Commuting off the beaten path, shredding trails, or smashing your favorite DH track — Electric mountain bikes can do it all, and more.
Contents
- What Is an Electric Mountain Bike?
- Are eMTBs Better Than MTBs?
- Why Did We Choose These Bikes?
- 1. Lectric XPeak
- 2. Rad Power Bikes RadRover 6 Plus
- 3. Cannondale Moterra S4
- 4. Trek Rail 7 Gen 2
- 5. Aventon Ramblas
- 6. Co-op Cycles DRT e3.1
- 7. Specialized Turbo Levo Alloy
- 8. Orbea Rise M20
- 9. Santa Cruz Heckler SL C R
- 10. Marin Rift Zone E2
- 11. Giant Talon E+ 3
- People Also Ask
- Bottom Line
What Is an Electric Mountain Bike?
Electric mountain bikes are bicycles with an electric motor and battery, intended for off-road riding. E-MTBs have wide tires, suspension, disc brakes, and trail-ready geometry, just like traditional mountain bikes. However, they also feature pedal assistance and/or throttle to help the rider pedal.
There is no doubt that electric mountain bikes spark a lot of controversies. Should they be allowed on trails? Does riding one equal cheating? Are electric-assist mountain bikes as capable as other popular mountain bike types?
Regardless of how you answer these burning questions, electric mountain bikes are here, and they are here to stay. The number of people who ride these e-bikes is on the rise and it’s becoming easier and easier to spot one both on- and off-road.
In this article, we are reviewing our 11 favorite models that will help you ride faster, go farther, and conquer climbs that you thought were out of the question before.
Are eMTBs Better Than MTBs?
The answer to this question depends on what kind of rider you are and what requirements you have. Some people will answer with a definitive ‘Yes’, whereas others will scream ‘No’ at you. The reality is that electric mountain bikes have their strengths and weaknesses.
An eMTB performs very similarly to a regular mountain bike. But it also provides you with pedal assistance which makes it easier to overcome tough climbs or keep riding even after your legs are toasted.
Related: Best Electric Bikes
E-mountain bikes typically have three or more pedal-assist levels and/or throttle, so you can adjust how much help you want to get and how much of the hard work you wish to do by yourself. Therefore, even though you’re on an e-bike, you can still get a very good workout.
Nowadays, modern electric mountain bikes have impressive trail capabilities, so an average rider won’t notice a huge difference when making the switch.
Still, due to the addition of a motor and battery, the ride feel is slightly different. For example, companies often need to extend the chainstays to fit a mid-drive motor, so most e-MTBs have a longer wheelbase than their traditional counterparts. This affects handling slightly. Also, the electric components add extra weight to the bike, so riding without pedal assistance becomes more of a challenge.
But these are not things that would bother an average rider too much. If you’re someone who struggles to ride as often, as long, or as hard as before, for whatever reasons, an electric mountain bike is definitely better than a regular MTB.
Why Did We Choose These Bikes?
The number of electrically assisted mountain bikes on the market is on the rise, so picking one model from a plethora of choices can become a problem. We created the selection you see below to give you an idea of what’s worth the money and show you our favorite picks.
Every bike you see on this list was rigorously analyzed and researched before being given the green light. Before including each of the models, we analyzed the market, spoke to brands, checked user reviews, and relied on our prior experience of riding ebikes.
For a bike to enter our top 11 selection, it had to have high-quality electronics (a strong motor and a dependable battery), reliable brand-name components, trail-worthy geometry, and it had to be built to last.
So scroll down to see our recommendations or check out each of the brand’s selections to find a model that might fit your requirements even more.
Not sure how to choose the right one? See our guide on how to choose electric bikes.
1. Lectric XPeak
Affordable & Versatile Off-Road Commuter
- MSRP: $1,852
- Battery & Motor: 672 Wh battery and 750W motor
- Features: Lightweight aluminum frame, front suspension, bright lights, hydraulic disc brakes
Lectric XPeak is not a trail-worthy or a race-ready full-suspension electric mountain bike, but we still decided to include it in our list. We did it because we think it would meet the requirements of many riders out there—it’s fun, versatile, ready for paved and unpaved adventures, and it does not cost a fortune.
The XPeak sports a 750W rear hub motor, which is one of the most popular units on the market. It’s combined with an integrated 672 Wh battery that gives you an impressive range of up to 55 miles, according to the manufacturer.
- Step-over and step-through aluminum frame suitable for male and female riders.
- 80 mm suspension fork makes off-road rides smooth and improves comfort.
- Class 1, 2 or 3 capabilities
- Hydraulic disc brakes
- Thumb throttle
This Lectric electric mountain bike is off-road ready, but we wouldn’t put it through too much abuse. It features an 80 mm suspension fork, a 7 speed rear derailleur, and trusty hydraulic disc brakes. Therefore, it is well-equipped for off-road routes.
What we also like is that the XPeak is versatile and can be used for city commuting. It comes with fender and rear rack mounts, and powerful front and rear lights.
All things considered, this is the best-value electric bike for the average rider. It’s pretty much the only e-bike you need if you commute by bicycle, ride for fun, and take detours off the beaten path just for kicks.
Didn’t find what you were looking for? Take a look at our list of the best mountain bike brands.
2. Rad Power Bikes RadRover 6 Plus
Best All-Around Performer
- MSRP: $2,099
- Battery & Motor: 589-672Wh battery and 750W motor
- Features: Pedal-assist and throttle, 7-speed drivetrain, lights, kickstand, 4″ tires
This Rad Power electric mountain bike is our top pick for a large number of good reasons. This is a versatile bike that excels in different settings, so it could be the right pick for various types of riders.
RadRover 6 Plus is not a bike built to be abused on rough, technical trails. Instead, it’s a bicycle that can be used for city commutes, off-road detours, dirt and gravel explorations, and moderate singletrack adventures.
This is a class 2 e-MTB with a geared rear hub motor and a semi-integrated battery. That means that it offers both five pedal-assist levels and throttle.
- Sturdy and sleek-looking aluminum frame that’s easy to mount and dismount.
- Meaty 4″ tires that are suitable for any type of terrain.
- Comes with the necessary accessories to ride it in any weather and at any time of the day.
- The 750W has all the ‘oomph’ you need and the battery provides up to 45 miles of range.
- A suspension fork with 60mm of travel improves comfort and stability.
RadRover 6 also has a 7-speed drivetrain, hydraulic disc brakes, and front suspension. Therefore, it’s able to cover some serious ground both up steep hills and down breathtaking descents.
The most noticeable feature is the 4″ tires, which make RadRover an electric fat tire mountain bike. This electric MTB has fenders and bright lights, but you can add many other accessories, including racks, baskets, and more.
RadRover is one of the best electric mountain bikes for $2,000, so don’t hesitate to get it if you’re a MTB beginner or you need an affordable all-around performer and everyday workhorse.
3. Cannondale Moterra S4
Best Electric Mountain Bike
- MSRP: $4,000
- Battery & Motor: Shimano EP6 250W with 504 Wh battery
- Features: High torque motor, high-capacity battery, full suspension, aluminum frame, wide tires
The Cannondale Moterra S4 is a versatile MTB e-bike built for experienced riders to enjoy any type of terrain and surface.
It’s equipped with big 29″ wheels that roll on tubeless tires that can conquer rocks, dirt, and mud equally well. Moreover, its SR Suntour XCR 34 Boost fork with 140mm travel will improve your comfort and give you all the confidence you need when descending.
When it comes to the bike’s electronics, it has an industry-leading Shimano EP6 250W motor and a huge 504 Wh battery to provide a full day of trail riding.
The Moterra S4 is one of the best electric mountain bikes considering it comes with all-mountain 140 mm suspension and solid components.
- Mid-drive motor provides powerful, natural assistance.
- Shimano CUES 10-speed drivetrain gives you great range.
- Two-piston hydraulic disc brakes stop on a dime when you need.
- A capable 140 mm travel fork improves comfort and stability.
This electric mountain bike is built around an aluminum frame that comes with trail geometry for all-mountain riding.
Not only is it a capable MTB and packs a great punch with that motor it is one of the best-looking bikes on this list.
All in all, if you want an electric mountain bike that does not differ from a non-electric model and brings even more to the table, the Cannondale Moterra S4 is the right choice.
4. Trek Rail 7 Gen 2
Most Capable Electric Mountain Bike
- MSRP: $6,650
- Battery & Motor: 625 Wh battery and 250W/85Nm motor
- Features: Aluminum frame, 160mm travel, Shimano XT 12-speed, 4-piston hydraulic brakes
Trek Rail 7 Gen 2 bridges the divide between electric mountain bikes and traditional bikes. This is a high-performance e-MTB capable of plowing through proper trails, along with analog trail bikes.
It’s built around Trek’s famous Alpha Platinum Aluminum frame that comes paired with a RockShox Domain RC 160 mm fork and a RockShox Deluxe Select+ rear shock. Therefore, it’s ready for big descents and fast singletracks.
The Rail 7 Gen 2 is powered by a Bosch Performance CX 250W motor with 85 Nm, that features a magnesium body. It will assist you up to 20 mph and the 625 Wh battery will provide you with up to 6 hours of assistance.
The drivetrain consists of a Shimano XT 12-speed rear derailleur and a Shimano SLX shifter, while the Shimano M6100 4-piston hydraulic brakes provide all the braking power you need.
The Rail 7 Gen 2 weighs around 53 lb, but you won’t feel the extra weight on climbs thanks to the Bosch motor.
All things considered, Trek Rail 7 Gen 2 seems like the right choice for anyone who needs a little bit of help on climbs but wants to let all hell loose on descents.
5. Aventon Ramblas
Best Mid-Drive Electric Mountain Bike
- MSRP: $2,699
- Battery & Motor: 708 Wh battery and 100 Nm mid-drive motor
- Features: Aluminum frameset, integrated battery, front suspension, SRAM NX Eagle group
Aventon is well-known for building some of the best budget electric bikes in the industry. They’re making a name for themselves in the electric MTB category as well. The Ramblas is a fast and powerful hardtail electric mountain bike with a premium 100 Nm mid-drive motor.
This is a 29″ wheeled aluminum MTB with dependable components from SRAM, Rockshox, Maxxis, and other big brands. It’s propelled by a mid-drive 250W motor and a 708 Wh battery, which is more than enough juice for a day on the trails.
As a class 1 e-bike, this Aventon electric mountain bike provides pedal assistance up to 20 mph, so you’ll be able to turn long and backbreaking days into casual trail excursions.
- Lightweight and stiff aluminum frame.
- Mid-drive motor assists you up to 20 mph
- Excellent SRAM NX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain for easy climbing.
- 130 mm coil suspension fork
- Massive 29″ x 2.4″ tires.
In addition to the excellent electronics, Aventon Ramblas comes with a Rockshox 35 Silver R 130 mm coil fork. That is a serious suspension setup ready for moderate trails and gravel and dirt roads.
You also get a SRAM NX Eagle 12-spd drivetrain, Maxxis tires, hydraulic disc brakes, and a comfortable saddle.
The Aventon Ramblas is the ideal hardtail mountain bike for casual riders who love moderate trails and want to enjoy a day in nature with the help of some electricity.
6. Co-op Cycles DRT e3.1
Best Trail Electric Mountain Bike
- MSRP: $4,999
- Battery & Motor: 625Wh, Bosch Performance Line CX
- Features: Aluminum frame, 20mph top speed, 12-speed SRAM SX Eagle drivetrain, hydraulic disc brakes, 140mm/130mm travel
The Co-op Cycles DRT e3.1 is a wildly popular electric mountain bike that eliminates much of the skepticism that usually surrounds e-MTBs. It’s a fun bike that removes barriers and lets you experience trail riding the same way you would on a standard mountain bike.
To begin with, this e-bike is a 29″ full-suspension shredder with a 140mm RockShox Recon Silver RL Solo Air fork and a 130mm RockShox Deluxe Select Plus RT rear shock. It also features a wide-range SRAM SX Eagle 12-speed cassette, coupled with powerful hydraulic disc brakes.
- Powerful motor and a high-capacity battery.
- Kenda Nevegal 29″ x 2.6″ tires
- Class 1 e-bike with pedal assistance up to 20mph.
The high-quality Bosch electronics are some of the best in the game, offering plenty of smooth power. The setup provides you with a 20mph maximum assisted speed, and you can expect plenty of range thanks to the 625Wh integrated battery. You can smash climbs and make short work of difficult terrain.
This Co-op Cycles electric mountain bike has a slack head tube angle and a steep seat tube angle. It comes in five sizes and has an attractive bamboo green paint job.
Buy it if you can afford to spend $4,999 on getting one of the best electric mountain bikes.
7. Specialized Turbo Levo Alloy
Best Full-Suspension E-Bike
- MSRP: $5,800
- Battery & Motor: 500 Wh battery and 90 Nm motor
- Features: 27.5″/29″ x 2.6″ wheels, full suspension, 12-speed drivetrain, hydraulic disc brakes
Full overview of Specialized Bikes
Specialized Turbo Levo provides the biggest amount of travel you will see on this list. It’s a powerful trail-specific mountain bike with 160mm of suspension travel and SRAM Guide RE hydraulic disc brakes for rowdy descents.
The Turbo Levo will expand your abilities when it comes to the trails and terrain you can ride on. This bike comes with a mullet setup and 2.6″ wide tires that can handle any challenge. Feel free to ride on snow, sand, mud, and rocks without fear of losing grip.
- A high-capacity 500 Wh battery and 90 Nm motor
- 27.5″ and 29″ mullet wheel setup
- Downhill ready 160 mm of front and rear suspension.
- SRAM Guide RE hydraulic disc brakes.
What e-bike lovers will appreciate the most are the powerful electrical components. You’ll get this bike with a 90 Nm mid-drive motor, which is great if you plan to do a lot of climbing. The 500 Wh battery provides up to 5 hours of ride time, so you can skip the shuttle and pedal on the way up.
This Specialized electric mountain bike also has a SRAM NX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain, offering more than enough gears for any climb you might encounter on your rides.
In any case, by purchasing the Specialized Turbo Levo, you get a bike that descends like mad and climbs even better thanks to the electronics. You should have loads of fun on it and easily reach your favorite hunting spots.
8. Orbea Rise M20
Quality Full-Suspension Electric Mountain Bike
- MSRP: $7,399
- Battery & Motor: 280Wh battery and 250W motor
- Features: Carbon frame, 29″ x 2.4″ tires, 140mm in the front and rear, Shimano SLX components
Orbea Rise M20 is another bike on this list with a solid list of specs. This model comes with a Shimano EP8 motor and a 360Wh battery. The motor will assist you up to 20 MPH and the battery will give you enough juice for all your adventures.
Orbea Rise is a full-suspension e-mountain bike, ready for all kinds of adventure.
Now, this bike features Shimano SLX components, which offer premium quality – 510% gear range, smooth shifting, and excellent chain retention. This groupset is built to be abused.
- Carbon fiber frame
- Dual suspension
- MicroShift 7-speed drivetrain.
- Quality motor and battery
Orbea Rise M20 electric mountain bike offers quality suspension as well. Your adventures will be cushioned by Fox 34 Float Performance fork and Fox Float DPS Performance rear shock. Both offer 140mm of travel.
The wheelset is worth mentioning too – Maxxis Dissector front tire and Maxxis Rekon rear tire work in unison, offering the best possible riding experience.
While the Orbea Range M20 might seem to be out of reach for many, this electric mountain bike will pay for itself over time.
9. Santa Cruz Heckler SL C R
Best Performance Full-Suspension E-Bike
- MSRP: $7,299
- Battery & Motor: 430 Wh battery and Fazua Ride60 Motor
- Features: 12-speed drivetrain, plus-size mullet tires, dual suspension, hydraulic disc brakes, carbon frame
There’s no doubt that Santa Cruz has electric mountain bikes figured out. That’s also pretty obvious with the Heckler, it’s not a general day-to-day e-bike, it’s an off-road racing machine. This is a versatile full suspension trail bike that can navigate all types of mountains and trails, including very steep ones.
This Santa Cruz electric mountain bike has the well-known Fazua Ride60 motor, which is incredible. It’s combined with a 430 Wh battery that’s completely hidden inside the downtube.
The super lightweight carbon frame boasts front and rear suspension for maximum comfort and off-road performance. Therefore, you have enough capability to go anywhere into the wild.
- Excellent all-around performer, good for all types of trails.
- Front 160mm RockShox Lyrik Base and rear 150mm Fox Float Performance suspension.
- 12-speed drivetrain with a wide-range cassette.
- Fazua Ride60 motor and 430 Wh battery.
- Maxxis Minion 29″ x 2.5″ front and 27.5″ x 2.4″ tires
The groupset is the legendary SRAM NX 12 speed. It offers you a huge range of gears not just for climbing but downhills too.
This bike also features hydraulic disc brakes with massive rotors, these will stop you literally on a pin.
This is an excellent full-suspension mountain bike for versatile riders who love testing their limits on different types of terrain.
10. Marin Rift Zone E2
Best Affordable Enduro E-Bike
- MSRP: $6,199
- Battery & Motor: 630Wh battery and 250W, 85Nm motor
- Features: 29″ wheels, aluminum frameset, hydraulic disc brakes
The Marin Rift Zone E2 is a trail e-bike, which means it’s perfect for descending on downhill-style terrain and charging to the top to do it again. It’s built around a premium aluminum frame and comes with excellent components for the money.
This Marin electric mountain bike is a proper trail-ready machine thanks to the MultiTrac suspension. The setup is made for performance. The mixed-wheel design also balances playfulness and roll-over speed.
The aluminum frameset is durable and stiff. It brings the weight down and improves performance despite the extra pounds added by heavy-duty electronics.
- 29″ x 2.5″ tires
- A great all-around performer.
- 11-speed Shimano XT
- High-torque 85Nm motor and a 630Wh battery.
- Hydraulic disc brakes
If you’re struggling to ride uphill, the mid-drive unit will help you do it. Plus, the 630Wh battery will give you enough range to do it again and again until you find the perfect spot for a rest.
This bike has aggressive trail geometry, as well as mid-range components, so it won’t limit your trail riding in any way. Instead, it will enhance it and allow you to ride further and spend more time in the forest and in the mountains.
The Marin Rift Zone E2 is definitely not a cheap electric mountain bike, but it is worth the money. If you like the mixed-wheel setup and want dependable pedal assistance, you shouldn’t hesitate to get it.
Buy from evo.com11. Giant Talon E+ 3
Best All-Mountain Electric Bike
- MSRP: $2,900
- Battery & Motor: 400Wh battery 50 Nm motor
- Features: Mountain bike drivetrain, aluminum frame, 100mm travel, 29″ tires, hydraulic disc brakes
The Giant Talon E+ 3 is an amazing electric mountain bike that has everything you could ever ask for when hitting a technical trail. However, it has something you might dislike as well, which is the fact it comes with front suspension only.
With that in mind, it’s worth considering if the features reflect the investment and the answer is yes. This Giant electric mountain bike has some mouth-watering components and features.
It is powered by a 50 Nm motor that makes climbing on any terrain and gradient super easy. This way, you can get the most natural pedaling assistance when you need it the most. The bike itself as an e-bike is incredibly light and it is nimble and agile to use.
- Lightweight and stiff full suspension aluminum frame.
- 29″ wheels
- 250W motor
- Hydraulic disc brakes
The Giant Talon E+ 3, in our opinion, is one of the best-looking electric mountain bikes you can get. It looks great and with that full suspension setup performs great too.
The groupset comes in the form of a Shimano 9-speed mountain bike groupset. It is known for silky smooth shifting and is probably one of the most reliable groupsets you can buy.
What’s good is that this bike boasts powerful Shimano hydraulic disc brakes which are going to stop you very quickly if you require them to.
If you enjoy mountain biking and are looking for a hardtail bike that is going to give you a bit of assistance the Giant Talon E+ 3 has got everything you need.
People Also Ask
Do you have any other questions about electric mountain bikes? You’re not the only one!
What is the best electric mountain bike?
The best mountain bike is not the same for everyone. On our list, Rad Power RadRover took the first position because it is versatile, capable, and affordable. Thus, it can be the best electric mountain bike for different types of riders. Others might like another model on the list better, which is why it’s hard to give a universal answer.
Is an electric mountain bike worth it?
An electric mountain bike is definitely worth it. For the right type of rider, an e-MTB does not really have any disadvantages. If you’re struggling to ride as hard or as long as before due to an injury or age, an electric mountain will quite literally change your life.
How much does an electric mountain bike cost?
Electric mountain bikes cost anywhere between $1,000 and $10,000+. However, on average, you should expect to spend around $4,000 for a mid-range model with quality suspension, components, and electronics. Such a bike will be trail-ready and will allow you to ride as hard as before.
How long do e-mountain bikes last?
Electric mountain bikes can last just as long as non-electric bicycles. Over time, the battery capacity deteriorates, so you need to swap it every 3–5 years. However, all other parts should last for years with proper maintenance. Of course, regular servicing is a must.
Bottom Line
While creating this list, we aimed to include a wide variety of electric mountain bikes that would satisfy different types of riders. Therefore, we’ve reviewed off-road commuters, lively electric hardtails, and full-blown trail shredders with full suspension.
Whichever model you end up choosing, you may rest assured you’ll be getting a well-built, high-quality e-bike that will give you more mobility and boost your fitness and health. The only drawback to many of them is the high price, but the benefits are often worth it.
Which one is your favorite? Let us know in the comments if we failed to include your top pick and we’ll consider reviewing it in the future!
Uh… Rocky Mountain much? Not only built around an in-house drive, also happens to have the most – let alone MTB-specific – torque.
Thanks for pointing that out, Saul! We include mountain bikes that are currently in stock.
Not to be argumentative, but this looks like a Yamaha mid-drive.