The Morterone Experience! Zero Motorcycles XE and XB take on the Orobie Mountains
Electric motorcycles, Offroad
eV-Now! Foundation, Morterone Experience!, The eV-Now Foundation, THE PACK ITALIA, X-Line, Zero Motorcycles, Zero XB, Zero XE
Source: THE PACK Italia
The eV-Now! Foundation, in collaboration with Zero Motorcycles, has launched the Morterone Experience! A unique opportunity for the public to test the all-new XE and XB, the latest additions to Zero’s X-Line series.
Freshly arrived in dealerships, the XE and XB have been designed with accessibility in mind: light, agile, fun, and attractively priced. While they perform well in both urban and road environments, their responsive torque and lightweight chassis make them especially well-suited for off-road riding, a chance to enjoy electric mobility even on dirt trails and mountain tracks.
Riding into the mountains
The Morterone Experience! takes place in Morterone (LC), Italy’s smallest municipality, nestled in the dramatic landscapes of the Orobie Prealps. Riders depart from the eV-Chalet, the Foundation’s high-tech, solar-powered base. Equipped with a photovoltaic roof, energy storage, and dedicated charging stations, the chalet produces all the clean energy needed to recharge motorcycles, e-bikes, and cars.
From there, participants head onto a dirt track that climbs toward the Costa del Palio at 1,400 meters above sea level. The route alternates between shaded forest paths and open mountain vistas, offering both accessibility for beginners and excitement for more experienced riders. With surfaces ranging from firm dirt to short stretches of loose rock, the trail is challenging enough to be rewarding, but never intimidating.
Light, agile, and fun
Weighing just 101 kg (XE) and 63 kg (XB), both bikes are impressively nimble. Combined with smooth yet punchy power delivery, they inspire confidence and make climbing mountain trails a genuine pleasure.
The Morterone Experience! kicked off in August with a wave of test rides and continues every weekend in September. A special event is also planned for October (to be confirmed).
How to join the Experience
To participate, riders will need:
- A valid driving license (the XB can also be ridden with a B license)
- Helmet, gloves, and suitable footwear
- Caution and respect for traffic and hikers on the route
- And, of course, a willingness to get a little dusty!
The rest is pure fun.
The road to Morterone
Getting to Morterone is an adventure in itself. The village can be reached from Barzio via a spectacular 15 km road that climbs the slopes of Monte Due Mani. With endless switchbacks, breathtaking passages, and unforgettable views, it’s often called the ‘Little Stelvio.’ Even without the ride, the journey alone is worth the trip.
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