The ADAC MX Academy is now back in action at all seven sites, welcoming participants as usual as they get a painless initiation into the sport of motocross. The electric KTM SX-E 5 introduced this year has proved to be a very successful replacement as the standard machine for the petrol-powered KTM SX50 bikes formerly used by the youngest pupils in the ADAC MX Academy. Getting started in MX with the electric children's crosser is now even easier thanks to the forgiving nature of its motor. The ADAC MX Academy will be up and running again next year so that children will be able to try a motocross bike. Applications for training places in 2021 can be made at adac-mx-academy.de from 1st December 2020 onwards.

Feedback from participants and trainers has been very favourable both where the ADAC MX Academy's basic training set-up is concerned and also as regards the switch to KTM's modern electric bikes: "Learning to ride motocross was very easy even with the automatically driven KTM SX50," says Bernd Eckenbach, who is a former motocross professional rider but now works as chief coach and is in overall charge of all training courses at the various ADAC MX Academy sites. He added: "But with the electric KTM SX-E 5, children find learning to ride more straightforward and quicker. Youngsters find setting off is much easier, as there are six riding modes that can be selected, of which only the first two are used when training in the ADAC MX Academy. The electric motor takes up the drive in a more forgiving manner than the petrol engine, making them feel safer. Another bonus is that, because the motors are so quiet, children can hear you giving instruction. They don't miss the noise of the petrol engine at all."

Eckenbach is also very impressed with the high-quality fitments on the small Austrian motocross machine: "The suspension, frame, clocks and dials are all top-quality, showing that KTM have built a really professional e-bike." Another big advantage is that, by adjusting only four screws, the machine can be very quickly converted from a motorcycle suited to the youngest juniors, aged 6, to a bike for bigger riders and so can 'grow' ergonomically. When using only the first two speed settings, the bike has enough battery capacity for two full ADAC MX Academy training days and recharging in between is not necessary.

The ADAC MX Academy's taster courses introduce children to the sport of motocross in a playful way. Trained and licensed coaches guide youngsters step-by-step as they make their first outings on the all-electric KTM SX-E5 motocross bikes and are there at all times during sessions to give help and advice. Thanks to support from Academy partners KTM, Ortema and Motul, the loan of motorcycles and all the protective clothing needed from helmets to boots is included in the current fee of 50 euros and there are no hidden extras.