rear band (i.e. drum) brake
  • Larger wheels = better traction and ride comfort (16″ front / 14″ rear vs 12″ front and rear on the MX400)

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Pros of Both Bikes

Here is a summary of what we love about both models:

  • Specifically designed for children or early teens with user friendly controls
  • Adjustable angle handlebars can adapt to fast growing kids
  • Quick enough to for thrills but 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 and requires much less servicing
  • 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 miles (MX400) or 10 miles (MX500)
  • Battery full recharge time is up to 12 hours so charging needs to be planned (or you could buy a spare set of batteries to switch over instantly)
  • No headlights or rear lights – can only be driven in daylight
  • Helmet and protective clothing may be uncomfortable in hot weather (see our review of the best electric dirt bikes for kids for recommended safety gear)
  • Must be stored in a dry area, due to the electrical components
  • Batteries must not be stored in temperatures below freezing and should be recharged at least once a month to maintain performance

Conclusion

A smaller frame and lower seat make the MX400 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 rarely go off-road.

However, the larger frame, variable speed, dual suspension and dual brakes of the MX500 make it a much better choice for older kids and early teens, especially on rough terrain.


Owner’s Manuals

The owner’s manual for the Razor MX400 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 MX400 or the Razor MX500 should depend on the child’s individual maturity, skill and ability to follow rules.