Fun, adventure, and power – these are the three things a strong and sturdy electric mountain bike should provide in one experience. Much like anything else, the longer you want your electric mountain bike to last, the more investment you’ll need to make. Whether you’re working to enhance your skills or competing for sport, mountain biking requires a strong bike to keep up with your needs. Let’s check our Best Electric Mountain Bikes now!
With all the options available online, it might be tough to know where to start. With all the specifications and features available, you’ll need to know the combination of factors to keep in mind while taking your pick. So, allow us to take you through our top five picks with a detailed review of each to make this process a little bit easier.
Best Electric Mountain Bikes
Mountain biking is all about letting go of all limits as you search for the thrill of adventure. Some people prefer to go old school, and others prefer to go a bit modern with an eMTB. If you belong to the former – we’ve still got you covered with this list of our top choices of the best mountain bikes, or some budget MTB picks if you aim to get something more affordable.
If you’re the latter, however, electric mountain biking provides a whole other world of advantages. First, you get to overcome power and performance distances, with optimum load control, that you wouldn’t get with non-electric bikes. Second, going uphill can be really fun, while going downhill can seem a lot safer. Overall, it can be a lot more comfortable and you can cover longer distances and climb hills without needing intense physical stamina.
While the bike itself doesn’t do the work for you, it provides a smoother, more fluid ride. That being said, finding the right electric mountain bike is like finding the perfect fit for shoes – you need the right size so it can be a good experience.
With the main advantage of having an eMTB being their versatility, there are different options in terms of seat position, suitability for trails or daily use, battery capacity, weight, and other details. Check mountain bike helmets and mountain bike gloves guides to ensure a safe experience.
So let’s not waste any time and get right to it…
1. Best Overall - Cannondale Cujo Neo
Specifications:
- Shifters: SRAM NX Eagle, 12-speed
- Brakes: Shimano MT400 hydro disc, 180/180mm RT30 rotors
- Handlebar: Cannondale C3 riser, 6061 Alloy, 15mm rise, 8° sweep, 4° rise, 780mm
- Battery: Shimano STEPS BT-E8020, 504Wh
- Frame: The all-new Cujo NEO, SmartForm C2 Alloy, integrated battery, SAVE, tapered head tube, 148x12mm thru-axle, alloy skid plate
- Wheel size: 27.2”
- Tires: Maxxis Rekon 27.5 x 2.8″, 3C Maxx Terra Silkshield, EXO, tubeless-ready
Key Features:
- RockShox Judy Gold Fork / TranzX Dropper Post
- Internal routing
- SRAM NX Eagle Drivetrain
- Shimano MT400 hydro disc brakes
- WTB STP i29 TCS Tubeless Ready rims / Maxxis Rekon EXO Tubeless tires with 3C Maxx Terra compound
Cannondale Cujo Neo Review
This bike is Cannondale’s first bike to be equipped with a compact Shimano Steps E8000 motor, giving it the ability to power through mountainous terrain. Through faster and easier travel, this bike brings forth an enhanced experience overall, with the qualities of a premium bike.
New & Improved Features
The Cujo Neo’s features are what really stand out here. First, the SRAM Guide RE brakes are easily accessible on the handlebar, with 12 gears to mess around with. It gives you more than enough capability to stop whenever you need to. The battery is sealed within a cover, which is super easy to open and close as well.
The power button is also quite large, so it’s easy to access and use instantly, and we should certainly mention how accurate Cannondale’s dropper is. Next up, the tires. We have mixed feelings here because while they may be tough and durable, the sidewalls collapse when steering sharply around corners so you might feel like you’re losing slight control.
Well-Designed Display
Cannondale’s Cujo Neo adopts a very sleek, yet fun design. Its display is great – small and mounted in a protected area behind the handlebars. The LCD panel is easy to read and shows you which mode you’re on of which there are three; Eco, Trail, and Boost.
Its software allows the detection of how much assistance you need depending on your mode – this means that your pedaling experience is smooth and natural, yet dynamic. Either way, you shouldn’t experience any issues whether you’re going uphill or downhill.
Overall, the Cannondale Cujo Neo is a fantastic suspension-supportive electric mountain bike that is well-balanced and delivers a fun riding experience to those who crave it. Its Shimano motor is powerful and offers a ton of support when pedaling. Not too expensive either, this bike’s a true catch for any adventure seeker out there.
Pros
- Aluminum alloy frame provides stability
- Powerful performance
- Sleek look
- Strong components
- Smooth ride
- Long-lasting battery life
Cons
- The Saddle isn’t super comfortable
- Low rolling resistance on tires
2. Extremely modifiable, fat tires, dual batteries - Macfox X1 Electric Commuter Bike
Specifications:
- Up to 25 MPH legally required in US of up to 28 MPH 48V 10.5Ah
- Brake Style: Dual-disc-brakes
Pros
- Large Capacity Battery,Unlimited Power
- Very reasonably priced
- Three modes of riding
- Long battery life
- Excellent for uphill riding
- Has bright LED light for easy nighttime riding
3. Premium Pick - Trekbike Rail 9.8 XT
Specifications:
- Battery: Bosch PowerTube 625
- Motor: New Bosch Performance CX, magnesium motor body, 250 watts, 75Nm, 20mph or 32 km/hr max assist
- Brake: Shimano SLX M7120 4-piston hydraulic disc
- Frame material: Carbon
- Shifter: Shimano XT M8100, 12 speed
- Shock: RockShox Deluxe RT3, DebonAir spring, RE: Aktiv w/Thru Shaft damper, 230×57.5mm
Key Features:
- Removable integrated battery
- Light, small, and quiet new Bosch motor
- Suspension calculator
- A Trek exclusive Mino Link adjustable geometry
- Wider dropouts with Boost 148/110
Trekbike Rail 9.8 XT Review
We’re letting you know that if you decide to go with the Trekbike Rail 9.8 XT right now, you’re going to be opting for a bike with high performance – no need to upgrade later. Perfect for long travels, the riding experience provides you with a plush feel and high-end suspension. With cutting-edge technology across the board, this bike is for the rider that’s off to an adventure.
High Performance
If we’re gonna vouch for one thing in this case, it’s that the bike can perform well. First, let’s start with its all-new Bosch Performance Line CX motor, which is lighter and quieter than previous versions. It’s more efficient so that a single charge can take you a long distance, and it can automatically detect the amount of assistance you need depending on the terrain.
The Trekbike Rail 9.8 XT has a removable integrated battery, which means it needs no tools or hassle to be installed. It also makes for an easier charging experience. Built with trail-specific tech, the bike is designed to power you up climbs so you don’t need to exert much effort uphill.
Powerful Design
Consisting of a carbon mainframe, the bike features an upgraded fork as well as a dropper and drivetrain as well. Unique premium aspects also include a suspension calculator, a complete tubeless system, Mono Link adjustable geometry, and Boost 148/110 for wider dropouts.
The only downside here is that this bike is quite the investment. We’re going to recommend it if you have the budget, but always remember that the more you invest, the longer the bike will last. It can also seem a bit heavy depending on your preferred usage, so definitely keep that in mind before buying if you prefer lighter bikes.
All in all, this bike will satisfy all your tech-savvy desires while delivering an impeccable performance. In terms of features and specs, the Trekbike Rail 9.8 XT has it all – at a price, of course. Ease of use, a strong motor, and efficient battery are just some of the characteristics to expect when you’re choosing this bike.
Pros
- High performance
- Durable
- Light carbon mainframe
- Sleek look
- Powerful drive system
Cons
- Expensive
- May feel heavy for some users
4. Best With Full Suspension - Stance E+
Specifications:
- Frame: ALUXX SL-grade aluminum, 120mm FlexPoint suspension system
- Fork: SR Suntour XCR 27.5+, 130mm travel, tapered steerer, Lockout, 110×15 Quick-Loc thru-axle
- Shock: RockShox Monarch R, 184x44mm, Standard Eyelet, custom-tuned
- Shifters: Shimano Deore
- Brakes: Tektro HD-M735
- Motor: Giant SyncDrive Sport, 80Nm powered by YAMAHA, 350% tuneable support
- Tires: Maxxis Rekon 27.5×2.6″, Exo protect, Tubeless Ready
- Battery: Giant EnergyPak 500, 36V 13.8Ah integrated Lithium-Ion
Key Features:
- Trail-friendly geometry
- SyncDrive Sport Motor
- Lightweight
- Strong aluminum frame
- Ergonomic control
- New smart charger
- Efficient battery system for longer rides
Giant Bicycles Stance E+ Power Review
This full-suspension E-bike is always ready to tackle all terrain with ease. It works for those just starting out in their biking adventures just as much as intermediate riders.
The Giant Bicycles Stance E+ Power is performance-oriented, it’s lightweight but strong with an aluminum frame. Its design and strong motor support make for maximum efficiency for riders who constantly venture off to challenging terrain.
Impressive Features
The Giant Bicycles Stance E+ Power boasts many performance-peaking features, such as a full-suspension experience with a best-in-class motor, The Yamaha SyncDrive Sport motor. That alone offers a lightning maximum of 350% in pedaling assistance to your natural power.
There are also sensors on this bike that allow you to see the power you’re putting into the experience as well as your speed. This means that the motor can sense exactly how much assistance you need and matches it. With a wide range rear cassette, the Giant Bicycles Stance E+ Power allows for trail riding on all kinds of terrain.
Smart Design
The bike employs hydraulic disc brakes on the front and rear, giving the rider maximum stopping power. Its Downtube EnergyPak 500Wh battery system now allows rides through longer distances, and it comes with a new smart charger for a quicker charge.
You’re given ergonomic control with the RideControl ONE integrated handlebar support buttons, which you can easily access to customize your riding experience. The thing is, this is one of those bikes that tend to be heavy for some, much like the Trekbike Rail 9.8 XT, so again be aware of this fact before diving in.
The Giant Bicycles Stance E+ Power is a fantastic bike that offers full suspension at an unbeatable price. Its minimalist electric motor makes for a smooth ride, and its smart features allow for a truly customized ride on any terrain. With this bike, gear up for a premium and powerful adventure.
Pros
- Powerful performance
- Ergonomic freedom
- Stylishly designed
- 500Wh EnergyPak offers the longest possible range
- Trail and XC terrain-ready
- Strong motor support
Cons
- At nearly 26kgs, it can get quite heavy
- Press-fit bottom bracket requires specialized tools
5. Best Trail - Specialized Turbo Levo
Specifications:
- Shock: RockShox Deluxe RT w/ custom air valve, 150mm of travel
- Brakes: SRAM Level T, hydraulic disc, 4-Piston Caliper, 200mm
- Frame: Specialized M5 Premium Aluminum, 29 Trail Geometry,
- Battery: Integrated down-tube battery, Turbo M2-500, fully integrated w/ rock guard, 500Wh
- Fork: RockShox Sektor RL, 29″ Boost™, 150mm of travel
- Motor: Specialized 2.1, custom Rx Trail-tuned motor, 250W nominal
Key Features:
- Asymmetrical design
- All-internal cable routing
- Fully integrated battery
- Minimalist motor
- Easily removable battery
- Trail-tuned, efficient motor
- Instant engagement
- Fantastic heat management
- Double freewheel design
Specialized Turbo Levo Review
Turbo is the right word to describe this bike. The thing is, it’s not just a bike that delivers on maximum speed and efficiency, but it’s also fun. As a brand, Specialized is fun-centric, so that’s one thing you can guarantee with their products.
Innovative Design
The Turbo Levo is designed with a sleek, alloy front and rear – a perfect asymmetric 29 Trail Geometry design. It’s the perfect mix of capable and comfortable, and the cable routing is all internal. It just looks absolutely fantastic and is available in a combination of Taupe and Acid Kiwi or Cast Battleship and Hyper.
The battery is fully integrated as well to ensure the look is completely elegant, and the small motor is mounted securely. It’s RockShox Deluxe RT suspension completely absorbs any bumps along the road for a smooth ride.
High-Powered Performance
This bike uses the Specialized 2.1, which works very quietly and smoothly, and delivers better than its previous versions. It’s perfect for trail-blazing and eases your uphill climbing – except when you’re on eco-mode, wherein that case you’ll need to put in more effort.
It’s quite a beautiful electric mountain bike to purchase. The Turbo Levo’s battery can work for over 700 charges, so if you don’t have any budgeting issues, this is the way to go.
Pros
- Very powerful
- Silent and smooth
- Consistent output
- Lightweight design
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- Charging port location is not convenient
Electric Mountain Bikes: Frequently Asked Questions
What Do I Need to Prepare for My Mountain Biking Experience?
Well, for starters, you’ll need to make sure you have the right gear. But other than that, with your favorite mountain bike and your adventurous spirit, you’re all good to get on your journey. Most importantly though, make sure your bike is fitted properly for a perfect ride.
What Is the Difference Between an Electric Mountain Bike and a Regular One?
Basically, an electric mountain bike is the same as a regular one, but it has an electric power system. This means it has an added battery, motor, an integration of this motor’s power into the bike’s drivetrain, and a mechanism to control it. The Li-Ion batteries tend to provide riders with assistance in distance and power that some may tend to enjoy or need.
How Often Do I Need to Charge My Electric Mountain Bike?
We usually recommend that you use the 30% to 60% guideline here, meaning charge it whenever it’s in between this range. If it’s new, charge it for 12 hours so it’s charged completely. Definitely don’t overcharge the battery and never store it while it’s empty - but store it when it’s between 40% to 70%. These tips will generally help you in maintaining long battery life.
What Is the Best Frame Material to Look for When Buying an Electric Mountain Bike?
The top materials you should look out for are carbon, steel, titanium, and aluminum alloy. You always need to keep in mind that you’re looking for something durable, strong, and not too heavy for your riding purposes. So whichever bike you pick, make sure the bike has the right balance between weight and material so it gives you stability.
Best Overall
Best Value
Premium Pick
Best with Full Suspension
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