If you tend to keep an eye on the latest advancements in the field of mountain bikes, you’ve probably noticed the emergence of electric mountain bikes or e-MTBs in the past few years.
While you’ll get mixed opinions from adept mountain bikers on these bikes, the reality is, these machines have already secured a firm place in the mountain biking world.
Table could not be displayed.And let us tell you that the common belief, which says electric mountain bikes promote cheating, just couldn’t be further from the truth.
To help you understand the true potential of these machines and make an informed decision, we decided to come up with this guide of the best electric mountain bikes available in the market right now.
Just take your pick and see how the added versatility and fun transform your trail riding into an experience as never before.
Best e-MTB In 2024 Review
1. Powerfly FS 7 Plus
If you’re looking for a decent-looking and powerful electric mountain bike that would help boost your performance on the trails, the Powerfly FS 7 Plus from the house of Trek would be a good option to check out.
Featuring a sturdy Alpha Platinum Aluminum frame, this machine sports an excellent design along with performance-enhancing elements such as the Active Braking Pivot system, Knock Block technology, etc to help you rule demanding terrains with ease.
The suspension tasks are handled by RockShox Revelation RL fork and RockShox Deluxe RL shock which are good enough to inspire confidence. You get an 11-speed Shimano SLX drivetrain along with Trek’s powerful 500Wh RIB (Removable Integrated Battery) system to help you get a robust distance range and solid power output.
Notably, you can remove the nicely integrated battery pack without needing any equipment. Its Bosch Purion controller sports a large digital display so you can keep an eye on the essential parameters while on the move.
And the Bosch Performance CX motor would ensure you get optimal pedal assistance whenever needed.
The Powerfly FS 7 Plus comes with tubeless-ready 2.80” wide 27.5+ Bontrager XR4 Team Issue tires fitted to tubeless-ready Bontrager Line Comp 40 wheels so you can ride assured of getting excellent traction while the braking tasks are carried out by Shimano hydraulic disc brakes.
And you get a 750mm wide handlebar together with a Bontrager dropper post that would ensure you get an enjoyable and comfortable ride.
All in all, the Powerfly FS 7 Plus would be ideal for those looking for a stylish and incredibly capable electric mountain bike to explore more rugged terrains.
Bike Specs
- Frame sizes: S, M, M/L, L, XL
- Weight: 51 pounds (medium)
- Material: Alpha Platinum Aluminum frame
- Gear: 11-speed Shimano SLX drivetrain
- Motor: Bosch Performance CX
- Controller: Bosch Purion
- Battery: Bosch PowerTube 500Wh
- Handlebar: 750mm Bontrager alloy
- Tires: Bontrager XR4 Team Issue 27.5+ x 2.80”
- Brakes: Shimano Deore M6000 hydraulic disc brakes
2. Rail 7
The Rail 7 seems to be designed as a top performer regardless of the terrain you take it to. Made out of a durable Alpha Platinum Aluminum frame, this e-MTB is made available in eccentric colors.
While it sports Trek’s flagship features such as the ABP suspension design, Mino Link adjustable geometry, etc, we feel that Trek has taken a step forward in making the Rail 7 a more powerful all-rounder in terms of filling it with upgraded features.
It comes with a Yari RC fork and a Deluxe Select+ shock from RockShox to take care of the suspension duties so you can ride assured of getting a responsive suspension no matter where you plan to go.
The 12-speed Shimano drivetrain with a massive cassette would ensure you get precise gears while the nicely secured more powerful 625Wh battery gives power to the latest motor from Bosch.
And you get the Bosch Purion controller that would keep on providing you with the essential data.
Notably, the Rail 7 belongs to the league of lightweight e-MTBs despite having a large pair of 29×2.60” tubeless-ready Bontrager XR5 Team Issue tires.
And the Shimano MT520 4-piston brakes with 203mm rotor would carry out the slowing and stopping tasks perfectly.
Finally, the machine comes with a wider 780mm handlebar and a TranzX dropper post (length varies with size) to help you maximum handling and comfort.
The Rail 7 is designed to get everything done smoothly regardless of the terrain you’re going to ride on. Whether you prioritize performance or spec, the machine has got covered everything.
Bike Specs
- Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL
- Weight: 52.14 pounds (medium)
- Material: Alpha Platinum Aluminum frame
- Gear: 12-speed Shimano SLX M7100 drivetrain
- Motor: Bosch Performance CX
- Controller: Bosch Purion
- Battery: Bosch PowerTube 625Wh
- Handlebar: 780mm Bontrager alloy
- Tires: Bontrager XR5 Team Issue 29×2.60”
- Brakes: Shimano MT520 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes
3. Santa Cruz Heckler
The all-new Heckler is the machine with which Santa Cruz has entered the electric mountain bike landscape. It seems they wanted the Heckler to be considered among the most playful and agile e-MTBs available these days.
Chipped out of a full carbon frame, the machine sports RockShox suspensions, a 12-speed SRAM drivetrain, and the VPP suspension design to help you maximize the riding experience.
The Heckler comes with a removable Shimano 504Wh battery that feeds a Shimano E8000 motor which would offer improved performance coupled with reliability.
You also get a Shimano display unit to keep an eye on the necessary parameters while on the move along with an easy-to-reach remote to toggle between the modes.
The Heckler rolls on Maxxis Minion 27.5×2.60” tires and the braking tasks are handled by SRAM Guide RE brakes.
It also comes with a dropper post and Santa Cruz’s own handlebar with internal cable routing for the electric system.
All in all, if you’re looking for a highly capable e-MTB, the full-featured Heckler could be the right option for you.
Bike Specs
- Frame sizes: S, M, L, X, XXL
- Weight: 47.66 pounds
- Material: Carbon frame
- Gear: 12-speed SRAM NX Eagle drivetrain
- Motor: Shimano DU E-8000
- Controller: Shimano Display Unit E7000
- Battery: Shimano 504Wh
- Handlebar: Santa Cruz
- Tires: Maxxis Minion 27.5×2.60” tires
- Brakes: SRAM Guide RE brakes
4. Intense Tazer Pro E-Bike
Though the Tazer Pro is the first e-MTB from the U.S brand Intense, it seems to have all the components right in place to be considered among the best full suspension electric mountain bikes available in the market.
Built around an outstanding carbon frame and advanced geometry, this machine is filled with high-end componentry.
Suspension duties are handled by a 160mm fork and a 155mm shock from Fox Factory which would be supportive enough on any terrain with the 11-speed Shimano drivetrain ensuring precise shifting.
You get a powerful 250W Shimano Steps E8000 motor powered by an external Shimano Lithium-Ion battery capable of assisting you up to 20mph. And the display tasks are managed by a Bluetooth-compatible Shimano Steps LCD.
Interestingly, there’re mismatched MINION DHR II tires that help the Tazer Pro roll on. You get 29×2.60” upfront and 27.5×2.80” at the back while the solid Shimano 4-piston brakes with 203mm rotor take care of the slowing and stopping tasks.
It sports a wider 780mm handlebar with a 45mm stem to offer optimum control while the Fox Factory dropper post would help you adjust the saddle on the fly.
The Tazer Pro seems to be an excellent first attempt from Intense and is ideal for those looking for a robust e-MTB filled with top specifications.
Specifications
- Frame sizes: S, M, L
- Weight: 48.5 pounds (medium)
- Material: Tazer Optimized Carbon frame
- Gear: 11-speed Shimano SLX drivetrain
- Motor: Shimano Steps E8000
- Controller: Shimano Steps LCD
- Battery: Shimano Steps E8010, 504 Wh
- Handlebar: 780mm Intense Recon Alloy
- Tires: MINION DHR II (front – 29×2.60”, rear – 27.5×2.80”)
- Brakes: Shimano XT 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes
5. GHOST Hybride SLAMR S1.9+ Electric Mountain Bike
Made out of a hydroformed aluminum frame, the Hybride SLAMR S1.9+ is designed to offer maximum stability and fun both on climbs and descends.
It comes with 140mm RockShox suspensions and an SRAM SX Eagle drivetrain for providing optimum shifting ability coupled with modern geometry.
The solid Shimano Steps 8000 motor powered by a removable 504Wh Shimano Lithium-Ion battery would ensure you get a maximum speed of up to 20mph.
The RockShox Recon RL form also comes with a lockout option to help you get added stiffness when needed.
The steep seat tube angle would help you pedal efficiently during climbs while the slack head tube angle would maximize controlling on descends.
The Hybride SLAMR S1.9+ sports a combination of mismatched tires from Maxxis. You get 29×2.50” up front and 27.5×2.60” at the back fitted to 29” and 27.5” wheels.
Slowing and stopping duties are carried out by Tektro hydraulic disc brakes with larger 203/180mm rotors. And the cockpit comprises a 780mm wide handlebar, a 35mm stem, and a JD dropper post to adjust the saddle.
The Hybride SLAMR S1.9+ would be ideal for aggressive mountain biking enthusiasts who want a machine to be equally efficient on both up and downhill.
Bike Specs
- Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL
- Weight: Not available
- Material: Hydroformed aluminium frame
- Gear: SRAM SX Eagle drivetrain
- Motor: Shimano Steps 8000 MTB
- Controller: Not available
- Battery: Shimano BT-E8010 Lithium-Ion
- Handlebar: 780mm GND51 alloy
- Tires: Maxxis (front – 29×2.50”, rear – 27.5×2.60”)
- Brakes: Tektro TKD94 hydraulic disc brakes
6. Cannondale Moterra Neo 5 Electric Mountain Bike
If you’re searching for an all-round electric mountain bike, the Moterra Neo 5 from Cannondale would be worth checking out.
Chipped out of a durable aluminium frame, this machine comes with short chainstays coupled with progressive geometry to help you get the most out of your riding experience.
Its standard components include SR Suntour front and rear suspensions and a 10-speed Shimano Deore drivetrain which would help you get an improved suspension and precise shifting on almost any terrain.
Notably, the rear shock comes with an adjustable rebound and a lockout system to offer extra stiffness.
The Moterra Neo 5 sports a removable 504Wh lithium-ion battery that powers its lightweight yet powerful Shimano Steps DU-E7000 motor that’s capable of providing you with a maximum speed of up to 28mph.
The Moterra Neo 5 rolls on a solid pair of WTB Breakout 29×2.30” tires fitted to tubeless-ready WTB rims while the Shimano hydraulic disc brakes ensure you get great stopping power.
Alongside its 780mm wide Cannondale handlebar, the machine sports a TranzX dropper post (length varies with size) to adjust the Cannondale Ergo XC saddle when needed.
The Moterra Neo 5 would be ideal for MTB enthusiasts looking to step into more advanced riding with a versatile and capable machine.
Bike Specs
- Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL
- Weight: Not available
- Material: SmartForm C2 Alloy frame
- Gear: 10-speed Shimano Deore drivetrain
- Motor: Shimano Steps DU-E7000
- Controller: Shimano switch
- Battery: 504Wh lithium-ion battery
- Handlebar: 780mm Cannondale 3 Riser
- Tires: WTB Breakout 29×2.30”
- Brakes: Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc brakes
7. ANCHEER 500W/250W – Best Electric Mountain Bike Under $1000
If you want an electric mountain bike under $1000, this bike from ANCHEER could serve you to a good extent.
Built around a lightweight aluminum alloy frame, this bike features a suspension fork along with a 21-speed transmission system.
Its electric system is operated by a 250W brushless gear motor powered by a removable 36V/8Ah lithium-ion battery.
This system is capable of providing you with a maximum speed of 15mph and a range of 15 to 30 miles. It comes with a basic controller to handle the propulsion tasks.
Surprisingly, the bike sports a loud horn and a decent LED headlamp.
26” tires may not be ideal for true mountain biking riding experience but they aren’t bad either for the price.
And its dual disc brakes do a good job in slowing and stopping the machine quickly so no worries on that count.
Overall, this bike from ANCHEER may not be suitable for serious off-road trails but comes with standard components which should be enough for the average mountain biking enthusiast.
Bike Specs
- Frame sizes: Not available
- Weight: 50 pounds
- Material: Aluminum Alloy frame
- Gear: 21-speed transmission system
- Motor: 250W brushless gear motor
- Controller: Basic
- Battery: 36V/8Ah lithium-ion battery
- Handlebar: 26.70” (length)
- Tires: 26”
- Brakes: Dual disc brakes
8. Norco Sight VLT C3 27.5” E-Bike 2024
Made out of a sturdy and lightweight carbon fiber frame, the Norco Sight VLT C3 is designed to maximize your on-trail performance.
It comes with RockShox suspensions together with a 12-speed SRAM SX Eagle drivetrain so you can ride assured of being able to encounter bigger bumps with confidence and getting precise shifting whenever needed.
Its powerful Shimano STEPS drive unit comprising a Shimano STEPS E7000 motor powered by an integrated In-Tube 500Wh battery would ensure you get efficient pedal assistance on the terrains.
This model features easy-rolling Maxxis Minion tires (front – 27.5×2.50”, rear – 27.5×2.40”) fitted to WTB ST rims to offer maximum traction.
The slowing and stopping are carried out by powerful Shimano 4-piston hydraulic brakes having 200mm rotors.
Notably, you get a combination of an 800mm wide handlebar and a 50mm stem offering excellent handling. Finally, it sports a TranzX dropper post to adjust the WTB Volt Sport saddle in order to ensure maximum comfort.
The Norco Sight VLT C3 27.5” would be your ideal companion if your goal is to step into some serious off-road adventures.
Bike Specs
- Frame sizes: S, M, L
- Weight: Not available
- Material: Carbon fiber frame
- Gear: 12-speed SRAM SX Eagle drivetrain
- Motor: Shimano STEPS E7000
- Controller: Shimano
- Battery: In-Tube 500Wh
- Handlebar: Norco 6061 800mm
- Tires: Maxxis Minion (front – 27.5×2.50”, rear – 27.5×2.40”)
- Brakes: Shimano BR-MT520 4-Piston hydraulic disc brakes
9. E-Crusher Carbon
Designed around Mondraker’s own Forward Geometry, this full-carbon machine seems to have appeared to secure its place in the best electric mountain bike league.
It features everything that you can expect from an all-mountain bike. From the Zero Suspension System featuring RockShox fork and shock to Shimano XT drivetrain – it has got covered everything.
The E-Crusher sports a strong Shimano Steps E-8000 motor powered by an integrated Shimano 504Wh battery, which integrates with the Shimano XT drivetrain nicely.
The machine is designed to provide pedalling assistance of up to 20mph. And there’s a downtube protector to keep the battery from getting damaged.
It also comes with an LCD display from Shimano to help you follow essential riding parameters.
You get 27.5×2.80” Maxxis Minion DHF and HighRoller tires fitted to 27.5” plus wheels that would ensure maximum safety and traction.
And the SRAM Guide RE brakes would offer perfect modulation along with maximum stopping ability.
If you’re looking for a full-featured electric rig that would help you explore any terrain with ease and confidence, your search could end at the E-Crusher Carbon.
Bike Specs
- Frame sizes: Not available
- Weight: Not available
- Material: Carbon frame
- Gear: Shimano XT drivetrain
- Motor: Shimano STEPS E-8000
- Controller: Shimano
- Battery: BT-E8020 504Wh
- Handlebar: Not available
- Tires: Maxxis Minion DHF and HighRoller 27.5×2.80” tires
- Brakes: SRAM Guide RE brakes
10. Police Electric Bike
Specifically designed for persons belonging to law enforcement or police departments, the Police Electric is built around a durable Alpha Platinum Aluminum frame to help the officers make patrolling an easier task.
The advanced G2 geometry of this hardtail electric mountain bike offers a perfect blend of superior handling and riding comfort.
The Police Electric offers adequate suspension through a 100mm RockShox Judy Silver fork and features a 10-speed Shimano drivetrain.
The propelling tasks are carried out by a 350 Watt Bosch Performance motor that receives power from a Bosch PowerPack 500Wh battery.
Notably, the motor gives an impressive maximum speed of 28mph to help the officers move quickly when needed.
Similar to Trek’s other products mentioned in this list of the best electric mountain bikes, the Police Electric also features the Bosch Purion controller for easy controlling of the level of assist.
The bike comes with a solid pair of Schwalbe G-One Allround Performance 29×2.50” tires fitted to Bontrager Kovee rims to serve the demanding schedule of the officers well.
And the Shimano Deore brakes ensure the riders get a reliable and sharp braking performance whenever needed. It also features a Bontrager seatpost, a kickstand, and a rack to help the officers carry things needed for patrolling.
All in all, the Police Electric is a versatile and efficient e-MTB perfectly suited for the demanding nature of work performed by the persons in uniform.
Though this is not available for the public, you can try your luck by contacting the manufacturer.
Bike Specs
- Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL
- Weight: 300 pounds (maximum total limit)
- Material: Alpha Platinum Aluminum frame
- Gear: 10-speed Shimano Deore M6000 drivetrain
- Motor: Bosch Performance Speed
- Controller: Bosch Purion
- Battery: Bosch PowerPack 500Wh
- Handlebar: Bontrager alloy
- Tires: Schwalbe G-One Allround Performance 29×2.50”
- Brakes: Shimano Deore M6000 hydraulic disc brakes
Are E-Mountain Bikes Worth It?
What’s your goal for mountain biking? Is it fun or fitness? Despite the difference between opinions in the mountain biking world, we’d say an electric mountain bike brings both your way.
We think it’d be prudent to take a quick look at the advantages and disadvantages provided by an e-MTB to substantiate our opinion.
Perhaps the biggest advantage of these machines is that they let anyone enjoy the fun of trail riding. With the presence of electric support, a 60-year-old man can easily climb steep climbs as a 35-year-old does.
And if you’re thinking about maintaining fitness which is one of the major objectives for many mountain bikers, e-MTBs have got that covered perfectly.
You can choose the level of assistance the bike would provide you with based on your individual requirements. However, everything isn’t rosy with these machines.
Two of the biggest disadvantages include a steeper price tag and a heavier weight compared to its non-electric siblings. Our final opinion would be to shortlist one or two electric mountain bikes we’ve listed below and try it yourself.
There are many e-MTB dealers that offer test days to help potential buyers make informed decisions. And we can assure you you’ll fall in love with the riding pleasure offered by these machines.
How to Choose an Electric MTB?
Unlike the earlier days when electric mountain bikes were used to stay much behind their non-electric peers, these machines are becoming increasingly popular among mountain biking enthusiasts – beginners and experienced ones alike.
So, there’s nothing unusual in finding a number of brands offering a considerable variety of e-MTBs to cater to the varied needs of the riders.
And for you, it makes taking the right pick quite a difficult task, especially when you’re new to the e-MTB world.
But it doesn’t mean you cannot get the maximum bang for your buck. Just take a thorough look at the following key factors, keep them in mind when choosing your e-MTB, and you’ll be ready to rule your favorite trail with a truly confidence-inspiring machine.
Weight
While electric mountain bikes weigh more than their non-electric counterparts, there are some models that have brought it down considerably. With one of those machines, the weight difference between an e-MTB and a traditional MTB becomes relatively smaller. However, there’s an important thing to understand.
If you want to get a lightweight e-MTB having top specifications, be prepared shell out a hefty amount of money.
On the other hand, you can buy a lightweight machine for a relatively lower price (it’ll still be usually more than non-electric ones though) but you’d need to compromise on power, better capacity, etc.
So, it entirely depends on your individual circumstances and requirements.
Frame material
As we’ve just touched upon, it would depend on how much you can afford for the machine. While e-MTBs built around carbon frames would help you get maximum comfort, they come with steeper price tags as well.
If you belong to the league of riders with a standard budget, most likely you’ll be looking at machines made out of alloy frames.
Suspension
Similar to the non-electric mountain bikes, e-MTBs also come with two suspension styles – hardtails and full suspension machines.
The hardtails would be relatively cheaper, easier to ride, and generally lighter compared to the full-suspension models. But these machines would never be able to provide you with similar versatility, safety, and comfort that are offered by full suspension e-MTBs.
However, when deciding on suspension style, keep in mind that full-suspension models are not only more complex to set up but heavier and more expensive as well.
Motor
These days, almost all high-quality electric mountain bikes come with mid-motor designs meaning the motor is located at the cranks. It’d be wise to get a bike that features a high-performance motor so that you’d never fall short of the exact electrical assistance when needed.
If possible, go for compact units that are not only relatively lightweight but would improve the machine’s overall handling as well. Also, check out if the motor is capable of coping with cadence fluctuations and can help you get a consistent power output over varying cadences.
Battery
Try to go for a bike that sports a removable battery pack. There’re two advantages of it – first, you don’t need to carry the entire machine to recharge it, and second, it’d be much easier and lighter to move around with your bike with the battery pack removed.
Essentially, in e-MTBs, the costliest component is the battery. So, generally, the pricier models tend to come with bigger batteries while the cheaper options usually feature smaller batteries.
However, the choice of batteries depends heavily on the terrains you’re mostly going to ride on, the support level you’re looking for, your body weight, and many other factors. So, consider these factors when zeroing on the battery part.
Brakes
As electric mountain bikes come with increased weight, the average speeds offered by them are relatively higher than their non-electric peers. Therefore, we’d suggest you go for a bike having larger disc rotors.
You should also check out the range of travel your preferred model is intended to offer. If this range is higher, it becomes important to go for larger rotors to get maximum stopping power.
Tires
When you’re riding faster on a heavier e-MTB, it’s important to have dependable, predictable, and bigger tires.
They would not only help you get optimum control and comfort but safeguard the rims on demanding terrains as well. Also, see if you can get a model with tubeless-ready tires and wheels as they offer maximum puncture-resistance.
As we’ve already mentioned, there’re lots of e-MTBs available out there from many reputable bike brands and they often come with varying componentry and added features.
Therefore, you should test ride each of the shortlisted models before buying the best electric mountain bike for you.
In our effort to help you buy the best electric mountain bike, we’ve handpicked ten high-performing machines that would give the best value for your money.
FAQ
Why are e-MTBs so expensive?
There’re various factors that contribute to the steep prices of electric mountain bikes. First, the battery on a standard e-MTB costs a few hundred dollars while some specialty made can reach the $1000 mark.
Second, the motors in these machines are usually manufactured by established brands, and hence, they generally come at a significant price. In addition, they need to be fitted by expert professionals which means e-MTB manufacturers factor in the additional labor costs as well.
Since electric mountain bikes are heavier than their non-electric peers and offer higher average speed, they need to be fitted with better quality components such as more powerful brakes, which also increase the overall cost of manufacturing.
How Often Should I Service e-MTB?
Ideally, you should go for full service every six months and get it done from a professional bike shop. However, there’re some small servicing tasks that you can do yourself to avoid experiencing major problems later and spending a lot of money fixing them.
These include checking the brake pads, air fork pressure, chain wear, etc every four to five rides. Depending on the weather and the terrain, you should also check tire pressure, get rid of excess dirt, etc after each ride.
Can I wash my e-MTB?
Of course, you can and you should do it after every ride. But always stay away from using a jet wash since the high-pressure water can easily damage the high-end electronic components and get into the non-serviceable areas. Ideally, you should use water from a bucket or garden hose.
To wash the motor and the chainset, use different types of brushes. Remember to cover or remove any displays before you start washing the machine. Once done, immediately dry the machine and check if everything’s working fine.
Conclusion
Hopefully, we’ve provided you with adequate information that would help you find the best electric mountain bike for you. There’s another important thing you should remember.
When it comes to e-MTBs, there’s no place for the one-size-fits-all approach. What we’re trying to mean is whatever model you shortlist from the above, be sure to give it a test ride before shelling out the money.
E-MTBs are getting increasingly better and more versatile over time and we can expect to see more of them in the future. But for now, the bikes we’ve mentioned above would be enough to serve you extremely well, regardless of your level of experience or the terrain you’re planning to ride on.
If these weren’t enough, check out some other bikes from Amazon also:
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