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Razor MX500 vs MX650 Comparison

In this article, we compare the Razor MX500 vs MX650 electric dirt bikes.

Both can be a great choice if you want to treat the thrill seeker in your family to a well specified electric dirt bike for off-road fun. But, although they share most of the same components, there are several important differences between both models.

Our guide below will show you which is the most suitable for your children, or for you! First we’ve got a quick comparison table of the key features of the Razor MX500 vs MX650.

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.

Razor MX500 vs MX650 – Quick Comparison Table

Both these bikes were our top picks for Overall Best Value (MX500) and Ultimate Choice (MX650) when we reviewed the best electric dirt bikes for kids and teens 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 and highlighted the differences in bold.

Razor MX500Razor MX650
Razor MX500 Dirt RocketRazor MX650 Dirt Rocket
DescriptionLarge electric off-road dirt bike with variable speed, dual suspension and dual brakesLarge electric off-road dirt bike with variable speed, dual suspension and dual brakes
Age8-14 * (see note below table)10-16 * (see note below table)
Weight
Limit
175 lbs220 lbs
Top Speed15 mph17 mph
PriceSee at AmazonSee at Amazon
Battery
System
36V (3 x 12V) sealed lead acid rechargeable - charger included36V (3 x 12V) sealed lead acid rechargeable - charger included
Battery
Life
Up to 40 minutes of continuous useUp to 40 minutes of continuous use
Battery Recharge
Time
Up to 12 hoursUp to 12 hours
Motor and
Gearing
500W, high torque, chain driven650W, high torque, chain driven
ThrottleVariable speed, twist gripVariable speed, twist grip
BrakesHand operated front and rear discHand operated front and rear disc
SuspensionDual suspension (rear is adjustable)Dual suspension (rear is adjustable)
Seat Height24"24"
HandlebarsAdjustable angle, riser style, with soft rubber gripsAdjustable angle, riser style, with soft rubber grips
Tires16″ (front) and 14" (rear) pneumatic knobby16″ (front) and 14" (rear) pneumatic knobby
Product Weight98 lbs98 lbs
Assembled
Dimensions
56" x 24.5" x 36"56" x 24.5" x 36"
Assembly
Time
30 minutes30 minutes

* Note on Age: Razor’s recommended age for the MX500 is 14+ but this is highly conservative. An age range of 8-14 (real world guide from many buyers) with parental supervision may be more suitable because the Razor MX500 seat height of 24″ is at least 10″ lower than a typical adult dirt bike.

Similarly, Razor’s recommended age for the MX650 is 16+ which is also very conservative. An age range of 10-16 (real world guide from many buyers) with parental supervision may be more suitable. Because it isn’t a full adult size – the Razor MX650 seat height is 24″, compared to 34″ or more on a regular adult 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 Razor MX500 and MX650 are mechanically the same dirt bike with the same size frame, except that the MX650 has a more powerful motor (650W vs 500W). This gives the MX650 a higher top speed (17 mph vs 15 mph) and a higher maximum weight capacity (220 lbs vs 175 lbs).

Razor recommend a minimum age of 16+ for the MX650 compared to 14+ for the MX500.

Advantages of Razor MX500 Dirt Rocket

Razor MX500 Dirt Rocket
  • MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price) is about $40 cheaper than the MX650 – but check the actual prices below
  • If you purposely want to reduce risk then the Razor MX500 top speed is 15 mph, which is 2 mph lower than the more powerful MX650, and acceleration is slightly slower too

Check price at Amazon

Advantages of Razor MX650 Dirt Rocket

Razor MX650 Dirt Rocket
  • The Razor MX650 is the fastest Razor dirt bike. A more powerful 650W motor gives it a top speed of 17 mph (compared to 15 mph for the MX500) and slightly faster acceleration
  • Higher maximum load (220 lbs vs 175 lbs) means it can cope more easily with teens and even small adults
  • Some users who have both models report that the MX650 motor is quieter than the MX500, with the same weight of rider on both.
    Razor don’t publish noise specifications so we can’t be certain this is true. But it sounds very plausible as a larger electric motor will be under less strain and have to work less hard to propel the same weight of rider, compared to a less powerful motor

Check price at Amazon

Pros of Both Bikes

The summary below highlights what we love about both models:

  • Specifically designed for kids or teens with user friendly controls
  • Adjustable angle handlebars can adapt to fast growing kids (longer legs)
  • Quick enough for a thrilling ride but slow enough (compared to gas dirt bikes) to minimize risk of a high speed crash
  • Large knobby rubber pneumatic tires can tackle many ground conditions, including off-road
  • Dual suspension and dual brakes provide better comfort and safety when off-roading
  • Steel frame with authentic motocross frame geometry
  • Quieter and cheaper to buy than a gas dirt bike
  • No pollution (compared to 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

The summary below includes factors that we don’t like so much about both models. But note that most of these issues are common to all electric dirt bikes in this price range:

  • Relatively short battery life. But 40 minutes is still enough to cover 10 miles (MX500) or 11 miles (MX650)
  • Battery full recharge time is up to 12 hours so charging needs to be planned (or you can buy a spare battery pack to switch over instantly)
  • No reverse gear – both bikes weigh 98 lbs so can be awkward to maneuver backwards
  • The seat height of 24″ may be too low for tall teens or adults
  • 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)
  • Not as high top speed as many gas dirt bikes
  • Batteries must not be stored in temperatures below freezing and must be recharged at least once a month to keep them fully operational

Conclusion

The Razor MX500 and MX650 are almost identical dirt bikes – they’re the same size with all the same features except the MX650 has a more powerful motor.

So which model is best? Well, the Razor MX650 top speed is 17 mph and it can cope with riders weighing up to 220 lbs which makes it more suitable for older or heavier teens – and maybe some adults too!

Whereas the MX500 is probably the better and safer choice for pre-teens, unless they are mature and experienced enough to be let loose on the hardcore MX650.


Owner’s Manual

As the Razor MX500 and MX650 dirt bike are mechanically identical, apart from the motor, they share the same manual.

The owner’s manual for both these Razor dirt bikes is available in PDF format here.

NOTE: A parent’s decision to allow their child to ride either the Razor MX500 or the Razor dirt bike MX650 should depend on the child’s individual maturity, skill and ability to follow rules.