Approximately a 7–8 minute read
At first glance, the 2025 Surron Light Bee X impresses with its lightweight frame, instant torque, and agile handling. But beneath its minimal design sits a piece of intelligent technology many riders are using every day without realising it — regenerative braking.
This system quietly works in the background, helping the bike go further on a single charge while reducing mechanical wear. Understanding how it works can help riders get more range, smoother control, and better efficiency from every ride.
What Is the Hidden Technology?
The hidden technology is regenerative braking, often shortened to regen.
Instead of wasting energy when slowing down, the Light Bee X is able to recover part of that energy and return it to the battery. This is the same principle used in electric cars, but adapted for a lightweight electric dirt bike.
Most riders notice the bike slowing when they release the throttle, but do not always realise that this slowing is doing more than just reducing speed.
How Regenerative Braking Works on the Light Bee X
On the Light Bee X, regenerative braking activates when you release the throttle in Sport Mode. At that moment, several things happen almost instantly:
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The rear wheel continues spinning forward
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The electric motor switches from drive mode to generator mode
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Kinetic energy from the moving bike is converted into electrical energy
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That energy is sent back into the battery
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Magnetic resistance slows the bike smoothly
This process happens automatically and seamlessly, without switches or rider input beyond normal throttle control.
Why It Extends Your Riding Range
Every time a bike slows down, energy is involved. On petrol bikes, that energy is lost as heat through the brakes. On the Light Bee X, some of it is reused.
Regenerative braking helps extend range by:
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recovering energy on downhill sections
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capturing energy during deceleration
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reducing wasted momentum in stop-and-go riding
While regen will not fully recharge the battery, it can add approximately 5 to 10 percent extra range, depending on terrain and riding style.
On long trail rides or hilly New Zealand landscapes, that extra distance can be the difference between turning back early or finishing the ride comfortably.
When Regenerative Braking Is Most Effective
Regen works best in conditions where the bike frequently slows without heavy braking:
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rolling trails
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downhill sections
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forest tracks
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urban commuting
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technical terrain with controlled speed changes
Riders who use smooth throttle inputs tend to benefit more than aggressive on-off riding styles.
Light Bee X Regenerative Braking Behaviour
The Light Bee X regenerative system has some unique characteristics that riders should be aware of:
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It activates automatically in Sport Mode
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It is always active below 90 percent battery
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It engages the moment you release the throttle
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It offers four adjustable regen levels
The strength of regen can be adjusted using a specific brake lever pull sequence, allowing riders to choose how aggressively the bike slows when regen engages.
This makes the system flexible, even though many riders never realise it can be adjusted.
The Science Behind It (Without the Complication)
Electric motors are reversible by nature.
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When electricity flows into the motor, it creates movement
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When movement forces the motor to spin, it creates electricity
Regenerative braking simply uses this principle in reverse. The spinning wheel forces the motor to generate power, and that power flows back into the battery instead of being lost.
At the same time, the magnetic resistance created by this process slows the bike, acting like a form of engine braking without friction.
Benefits Beyond Extra Range
Regenerative braking does more than just extend range.
It also:
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reduces brake pad and rotor wear
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improves downhill speed control
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creates smoother deceleration
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lowers heat buildup in braking components
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improves overall energy efficiency
These benefits add up over time, especially for riders who regularly use trails, hills, or mixed terrain.
How to Adjust Regenerative Braking on the Light Bee X (Simple Guide)
Many riders do not realise that the regenerative braking strength on the Light Bee X can be adjusted, or even turned off entirely. While the factory default is set to medium regenerative braking, changing it is straightforward once you understand the steps.
You do not need any special tools, but timing and lever pulls are important.
Before You Start
Make sure the following conditions are met:
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The bike is powered on
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The bike is not moving
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The side stand is down
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You begin within 20 seconds of powering on
If more than 20 seconds pass, simply turn the bike off and on again to restart the process.
Entering Settings Mode
Once the bike is on and stationary with the side stand down, the system is ready to accept settings. You will use short and long pulls on the brake lever to select your desired regenerative braking level.
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Short pull: about half a second
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Long pull: about two seconds
You can use either the front or rear brake lever.
Choosing Your Regenerative Braking Level
Pull the brake lever using the following combinations.
After setting, the indicator light will flash to confirm your selection.
Low Regenerative Braking
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2 short pulls + 1 long pull
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Indicator flashes 2 times
Best for riders who want minimal slowing when releasing the throttle.
Medium Regenerative Braking (Factory Default)
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3 short pulls + 1 long pull
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Indicator flashes 3 times
A balanced setting for mixed riding conditions.
High Regenerative Braking
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4 short pulls + 1 long pull
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Indicator flashes 4 times
Stronger slowing effect and maximum energy recovery.
Turn Regenerative Braking Off
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7 short pulls + 1 long pull
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Indicator flashes 7 times
Preferred by some off-road riders who want the bike to coast freely without automatic slowing.
What Happens Next
Once the indicator flashes, the setting is saved automatically.
If no input is made, the system will exit settings mode on its own.
To change settings again, simply power the bike off and on and repeat the steps.
Quick Tips
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Regenerative braking is excellent for range and efficiency
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Some riders prefer lower or no regen for technical off-road riding
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There is no “best” setting; it depends on your riding style
If you are unsure, start with medium, then experiment gradually.
Final Thoughts
The regenerative braking system inside the 2025 Light Bee X is one of its most underrated features. It works silently, recovers energy you would otherwise lose, and helps every ride go a little further.
By understanding how this hidden technology works, riders can:
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manage battery range more confidently
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reduce wear on components
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ride more efficiently across New Zealand’s varied terrain
It is a reminder that the Light Bee X is not just powerful and lightweight, it is intelligently engineered.