Stacyc vs GASGAS Kids Electric Balance Bikes Compared

Stacyc vs GASGAS Electric Balance Bikes: A Head-to-Head Comparison

If you are shopping for an electric balance bike in Australia, two names dominate the conversation: Stacyc and GASGAS. Both are sold through motorcycle dealerships, both target the same age range, and both come from the same corporate family. So what is actually different, and which one should you buy?

The Relationship Between Stacyc and GASGAS

First, the important context. Stacyc was the original electric balance bike brand, founded in the United States in 2016. Harley-Davidson acquired Stacyc in 2019. Meanwhile, GASGAS is owned by Pierer Mobility, the same Austrian group that owns KTM and Husqvarna.

When GASGAS released the MC-E 1 and MC-E 2, they were built on the Stacyc platform. The internal components — motor, battery, controller, frame geometry — are largely the same. Husqvarna's EE 1 and EE 2 are also from the same base. The differences are primarily cosmetic: colours, graphics, and branding.

This does not mean they are identical. There are practical differences in availability, pricing, dealer support, and accessories that matter to Australian buyers.

Model Lineup Compared

Entry Level: Stacyc 12eDrive vs GASGAS MC-E 1

Stacyc 12eDrive:

• Wheel size: 12 inches
• Age range: 3-5 years (manufacturer recommendation)
• Seat height: Approximately 33 cm (adjustable)
• Weight: Around 7.7 kg
• Speed modes: 3 (low, medium, high)
• Top speed: Approximately 13 km/h in high mode
• Battery: Removable lithium-ion
• Charge time: 30-60 minutes

GASGAS MC-E 1:

• Wheel size: 12 inches
• Age range: 3-5 years
• Seat height: Approximately 33 cm (adjustable)
• Weight: Around 7.7 kg
• Speed modes: 3
• Top speed: Approximately 13 km/h
• Battery: Removable lithium-ion
• Charge time: 30-60 minutes

On paper, they are functionally identical. The frame geometry, motor output, and battery are the same. The differences are the red GASGAS livery versus Stacyc's various colourways, and the branding on the plastics.

Larger Model: Stacyc 16eDrive vs GASGAS MC-E 2

Stacyc 16eDrive:

• Wheel size: 16 inches
• Age range: 4-7 years
• Seat height: Approximately 42 cm (adjustable)
• Weight: Around 9.5 kg
• Speed modes: 3
• Top speed: Approximately 21 km/h
• Battery: Removable lithium-ion
• Charge time: 60-90 minutes

GASGAS MC-E 2:

• Wheel size: 16 inches
• Age range: 4-7 years
• Seat height: Approximately 42 cm (adjustable)
• Weight: Around 9.5 kg
• Speed modes: 3
• Top speed: Approximately 21 km/h
• Battery: Removable lithium-ion
• Charge time: 60-90 minutes

Again, mechanically the same bike with different stickers.

Price Comparison in Australia

Pricing in Australia fluctuates depending on dealer stock, exchange rates, and demand, but the general pattern:

• Stacyc 12eDrive: $900-$1,100 AUD
• GASGAS MC-E 1: $950-$1,200 AUD
• Stacyc 16eDrive: $1,200-$1,500 AUD
• GASGAS MC-E 2: $1,200-$1,500 AUD

The GASGAS models sometimes carry a slight premium, reflecting the KTM dealer network's pricing structure. However, the difference is typically under $100 and can swing either way depending on promotions and stock levels.

Build Quality

Since both bikes share the same platform, build quality is effectively equal. Both feature:

• Aluminium frames
• Sealed bearings
• Pneumatic tyres
• Quality throttle assemblies
• Solid battery connections with magnetic alignment

The plastics (fenders, number plates, shrouds) are where you will see minor differences. GASGAS uses slightly different plastic shapes to match its motocross bike styling, but the material and fitment quality are comparable.

One area to inspect on either brand: the throttle mechanism. On both Stacyc and GASGAS bikes, the twist throttle can feel stiff for very small hands. Some dealers sell a lighter throttle spring as an aftermarket upgrade.

Dealer Support and Availability

This is where the choice actually matters for Australian buyers.

Stacyc is available through Harley-Davidson dealers and some independent motorcycle shops. The Harley-Davidson dealer network in Australia is concentrated in capital cities, with limited regional coverage. Not every Harley dealer stocks Stacyc, so availability can be patchy.

GASGAS is distributed through the KTM Australia dealer network, which is significantly larger and more geographically spread. Regional towns with a KTM dealer will likely have access to GASGAS bikes and parts. KTM dealers also tend to have more experience with youth off-road products, as KTM has a deep history in junior motocross.

For spare parts — batteries, tyres, throttle assemblies, plastic body panels — both brands share many components, but the dealer you bought from is your first point of contact for warranty and service. A nearby dealer makes a practical difference when something breaks.

Accessories and Customisation

Stacyc offers a range of branded accessories:

• Replacement battery packs (including higher-capacity options)
• Graphics kits in various colours
• Replacement plastics
• Bar pads and grips
• A gear bag designed around the bike

GASGAS offers similar accessories through the KTM PowerParts catalogue:

• Replacement batteries (same units as Stacyc)
• GASGAS-branded graphics kits
• Replacement plastics in GASGAS red
• Standard handlebar accessories

Because the platforms are interchangeable, many Stacyc accessories fit the GASGAS and vice versa. Third-party graphics kits are available from several Australian suppliers, so colour preference is easy to address regardless of which brand you buy.

Resale Value

Both brands hold their value well on the secondhand market. A used Stacyc or GASGAS in good condition typically sells for 60-75% of its new price, depending on age and condition. Neither brand has a clear advantage in resale — demand is strong for both.

The 12-inch models tend to sell faster secondhand because the age window is narrower (kids grow out of them in 1-2 years), so there is always a fresh batch of parents looking for one.

Which Should You Buy?

The honest answer: it barely matters from a performance or quality standpoint. The bikes are the same underneath. Here is how to decide:

Buy the Stacyc if:

• You have a Harley-Davidson dealer nearby with good stock and service
• You prefer the Stacyc colour options
• You find a better price on the Stacyc

Buy the GASGAS if:

• You have a KTM/GASGAS dealer nearby (more likely in regional Australia)
• Your child will progress to GASGAS or KTM dirt bikes and you want brand continuity
• The dealer has it in stock and the Stacyc is back-ordered

Consider the Husqvarna EE 1/EE 2 if:

• You are already in the Husqvarna ecosystem
• You prefer the white and blue Husqvarna livery
• Your local Husqvarna dealer has better stock or pricing

The real decision is not Stacyc vs GASGAS — it is which dealer is closest, which has the bike in stock today, and which offers the best after-sales support. For a product that your child will use intensively for 1-3 years before outgrowing, dealer proximity and service quality matter far more than the colour of the plastics.

Final Thought

Both bikes are excellent products. They have proven themselves across thousands of young Australian riders, they hold their value, and they provide a genuine pathway into off-road riding. Pick the one you can buy from a dealer you trust, gear your child up properly, and enjoy watching them ride.