Best Electric Mountain Bikes in 2023

The history of electric bicycles goes back further than most would expect. Way back in the late 1800s, American inventor Ogden Bolton Jr patented a battery-powered bicycle with a hub motor on the rear wheel. This early invention and other similar ones were often slow, clunky, and didn’t include any gears.

An Electric Mountain Bike is also known as an E-MTB or E-Mountain Bike

Only toward the end of the 1900s did modern components like torque sensors and power controls begin appearing on electric bikes. Around the same time, ‘e-bikes’ began gaining popularity in the Far East when the first pedal-assist electric bike was manufactured in Japan.

By 2007, e-bikes had become a common sight on the streets of major Chinese cities and slowly began finding more favor in the West. Since 2013, sales of e-bikes in Europe have more than doubled to the point that many manufacturers struggle to meet demand.

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#1. Trek Rail 5 Gen 2

Best enduro electric mountain bike

MSRP: $5,650

Trek Rail 5 Gen 2 is a high-end full-suspension electric mountain bike built for enduro and rough singletrack riding. It’s equipped with a RockShox 35 Gold RL 160 mm fork and a RockShox Deluxe Select+ rear shock, both of which are definitely up to the task.

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. Though 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, if you’re looking for a truly capable electric mountain bike that will elevate your skills instead of hampering them, then Trek Rail 5 Gen 2 is the one.

Buy from Trek Bikes

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#2. Aventon Aventure

Best electric mountain bike under $2,000 for light trail riding

Aluminum / 26×4.0″ / 73 lbs / 8-speed / Class 3 eBike 

MSRP: $1,499
Aventon

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

At 73lbs, this is a hefty piece of equipment. However, it has a powerful 750W motor and 720Wh battery that can dish out max speeds of 28mph and an average range of 45 miles per charge. 

• Related: Full Aventon Aventure.2 Review

Aventon chose a simple 8-speed Shimano Acera drivetrain and 180mm-rotor Tektro hydraulic disc brakes to ensure you have reliable shifting performance and plenty of stopping power in varied conditions. 

The Aventure has 4″ fat tires on agile 26″ wheels to provide comfort and traction no matter what terrain you encounter, including snow, sand, and mud. In addition, this bike comes with a kickstand, fenders, and integrated lights for urban riding. 

Don’t miss out on the Aventon Aventure electric bike if you’re in the market for an affordable and versatile electric mountain bike. 

Max weight capacity: 400lb

Ideal for riders 5’1″ – 6’4″

Get It from Aventon.com

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#3. Ride1UP Prodigy XC

Best electric mountain bike under $3,000 for lighter trails and gravel roads

Aluminum / 27.5×2.0″ / 48 lbs / 9-speed / Class 3 eBike / 90Nm

MSRP: $2,295
Ride1UP

We have chosen this Ride1UP bike as it features quite a good set-up for its price range compared to most other bikes that cost nearly twice as much!

At just under 50lbs, the bike has a pedal-assisted max speed of 28mp/h and a throttle-powered speed of 20mp/h. The Prodigy XC runs on a 500W motor and that boosts up to 90 Nm of torque! That’s quite a lot from a mid-drive motor.

It’s got a 9-speed ‘transmission’ by Shimano Alivio, a sporty yet comfortable Selle Royal Viento saddle, and integrated front light. Although the tires are not the widest at just 2″, the bike feels comfortable on lighter trails that are ridden by recreational urban riders. The Prodigy XC is best suited for commuters who are eager to explore the horizons further they could’ve thought of before!

Ride1UP has electric step-through mountain bikes in their lineup as well for anyone who is looking for an easy-access frame.

Can this bike take the beating on rough trails?
– No.
Can this bike be used as an all-around commuter with off-road capabilities?
– Yes!

Max weight capacity: 275lb

Ideal for riders 5’6″ – 6’4″

Get It from Ride1UP.com

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#4. Yeti 160E C1 SLX

Yeti’s first full suspension eBike!

MSRP: $10,100

The Yeti 160E C1 SLX is part of a two-bike series of race-specific e-MTBs. This is an awe-inspiring innovation by experts in mountain bike design. 

Take your enduro rides to the next level with Shimano’s top e-bike system, the STEPS EP8. The 250W, 85Nm motor delivers buttery smooth power that ensures you can ride all day. This motor pairs with Shimano’s largest 630Wh battery, providing several hours of juice. 

The most impressive part of this bike is the new Sixfinity e-bike suspension, a six-bar linkage platform. Sixfinity is designed for the extra weight and power demands of an electric bike which is fully tunable and expertly balances pedaling efficiency with support. 

The build kit for this bike includes a Shimano SLX 12-speed drivetrain with a 10-51t cassette and SRAM Code R brakes to round out the groupset. A high-travel OneUp V2 dropper post combines with eBike-specific FOX 38 Performance and Performance Float X suspension. 

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

• Frame: TURQ Carbon frame
• Fork: 170mm Fox Performance 38, Travel E-Tune
• Shock: 160mm rear shock – Fox Performance Float X
• Drivetrain: Shimano SLX 12-speed drivetrain
• Brakes: SRAM Code R, 220/200m rotors
• Wheels: 29″ DT Swiss EX1900

Buy on Backcountry

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#5. Orbea Rise M20

MSRP: $7,399
Jenson USA

Full suspension eBikes 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 and weighs a mere 36lbs.

The Rise M20  has excellent foundations with a light and responsive OMR carbon fiber frame. This frame has 140mm travel on the Fox Float 34 Performance fork and 140mm 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 360Wh battery.

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

• Frame – Carbon OMR
• Fork – Fox 34 Float Performance 140mm travel
• Rear shock – Fox Float DPS Performance140mm travel
• Motor – Shimano EP8-RS 250W Class 1 eBike
• Battery – 360Wh
• Drivetrain – Shimano SLX 12-speed
• Weight – 36 lbs

Range extender available – 360Wh + additional 252Wh

Buy on JensonUSA.com

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#6. Norco Sight VLT C1 29″

Rides light & springy

Carbon / 12-speed / 29×2.5″ & 2.4″ / Choose between 450-900W battery / Weight: 50 lbs

MSRP: $8,999
Jenson USA

When it comes to high-quality, full carbon mountain bikes, Norco is one company that is known to deliver the goods. Their new Sight VLT e-MTB range continues this legacy – with an added boost of power. The Sight VLT range won The Loam Wolf’s 2019 e-MTB of the year for its excellent balance, versatility, and liveliness.

They are potent, lightweight all-mountain bikes that live up to their purpose – there are very few places in nature you won’t be able to visit with these bikes. The Sight VLT C1 is a full-carbon, full-suspension e-MTB with top-quality components in its range – and the price tag to match.

Yes, this full suspension ebike is a bit pricey but if you can afford it, you won’t regret it when you trust your investments in Norco’s hands.

• Drivetrain: SRAM X01/GX Eagle
• Fork: Fox Performance 36 GRIP 2
  160mm travel
• Rear shock: Fox Performance Float X2
  150mm travel
• Brakes: SRAM Code RSC 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes
  220/200mm rotors
• MOTOR – Shimano STEPS EP8
• BATTERY – Norco BMZ

Buy on JensonUSA.com

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#7. Santa Cruz Bicycles Bullit

One of the best full suspension electric mountain bikes- Carbon CC, GX Eagle

Carbon CC / 12-speed / 29×2.5″ + 27.5×2.4″ / 85Nm – 250W – 20mp/h

MSRP: $9,999
Evo.com

The Santa Cruz Bullit could quite possibly be the best electric mountain bike in the world!

The eye-watering price tag will have some questioning if they’ve read it correctly but rest assured – this bike cuts no corners when it comes to quality. It’s packed from head to toe with some of the best components available, from the full carbon frame to the high-end SRAM GX drivetrain.

Surprisingly light for an e-MTB, it offers super-smooth gear changes and ultra-responsive suspension. From the e35 carbon handlebar to the Shimano EM600 cranks, each component is specially selected for its high strength and lightweight attributes. It’s truly a work of art.

The only negative we could find about this full suspension ebike is how long you’ll have to save to buy one. Sure, you may need to take out a second mortgage but hey – it’ll be worth it!

• SRAM GX Eagle derailleur & shifters
• Fork: FOX 38 Float Performance, 170mm
• Shock: RockShox Super Deluxe Select+, 170mm

Buy on Evo.com

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#8. Cannondale Moterra Neo 4

A high-end electric trail bike

Aluminum / 12-speed / 29×2.6″ / 630Wh battery – 20mp/h / Range: Up to 75mi / Weight: 57 lbs

MSRP: $5,900
REI

The Moterra Neo 4 is a full-suspension electric bike from high-end bike manufacturer Cannondale. It’s an imposing piece of machinery that will turn heads in cities and on the mountain. The striking frame design is only amplified by the modern trail geometry and sharply inclined down tube with an integrated battery pack.

This is an e-MTB built for hard trail riding, with a powerful 85Nm motor dedicated to launching you up the steepest gradients. The incredibly soft and responsive suspension is complimented by instantaneous braking power and tactical precision on the handlebars.

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

• SRAM SX Eagle 12-speed
• 29″ WTB STX i25 TCS rims
• Fork: RockShox 35 Silver R 150mm
• Rear shock: RockShox Deluxe Select R 150mm
  
• TRP Slate G4 4 Piston hydraulic disc w/ 200mm rotors

Buy on REI

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#9. Haibike ALLMTN 3

Aluminum / 12-speed SRAM SX Eagle /  27.5 x 2.5″ and 2.8″ / 625Wh battery – 20mp/h

MSRP: $5,800
REI

Haibike’s ALLMTN 3 electric bike is a mid-range full-suspension bicycle that performs equally well going up or downhill.

For power, riders can rely on a Bosch Gen4 Performance CX 250W/75Nm motor and a large 625Wh battery. This combo delivers excellent ranges while easily tackling steep gradients and soft terrain. Additionally, this bike has an SRAM SX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain so you can always find the perfect gear.

For suspension, the ALLMTN 3 uses a RockShox Yari RC 160mm travel fork and a Deluxe RT rear shock with 150mm of travel.

Finally, you can be sure of excellent performance thanks to Shimano MT420 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes, an XLC remote dropper post, and premium Maxxis Minion DHF/DHR II tires.

One slight disadvantage of this dual suspension eBike is that there isn’t any carbon in the frame construction despite its price.

• 6061 aluminum frame
• Maxxis Minion DHF 2.5″ + DHR II 2.8″ tires
• Bosch CX Gen4 250W mid-drive motor 75Nm torque
• Bosch 625Wh battery
• 20 to 40-mile range
• Fork: 150mm RockShox Yari RC
• Rear Shock: 150mm RockShox Deluxe RT
• 12-speed SRAM SX Eagle, 11-50T cassette
• Shimano hydraulic disc brakes, 203mm rotors

Find it on REI

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#10. Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay Carb 70

Carbon / 12-speed / 29″ x 2.5+2.4″ / 108Nm / Range – N/A / 20mp/h
MSRP: $9,059
Jenson USA

Built to take on all mountainous terrain, this Rocky Mountain electric mountain bike is a trail-blazing beast ready for adventure.

Considering the wealth of high-quality components on the Altitude Powerplay Carb 70, it clearly belongs on the top shelf of eBikes. A durable aluminum alloy frame with a 170mm fork and 160mm rear shock and a quality Shimano XT groupset makes this an excellent MTB in its own right. Add a powerful motor and long-range battery pack, and you have a killer electric MTB that can easily compete with the best.

The head tube angle on this hardtail is quite slack, which gives you better stability going downhill. Fast-rolling 29″ wheels help you cover ground quickly, while premium Maxxis Assegai 2.5″ and Minion DHR II 2.4″ tires provide traction in all trail conditions. 

The Rocky Mountain Altitude is the perfect electric mountain bike for enduro-style terrain. Add it to your shortlist if you’ve got a big budget and want incredible performance. 

• Frame – SMOOTHWALL Carbon
• Fork – Fox 38 Float EVOL GRIP Performance, 170mm 
• Rear shock – Fox Float X2 Performance 160mm
• Motor – Dyname 4.0 Mountain Bike Drive,  250W/108Nm
• Battery – 720Wh
• Drivetrain – Shimano XT 12-speed

Buy on JensonUSA.com

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#11. QuietKat Jeep E-Bike 

Electric mountain bike for hunting

Aluminum / 26×4.8″ / SRAM 9-Speed / Weight: 70 lbs / Range: Up to 58mi (Extra batteries available)

MSRP: from $5,499
QuietKat

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

It does splendidly as an electric winter bike, full suspension hunting bike, or as a no-compromise electric trail rig. It’s possible to get the Jeep ebike in both 750W and 1000W motor builds, depending on how much power you need. With a custom QuietKat air fork and RockShox RL suspension, the Jeep is a rugged bike that rolls over all kinds of terrain with silent power.

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

QuietKat is a brand who has specialized in torquey rear-hub motors, and the Jeep shines on off-road riding 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, you should definitely look into what this bike is capable of.

• 10 levels of pedal-assistance
• Configurable as Class 1, 2 and 3
• Thumb throttle (removable)
• Torque / Speed sensors
• 160Nm torque (1,500W max output)
• Weight capacity: 300lbs

>>> Related: 2023 Hunting Electric Bikes Roundup

QuietKat Jeep Size Recommendations

• S – under 5’6″
• M – 5’6″ – 6′
• L – 6′ over

Buy from QuietKat.com

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#12. Rad Power Bikes RadRover 6 Plus

Fat-tire e-bike with front suspension – great for snow, sand, and mud exploration.

Aluminum / 7-speed / 26×4″ / 25-45+ miles range / Weight: 72.5 lbs

MSRP: $1,949
Rad Power Bikes

RadRover is more of an urban fat-tire bike compared to most other mountain bikes on this list.

Although this model is not built on a full-suspension electric bike frame, it still offers plenty of freedom in terms of choosing your trails. Matter of fact, the RadRover 6 is pretty much the only eBike in this list that could conquer sandy or snowy trails with ease. 4″ wide tires are more than enough to use it on beaches, snowy, or muddy trails.

Available in step-through and step-over frames.

The riding position is rather upright and comfortable. This is also the only bike on this list that features lights, kickstand, and fenders! An awesome choice for anyone who likes to commute daily through various terrains. Rad Power Bikes offers a great bunch of bikes at reasonable prices, so it’s worth checking out the rest of the range as well!

• Drivetrain: Shimano 7-speed
• Motor: 750W geared hub
• Battery: 672Wh
• Fork: Rad Power Bikes RST, 60mm travel
• Hydraulic disc brakes, 180mm rotors

Buy on RadPowerBikes.com

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#13. NS Bikes – E-Fine 2

Aluminum / 11-speed / 29×2.4″ + 27.5×2.4″ / 60Nm – 250W /

MSRP: $6,500
Mike’s Bikes

NS Bikes is a lesser-known brand that specializes in precision and attention to detail, so it’s no surprise that the E-Fine 2 electric mountain bike is a well-designed and fined-tuned piece of machinery.

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

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

Lightweight, responsive, and tough – the E-Fine 2 is a very enjoyable full-suspension eBike to ride.

• Rear derailleur: Shimano Deore RD-M5100 
• Fork: Rock Shox 35 Gold RL 160mm travel
• Rear Shock: X-FUSION H3C Trunnion 150mm
• Brakes: Shimano Deore MT420 hydraulic disc with 203mm rotors

Buy on Mike's Bikes

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#14. Orbea Keram 30

An affordable electric hardtail mountain bike

 

MSRP: $2,999
JensonUSA

Orbea mountain bikes don’t need much introduction as they have been one of the top brands worldwide for many years.

The brand has now released this affordable electric hardtail mountain bike – the Keram e-Bike. This bike does not differ much from a regular mountain bike as it’s got a 100mm front fork and an aluminum frame, and the total weight is nothing over the top.

The Keram e-bike rocks a Bosch Active 250W motor with a 400Wh battery and 29 x 2.35″ tires. Their mid-drive Bosch motor puts out 50Nm, which is slightly low for a mountain eBike.

Is it worth the $3,000 price tag? It sure is. There aren’t too many hardtail e-MTBs around, and this is a great bike for a large range of recreational mountain bikers who want a known brand.

• Max speed: 20mp/h
• 100mm SR Suntour X1 Coil
• 6061 T6 Aluminum
• Shimano Deore M4100, 10-Speed

>>> Related – Best Hardtail Electric Mountain Bikes of 2023

Buy on JensonUSA.com

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#15. Devinci EP

A great trail-ready full suspension e-MTB

Aluminum / 12-speed / 29×2.6″ / 60Nm – 20mp/h / Range: 60mi

MSRP: $5,999
Backcountry

This Devinci electric mountain bike is one of the best in this price range. The EP looks and feels like it should cost a lot more than it does. The fully-integrated battery fits seamlessly into the frame giving a clean and professional-looking finish, while the powerful 60Nm Shimano STEPS E7000 motor makes short work of steep uphill scrambles over loose, rocky surfaces.

Devinci has managed to deliver premium performance by using high-quality suspension components including a RockShox 35 Silver TK fork and Deluxe Select R shock linked by their Split Pivot platform. The brakes are off-brand Magura but the drivetrain is a reliable Shimano Deore 12-speed that injects some extra quality. Additionally, you have Maxxis Minion 2.6″ tires. 

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

• Derailleur: Shimano Deore M6100 12-speed
• Brakes: Magura MT30 Type4-piston hydraulic disc, 203mm rotors
• Fork: RockShox 35 Silver TK Solo Air 140mm travel
• Shock: Rockshox Deluxe Select R Debonair Trunnion 130mm 

Find it on Backcountry

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Main Features of Electric Mountain Bikes

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How much to spend on an electric mountain bike?

An average price for a decent electric mountain bike tends to stay in the $3,000 – $6,000 range. The most expensive e-bikes are usually pro-level carbon fiber mountain bikes that would cost a lot even without the extra motor and electric battery.

What speed and range can you expect?

Modern e-bikes use high-torque motors to reach speeds of up to 28 mph (45kph) and long-range batteries that will go up to 100 miles (160km) on a single charge. However, more common pedal-assist bikes usually only go about 20 mph (32kph) and cover about 62 miles (100km) on a single charge.

Pedal Assistance and Classes Explained

Electric-assist mountain bikes fall into two categories – pedal-assist and power-on-demand. As the name suggests, pedal-assist e-bikes require you to pedal for operation, whereas power-on-demand bikes can be controlled from a handlebar-mounted accelerator.

In some cases, an e-bike will have both pedal assistance and a handlebar-mounted throttle. Most high-end MTBs are equipped with a pedal-assistance only. 

In terms of the speed and type of assistance you can expect, e-bikes are split into three official classes and one unofficial one:

• Class 1 eBike: Pedal assistance limited to 20mph. (Most common among high-end eMTBs)
• Class 2 eBike: Throttle (plus optional pedal-assist). Speed is still limited to 20mph.
• Class 3 eBike: Pedal-assist (optional throttle) limited to 28mph.
• Class 4 eBike: Any electric bike with a max speed of 28mph and over, or motor power over 750W.

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

You should also be aware that there are two types of e-bike motors out there. The majority of the best electric mountain bikes come with mid-drive motors, but some more affordable models feature hub motors. 

• 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, while there’s more torque on the rear wheel which is useful for heavier bikes.

Electric Mountain Bikes Buying Guide

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What is the best electric mountain bike?

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 nor the Walmart electric mountain bikes. As in general, MTB is something where you really wouldn’t want to cut corners in terms of your own safety anyway, so it is better to trust MTB/E-Bike specific brands.

Is an electric mountain bike worth it?

These days, electric mountain bikes 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. Furthermore, they can save a lot of time and energy going up a mountain. If you wish to dedicate more time to enjoy the fast-paced, downhill sections of a mountain you’ll find an e-MTB to be an invaluable resource.

Is it safe to ride an electric mountain bike?

With speeds seldom breaching the 28mp/h mark, electric mountain bikes 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.

Where to purchase the best off-road bikes online?

• JensonUSA – Norco, Marin Bikes, Niner, Intense Cycles, Devinci
• BackCountry – Santa Cruz Bicycles, Pivot, Niner e-mountain bikes
• Aventuron – A small selection of Cannondale Electric Mountain Bikes
• TheProsCloset.com – Excellent selection of used electric mountain bikes in great condition

How fast does an electric bike go?

The stock-setting fastest electric mountain bikes can reach up to 28 mph (45km/h) but most don’t go above 20 mph (32km/h) on flat terrain. In many cases, a fit cyclist will be able to outpace the motor just by pedaling alone, so you can go as fast as you would on a normal bike. Electric bike motors are more focused on providing pedal assistance to save on energy rather than achieving high speeds.

Are motorized bikes worth it?

Electric bikes offer a great alternative to traditional bicycles, and the trend nor the demand hasn’t seen a decrease so far. The affordability of electric bikes has improved well over the past 5 years, but there’s still a lot of time before we could say that about electric-assist mountain bikes. It’s just that mountain bikes in general tend to cost more due to their stronger component being used! motor-assisted bikes are the future!

Full-suspension electric mountain bike vs hardtail eMTB?

There’s no question that full-suspension mountain bikes 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 full-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.

Can electric bikes go up steep hills?

Almost all 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.

How durable are electric bikes?

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.

How heavy are 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.

Choose Mid-drive or hub drive motors?

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. Although, many expensive off-road electric mountain bikes such as the Quietkat Jeep uses a hub-drive motor which is suitable for steep climbs and towing extra luggage.

Chain vs Belt

Electric mountain bikes all come with a specific e-bike chain and a derailleur system, where there’s a single cog in the front. Although there are considerable benefits to belt-drive bikes, unfortunately, we haven’t seen belts being used in the electric mountain bike industry so far.

How much to pay for an electric mountain bike?

The lowest electric bikes by known brands start out as $999 (RadMission), and a complete entry-level mountain bike start out as low as $500.

There are electric mountain bikes starting out from $900 on Amazon, but we wouldn’t really recommend anything below $2,000 for a hardtail electric mountain bike. If you are planning to use the bike on demanding trials, you’d want to look into the $3,000+ price range since that’s where the mid-range non-electric full-suspension mountain bikes start to get around.

Again, there are also folding electric fat tire mountain bikes on the market with a three-digit price tag, but if you’d ask from us – we believe that folding- and mountain bikes don’t get together as well.