Best Electric Off-Road Bikes in 2024: Explore Off the Beaten Path
An electric off-road bike is an e-bike that performs at its best on tough trails, varied surfaces, and in unfavorable conditions.
Manufacturers of off-road e-bikes must carefully select each component for its functionality and durability on varied terrain. Because of this, these bikes are generally very powerful and versatile but can be heavy.
In this article, we’ll recommend some of the best electric off-road bikes you should consider if you want to ride more on unpaved terrain and explain what features to look out for when shopping.
Let’s begin!
Top Features of Electric Off-Road Bikes
While there are different types and subtypes of electric off-road bikes (such as mountain, fat, gravel, etc.), all of them share a few characteristics that help them thrive on rough terrain.
Some of the top features your should be looking out for include:
- Wide or fat tires: Generally 26×4″ on fat bikes, upwards of 2-inch wide on mountain bikes, and 40+ mm on gravel bikes.
- 500W+ motors: Best electric off-road bikes often come with 750W – 1,000W rear hub motors or high-torque mid-drive motors.
- Front fork suspension: You should look for a model with either front or both front and rear suspension.
- Powerful disc brakes: Disc brakes (preferably hydraulic) with large rotors (180+ mm) are a must.
- Durable frames: Affordable models typically come with aluminum frames, whereas high-end models might feature carbon frames.
- MTB drivetrains: Look for models with wide-range drivetrains manufactured by microSHIFT, SRAM or Shimano.
With these components, riders can confidently take on soft terrain, poor weather conditions, carry large cargo loads, tackle tough gradients, and maintain traction and control on slippery surfaces or technical trails.
What Makes a Good Off-Road E-Bike?
In addition to having certain features, the best off-road e-bikes should be able to perform certain tasks with relative ease.
Depending on where and how you intend to ride, you might want your off-road e-bike to be able to:
- Handle any type of surface
- Have the ability to go up steep gradients
- Descend and maneuver technical trails
- Handle well in poor weather
- Be able to carry large payloads of 300+ lbs
- Have a good range & large batteries
- Be durable under heavy usage
With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the best off-road e-bikes that we could find, that can do all of these things and more!
Best Off-Road E-Bikes of 2024
1. Rad Power Bikes Radster Trail
2. Trek Powerfly FS 4
3. Giant Talon E+ 3
4. Aventon Aventure.2
5. Velotric Nomad 1
6. Magnum Peak T5
7. Velowave Ranger 3
8. Cannondale Moterra 4
9. Specialized Turbo Tero X 4.0
10. Lectric XPeak
11. Aventon Ramblas
12. Salsa Tributary
13. Ride1UP Prodigy v2
1. Rad Power Bikes Radster Trail
MSRP: $2,199
- 750W brushless geared hub motor, 100 Nm
- 720 Wh battery, 65-mile range
- 1×8-Speed Shimano
- Weight: 77.5 lbs
- Max Payload: 370 lbs
Rad Power Bikes’ Radster Trail electric bike is the company’s flagship model and the recipient of many accolades.
At just $2,200, the Radster Trail delivers premium ride quality thanks to carefully designed fatigue-reducing geometry that improves climbing ability and powerful electronics that make off-road riding feel easy.
For electronics, you have a 750W motor with 100 Nm of torque. In addition, a large 720 Wh battery provides up to 65 miles of range when combined with an 8-Speed Shimano drivetrain.
Other notable features of this e-bike include the sleek, semi-integrated battery design with a carrying handle, LED lights with auto-activation, and premium hydraulic disc brakes for precise, all-weather stopping power.
Lastly, wide 3-inch fat tires and an 80 mm travel front fork suspension ensure excellent control, comfort, and handling on or off-road.
2. Trek Powerfly FS 4
MSRP: $4,750
- Bosch Performance CX 250W, 85 Nm motor
- Bosch PowerTube 500Wh battery
- Shimano Deore M4100, 10 speed
- Tektro HD-M275 hydraulic disc
- 27.5″ or 29″ tires
Trek’s Powerfly FS 4 is a full-suspension off-road e-bike built for rough trail riding where a hardtail simply wouldn’t cut it.
It rolls on 27.5″ or 29″ wheels and tires, depending on the frame size, which improves fit and handling for all rider heights.
A Bosch Performance CX 250W (85 Nm) motor will provide you with ample assistance up steep climbs and a 500 Wh battery will support you for 3-5 hours of rough riding.
They don’t diminish real MTB capabilities which are guaranteed by a Shimano Deore 10-speed drivetrain and Tektro hydraulic disc brakes. That’s decent value considering the price tag and the Bosch electronics.
The SR Suntour XCR 34 100-120mm front air fork and SR Suntour Edge R rear shock are slightly underwhelming on really sketchy descents, but are ideal for all else.
3. Giant Talon E+ 3
MSRP: $2,900
- Giant SyncDrive Core, 50Nm motor
- Hydraulic disc brakes
- Class 1
- 400 Wh battery capacity
- 29″ x 2.4″ MTB tires
The Giant Talon E+ 3 is an e-bike built with the ability to tackle the most extreme terrain with ease.
This sleek hardtail e-bike packs 250W of power and 50 Nm at peak performance from a whisper-quiet mid-drive motor to help you enjoy your off-road trips without breaking a sweat.
A 400 Wh battery and 9-speed gearing give the Talon E+ 3 ability to go for hours on a single charge and tackle different terrains, including steep gradients.
The Giant Talon E+ 3 bike is equipped with 29″ x 2.4″ MTB tires and hydraulic disc brakes to ensure optimal handling and control on soft surfaces and rough trails.
It also sports a SR Suntour XCM ATB Coil fork with 100 mm of travel, which is enough for riding on gravel roads, XC trails, dirt roads, and hardpacked singletrack.
All in all, if you want to get a minimalist-looking and highly-capable off-road bike for around $2,900, the Giant Talon E+ 3 is a fantastic choice.
4. Aventon Aventure.2
MSRP: $1,999
- 750W rear hub motor
- 720Wh battery
- 8-Speed Shimano Acera gearing
- Hydraulic disc brakes
- 400 lb maximum carrying capacity
The Aventon Aventure.2 e-bike is an affordable Class 3 option with lots of power and versatility for urban or off-road riding.
A 750W hub motor with five levels of pedal assistance, a 720Wh removable battery, and an 8-speed Shimano Acera drivetrain provide this electric bicycle with plenty of punch and enough range (60 miles) for a long day of riding.
- Read more: Complete Aventon Aventure.2 Review
Aventon also equipped this bike with e-bike-rated 4-inch tires, an 80 mm fork suspension, and Tektro hydraulic disc brakes to go off-road.
The Aventon Aventure.2 e-bike is just as capable in urban environments as any other on this list, so shortlist it if you want something that can handle your weekly commutes and weekend trail rides.
5. Velotric Nomad 1
MSRP: $1,799
- 750W rear hub motor
- 691 Wh battery and 55-mile range
- 25 mph top speed
- Hydraulic disc brakes
- 8-speed Shimano drivetrain
The Velotric Nomad 1 full-suspension fat tire electric bike is an affordable choice with tons of power and reliable components in every area.
This straightforward off-road e-bike comes with a tried and true 750W rear hub motor and a 691 Wh battery. The result is a 25 mph top speed and a 55-mile range, which is the same or more compared to other heavy hitters in the category.
Other components that contribute to this bike’s off-road performance include hydraulic disc brakes with 180mm rotors, premium 26″ x 4.0″ puncture-resistant tires, and an 80mm front suspension fork with lockout.
Finally, the Velotric Nomad 1 fat tire electric bike comes with a few handy extras, such as front and rear fenders, bright lights, and a kickstand.
Its only drawback is the fact is comes with a speed sensor instead of a torque sensor, so the power transfer may not be as smooth as on the Aventon’s Aventure.2 for a simiar price.
6. Magnum Peak T5
MSRP: $2,299
- 500W rear hub motor, 20 mph
- 720 Wh battery, 50-mile range
- Hydraulic Brakes
- 1×11-Speed drivetrain
- Weight: 60 lbs, max payload 330 lbs
The Magnum Peak T5 is the company’s best-selling and top-rated off-road ebike which is comfortable and powerful, with enhanced safety features.
For power, this bike has a torque-sensing 500W rear hub motor supported by a large 720 Wh battery which provides a respectable range of up to 50 miles with top assisted speeds of 25 mph. To get the most out of your electronics, utilize the 11-speed drivetrain.
Comfort and control on and off-road are ensured by CST Patrol 27.5 x 2.8 puncture-resistant tires, a suspension fork, powerful hydraulic disc brakes, upright geometry, and ergonomic touchpoints.
Finally, the Magnum Peak T5 has bright front and rear lights, a kickstand, fenders, and mounts for front and rear racks to make city riding safe and convenient.
Therefore, this e-bike is a good choice if you need a model that blends off-road capability with urban practicality for weekday commuting.
7. Velowave Ranger 3
MSRP: $1,699
- 750W hub drive motor
- 720 Wh battery, 90-mile range
- Hydraulic disc brakes
- 1×7 SRAM drivetrain
- Weight: 82.67 lb, max payload 300 lb
The Velowave Ranger fat tire electric bike is a hugely robust off-roader with the capability of a hunting e-bike.
This bike can carry decent payloads of up to 300 lb thanks to its powerful electronics. In addition, it has excellent accessories, so you can use it for commuting in the city or off-road.
The motor and battery system consists of a 750W rear hub motor and a 720 Wh battery combined to deliver 90+ miles of range. This setup works even better with the help of an Shimano 7-speed drivetrain.
A 60 mm suspension fork in the front, hydraulic disc brakes, 4-inch fat tires, and excellent weight distribution ensure high-level off-road performance.
Finally, this bike is equipped for any job with an integrated rear rack to allow the transport of cargo, as well as fenders and lights for year-round riding.
8. Cannondale Moterra 4
MSRP: $4,000
- Shimano EP8 250W motor
- 630 Wh battery
- 150mm RockShox dual suspension
- Four-piston hydraulic disc brakes
- SRAM NX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain
The Cannondale Moterra 4 electric mountain bike is perfectly built for off-road adventuring and hard days of trail riding.
For power, you have a Shimano EP8 motor with 250W of power and 85 Nm of torque. Thanks to its torque sensors, this motor is one of the smoothest models on the market.
The large 630 Wh battery will give you hours of assisted riding, though Cannondale does not disclose the exact range. Additionally, a reliable 12-speed SRAM NX Eagle drivetrain helps to get the most out of your battery.
Top-quality RockShox front and rear suspension have 150 mm of travel and help ensure this bike handles like a dream on the most challenging trails.
To add to that, the Cannondale Moterra 4 has 29-inch wheels and 2.6″ wide tires, which gives it excellent rollover capabilities, making it ideal for rough trails with chunky obstacles.
You also get powerful TRP Slate G4 four-piston hydraulic disc brakes, which will stop on a dime no matter what.
9. Specialized Turbo Tero X 4.0
MSRP: $4,500
- Specialized 2.0E 250W, 50 Nm motor
- 530 Wh battery
- Hydraulic disc brakes
- 27.5″ or 29″ x 2.35″ tires (size-specific)
- SRAM SX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain
The Specialized Turbo Tero X 4.0 is an unusual off-road e-bike with premium components, full suspension, and unbeatable traction and stability, which allows you to go where other bikes cannot.
The deep-tread puncture-resistant 29″ x 2.35″ tires give you the ability to tackle off-road surfaces, but also perform well on paved city streets. Another important component for off-road bikes like the Turbo Tero is the hydraulic disc brakes that provide reliable stopping power and front and rear suspension for improved stability and comfort.
This Specialized off-road e-bike comes equipped with a high-quality SRAM SX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain offering a decent gear range as well as a list of handy accessories such as fenders, a rear rack, a dropper post, and even front and rear lights.
Finally, the electronics used to power this off-road bike include a punchy Specialized 2.0E 250W, 50 Nm mid-drive motor, and a frame-integrated 530 Wh battery. You’ll be able to go up to 63 miles on a single charge and reach speeds of up to 20 mph.
While the Specialized Turbo Tero X 4.0 may not be a pure off-road e-bike, it is certainly capable of steering off the beaten track and exploring unpaved roads.
10. Lectric XPeak
MSRP: $1,852
- 750W rear hub motor, 85 Nm
- 48V 14 Ah battery
- Hydraulic disc brakes
- 7-Speed drivetrain
- Front suspension fork
The Lectric XPeak is a stylish electric bike with lots of power and an affordable price tag given its versatility.
For power, you have a 750W/85Nm rear hub motor that combines perfectly with a 672 Wh battery and a 7-speed drivetrain for long ranges between 20 and 55 miles.
This electric off-road bike has a few components that allow it to perform great on rugged terrain. Large-tread 26″ x 4″ puncture-resistant fat tires, lockable front fork suspension, and hydraulic disc brakes help to ensure a good level of handling and control.
In addition, the Lectric XPeak comes equipped with integrated lights and a kickstand, but you’ll have to retrofit fenders and a rear rack if you want more functionality.
All in all, we like the XPeak because if costs little and offers a great bang for the buck, especially for riders who want to do a mixture of off-roading and urban commuting.
11. Aventon Ramblas
MSRP: $2,699
- A-100 (100 Nm) mid-drive motor
- 708 Wh battery
- SRAM NX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain
- Hydraulic disc brakes
- RockShox 35 Silver R 130mm
The Aventon Ramblas is an electric hardtail bike and an off-roading beast with excellent electronics and trail-ready front suspension.
This electric bike uses Aventon’s proprietary mid-drive motor named A-100 because it packs 100 Nm of maximum torque and 250W of power. This motor is proving to be one of the best on the market in the entry-level price range as it works silently and provides ample amounts of power.
The motor is combined with a 708 Wh downtube integrated battery that allows you to ride around 80 miles on a single charge if you stay in a low pedal-assist mode.
The Ramblas also boasts a SRAM NX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain, so the combination of a high-torque motor and a wide-range gearset will make it easy to climb steep hills.
The Aventon Ramblas rolls on 27.5″ or 29″ x 2.4″ tires (frame size specific), boasts a 130 mm RockShox 35 Silver R suspension fork, and comes with SRAM DB8 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes allowing this bike to handle technical descents and soft terrain with confident control making for a highly competitive high-end e-MTB.
So, if you don’t have too much money to spare and you want a premium aluminum hardtail mountain bike, the Aventon Ramblas is an excellent choice.
12. Salsa Tributary Apex 1
MSRP: $5,999
- Bosch Performance Line Speed 250W, 85 Nm
- 625 Wh battery
- SRAM Apex Eagle 12-speed drivetrain
- Hydraulic disc brakes
- 29″ x 2.3″ tires
The Salsa Tributary is an excellent gravel e-bike and a display of the company’s premium technologies.
Versatility and performance are two of the most critical aspects of this e-bike. An aluminum frame, Teravail Ehline 29 x 2.3″ tires, tubeless-ready rims, and stable geometry give this bike a smooth and confidence-inspiring ride quality on varied terrain.
The Tributary comes with a premium Bosch Performance Line Speed motor and a 625 Wh integrated battery, making any hills and soft terrain a breeze to ride over.
Additionally, you can expect up to 80 miles of range with support from a SRAM APEX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain.
Finally, this bike has mounts to turn into a long-range bikepacking machine, though you can keep it lightweight and use it for fun gravel rides or speedy city commutes.
13. Ride1UP Prodigy v2
MSRP: from $2,395
- Brose TF Sprinter mid-drive motor, 90 Nm
- 504 Wh battery, 50-mile range
- Torque sensor
- Shimano Alivio 9-speed drivetrain
- Hydraulic disc brakes
The Ride1UP Prodigy v2 is a hardtail off-road e-bike with some premium components and a reasonably affordable price tag that starts at $2,395.
The Prodigy v2 boasts a Brose TF Sprinter mid-drive motor with an impressive 90 Nm of torque which ensures a class 3 top speed of 28 mph.
The 504 Wh battery does not seem impressive at first look, but it sits neatly hidden inside the downtube and returns 30-50 miles of range, depending on how much assistance you use.
The XR model pictured above comes with a 9-speed Shimano Alivio drivetrain, but you can also get a build with Enviolo internal stepless gearing and a belt drive if you’re willing to pay $300 extra.
The XR build also boasts hydraulic disc brakes, fenders, and a rear rack, as well as bright lights to keep riding after nightfall.
In conclusion, if you want one of the best-equipped models on this list without paying through the nose, the Ride1UP Prodigy v2 is a safe bet!
FAQs
Can eBikes go off-road?
Yes. E-bikes are some of the best bikes for off-road usage because they provide pedal assistance to help you tackle the steep gradients and rugged terrains that you encounter on trails or in the backcountry. It can be difficult to find the power to go over certain gradients or on soft surfaces.
Which eBike is best for off-road?
Generally, the best type of bike for off-road riding is a fat tire bike. More specifically, a bike with fat tires 3″+, front fork suspension or full suspension, and a higher power/torque motor make it easier to get over steep gradients or out of soft terrain.
What is the advantage of a fat tire electric bike?
Fat tire electric bikes provide traction and comfort on all types of terrain. These characteristics make fat bikes great for riders with diverse riding needs, who enjoy a smooth ride, and who appreciate a high level of control and handling no matter the weather or surface.
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Great article, looking for a new option as can’t drive car due health and need transport for shops !! Gave me lots of ideas , thanks, Al Berresford
Enjoyed your wonderful web site. It
has taught me just what I needed to
know. I can now confidently buy the
e-bike I have been dreaming of all
summer. Thank you.
You’re welcome, Mike! Enjoy your new e-bike!
I wish they all gave the same information so that it’s easier to compare them. For instance the same motor details may not all claim to carry the same weight, have similar maximum speeds at a specified weight and terrain, etc.
only some give a stripped down weight for the bike and don’t say how much the battery weighs, whether it is lithium, or other relevant details that would help to make a decision.
The article says it is presenting the “10” best” but doesn’t mention the criteria that distinguishes them to be such, or whether the bilkes are listed in ascending or descending order.
Thanks for the comment and constructive criticism, Reggie! In most cases, the bikes in our reviews are not listed in any particular order, as we try to present the readers with different types of bikes, so the order depends on what you’re looking for.
When choosing which bikes to include, we consider the companies’ and bikes’ track records and user reviews, as well as the value for the money they offer. Nowadays, another vital consideration we need to make is availability due to the global bike shortage, as we can only show you bikes that are in stock and that you can actually buy.
Hope that clarifies things! Cheers!