The 14 Best Electric Mountain Bikes of 2023: Top-Rated e-MTBs for All Riding Styles

Photo: yeticycles.com

Electric mountain bikes have revolutionized off-road cycling, combining traditional pedal power and MTB components like suspension with a burst of electric energy.

As they grow more and more popular, the market is getting flooded with a variety of options from different brands.

Whether you’re eyeing XC, Trail, Enduro, hardtail, or full-suspension types, the choice can be daunting.

In this comprehensive review, we’ll explore the 14 best electric mountain bikes, helping you get the most bang for your buck and choose the best model for your needs.

Plus, with our detailed buying guide at the bottom, you’ll have everything you need to make an informed decision.

Dive in and electrify your mountain biking experience! 

1. Rad Power Bikes RadRover 6 Plus

Most Versatile Fat-Tire Electric MTB

MSRP: $2,099

• Motor: 750W, 80 Nm geared rear hub
• Battery: 672 Wh
• Fork: Rad Power Bikes RST, 60 mm travel
• Drivetrain: Shimano 7-speed
• Tires: 26 x 4.0″

The Rad Power Bikes RadRover 6 Plus is more of an urban fat-tire bike compared to most other mountain bicycles on this list. We’ve decided to include it because of the versatility it offers, especially for novice riders.

Although this is a short-travel hardtail ebike, it still offers plenty of freedom in terms of choosing where you want to ride.

It has 26″ x 4.0″ fat tires that are perfect to ride along the beach, on snow, or on muddy trails. However, the 750W motor and 672 Wh battery are powerful enough that you can ride this ebike on paved roads and bike paths and not feel any sluggishness. 

The riding position is relatively upright and comfortable, which makes the RadRover 6 Plus ideal for riders with cycling-related pains and aches.

This is also one of the only bikes on this list that features lights, a kickstand, and fenders, so it’s an excellent choice for anyone who likes commuting daily and taking an occasional detour off the beaten path.

Rad Power Bikes offers a great selection of bikes at reasonable prices, so it’s worth checking out the rest of its lineup as well!

Buy from RadPowerBikes.com

2. Trek Rail 5 Gen 2

Winner! Best Enduro Electric MTB

MSRP: $5,650

• Motor: Bosch Performance CX 250W, 85 Nm
• Battery: 500 Wh
• Fork: RockShox 35 Gold RL 160 mm
• Rear Shock: RockShox Deluxe Select+
• Drivetrain: Shimano Deore 12-speed
• Tires: 29″ x 2.6″

Trek Rail 5 Gen 2 is a high-end dual-suspension e-MTB built for enduro and rough singletrack riding that prioritizes agility. It’s equipped with a RockShox 35 Gold RL 160 mm front suspension and a RockShox Deluxe Select+ rear shock, along with Mino Link adjustable geometry.

When it comes to electronics, the Rail 5 boasts a Bosch Performance CX 250W, 85 Nm mid-drive motor, and a 500 Wh battery. Together, they’ll assist you up to 20 mph for up to 6 hours of riding, depending on how much assistance you use. 

Trek Rail 5 also comes with a Shimano Deore 12-speed rear derailleur and Shimano MT4100 four-piston hydraulic brakes, so it’s capable of serious climbing and descending. However, the Deore rear derailleur is slightly underwhelming at this price point. 

Its 29″ x 2.6″ tires are massive and effortlessly roll over obstacles, and you even get a dropper post for enhanced control on descents. 

To sum up, if you’re looking for a truly capable electric mountain bicycle that will elevate your skills instead of hampering them, then the Trek Rail 5 Gen 2 is the one. Make sure to check the rest of Trek’s electric lineup as well, especially the Trek Fuel EXe series. 

Buy from Trek Bikes

3. Giant Talon E+ 3

Second Choice! Affordable Electric Hardtail MTB

MSRP: $2,900

• Motor: Giant SyncDrive Core, 50Nm
• Battery: 400 Wh
• Fork: SR Suntour XCM ATB Coil, 100 mm
• Drivetrain: Shimano Alivio, 9-speed
• Tires: 29″ x 2.4″

Giant doesn’t need much introduction as it has been one of the top brands worldwide for many years.

The Talon E+ 3 is one of Giant’s most affordable hardtail mountain ebikes with great components for the money, full integration, and a sloping top-tube that makes it suitable for shorter riders.

In general, this bike does not differ much from a regular mountain bicycle as it has 100 mm of front suspension and a 9-speed Shimano Alivio MTB rear derailleur that make it trail-ready.

• Related: Best Hardtail Electric Mountain Bikes of 2023

The Talon E+ 3 e-bike also boasts a Giant SyncDrive Core 250 Watts motor that peaks at 50 Nm of torque and boasts a 400 Wh battery. Together, they provide you with a 20 mph top speed and a decent range to explore local trails or commute on unpaved roads. 

Is the Giant Talon E+ 3 worth the almost $3,000 price tag? In our opinion, it is. There aren’t too many hardtail e-MTBs around, and this is a great option for a large range of recreational mountain bikers who want a model from a reliable brand.

Buy from Mike's Bikes

4. Aventon Aventure.2

Third Place! Best Beginner-Friendly Fat-Tire E-MTB

MSRP: $1,999

• Motor: 750W rear hub
• Battery: 720 Wh, 60-mile range
• Fork: Front suspension with 80 mm travel
• Drivetrain: 8-Speed
• Tires: 26 x 4.0″

The Aventon Aventure.2 is a hardtail fat-tire e-MTB designed to be equally capable on the mountain as it is in urban environments. 

At 77 lb, we can’t really say it is lightweight. However, it has a powerful 750W motor and a 720 Wh battery that will propel you up to 28 mph and provide a maximum range of 60 miles per charge thanks to an efficient and smooth torque sensor.

• Related: Full Aventon Aventure.2 Review

Aventon chose a simple 8-speed rear derailleur and Tektro hydraulic disc brakes to ensure you have reliable shifting performance and plenty of stopping power in varied conditions. 

The Aventure.2 also has 26″ x 4″ fat tires that provide comfort and traction no matter what terrain you encounter, including snow, sand, and mud. In addition, this bike comes with excellent accessories, including a rear rack, kickstand, fenders, and integrated lights for urban riding. 

Don’t miss out on the Aventon Aventure.2 electric bike if you’re in the market for an affordable and versatile model that you can ride anywhere. Check out the step-through version as well if you want a model that’s easier to mount and dismount. 

Buy from Aventon.com

5. Ride1UP Prodigy XC

Best Mid-Drive Hardtail Electric MTB

MSRP: $2,395

• Motor: Brose TF Sprinter, 90 Nm
• Battery: 504 Wh, 30-50-mile range
• Fork: 120 mm Air Suspension
• Drivetrain: microSHIFT Advent 9-speed
• Tires: 27.5 x 2.4″

We chose to add the Ride1UP Prodigy XC ebike to this list because it offers a great setup for its price, outperforming many bikes that cost almost double.

The Prodigy XC is powered by a 500W Brose TF Sprinter mid-drive motor that generates up to 90 Nm of torque, which is ideal for a proper electric mountain bicycle. A 504 Wh battery is stowed away in the downtube, offering a 30-50 mile range, depending on the type of assistance you use the most. 

The Prodigy XC has a pedal-assisted max speed of 28 mph and a throttle-powered speed of 20 mph, so it’s classified as a Class 3 ebike.  

It also has a 9-speed microShift Advent rear derailleur, hydraulic disc brakes, and trail-ready 27.5″ x 2.4″ tires, so you can ride it like any other normal mountain bicycle. 

The Prodigy XC also boasts 120 mm of air front suspension with a hydraulic lockout that’s not ideal for rough singletracks but is more than suitable for light trails and bumpy dirt roads.

All things considered, the Ride1UP Prodigy XC is a surprisingly capable option, considering it comes from a brand that focuses on urban commuter ebikes.

Buy from Ride1UP.com

6. Marin Alpine Trail E

Best Mullet Electric Mountain Bicycle

MSRP: $4,499

• Motor: Shimano EP6 250W, 85 Nm
• Battery: 504 Wh
• Fork: 160 mm X-Fusion Trace 36
• Rear Shock: 150 mm X-Fusion 02 Pro RXC
• Drivetrain: Shimano Deore 10-speed
• Tires: 29″ x 2.5 (f) & 27.5 x 2.5″ (r)

The Marin Alpine Trail E is the electric version of the company’s flagship dual-suspension MTB. This is a solid e-bike with a mullet setup made by experts in mountain bike design. 

Take your enduro rides to the next level with Shimano’s EP6 e-bike system. The 250W, 85 Nm motor delivers buttery smooth power that ensures you can ride all day. This motor pairs with Shimano’s 504 Wh battery, providing several hours of riding. 

The most impressive part of this bike is the MultiTrac suspension platform. It’s designed to balance pedaling efficiency with support and consists of a 160 mm X-Fusion Trace 36 front suspension and a 150 mm X-Fusion 02 Pro rear shock.

The build kit for this bike includes a Shimano Deore 10-speed derailleur with an 11-46t cassette and TRP Slate Evo four-piston hydraulic disc brakes to round out the groupset. A TranzX dropper post is there as well to get the saddle out of the way on technical descents. 

All things considered, this is a high-level electric enduro bike designed for riders with big ambitions and a decent budget to match. 

Buy on Jenson USA

7. Orbea Rise M20

Lightest Carbon Fiber Frame

MSRP: $6,999

• Motor: Shimano EP8-RS 250W
• Battery: 360 Wh
• Fork: Fox 34 Float Performance 140 mm
• Rear Shock: Fox Float DPS Performance140 mm
• Drivetrain: Shimano SLX 12-speed
• Tires: 29″ x 2.4″

Full-suspension e-bikes don’t get much better than the Orbea Rise M20. This premium E-MTB has all the power and performance to ride farther and harder than ever before.

The Rise M20  has an excellent foundation with a light and responsive OMR carbon fiber frame. This frame has 140 mm of travel on the Fox Float 34 Performance front suspension and 140 mm on the Fox Float DPS Performance rear shock.

For power, you can rely on a high-performance, customizable Shimano EP8-RS mid-drive motor paired with an internal Orbea 360 Wh battery.

To assist the motor, you also have a Shimano SLX 12-speed groupset. This rear derailleur combines with premium Shimano M6100 hydraulic disc brakes, RaceFace AR 30c rims, and tubeless-ready Maxxis Dissector and Rekon 2.4″ EXO+ tires.

If you want a real mountain biking experience with an extra push, get the Orbea Rise M20.

Buy on JensonUSA.com

8. Norco Sight VLT A1 29″

The Most Fun and Playful Mountain Ebike

MSRP: $5,999

• Motor: Shimano EP8 250W
• Battery: 450, 720, or 900 Wh
• Fork: Fox Rhythm Float 36, 160 mm
• Rear Shock: Fox Float X2 Performance Elite
• Drivetrain: Shimano SLX 12-speed
• Tires: 29″ x 2.5″

When it comes to high-quality, full-carbon MTBs, Norco is known for several top-class models.

Their new Sight VLT range won The Loam Wolf’s 2019 e-MTB of the Year award for its excellent balance, versatility, and performance.

The Sight VLT A1 is a potent, lightweight all-mountain bike that boasts a premium Shimano EP8 mid-drive unit and a 450, 720, or 900 Wh battery (you can choose at checkout).

In terms of real MTB components, the Sight VLT A1 sports a Shimano SLX 12-speed groupset paired with Shimano’s MT520 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes and Fox Float 160 mm front and rear suspension.

At $6,000, this carbon ebike is a bit pricey, but if you can afford it you won’t regret the purchase when you put it to the test on proper MTB trails.

Buy on JensonUSA.com

9. Cannondale Moterra Neo 4

Best Aluminum Electric Trail Bike

MSRP: $5,900

• Motor: Shimano EP8 250W
• Battery: 630 Wh
• Fork: RockShox 35 Silver R 150 mm
• Rear Shock: RockShox Deluxe Select R 150 mm
• Drivetrain: SRAM SX Eagle 12-speed
• Tires: 29″ x 2.6″

The Moterra Neo 4 is a dual-suspension electric bike from the high-end bike manufacturer Cannondale. This model comes with an aluminum frame, but you can also get a Moterra Neo Carbon if you are willing to spend more.

This is an e-MTB built for hard trail riding, with a powerful Shimano EP8 85 Nm motor dedicated to launching you up the steepest gradients. The 630 Wh Shimano battery is neatly hidden inside the downtube but can be easily removed for charging or replacement.

The responsive RockShox 150 mm suspension is complimented by Maxxis Rekon 29 x 2.6-inch tires that provide ample traction even on rock gardens or slippery berms. 

The Moterra Neo 4 also features a mid-range SRAM SX Eagle 12-speed groupset and TRP Slate G4 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes with 200 mm rotors front and rear.

With progressive frame technology, raw power at the flip of a switch, and silky-smooth gear changes, the Cannondale Moterra Neo 4 dual-suspension electric bike is an absolute pleasure to ride.

Buy from REI

10. Co-op Cycles DRT e3.1

Best Value Aluminum Electric Mountain Bike

MSRP: $4,999

• Motor: Bosch Performance Line CX 250W
• Battery: 625 Wh
• Fork: RockShox Recon Silver RL Solo Air 140mm
• Rear Shock: RockShox Deluxe Select Plus RT
• Drivetrain: SRAM SX Eagle 12-speed
• Tires: 27.5″ x 2.6″ (XS, S) or 29 x 2.6″ (M-XL)

Co-op Cycles’ DRT e3.1 electric bike is a mid-range dual-suspension bicycle that performs equally well going up or downhill.

For power, riders can rely on a Bosch Performance Line CX 250W/85 Nm motor and a large 625 Wh battery. This combo delivers an excellent range while easily tackling steep gradients and technical terrain. Additionally, the DRT e3.1 is equipped with a SRAM SX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain so you can always find the perfect gear.

For suspension, the DRT e3.1 uses a RockShox Silver RL Solo Air 140 mm travel front suspension and a Deluxe RT rear shock.

Finally, you can be sure of excellent performance thanks to Tektro 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes, an X-Fusion Manic remote dropper post, and premium Kenda Nevegal tires.

Keep in mind that this is a mountain bike will size-specific wheels, so the XS and S frames roll on 27.5″ wheels, whereas all larger sizes come as 29ers. This ensures that all riders enjoy the perfect fit, no matter their height.

One slight disadvantage of this dual suspension ebike is that it is entirely made of aluminum, though a carbon frame would significantly increase the price tag.

Buy from REI

11. GT E-Force Current

Budget-Friendly Aluminum Trail E-Bike

MSRP: $4,600

• Motor: Shimano STEPS DU-E7000 250W
• Battery: 504 Wh
• Fork: SR Suntour Zeron 35, 150 mm
• Rear Shock: X-Fusion 02 Pro RL, Rebound/ Lockout
• Drivetrain: Shimano Deore, 10-Speed
• Tires: 29″ x 2.6″

Built to take on all mountainous terrain, the GT E-Force Current electric mountain bike is a trail-blazing beast ready for adventure.

Considering the wealth of high-quality components on the E-Force Current, it clearly belongs on the top shelf of aluminum e-bikes.

A durable aluminum alloy frame with a 150 mm R Suntour Zeron 35 fork and a 140 mm X-Fusion 02 Pro RL rear shock is all you need for most trails and singletracks. 

On top of that, a quality Shimano Deore 10-speed groupset means you will be able to keep pedaling even if you run out of power.

Talking about power, the GT E-Force Current boasts a Shimano STEPS DU-E7000 mid-drive motor paired with a 504 Wh battery. As a Class 1 ebike, you can expect it to reach 20 mph before the electric assistance shuts down.

The head tube angle on this hardtail is quite slack, which gives you better stability going downhill and fast-rolling 29″ wheels help you cover ground quickly. The E-Force also has premium Schwalbe Nobby Nic Performance 29 x 2.6″ tires that provide traction in all trail conditions. 

To sum up, the GT E-Force Current is the perfect electric mountain bike for trail riding. Add it to your shortlist if you have a moderate budget and want solid performance. 

Buy on JensonUSA.com

12. QuietKat Jeep E-Bike 

Best Hunting Electric Mountain Bike

MSRP: from $4,999

• Motor: Shimano STEPS DU-E7000 250W
• Battery: 504 Wh
• Fork: 140 mm KKE Inverted Air Fork
• Rear Shock: 200 mm x 57 mm RockShox Monarch RL
• Drivetrain: SRAM 9-Speed
• Tires: 26 x 4.8″

QuietKat partnered with Jeep to develop one of the most advanced electric off-road bicycles available, designed with full suspension to keep you stable on tough ground.

It does splendidly as an electric winter bike, a full suspension hunting bike, or a no-compromise electric trail rig.

The Jeep ebike comes with a 1000W mid-drive motor, but the motor power and top speed can be adjusted to comply with Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 regulations. However, unrestricted, the Jeep has a 30+ mph top speed.

With a 140 mm KKE Inverted Air Fork and RockShox RL rear suspension, the Jeep is a rugged bike that rolls over all kinds of terrain with silent power.

• Related: 2023 Hunting Electric Bikes Roundup

For hunters and anglers, the QuietKat Jeep can take add-ons like racks and bags to help carry gear out into the backcountry.

QuietKat is a brand that specializes in powerful rear-hub motors, and the Jeep shines on off-road terrain as more weight on the rear wheel means there’s more traction and torque when going up steep hills.

If you have been looking for a rugged mountain e-bike that can carry up to 300 lb of cargo, you should definitely shortlist the QuietKat Jeep.

Buy from QuietKat.com

13. NS Bikes E-Fine 2

Best Mullet Enduro Ebike

MSRP: $6,500

• Motor: Shimano STEPS E7000
• Battery: 504 Wh
• Fork: RockShox 35 GOLD RL, 160 mm
• Rear Shock: X-FUSION H3C Trunnion 205 x 62,5 mm
• Drivetrain: Shimano Deore, 11-speed
• Tires: 29×2.4″ (f) & 27.5×2.4″ (r)

NS Bikes is a lesser-known brand that specializes in high-quality trail mountain bicycles, so it’s no surprise that the E-Fine 2 electric mountain bike is a well-designed and fine-tuned piece of machinery.

The high-quality full suspension aluminum frame glides effortlessly over rough terrain, leaving the fully integrated motor and battery barely noticeable to both you and any onlookers.

With a punchy Shimano STEPS E7000 drive system and a 504 Wh battery, it’s the perfect bike for those who need some extra uphill power without losing the raw feeling of a standard mountain bike.

The E-Fine 2 also sports a Shimano Deore 11-speed rear derailleur and Shimano Deore 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes, so you’ll have all the capability you need when the trails become technical.

Finally, as a mullet enduro ebike, the NS E-Fine 2 rolls on 29×2.4″ (f) & 27.5×2.4″ (r) Schwalbe Big Betty BikePark tires, which means you’ll enjoy both the efficiency of larger 29er tires and the playfulness of the 27.5″ diameter. 

Buy from Mike's Bikes

14. Devinci eTroy

A great trail-ready full suspension e-MTB

MSRP: $7,699

• Motor: Bosch Performance Line CX
• Battery: 635 Wh
• Fork: Fox 38 Performance Elite 160mm
• Rear Shock: Fox Float X Performance Elite 150 mm 
• Drivetrain: SRAM GX Eagle
• Tires: 29 x 2.5″ & 27.5 x 2.4″ (Mullet)

This Devinci eTroy electric mountain bike is one of the best aluminum models in this price range.

The eTroy comes with a fully integrated battery that fits seamlessly into the frame giving the bike a clean and professional-looking finish, while the powerful 85 Nm Bosch Performance Line CX motor makes short work of steep uphill efforts over loose, rocky surfaces.

Devinci has managed to deliver premium performance by using high-quality suspension components including a Fox 38 Performance Elite fork and a Fox Float X Performance Elite shock linked by their Split Pivot platform.

The SRAM Code R hydraulic disc brakes have four pistons, while the SRAM GX Eagle rear derailleur offers 12 wide-range speeds that will come in handy when the trails become steep.

Additionally, the Davinci eTroy rolls on tried-and-true Maxxis Minion 29 x 2.6″ and 27.5″ x 2.4″ mixed tires that leave no room for unpleasant surprises. 

Consider the Devinci eTroy electric trail mountain bike if you want a fast and fun ride with tons of juice for a long day on the trails. 

Buy from evo.com

Things to Consider When Buying an Electric MTB

Electric Bikes Price Range

Santa Cruz Bullit is made from premium carbon fiber and costs more than $10,000. But not everyone needs to spend that much.

The average price for a decent electric mountain bike typically falls within the $3,000 – $6,000 range.

The pricier e-bikes are often pro-level carbon fiber MTBs, which come with a premium price tag even before adding the motor and electric battery.

However, the amount you should spend also depends on your needs and preferences.

If you’re a beginner or plan to use the e-bike for casual rides, you might not need a high-end model.

On the other hand, avid mountain bikers or those looking for advanced features and durability might consider investing more.

Always consider factors like build quality, battery life, and the bike’s intended purpose before finalizing a budget and making the purchase. 

Speed and Range of Electric MTBs

Modern e-bikes use high-torque motors to reach speeds of up to 28 mph (45 kph) and long-range batteries that will go up to 100 miles (160 km) on a single charge.

However, more affordable pedal-assist bikes usually only go about 20 mph (32 kph) and cover about 62 miles (100km) on a single charge.

Some budget-friendly models have even lower ranges of around 40 miles, but the real-world mileage always depends on how you ride and how much assistance you use. 

If you feel that you’re lacking mileage, range extenders are a good idea, though it’s not always practical to carry a second battery with you.

Likewise, you won’t always be able to reach your ebike’s top speed, as most ebikes struggle to reach their maximum speeds on steep climbs. 

Ebike Classes Explained

Electric-assist mountain bicycles fall into two categories:

• Those with pedal assistance only. 
• Those with pedal assistance and throttle.

As the name suggests, pedal-assist e-bikes require you to pedal in order for the motor to turn on and supplement power. On the other hand, a throttle allows you to activate the motor without turning the pedals at all, much like an electric scooter. 

It’s worth noticing that most high-end electric MTBs are equipped with pedal assistance only, while cheaper models also include a throttle. 

In terms of the maximum speed and type of assistance you get, e-bikes are divided into three official classes:

• Class 1 eBike: Pedal assistance only, limited to 20 mph. (Most common class for high-end e-MTBs)
• Class 2 eBike: Throttle and pedal assistance with a 20 mph top speed.
• Class 3 eBike: Pedal-assist and an optional throttle with a 28 mph top speed. 

> Related: E-Bike Rules & Regulations in the US

Choosing the Best Electric Mountain Bike

Rad Power Bikes’ RadRover 6 Plus is a solid choice with a rear hub motor.

The best mountain eBike is the one that fits your budget and has the right geometry and level of components for your riding needs. Mountain biking has many different disciplines, and all of the bikes here are fully ready to hit the trails, to say the least.

We are not big fans of the supermarket or Walmart electric mountain bicycles. In general, mountain biking is something where you really don’t want to cut corners in terms of your own safety, so it is better to consider Mountain bike-specific brands and e-bike-specific brands.

Is an electric mountain bike worth it?

These days, e-MTBs are gaining mainstream appeal, making them more affordable and more widely accepted.

In particular, older riders or cyclists with injuries can enjoy cycling again with electric bikes. They can also save a lot of time and energy going up a mountain.

If you wish to dedicate more time to enjoying the fast-paced, downhill sections of a mountain you’ll find an e-MTB to be an invaluable resource.

Electric Mountain Bike Safety

With speeds seldom breaching the 28 mph mark, electric mountain bicycles don’t pose any more risk than a standard bike. In most cases, the small motors only provide minor assistance and aren’t powerful enough to cause any real danger on the roads.

So long as you familiarize yourself with the controls, use a helmet, and follow proper traffic laws, you should be as safe as you would be on a normal bike.

Full-suspension electric mountain bike vs. hardtail eMTB

There’s no question that full-suspension MTBs offer better comfort, while there are a variety of hardtail models available as well. As the bikes are already assisted by electric motors, it is way more convenient to climb with a dual-suspension mountain bike, while on the other hand in some cases should the battery run out, it is way easier to pedal with a hardtail mountain bike.

Electric MTBs’ Climbing Ability

Almost all best electric bikes will be able to climb steep hills but usually, you will still need to provide some pedal assistance. Only Specialized e-bikes in a class similar to that of light motorbikes will be able to climb steep hills on their engine power alone. The higher the torque of the motor, the less amount of effort you will need to exert when pedaling uphill. Also note that the more uphills you do, the quicker the battery will run out.

Durability of Electric Mountain Bicycles

Electric bikes have come a long way in the past decade and nowadays you can get excellent products that will last years without trouble. However, the growing popularity of electric bikes has also spurned many cheap manufacturers. Some cyclists who have purchased lower-quality electric bikes complain of motor failures and short battery life so it’s best to go with mid to high-quality products.

As there is higher torque and weight to be thrown around the trails, components on electric bikes are made of stronger and more durable materials.

Weight of Electric Mountain Bikes

An average, electric mountain bike weighs around 50-70 lbs, with a max capacity of 300 lbs for the rider. Matter of fact, that extra weight (motor & battery) on an e-MTB might be a good thing as extra weight gives the bike more stability and traction.

Mid-drive or hub drive motors on Electric MTBs?

The Orbea Rise e-MTB comes with a mid-drive motor, but you can go for a hub motor if you want to spend less.

Related: Mid-drive vs Hub motor

Most of the bikes reviewed in this article use a mid-drive motor, which is generally used on higher-end e-bikes. However, less expensive off-road electric mountain bikes such as the Rad Power Bikes RadRover use a hub-drive motor which is still suitable for steep climbs and towing extra luggage.

Here are the main differences between the two types

• Mid-drive motor – Most common among high-end & mid-range eBikes. Best weight distribution, most optimized power output.
• Hub motor – Found on most off-road ebikes. Cheaper, but offers more torque on the rear wheel which is useful for heavier bikes.

Where to purchase the best off-road bikes online?

• JensonUSA – Norco, Marin Bikes, Niner, Intense Cycles, Devinci
• Mike’s Bikes – Santa Cruz, Pivot, Giant, Liv, Yeti
• evo.com – Santa Cruz Bicycles, Orbea, Devinci, Marin e-MTBs
• Aventuron – A small selection of Cannondale Electric Mountain Bikes
• TheProsCloset.com – Excellent selection of used electric mountain bikes in great condition

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About the Author

Sam Millers

Sam Millers is the guy behind Bikexchange.com. From the early days of three wheels to conquering challenging mountain trails, Sam's love for cycling knows no bounds. With a background in web development, Sam seamlessly combined two of his greatest passions – cycling and technology. As the creative force behind Bikexchange.com, he shares insightful stories, expert tips, and engaging content for fellow cycling enthusiasts. When he's not exploring new biking routes or tweaking website codes, Alex enjoys sipping on a post-ride espresso and planning his next cycling adventure.