15 Best Electric Mountain Bikes for 2023

15 Best Electric Mountain Bikes in 2021

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Looking for the best electric mountain bike? You are in the right place.

We tested 25+ electric MTBs over the last 6 months for durability, comfort, battery life, performance on ascents and descents, etc. from various brands like Vitus, Cannondale, etc. so you get the best bang for your buck.

There’s one for every budget and experience level so let’s jump straight into it.

1. Vitus E-Sommet

Specs:

  • Fork: 170mm Travel
  • Shock: 170mm Travel
  • Wheel Size: 27.5-inch
  • Frame Size: S, M, L, XL
  • Frame Material: Aluminum
  • Motor: Shimano EP8
  • Battery: 500Wh

The Vitus E-Sommet comes with aggressive geometry and progressive sizing, considering the angles required to tackle challenging terrains.

The design of the aluminum frame is top-notch, making the bike sturdier. It comes with mullet wheels and a four-bar rocker link to replace the floating shock design.

It has a big 1.8-inch tapering steer which maximizes the strength and stiffness of the 170 mm travel RockShox Xeb fork.

There is currently uncertainty whether more e-bikes will use this standard design, but it is essential to have a bike with so much travel at only 24.7kg.

The gleaming seat tube design has been designed to allow the dropper post to extend deeper, which allows the bike to hold shorter seat tubes and longer posts.

 This makes it a lesser hassle to size your bike to be longer—which is rare since it looks long already. It is not surprising that most users want to downsize.

The 500WH battery powers up the Shimano EP8 motor, so when you are not pedaling, you will feel a slight rattle of the motor. The 27.5-inch Double Down Maxxis Tires have a good grip when riding downhill.

If you are a rider who significantly likes more assistance for tackling climbs, this bike is the best bike for you.

You can trust the Shimano M8150 34t chainset, and the Shimano XT r-mech and shifter will come in handy.

You can also enjoy smooth descents with the Shimano XT four-piston brake, with higher stopping power even at top speeds.

2. Cannondale-Moterra Neo Carbon 2

Specs:

  • Fork: 160mm Travel
  • Shock: 160mm Travel
  • Wheel Size: 29-inch
  • Frame Size: S, M, L, XL
  • Frame Material: Carbon Fiber
  • Motor: Bosch Performance
  • Battery: 625Wh

The Cannondale Monterra features and sturdy and aggressive geometry, with a strong carbon fiber frame that is strengthened to handle all kinds of mountainous terrains.

This electronic mountain bike is beastly and always set up to take on an adventure. Going by the intuitive selection of high-end components, this bike is one of the top-class eMtbs.

The full suspension Carbon frame is fitted with a superior quality SRAM GX Eagle groupset, which adds to the excellence of the bike.

With the addition of the Bosch Performance Line 250W motor and a 625wh battery, you are presented with a fast bike that can reach ranges of 63 miles, going at speeds of 20mp/h.

The Moterra Neo has a head tube angle that appears somewhat slack, which provides efficient stability when taking on descents.

It is a full suspension bike with a 160mm RockShox Zeb select fork and the rear shock having an X-Fusion O2 Pro RL 160mm travel.

If you are an all-around rider who likes to take on challenging climbs, the SRAM GX Eagle 12-speed derailleur drivetrain will offer you speed options, assisted by the SRAM NX Eagle Shifters.

Assisted pedaling can give you some time to enjoy the ride as you go uphill. With Magura MT5 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes, do not hesitate to tackle downhill rides since you have the braking power you deserve.

3. QuietKat-Jeep E-Bike

Specs:

  • Fork: 150mm Travel
  • Shock: 150mm Travel
  • Wheel Size: 26-inch
  • Frame Size: S, M, L, XL
  • Frame Material: Aluminum
  • Motor: Ultra-Mid Drive
  • Battery: 696Wh

You can never doubt the collaboration between QuietKat and Jeep. The Beefy frame design features an exquisite geometry design that makes the bike comfortable for all riders.

The full-suspension aluminum-designed bike maintains its stability anytime you are riding on rough grounds.

The electric mountain bike is sold in two power variations, 750W, and 1000W motors, allowing riders to choose their preferred power options.

The front suspension is fitted with a custom QuietKat air fork and a Rear RockShox RL suspension, making it roll better in rugged terrains silently.

QuietKat’s specialization in rear-built motors with so much torque joins in with Jeep’s off-road prowess, which exerts the excess weight on the rear wheel to increase traction and torque when facing challenging climbs.

You get pedal assistance of up to 10 levels, with the ability to customize your bike into class 1, class 2, and class 3.

The handlebars have a removable thumb throttle to get more power from the motor. You are assured of a smooth and safe ride with the pre-installed torque and speed sensors.

The TEKTRO 4-Piston Hydraulic Disc brakes are the perfect match for the 26-inch fat tires.

If you are a heavy-bodied rider who likes to take on challenging climbs, this bike can handle the load with a maximum weight of 300 lbs.

The brakes and the size of the tires give you much control when rolling downhill, and maneuvering through bends.

4. Specialized-Turbo Levo 2021

Specs:

  • Fork: 160mm Travel
  • Shock: 150mm Travel
  • Wheel Size: 29-inch
  • Frame Size: S, M, L, XL
  • Frame Material: Aluminum
  • Motor: Full Turbo Power System
  • Battery: 500Wh

Most riders know Specialized Levo for its accuracy and attention to detail when designing their bikes.

This has also extended into their electric mountain bike production, which produces elegant and fine-tuned equipment.

The bike features a 29 trail geometry that makes it glide seamlessly over any kind of terrain. The smooth rides make the integrated battery and motor barely noticeable to the rider and onlookers alike.

The design of the components was taken a notch higher with the inclusion of a Bluetooth-enabled-speed controller, sitting hidden on the top tube, making the bike more ambiguous.

The top bar is fitted with an SRAM NX Eagle 9-speed drivetrain, assisted by the RockShox 35 Silver TK, 160mm fork, and RockShox Deluxe Select 150mm rear shocks for stability.

 These components, combined with the Full Turbo Power System 2.2 motor and a 500Wh battery, you will never have to fret over navigating the steepest hill climbs.

If you have to go faster when descending, you have an SRAM Guide RE, 4-piston hydraulic disc on the rear brakes that allow you to stay in control of your bike.

One thing about the Specialized Turbo Levo is how powerful it is. The long chainstays give better traction, which maintains the front wheel’s position.

It is a lightweight bike that can easily make curves and change direction.

This is the best bike for riders who like fast riding uphill—you can easily reach the three-position compression adjustment under the top tube to make the bike stiffer for smoother climbing.

5. Specialized Levo SL Comp

Specs:

  • Fork: 150mm Travel
  • Shock: 150mm Travel
  • Wheel Size: 29 inches
  • Frame Size: S, M, L, XL
  • Frame Material: Aluminum
  • Motor: Turbo Levo Motor
  • Battery: 700Wh battery

The Specialized Levo Comp is built with versatility and compatibility that can get you through all situations.

The bike features a much smaller motor which does not give so much power as its counterparts. All these more minor capacity components give the bike a lightweight feel at 41.9lbs.

The Levo SL Comp is a bike specifically built for drivers who prefer to use an e-mountain bike for extended ranges instead of the full assistance standard e-bikes.

You get a slight boost when going uphill, and it makes your riding more fun as you go downhill.

For the suspension, you have a 150mm Travel Fox system with a Rhythm 34 Float fork and a Float DPS Performance Shock for the rear.

With the 29-inch wheels, you are assured of maximum grip and traction whether riding on rocky or slippery surfaces.

The SRAM NX groupset drivetrain offers so many speed options, especially when going uphill. The power is supplied by a 700Wh battery assisted by a Turbo Levo 565W motor that can take on steeper hills quickly.

The Levo SL comp will come in handy for riders looking for a long-travel bike that can take them uphill with less assistance and more comfort. The SRAM G2 brakes are also a good selection for deeper ascents.

6. Rad Power Bikes-RadRover 5

Specs:

  • Fork: 80mm Travel
  • Shock: 80mm Travel
  • Wheel Size: 26-inch
  • Frame Size: S, M, L, XL
  • Frame Material: Aluminum
  • Motor: Geared Hub Motors
  • Battery: 672Wh

The RadRover 5 is a fat-tire bike built with a solid aluminum frame, giving it a lighter weight of 69lbs. with its beefy and aggressive geometry, the bike can handle up to 275lbs, including the rider and cargo.

It is mainly suited for riders who want to get around town or explore nature and single trails.

The Pedal-assist motor works perfectly with the Shimano Acera 7-speed drivetrain, which allows you to increase or lower tension when riding. You can therefore cycle even if your battery dies.

The Shimano thumb shifters are mounted on the handlebars making it easy to change gears. You also have the Tekro Aries brake levers on the handlebars, which control the mechanical disc brakes.

To get the best stopping power, the front and rear brakes have 180mm Tekro rotors effective in all weather conditions.

In addition to the brakes, you have 4-inch Kenda Juggernaut Tires, which are thick enough, and have a puncture-resistant liner that can handle rugged terrains.

The Rad Power Bike RadRover 5 is powered by a detachable 672Wh Lithium-ion battery, making it convenient for indoor charging.

This adds to the 750W Geared Hub Motor, which can put out a maximum of 80Nm torque, and can navigate all kinds of surfaces and uphill climbs at a top speed of 20mp/h

7. Marine Alpine Trail E2

Specs:

  • Fork: 160mm Travel
  • Shock: 150mm Travel
  • Wheel Size: 27.5-inch
  • Frame Size: S, M, L, XL
  • Frame Material: Aluminum
  • Motor: Shimano STEPS EP8
  • Battery: 630Wh

The Alpine Trail E2 features a much nimble geometry, which is common among other Alpine full-suspension mountain range bikes.

It features an Alloy construction with the series 4 aluminum material, the standard material for these bikes.

The drivetrain on the Alpine Trail E2 combines the Shimano XT and the Shimano SLX 12-speed to allow for flexibility when shifting speeds.

 The Alpine Trail is built with mixed wheel sizes, with the front wheel being 29 inches in diameter and the rear wheel at 27.5 inches, which makes this bike a good choice for joyriding.

The high-performance components make this bike have more capabilities when taken on various trails. The handlebars are cluttered, which is appropriate for smaller riders.

 You will notice that the down tube is chunky, and the reason for this is that it hides the removable Shimano 630Wh battery that can be charged externally.

It is conjoined to the STEPS EP8 motor with 85Nm torque and high power of up to 250W.

If you want a bike for recreational purposes, the Marin Alpine Trail will be the best choice for you. The borrowed suspension components are similar to the Performance Elite Catalog, which can handle all terrains.

The most notable features are the Fox 38 fork and Fox Float DHX2 shock for the rear, which will always motivate you to go full turbo on the bike.

8. Trek Rail 9

Specs:

  • Fork: 160mm Travel
  • Shock: 160mm Travel
  • Wheel Size: 29-inch
  • Frame Size: S, M, L, XL
  • Frame Material: Aluminum
  • Motor: Bosch Performance Line CX
  • Battery: 625Wh

The Rail 9 bike features a long-travel designed to tackle the most challenging downhills and comes with a 625Wh battery and the newer Bosch Performance Line CX motor.

These are essential for powering your bike through longer and more technical climbs so that you can enjoy the most amazing descents.

You get a RockShox Zeb select 160mm fork and Super Deluxe Ultimate RT3 shock for the rear suspension in terms of components.

Tires are beefy, at 2.6-inch width and 29-inch diameters, and an SRAM GX drivetrain is always ready to take on all kinds of terrains.

The chainstay is not as long as you would expect on a typical electric mountain bike. Therefore, with the seat angle being steep, your bike has the same power going uphill as it would going downhill.

 The boost from the Bosch motor responds instantly, and all kinds of riders will have so much fun going uphill.

Going downhill is also simplified, but you need to put in more effort and have a vibrant driving style to change directions.

However, you will never feel it to be cumbersome when riding at slower speeds. It still maintains its smoothness.

This bike is the best choice if you prefer riding comfortably going uphill. The Bontrager cockpit with the short head tube transfers enough weight over the front end for more weight distribution.

This is one of the best lightweight bikes that fit all riding purposes.

8. Santa Cruz Heckler R

Specs:

  • Fork: 160mm Travel
  • Shock: 150mm Travel
  • Wheel Size: 27.5-inch
  • Frame Size: S, M, L, XL
  • Frame Material: Carbon Fiber
  • Motor: Shimano STEPS E800
  • Battery: 504Wh

Santa Cruz could not miss out on the Electric Bike wave, one of the biggest bike manufacturing companies.

The overall geometry is pleasant and looks very agile to cater to all types of riders. The bike takes the shape of the Heckler.

You can be sure that this bike is lightweight; with its Carbon Fiber build, it weighs 47.6lbs.

 Santa Cruz built a tiny powerhouse out of a bike with a 504Wh battery, powering a Shimano Steps E8000 motor which can give so much power to take you through the steepest hills.

The front suspension features a 160mm RockShox Zeb Select fork and a 150mm RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate RT3 Thru Shaft shock at the back.

The front reach has an extension that manages to balance the weight distribution as you ride. The suspension is well-defined to keep you well-positioned on the bike, giving you a good balance of grip on the wheels as you corner.

Therefore, Heckler has handling that is predictable and simple. For those downhill rides, the SRAM Code R four-piston will deliver all the braking power you need.

If you are a less experienced rider who wants a mountaineering experience, you will feel comfortable riding this bike.

When going uphill or on rough terrains, the rear suspension has enough support to push you forward, saving you time and energy.

The performance of this bike is brilliant, and it is what every rider wishes to have.

9. Orbea Rise M20

Specs:

  • Fork: 150mm Travel
  • Shock: 140mm Travel
  • Wheel Size: 29-inch
  • Frame Size: S, M, L, XL
  • Frame Material: Carbon Fiber
  • Motor: Shimano EP8-RS
  • Battery: 360Wh

The Orbea Rise M20 is built with a strut geometry that resembles beefy non-assisted bikes.

It is built with all the performance requirements for riders while weighing approximately 40lbs. the frame is built from OMR carbon fiber which contributes to its lightweight while complementing all the performance aspects of the bike.

The Orbea 360Wh battery works with the high-performance Shimano EP8-RS mid-drive motor equipped with a Shimano motor sensor.

To give the riders more speed options, the bike comes with a Shimano SLX M7100 12-speed drivetrain.

And to complete the setup, you have Shimano M6100 hydraulic disc brakes and 2.4-inch Maxxis Dissector tires that have better grip and traction.

 You can attain speeds of up to 20mp/h with a power output of 250W. For flexibility, you can operate the bike in three modes, Boost, Eco mode, Trail, and walk-assist.

The obea Rise M20 brings about a new riding experience that heightens the joy of riding on trails, with support features that make the riding feel so natural.

With the inclusion of power, impressive range, geometry, and lightweight, this bike can take you over long distances, reaching newer locations that a normal bike would not.

If you are an adventurous rider who likes to ride for longer distances in a wide range of environments, this bike will be your all-time companion.

The bike’s suspension can handle extra rider weight to give you a smooth and responsive ride quality that reciprocates your cadence.

10. Norco Sight VLT C1

Specs:

  • Fork: 160mm Travel
  • Shock: 160mm Travel
  • Wheel Size: 29-inch
  • Frame Size: S, M, L, XL
  • Frame Material: Aluminum
  • Motor: Shimano EP8
  • Battery: 900Wh

Norco is one company that strives to deliver the best quality of complete carbon mountain bikes. The Norco Sight VLT is mainly a lightweight unit that matches the rider’s expectations.

This bike is a full-suspension electric mountain bike packed with plenty of quality components. Despite being one of the most expensive bikes, any rider who will get their hands on it will agree that it is worth the investment.

Norco equips this bike with the Shimano EP8 motor and takes its performance a notch higher with the 900Wh battery that delivers plenty of power. All these are fitted on a sturdy and durable carbon fiber frame.

For excellent trail performance, 29-inch wheels are fitted both in the front and rear, and an adjustable suspension.

Other E-mountain bike components include a 160-mm RockShox Lyric Ultimate fork and rear suspension.

An SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain and SRAM Code R hydraulic brakes with 200-mm rotors are added to keep the extra weight catered for. This makes up for a highly reliable eMTB.

The drive unit weight of the bike is maintained balanced between the wheels and low on the frame.

With the addition of the Maxxis Minion DHF tires, you experience endless traction on all kinds of trails, most importantly steep corners, and slippery rocks which have lower traction.

If you are a biker who likes shuttling and engaging in fun, this bike is the best option to handle weight distribution.

11. Trek-Powerfly 4

Specs:

  • Fork: 120mm Travel
  • Shock: 100mm Travel
  • Wheel Size: 27.5-inch
  • Frame Size: S, M, L, XL
  • Frame Material: Aluminum
  • Motor: Bosch Performance 250W
  • Battery: 625Wh

Trek is known for producing expensive bikes, but they managed to present one of the cheapest bikes under the eMTB category.

Despite being a hardtail, it still comes off as a bike that ought to cost more. It features a fully integrated battery enclosed into the frame, maintaining a gleaming finish that depicts Trek’s professionalism.

The powerful motor maintains the bike’s power when going up steep hills. The eMTB-specific features for performance include a Shimano 9-speed drivetrain, a Bosch Performance CX motor that can make a maximum speed of 15.5 mp/h.

These features, combined with the durable aluminum frame that gives it a lightweight and 625-watt-hour battery capacity, you are assured of staying in control even when going at higher speeds.

 The suspension is equipped with the SR Suntour 120mm fork and 100 mm travel since it is a hardtail.

Even though it might not have the unique features that make a professional MTB, it might not be easy to tell the difference unless you are long-time cyclists who have experienced most bike types.

This bike is designed for riders who are always in the mood to explore a wide range of trails. This eMTB is smooth and reliable, with so much power boost from the electric drive system, which meets the specific demand for off-road riding.

For the challenging trails, you have a Tekro HD-M275 Hydraulic disc to give you sufficient stopping power.

12. Diamondback-Response

Specs:

  • Fork: 120mm Travel
  • Shock: 120mm Travel
  • Wheel Size: 27.7-inch
  • Frame Size: S, M, L, XL
  • Frame Material: Aluminum
  • Motor: Bosch Performance
  • Battery: 500Wh

Diamondback is perhaps one of the biggest bike brands in the U.S and also the bestselling brand among riders.

Diamondback presents its first hardtail electric mountain bike—which does not appear different from the analog bike.

It is still built with a 120mmRockShox Judy Gold front fork, a strong aluminum frame with a simplistic geometry that does not appear bulky.

Being an entry-level eMTB, the Diamondback-Response cannot be quantified as an expensive bike.

The Response e-bike operates on a 350Wh electric motor assisted by a 500-watt-hour battery with good battery life.

Mounted on the suspension are 27.5-inch wheels for both the front and rear wheels. This allows the bike to cover more ground, especially on single trails.

With the powerful Bosch Performance motor, you can expect this bike to attain top speeds of 28mp/h, which is above the average that you find in most bikes.

A 10-speed Shimano drivetrain gives the bike more power to maintain the maximum speed effortlessly.

The Magura Hydraulic brakes deliver the best braking power you would ever want when tackling corners and challenging descents.

If you are a beginner rider looking for an affordable and fast electric mountain bike to try off-road riding, then look no further since the Diamondback response has the best handling in all kinds of terrains.

The 2.8-inch wheels give the best grip and traction, maintaining the top speeds on trails and tracks.

13. Santa Cruz Bullit CC

Specs:

  • Fork: 170mm Travel
  • Shock: 150mm Travel
  • Wheel Size: 29/ 27.5-inch
  • Frame Size: S, M, L, XL
  • Frame Material: Aluminum
  • Motor: Shimano DU-EO800
  • Battery: 630Wh

The Santa Cruz Bullit is a compact bike with a slant geometry curved from the Santa Cruz CC material, which is crucial for maintaining strength while keeping the bike light.

The frame build is purposefully built around a mullet wheel setup, featuring different wheel sizes. You have a 29-inch wheel at the front and a 27.5-inch rear wheel.

The massive down tube encloses the Shimano 630Wh battery, and a chain slap protection guards the chainstays.

The bike’s suspension is fitted with a 170mm travel Fox Factory Float 38 fork and a GRIP2 damper compatible with coils and springs, making it a progressive tune.

On the rear suspension, you have the RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate Air shock. The Shimano DU-EO800 motor outputs power assistance of up to 250W, assisted by a high-capacity battery to give more power.

SRAM X01 Eagle supplies the bike’s drivetrain with 12 speeds, adjusted using a sequential e-bike shifter.

You can easily dictate how long you want your chainstays so that you can have proper climbing traction and handling.

We can add that the inclusion of mixed-wheel sizes gives you as a rider much confidence to handle maneuverability and extra weight.

You will still come across many SRAM components on this bike since the brakes used are SRAM Code RSC.

You have the front and rear rotors at 220mm and 200mm, respectively.

The Bullit has been perfectly designed to handle the steepest and deepest trails, making it a better choice for riders who like vigorous ascents without much power.

14. Canyon Spectral: ON CF 7.0

Specs:

  • Fork: 150mm Travel
  • Shock: 150mm Travel
  • Wheel Size: 29/ 27.5-inch
  • Frame Size: S, M, L, XL
  • Frame Material: Carbon Fiber
  • Motor: Shimano E8000
  • Battery: 540Wh

The Canyon ON 7.0 combined two materials; carbon fiber materials for the front and alloy material at the rear.

The frame materials of the 7.0 do not look different from the much more expensive 9.0. This bike is equipped with Canyon’s extraordinarily progressive suspension system, which has improved compliance with the ant-squat features.

The bike has a Shimano E8000 Steps motor that gives a power output of up to 250W of assisted riding to give it more power.

In the drop-down frame, the Shimano 540W battery and the E8000 34-tooth chainring pedal crank are fitted.

As the mullet wheel setup picks pace among bikes, the Canyon Spectral could not miss out. It has the rear wheel at 27.5 inches and the front at 29 inches.

The drivetrain is provided by a Shimano XT 12-speed and a Shimano SLX 10-51 cassette and shifter.

You have the RockShox Lyric Select fork and a RockShox Deluxe Select on the rear to deliver uncompromised train fun for undisturbed suspension.

You can also enjoy impressive braking power with the four-piston Shimano MT520 brakes, all with 200mm rotors.

If you are a rider looking for an eMTB with outstanding downhill capabilities and a long-lasting battery, the Canyon Spectral 7.0 can cover up to 27kms and 2km of climbing with a single charge.

15. Giant Trance E+ 1 Pro

Specs:

  • Fork: 150mm Travel
  • Shock: 150mm Travel
  • Wheel Size: 27.5-inch
  • Frame Size: S, M, L, XL
  • Frame Material: Aluminum
  • Motor: SyncDrive Pro
  • Battery: 500Wh

Trance is one of the bike manufacturing companies that build reliable machines with reasonable price tags.

The bike is suitable for faster climbs and delivers more fun on the single track. You have the power to go on adventures on all kinds of travels.

With the SyncDrive Pro motor, you have a robust torque of up to 80Nm, with 360% tunable options that the Giant App can control.

You can therefore enjoy a wide range of riding modes, whether you prefer full power or tune. The front suspension is fitted with a 150mm Smooth Maestro suspension and 150mm travel on the rear.

The frame is well-designed to accommodate the 27.5-inch wheels, and they are wide enough to get more grip and traction on all kinds of terrains.

Every single battery charge differs depending on the cargo and rider weight, tire pressure and wind resistance, and tread type.

By considering these factors, you can optimize how you will control the fundamental factors that would run down your battery charge.

For uphill assistance, you have a Giant EnergyPak Smart 500 lithium-ion battery. All these combined with the Shimano Deore XT 12-speed make the rides even smoother.

This bike adequately serves riders who prefer to customize their bikes to get more riding options.

With 360% tunable capability, this bike can allow you to enjoy different modes on the most technical trails.

Wrapping Up

Knowing the best electric mountain bike for you depends on a lot of factors. Most essentially, your budget has to be one of the considerations. We have listed a mix of bikes since the ratings mainly depend on reviews.

As always, do not take shortcuts in areas where your safety is important. You may choose to stick with widely known brands or those that seem to have the best components.

Photo of author

Written By

From riding to school since the age of 13, attending BMX races and events with his dad to himself conquering 50+ trails across the globe. For Rob, his Giant Stance 29 2 2020 is the friend that makes everything better. He is also a proud member of the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA).

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