In this article, we compare the Razor MX500 vs SX500 electric dirt bikes. Both can be a brilliant choice if you want to treat the young racer in your family to a feature packed bike for off road thrills.
Our guide below will show you how each bike differs from the other and which is the most suitable for your child. First we’ve got a quick comparison table of the main features of the Razor SX500 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.
Razor MX500 vs SX500 – Quick Comparison
Both these bikes were our top choice for Overall Best Value when we reviewed the best electric dirt bikes for kids and teens in 2025. In the table below we’ve summarized the main features of each bike in a side by side comparison.
Note: the only difference in these main features is the type of tires and the design/color – but there are some other differences which we will review in more detail below the table.
Razor MX500 | Razor SX500 | |
---|---|---|
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Description | Electric dirt bike with variable speed, dual suspension and dual brakes | Authentic Jeremy McGrath graphics and fairing. Variable speed, dual suspension and dual brakes |
Age Range | 8-14 * (see note below table) | 8-14 * (see note below table) |
Weight Limit | 175 lbs | 175 lbs |
Top Speed | 15 mph | 15 mph |
Price | $$$$ Check Price | $$$$ Check Price |
Battery System | 36V (3 x 12V) sealed lead acid - charger included | 36V (3 x 12V) sealed lead acid - charger included |
Battery Life | Up to 40 minutes of continuous use | Up to 40 minutes of continuous use |
Battery Recharge Time | 12 hours | 12 hours |
Motor and Gearing | 500W, high torque, chain driven | 500W, high torque, chain driven |
Throttle | Variable speed, twist grip | Variable speed, twist grip |
Brakes | Hand operated front and rear disc | Hand operated front and rear disc |
Suspension | Dual suspension (rear is adjustable) | Dual suspension (rear is adjustable) |
Seat Height | 24" | 24" |
Handlebars | Adjustable angle, riser style, with soft rubber grips | Adjustable angle, riser style, with soft rubber grips |
Tires | 16″ (front) and 14" (rear) pneumatic knobby | 16″ (front) and 14" (rear) pneumatic knobby, Motorcycle-Spec |
Product Weight | 98 lbs | 98 lbs |
Assembled Dimensions | 56" x 24.5" x 36" | 56" x 24.5" x 36" |
Assembly Time: | 30 minutes | 30 minutes |
* Note on Age: Razor’s recommended age for both these bikes is 14+ but this is extremely conservative. An age range of 8-14 (real world guide from many buyers) with parental supervision may be more suitable. Because both bikes are quite small – the Razor SX500 seat height is only 24″ – that’s at least 10″ lower than a regular adult size dirt bike.
Main Differences
The Razor MX500 and SX500 are mechanically and electrically the same dirt bike with the same size frame. The biggest difference is that the SX500 has Jeremy McGrath (the ‘King of Supercross’) graphics and fairings. It also has motorcycle-spec tires which are a harder compound than those on the MX500.
The SX500 is green with gray detail whereas the MX500 is orange with black detail. The SX500 is a current model whereas the MX500 is discontinued, according to Razor’s website (although it is still available from online sellers).
Check out the video below for a real world view of the size of the Razor MX500 with a 9 year old boy riding:
For comparison, the video below shows the Razor SX500 Dirt Rocket McGrath in action:
Advantages of Razor MX500 Dirt Rocket
Both these bikes are so similar in specification that there aren’t many advantages compared to the SX500:
- MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price) is $10 cheaper than the SX500 – but check the actual prices below
- Some people may prefer the orange and black color scheme
Advantages of Razor SX500 Dirt Rocket McGrath
Likewise, the SX500 doesn’t have too many advantages over the regular MX500:
- Motorcycle-spec tires may last longer than the standard tires on the MX500
- The SX500 is a current model whereas the MX500 is discontinued
- It’s a personal preference but we think the green color with McGrath branding and decals looks more grown up and modern than the orange and black style of the MX500
Pros of Both Bikes
Here is a summary of what we love about both models:
- Specifically designed for older kids or teens with user friendly controls
- Adjustable angle handlebars can adapt to fast growing kids (longer legs)
- Quick enough to give an adrenaline rush 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 safety and comfort when off-road
- Steel frame with authentic motocross frame geometry
- No pollution (compared to a gas dirt bike)
- Quieter and cheaper than a gas dirt bike and require 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 40 minutes is still enough to cover 10 miles
- Battery full recharge time is up to 12 hours so charging needs to be planned, or you could buy a spare set of batteries for an instant change over
- The seat height of 24″ may be too low for tall teens and adults
- No headlights or rear lights – can only be driven in daylight
- Helmet and protective clothing may be uncomfortable in hot weather (see our Electric Dirt Bike Guide for recommended safety gear)
- Not as high top speed as many gas dirt bikes
- Must be stored in a dry area, due to the electrical components
- Batteries must not be stored in temperatures below freezing and must be recharged at least once a month
Conclusion
Both these dirt bikes are a great choice for older kids and early teens. But they are so similar that it is tough to pick a winner between them.
So which model is best? Unless you prefer a particular color then the ideal choice depends mostly on price and availability.
The MX500 is still available to buy online but no longer appears on Razor’s website, although they (and many other shops) still sell spares and replacement parts for it.
Therefore, if the prices were the same, we’d choose the SX500 as it is the newer, current model with slightly better tires – and we think it has a cooler, more grown up, look.
Owner’s Manual
As the Razor MX500 Dirt Rocket and SX500 Dirt Rocket McGrath are so similar they share the same owner’s manual – it is available in PDF format from Razor here.
NOTE: A parent’s decision to allow their child to ride either the Razor MX500 or the Razor SX500 dirt bike should depend on the child’s individual maturity, skill and ability to follow rules.