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Best Electric Gravel Bikes: Explore Gravel Roads with Electric Assistance

By James Heath   /  Last updated - December 29, 2023   /  Best-Of-Reviews, Electric Bikes, Gravel Bikes / CX, Reviews, Touring / Bikebacking
best electric gravel bikes

Image source: Cannondale.com

Electric gravel bikes maximize your riding time by taking you further and faster over varied terrain for a longer distance.

Cycling on gravel ebikes is a fun activity all year round thanks to the added pedal-assist options picking up the pace through any muddy slopes whilst the extra power and added gadgets allow you to pack extra weight. This makes electric gravel bikes the perfect choice as a trustworthy steed for both long and short-distance touring and bikepacking.


A Selection of Best Electric Gravel Bikes

NinerRLT E9 RDO 4-Star
CannondaleTopstone Neo SL 2
Santa Cruz Skitch
Cannondale – Topstone Neo 5
OrbeaGain M30 1X
SpecializedTurbo Creo SL Comp Carbon
Ride1UP Gravel Roadster v2
Specialized Turbo Creo SL Expert
Orbea Gain M20x
GT – eGrade Current

NEW! – Ride1UPRoadster V2


Niner RLT E9 RDO 4-STAR

Futuristic look – futuristic performance

niner electric gravel bike

MSRP: $5,695

  • RDO Carbon
  • 11-speed Shimano GRX (11-42T)
  • Shimano GRX 400 hydro brakes
  • Class 3 eBike – Assists up to 28mph
  • 250W Bosch Performance & 500Wh battery
  • 700x50c

The 4-star version of the RLT E9 RDO is a truly impressive Niner electric gravel bike, packed full of so many cool features that the price almost seems too low.

So what’s the catch? The bike has a full carbon RDO frame complete with internal cable routing, rack and fender mounts, and clearance for 50mm tires.

You also get a killer 11-speed Shimano GRX drivetrain with hydraulic disc brakes, Stan’s NoTubes rims, and Schwalbe G-One Speed tires. So are the electronics cheap? Nope – you get a top-quality 250W Bosch Performance motor combined with a long-range 500Wh battery, powering you along at 28mph (45km/h) for a full day of cycling.

It’s a full package gravel ebike with no corners cut, offering very decent value for money.

Size Recommendations

50 (5’2″ – 5’6″)
53 (5’5″ – 5’9″)
56 (5’8″ – 6’0″)
59 (5’11 – 6’3″)

Buy on Jenson USA


Cannondale Topstone Neo SL 2

cannondale topstone neo sl 2

MSRP: $3,600

250Wh battery  |  Range: Up to 47mi  |  700x42c20mph top speed

  • Aluminum frame & carbon fork
  • Class 1 – Assists up to 20mph
  • 250W Bosch Performance Line Speed
  • 11-speed Shimano GRX 400 (GRX 600 shifters)
  • Shimano GRX hydro disc brakes w/ RT54 rotors

Cannondale, well known for their quality SmartForm aluminum frames, now brings you the new Topstone Neo SL 2 gravel eBike with a carbon fork for speed and comfort.

There’s not much you can’t do with this bike, it’s at its best when tackling varied terrain. Light and speedy with a stealthy-looking Mahle ebikemotion X35 250W motor and a 250Wh battery, it provides you with 20mph pedal power and a range of up to 47 miles. 

Not only does it come with a convenient endurance riding position for extra comfort over long commutes, but it also features 700c x 42mm tires for a softer ride. The additional tire clearance also leaves enough space for bigger tires if desired.

The lithium-ion battery, however, is not removable and there is no suspension but the Shimano GRX 2×10 drivetrain and hydraulic disk brakes deliver excellent performance on even the most challenging terrains.

Buy from REI


Santa Cruz Bicycles Skitch 

MSRP: $6,300

  • Carbon frame and fork
  • FAZUA Ride 60 motor
  • SRAM Apex Eagle
  • 700x45c

Santa Cruz has achieved its goal of developing the ultimate light and aerodynamic gravel bike, handling any terrain you throw at it.

With carbon material being more flexible and more comfortable, the fork of the Santa Cruz Skitch lets you glide effortlessly over any terrain with the well-balanced on-road and off-road 700×45 mm tires that come with it. In addition, endurance geometry delivers a super-comfortable riding position.

This bike is versatile and sturdy, providing you with the confidence you need to venture into unknown territories.

The bottom bracket FAZUA Ride 60 motor and battery are a single unit that will assist you up to 28 mph for up to 60 miles per charge. Coming in at $6,300, it’s not the most affordable, but you get great value for the money.

Buy from evo.com    Buy from Mike's Bikes


Cannondale Topstone Neo 5

Cannondale Topstone Neo 5

MSRP: $5,550

  • Motor: Bosch Performance Line Speed, 28 mph
  • 500 Wh battery
  • 700x36c tires
  • Shimano GRX 400, Shadow RD+ derailleur

This stylish gravel bike by the cycling giant Cannondale definitely lives up to its brand recognition.

The Shimano GRX 11-speed groupset offers top-class performance, allowing you to shift precisely and quickly. In addition, the boost you get from the punchy Bosch Performance Line Speed motor will leave you feeling confident and satisfied pushing up steep hills. 

However, considering the aggressive attitude and power this bike displays, some riders might find the tire choice quite odd and opt for an upgrade. WTB Exposure 36 mm tires were made to be ridden mainly in dry weather conditions on hard-packed terrain due to their narrower size. However, you have clearance for up to 42 mm tires, so you can upgrade to a wider set.

Buy from REI


Orbea Gain M30 1X

orbea electric gravel bike

MSRP: $4,599

36V 6.9A (248Wh)  |  250W Ebikemotion X35 plus |  1×11 Shimano GRX

  • OMR Monocoque Carbon
  • Shimano RX400 hydro disc brakes
  • Fulcrum E-Racing 900 wheelset
  • Class 1 eBike – Max assisted speed 20mph

The Orbea Gain M30 1x eBike cuts no corners with a carbon frame, tire clearance up to 40mm, Shimano GRX 11-speed drivetrain, and RX400 hydraulic brakes.

The Gain was put together to enhance every part of your ride without taking full control, allowing you to ride longer and have more fun. The wide range of gears is ideal for any terrain, whether climbing, descending, or just enjoying a flat ride. The beautiful OMR carbon frame includes neatly concealed internal cable routing and integrated front and rear lights for a sleek appearance. 

This Class 1 pedal-assist bike with its Mahle Ebikemotion Motor and 248Wh battery was designed to give you an overall feeling of having enough power on every ride. On the handlebars, you get an advanced iWoc ONE control interface that connects to a pedal-assist sensor, providing all your riding data and the option to adjust power based on heart rate.

Buy from Jenson USA


Specialized Turbo Creo SL Comp Carbon

Specialized electric gravel bike

MSRP: $7,000

  • Fact 11r Carbon
  • 11-Speed Shimano RX812 GX Shadow Plus
  • 700x28c
  • Motor: Specialized Sl 1.1
  • Battery: Specialized SL1 320Wh

When shopping for an electric gravel bike, you will be happy to know that the value you get for your money is worth every penny on the Specialized Turbo Creo SL Comp Carbon.

Not only is it one of the fastest electric bikes on gravel but with a FACT 11r full carbon frame and Future Shock 2.0 fork, it’s one of the lightest eBikes in its class. 

You’ll certainly notice an increase in the distance you can cover, with Specialized’s lightweight e-bike SL 1.1 motor delivering 240W of pedal power. The motor features a reactive torque curve that automatically tunes in with your cadence and eliminates any pedal resistance when you are not pedaling.

The fully integrated 320Wh internal battery provides a whopping 80m (128km) range with an optional range extender giving an added 40 miles, making this the ultimate long-distance warrior. All of this is perfectly finished off with a Shimano GRX 11-speed drivetrain and hydraulic disc brakes.

Buy from Mike's Bikes


Ride1UP Gravel Roadster v2

Ride1UP Gravel Roadster v2

MSRP: $1,345

  • Motor: 350W rear hub
  • Battery: 250Wh
  • Single-speed drivetrain with a belt

The Ride1UP Roadster gravel e-bike is a casual gravel bike with an aluminum frame and fork, low-maintenance components, and a 350W rear hub motor for added power.

The bike comes with 700C rims and 42mm tires allowing for less stress over punctures and an overall, smoother ride. 

The 250Wh integrated battery gives you a 20-30 mile range, making you go further, whilst the mechanical disk brakes add to the control.

Best of all, the Ride1UP Gravel Roadster costs just $1,345, which is a bargain for what you get.

Buy from Ride1UP


Specialized Turbo Creo SL Expert

specialized turbo creo SL expert ebike

MSRP: $7,799

  • SL 1.1 Motor – 240W
  • SL 1 – 320Wh
  • 700x38c
  • FACT 11r carbon frame, Future Shock 2.0 carbon fork
  • Shimano 105 hydro brakes

Specialized has developed a fast, aggressive eBike in the Turbo Creo SL Expert. It has a smooth character and aggressive geometry and component list, allowing you to zip along on any terrain.

This bike has a premium carbon frame and fork with Future Shock 2.0 micro-suspension integrated into the stem and fork. 

The Specialized electric bike drive system has plenty of power that excels on steeper gradients and is complemented by a large battery that provides all-day ranges. Finally, a premium Shimano Deore XT Di2 electronic groupset provides pro-level performance and reliability. 

Buy from Mike's Bikes


Orbea Gain M20x

orbea gain m20x

250W Ebikemotion X35 Plus  |  Battery: 248Wh  |  Max speed: 20mph

MSRP: $4,859

  • 1×11 speed Shimano GRX
  • OC2 Carbon seatpost
  • 700 x 38c

The Orbea Gain M20x comes with a trusty 250W Ebikemotion motor and 248Wh battery, giving you a maximum assist speed of 20 mph.

With an OC2 Carbon seatpost combined with an excellent 11-speed Shimano GRX drivetrain, this is one of the best electric off-road bicycles available for the price. 

The OMR carbon frame and fork hold it all together superbly, while the pedal-assist pushes you effortlessly up even the most intimidating hills. Clearly destined for tough off-road trails, the Gain features mid-sized 38c Schwalbe G-One Bite tires with 40mm clearance, perfect for cornering sharp bends on loose gravel at a low angle. When it comes to strength and reliability, it definitely delivers on even the most ambitious of trails.

Buy from Jenson USA


GT eGrade Current

gt egrade current

MSRP: $3,300

250W Ebikemotion X35  |  40Nm torque  |  Battery: 250Wh  |  1×10 speed

  • MicroSHIFT M6205
  • Shining 32H rims
  • WTB Resolute TCS 700x42mm tires

This flat-bar electric gravel bike can tackle the most hardcore terrain with the feel of a lightweight traditional bike. It features a 250W Ebikemotion motor which is not only powerful but increases stability due to the extra centralized weight. The 250Wh battery located inside the downtube is incredibly subtle and weighs almost nothing.

The aluminum frame and carbon fork help soak up those little vibrations while providing great front-end performance.  The MicroSHIFT drivetrain is supported by WTB Resolute gravel tires with tubeless-ready rims, allowing for a fun and confident ride on rough, technical terrain.

Buy from Jenson USA


Ride1UP Roadster V2

An urban flat-bar gravel bike

ride1up gravel bike

Available for pre-order

MSRP: $1,095

  • 350W gear hub motor, 40Nm torque
  • Class 3 eBike – 24mph
  • Estimated range – 20-30mi
  • Charge time: 2-4 hours
  • Disc brakes

Available for pre-order, this is the newest bike available by Ride1UP, which generally offers an awesome set of great value e-bikes at the very competitive price range and e-bikes market.

Buy from Ride1UP

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