There are four types of electric quad bike: sport, utility, on-road and off-road. Each style has the same basic four-wheel setup, but the differences in each type of bike stem from the usage each is built for. Sport quads provide speed and performance. Utility bikes offer riders power and hauling ability. On-road and off-road all-terrain differ as between the hardware that makes one a road legal bike and the other more capable to drive on rough terrain.
An electric quad bike, no matter what type, shares several similar qualities. The primary similarity is that each bike will have four tires and is often referred to as a four wheeler. Each style of bike also has a handlebar system that allows riders to fully control the steering and engine. The handlebars feature an accelerator control, a breaking mechanism and, for manual transmissions, a clutch and shifting system. Electric engines all can be recharged by plugging them into a wall outlet and charging for several hours.
A sport electric quad bike focuses on performance rather than functionality, thus usually attempting to achieve the highest speed possible. In order to go as fast as possible, these variants remove all unnecessary weight, such as storage racks, and have bike bodies constructed from lightweight metal or plastic materials. High performance tires are also found on sport bikes to best grip the surface to accelerate quickly. Power is also a key element in sport bikes and most have large engines.
Carrying, hauling, and transportation are the basis of a utility electric quad bike. These bikes are less concerned with high performance and more focused on finding innovative ways to perform various jobs. Carrying racks are frequently found on the front and rear portions to haul cargo. These bikes also have powerful engines that are less focused on speed, but provide power to carry heavy loads.
A bike's ability to drive on the street or on rugged terrain encapsulates the difference between an on-road or off-road electric quad bike. An on-road model is equipped with headlights, turn signals, break lights, and a license plate. An on-road quad also has smooth tires similar to motorcycle or automobile tires to handle the road. An off-road bike is designed to handle uneven terrain with treaded tires that can grip dirt, rocks, and other elements. Off-roaders also contain sophisticated suspensions that absorb much of the shock of uneven terrain.