Getting the best electric mountain bike for your needs will open up the trails for you no matter your age or fitness level. With the help of a motor, you can go farther, faster, and do more runs each time you ride.
The best electric mountain bikes take the effort out of climbs and riding on flat terrain and still provide the performance you need to tackle the downhills confidently.
Riding with assistance doesn’t always mean taking it easy, either. If you’re in the mood, you can go just as hard with an e-bike. You’ll just cover more ground and elevation than you would on a traditional bike.
The quality of electric mountain bikes has taken a massive jump in recent years, and we’re excited to see where it goes as e-bike systems improve and new technology develops.
This article covers 15 of the best electric mountain bikes available in 2024 and finishes with a short guide on choosing the best one.
Best Electric Mountain Bikes
- Trek Powerfly FS 4 Gen 3
- Cannondale Moterra Neo 4
- Rad Power Bikes RadRover 6 Plus
- Ride1UP Prodigy
- Orbea Rise M10
- Santa Cruz Heckler
- Specialized Turbo Levo Alloy
- Salsa Notch 160
- Velowave Ranger 3
- Devinci eTroy
- Norco Fluid VLT C3
- Aventon Aventure
- C0-op Cycles DRT e3.1
- Marin Rift Zone E2
- Giant Stance E+ 2
1. Trek Powerfly FS 4 Gen 3
- Price: $4,750
- Motor: Bosch Performance Line CX, 85Nm
- Battery: 500Wh
- Class: 1, 20mph
- Suspension Travel: 120mm (f) 100mm (r)
The Powerfly FS 4 Gen 3 lives up to its name with serious power and the ability to fly up and down trails.
This XC e-bike combines a 120mm SR Suntour XCR 34 fork, an 100mm SR Suntour Edge R, shock, and fast geometry to provide a confidence-inspiring ride on almost any trail.
Bosch’s Performance Line CX 85Nm motor and 500Wh power pack are top-quality. With the Powerfly FS 4 Gen 3, you can tackle long days on the trail.
The wheelset comprises Alex MD35 rims and Bontrager XR3 Comp tires. Other notable features include a TranzX JD-YSP18 dropper, a Shimano Deore 10-speed drivetrain, and a set of Tektro hydraulic disc brakes.
Add the Trek Powerfly FS 4 Gen 3 to your shortlist if you’re in the market for a cross-country electric mountain bicycle and you have a decent budget.
2. Cannondale Moterra Neo 4
Best Cannondale electric mountain bike
- Price: $5,900
- Motor: Shimano EP8, 85Nm
- Battery: 630Wh
- Class: 1, 20mph
- Suspension Travel: 150mm
Cannondale’s Moterra Neo 4 is a burly, high-travel 29er trail mountain bike designed to handle whatever you throw at it.
Built around a SmartForm C2 alloy frame, the Moterra Neo 4 is relatively lightweight (~41 lbs) and has solid ride characteristics for an aluminum frame. The suspension is 150mm front and rear and comes from a RockShox 35 Silver R fork and Deluxe Select R shock tuned for suppleness on the downhills.
A Shimano EP8 system offers tons of torque for conquering steep gradients, and a 630Wh battery will last up to 75 miles.
The one disappointment of this Cannondale electric mountain bike is the SRAM SX Eagle drivetrain, which isn’t as durable or efficient as the rest of the Eagle groupsets.
Finally, slack geometry, Maxxis Rekon EXO 2.6″ tires, and TRP Slate G4 four-piston hydraulic disc brakes help you stay in control on the trail, no matter the conditions.
Add the Cannondale Moterra Neo 4 to your shortlist if you want one of the most capable Cannondale e-bikes without the huge price tag.
3. Rad Power Bikes RadRover 6 Plus
Best electric mountain bike under $2,000
- Price: $1,399
- Motor: 750W, 80Nm geared hub
- Battery: 672Wh
- Class: 2, 20mph
- Suspension Travel: 60mm
The Rad Power Bikes RadRover 6 Plus is the best electric fat tire mountain bike, ideal for riders who want all-terrain capabilities and a cheap price tag.
Its 4″ Kenda Kontact fat tires and a 60mm coil fork mean the RadRover can tackle any surface you encounter, such as snow, sand, or mud. This capability is ideal for adventurers and backcountry riders who need to reach remote areas. Alternatively, you can add a rack and baskets to turn this e-bike into a comfortable urban commuter.
A 750W, 80Nm hub motor provides tons of power but quickly drains the 672Wh battery, meaning you can expect 25 to 45 miles of range.
Rad Power Bikes chose a reliable Shimano Altus 7-speed drivetrain with hydraulic disc brakes, a solid pairing for the $2,000 price category.
This bike’s major downside is its high weight of 73.4 lbs, which can be cumbersome for lighter riders. However, it’s still a worthy consideration for anyone who wants a cheap fat tire e-MTB.
4. Ride1UP Prodigy
Best e-mountain bike for XC and urban riding
- Price: $2,395
- Motor: Brose TF Sprinter, 90Nm
- Battery: 504Wh
- Class: 3, 28mph
- Suspension Travel: 120mm
The Ride1UP Prodigy XC is among the best e-mountain bikes because of its affordable price and versatile design.
We already wrote about it in our Ride1UP review, but the brand built this electric mountain bike to handle XC-style trails, equipping it with a 120mm air suspension fork, fast-rolling Maxxis Forekaster 2.4″ tires, and MTB geometry.
The Prodigy XC also doubles as a comfortable urban or bikepacking e-bike as it is compatible with accessories for carrying cargo.
Power comes from a Brose TF Sprinter 90Nm motor, the most powerful mid-drive on this list. The high torque allows you to reach top speeds of 28mph in just a few seconds, meaning no hill is too steep. In addition, a 504Wh battery will last between 30 and 50 miles.
Despite its low price, the Prodigy XC only weighs 50 lbs and includes a headlight and kickstand. Finally, the groupset is a Shimano 9-speed setup with Tektro hydraulic disc brakes.
Choose the Ride1UP Prodigy XC if you want a cheap cross-country hardtail that can do it all.
5. Orbea Rise M10
Best full-suspension electric mountain bike
- Price: $8,599
- Motor: Shimano EP801-RS
- Battery: 360Wh
- Class: 1, 20mph
- Suspension Travel: 140 mm
We’ve chosen the Orbea Rise M10 as the best full-suspension electric mountain bike for its exceptional performance and value.
The Rise M10 is built around a lightweight carbon frame with stealthy electronics that give it the look of a traditional bike. A Fox 36 Float Factory fork, Fox Float X Factory shock, and modern trail geometry deliver confidence all over the mountain.
- Related: Full Orbea Rise Ebike Review
Orbea chose a Shimano EP801-RS e-bike system with lots of torque and a 360Wh battery to provide you with electric assistance. This system will last for hours of riding time and can crush over 13,000 feet of elevation on a single charge, which is an impressive return.
The rest of the build kit is of equally high quality, which is customary for all Orbea E-Bikes. You get tubeless 29″ wheels with boost hubs, Maxxis Dissector 2.4″ tires, an OC MC20 dropper, and a solid Shimano XT 12-speed drivetrain.
Don’t miss out on the Orbea Rise M10 if you want a carbon-framed trail e-MTB with exceptional performance.
6. Santa Cruz Heckler SL C S
Best electric mountain bike for 2024
- Price: $8,699
- Motor: Fazua Ride60, 60 Nm
- Battery: 430 Wh
- Class: 1, 20mph
- Suspension Travel: 160mm (f) 150mm (r)
We’ve chosen the Santa Cruz Heckler SL C S as the best e-mountain bike for 2024. This exceptional machine is a 29er trail/enduro beast capable of handling any terrain.
Santa Cruz electric mountain bikes are renowned for being among the best on the market, and the Heckler doesn’t disappoint. Although it’s not the top-end build, it offers the best value.
Premium VPP suspension provides a platform for the RockShox Lyrik Select+ fork and RockShox Super Deluxe Select+ shock, ensuring you’ll never be under-biked. The geometry of Heckler is ideal for hard riding on steep terrain, but short-ish chainstays ensure you can rip around corners without issue.
Santa Cruz chose a SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain and Code R brakes combination, which performs reliably, mile after mile. The wheelset consists of RaceFace ARC HD 30 rims wrapped in burly Maxxis Minion 2.5″ EXO+ and Minion DHR II 2.4″ DoubleDown tires. This bike also has a mullet setup, so you get a 29″/27.5″ wheel combo.
Don’t miss out on the best electric mountain bike 2024 has to offer in the Heckler C S and make sure to also read our detailed Santa Cruz Heckler review.
7. Specialized Turbo Levo Alloy
Best mixed-wheel full suspension electric mountain bike
- Price: $5,500
- Motor: Turbo Full Power 2.2 motor
- Battery: 700 Wh
- Class: 1, 20mph
- Suspension Travel: 150-160 mm
Specialized Turbo Levo Alloy is one of the best value electric mountain bikes, as it balances a low price with light trail capabilities and urban functionality.
Specialized designed this bike for use as a comfortable off-road machine. The geometry is upright and comfortable, and a RockShox 35 Silver fork, RockShox Deluxe Select R rear shock, and 29″ x 2.6″/ 27.5″ x 2.6″ tires provide plenty of control for light trails and gravel paths.
- Related Guide: Best Electric Off-Road Bikes
Power comes from a proprietary trail-tuned motor and a 700 Wh battery, providing plenty of range for a day of riding and enough torque for moderate gradients.
Finally, the groupset is SRAM SX Eagle, with SRAM Guide RE hydraulic disc brakes and a 12-speed drivetrain.
Consider the Specialized Turbo Levo Alloy if you want a versatile electric full-suspension bike with excellent value for money.
8. Salsa Notch 160
Best aluminum FS electric mountain bike
- Price: $5,999
- Motor: Bosch Performance Line CX, 85 Nm
- Battery: 504 Wh
- Class: 1, 20mph
- Suspension Travel: 170 mm
The Salsa Notch 160 is a unique option on this list with its long-travel design, giving it great roll-over speed and agility and corner shredding capability to tackle different terrains.
This full-suspension electric mountain bike comes with a Bosch Performance Line CX e-bike system with 85 Nm of torque and 500 Wh of juice. This means you can comfortably climb steep hills and stay for hours on the trails.
- Related Review: Haibike E-Bikes Brand Review
The 2.6″ Teravail Kessel front and Teravail Warwick rear tires ensure plenty of grip on gnarly enduro-style descents. RockShox and Fox provides the suspension with a 170 mm fork and rear shock. Additionally, aggressive geometry ensures confidence on steep, technical terrain.
Salsa also chose a Shimano Deore rear derailleur, which is one of the best choices for this type of riding. Moreover, the brakes are powerful and consistent Deore four-piston hydraulic discs.
All things considered, the Salsa Notch 160 is a solid all-mountain e-MTB in terms of capability and price.
9. Velowave Ranger 3
Best fat e-mountain bike under $2,000
- Price: $1,699
- Motor: 750W hub
- Battery: 720 Wh
- Class: 3, 28 mph
- Suspension Travel: 60 mm
The Velowave Ranger is the perfect fat-tire machine, and one of the fastest e-mountain bikes on this list.
Velowave makes some of the best off-road e-bikes, and the Ranger is one of their most affordable hardtail options. It comes with a 60 mm coil fork and 4″ fat tires, so you can reach remote areas and traverse harsh terrain.
A 750W hub drive motor means the Ranger can reach a 28 mph top speed. It’s enough to haul cargo on the integrated 100-lb-capacity rear rack. Also, a solid 720 Wh battery will return up to 90 miles of range per charge.
The Ranger has a set of hydraulic disc brakes with 180 mm rotors that provide you with plenty of stopping power, and mountain bike geometry puts you in a stable position for riding on technical off-road terrain.
Don’t look past the Velowave Ranger if you’re in the market for one of the cheapest electric mountain bikes for hunting.
10. Devinci eTroy
Best electric trail mountain bike
- Price: $7,699
- Motor: Bosch Performance Line CX
- Battery: 635 Wh
- Class: 1, 20 mph
- Suspension Travel: 160 mm (f) 150 mm (r)
Devinci Bikes’ eTroy is an electric trail mountain bike with all the power and range you need to spend the day on the trails.
A 160 mm Fox 38 Performance Elite fork and 150 mm Fox Float X Performance Elite rear shock are enhanced by Devinci’s e-bike-tuned split-pivot suspension platform, capable of handling huge hits without bottoming out.
The industry-leading Bosch Performance Line CX motor and 635 Wh battery provide more than enough power and range for a day of mixed riding. Additionally, you have a SRAM GX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain with SRAM Code R hydraulic disc brakes.
Unfortunately, the eTroy has an aluminum frame, despite costing $7,700. However, the Optimum G04 offers exceptional ride characteristics for alloy. Finally, Maxxis Minion DHF and Minion DHRII 2.5″/2.4″ tires will stand up to all the abuse you can give them.
Overall, the Devinci eTroy is a solid trail eMTB build, albeit slightly overpriced.
11. Norco Fluid VLT C3
Best value electric mountain bike
- Price: $5,999
- Motor: Bosch Performance Line SX
- Battery: 400 Wh
- Class: 1, 20mph
- Suspension Travel: 150mm (f) 140mm (r)
The Norco Fluid VLT C3 is a high-end electric full-suspension MTB perfect for fast trail riding with plenty of climbs and descents.
Norco tests its mountain bikes on British Columbia’s most challenging trails, and the Fluid VLT C3 passes with flying colors. A RockShox Psylo Gold RC fork and RockShox Deluxe Select+ rear shock work with the brand’s proprietary suspension platform.
Modern trail geometry, a TranzX dropper post, and Continental 2.4″ tires help you stay in control on technical descents and tight corners. In addition, you can set the tires tubeless for even more control and durability.
Norco chose a Shimano Deore 12-speed groupset with four-piston hydraulic disc brakes for the Fluid VLT, which is reliable and long-lasting.
Choose the Fluid VLT C3 if you’re in the market for a trail-crushing full-sus electric mountain bike.
12. Aventon Aventure.2
Best budget electric mountain bike
- Price: $1,899
- Motor: 750W hub, 80Nm
- Battery: 720Wh
- Class: 3, 28mph
- Suspension Travel: 80mm
The Aventon Aventure.2 pedal-assist mountain bike is another excellent budget option, blending urban and off-road capabilities.
Aventon chose a powerful 750W hub motor and 720Wh battery combination to deliver hill-crushing power. This system will last between 30 and 60 miles.
A set of 4″ fat tires and 80mm fork suspension allows you to take the Aventure off-road onto light mountain trails, gravel paths, and fire roads.
- Related Review: Aventon E-Bikes Brand Review
Urban dwellers and adventurers can equip this bike with a range of accessories for commuting or light bikepacking and rely on the 8-speed Shimano drivetrain and hydraulic disc brakes to get you where you’re going.
The downside of the Aventure is the weight of 77 lbs, making it one of the heaviest on this list. Nonetheless, it’s a solid cheap electric mountain bike.
13. Co-op Cycles DRT e3.1
Best electric mountain bike for trails
- Price: $4,999
- Motor: Bosch Performance Line CX, 85Nm
- Battery: 625Wh
- Class: 1, 20mph
- Suspension Travel: 140 mm
Co-op Cycles is a lesser-known brand, but the DRT e3.1 is the best full-sus electric mountain bike for trail riding on this list, featuring premium RockShox suspension and a superb aluminum frame.
Co-op Cycles uses a high-end Bosch Performance Line CX mid-drive motor with 85 Nm of torque and a 625 Wh battery to provide you with ample assistance on the trails.
A burly RockShox Recon Silver RL Solo Air fork and RockShox Deluxe Select Plus RT rear shock ensure you’re in control of technical sections at all times. Kenda Nevegal 2.6″ tires enhance this control and provide exceptional durability for aggressive trail rides.
Other notable features of the DRT e3.1 include a SRAM SX Eagle groupset, X Fusion Manic dropper, and tubeless-ready aluminum rims.
Add this 29er full-sus electric mountain bike to your shortlist if you’ve got a big budget and want the best of the best in trail riding.
14. Marin Rift Zone E2
- Price: $6,199
- Motor: Shimano EP801, 85 Nm
- Battery: 630 Wh
- Class: 1, 20mph
- Suspension Travel: 140 mm
Marin’s Rift Zone E2 is another solid trail electric bicycle that outperforms its mid-range pricing.
This electric mountain bike uses a MultiTrac suspension system tailored for trail and enduro riding. A Fox 36 Performance Elite fork with 140 mm travel, Fox Float X Performance Elite rear shock, and long, slack geometry inspire confidence when taking on enduro-style descents.
Marin Bikes chose a Shimano XT 11-speed drivetrain, which is solid at this price. Thankfully, you get a set of powerful four-piston TRP DH-R EVO hydraulic disc brakes with 203 mm rotors too.
The wheelset comprises Vee Tire Co Attack HPL 29″ x 2.5″ tires on Marin’s double-wall aluminum rims.
Choose the Marin Rift Zone E2 if you’re looking for a sleek trail machine with a unique MultiTrac suspension.
15. Giant Stance E+ 2
- Price: $4,400
- Motor: Yamaha SyncDrive Sport, 75Nm
- Battery: 625Wh
- Class: 1, 20mph
- Suspension Travel: 140 mm
One of the higher-end models on this list is the Giant Stance E+ 2, a trail-ready e-bike with solid components and exceptional engineering.
Giant is known for producing high-end bikes, and they’ve recently dipped their toes in the electric mountain bike category.
The Stance E+ 2 runs off a Yamaha SyncDrive Sport motor with 75 Nm of torque and 625Wh battery, enough to last an entire day on the trails. A premium aluminum frame provides solid ride characteristics but doesn’t compare to carbon fiber.
The rest of the components are unsurprisingly high-quality, with an SR Suntour XCR 34 LO-R 140mm fork and SR Suntour Raidon R shock, as well as a Shimano Deore 10-speed groupset.
Consider the Giant Stance E+ 2 if you want exceptional trail mountain bike performance and have the budget to match.
How to Choose the Best Electric Mountain Bike
To choose the best electric mountain bike, you must know what type of trails you will use it for, how you like to ride, and how much assistance you require.
Riders who want a slight boost for the steepest parts of the trail don’t need powerful electronics, whereas a rider who wants to take it easy on all the climbs should pick a powerful e-bike with a large battery.
Now, let’s look at all the different variables that affect the decision.
Types of Electric Mountain Bikes
Electric Fat-Tire Bikes (<100mm): Fat-tire MTB eBikes such as Aventon’s Aventure and the Rad Power Bikes RadRover 6 Plus are increasingly popular. These models are ideal for riding in areas with soft terrains like snow, sand, or mud or as comfortable urban commuters. In addition, they are affordable and typically have high-power motors and compatibility with commuter accessories.
Electric XC Bikes (100-120mm): XC electric mountain bikes are the first category specifically intended for mountain biking. However, these bikes often function for bikepacking or commuting as well because they are faster, more efficient, and more agile than other e-MTBs. Most XC e-bikes are hardtails, but there are some full-suspension models as well. The Orbea Keram and Ride1UP Prodigy both fit into this category, as well as most Kona electric bikes.
Electric Trail Bikes (130-150mm): The trail discipline is the most common type of electric mountain bike, designed to tackle diverse terrain and provide a relatively efficient pedaling platform for climbs. These bikes typically have lots of torque and large batteries to handle long days with thousands of feet of elevation. Several of the bikes in the list above fall into the trail/light-enduro category.
Electric Enduro Bikes (160-180mm): Pure enduro electric bicycles like the Yeti 160 are built for handling any downhill you encounter while maintaining the ability to climb, albeit slowly. Again, enduro e-bikes have lots of power and range to help you get to the top of a run with minimal effort.
Electric Downhill Bikes (180mm+): The burliest type is the electric downhill mountain bike made for crushing downhills, disregarding climbing ability. These bikes need high-end components and electronics to handle the extreme demands of the discipline. As a result, they’re heavy and expensive but are unbeatable at descending.
Electric Hunting Bikes: E-hunting bikes take many forms, including rigid, hardtail, and full suspension. They come with powerful motors, high payload capacities, and fat tires, making it possible to reach remote areas and haul out the game from a successful hunt. Unfortunately, these e-bikes are often expensive and have poor range.
Electric Mountain Bike Motors: Which to Choose?
Almost all pure electric mountain bikes use mid-drive motors, but you can find hub motors on cheaper models and fat-tire or hunting e-MTBs.
Hub motors drive the wheel directly without influencing the drivetrain. In contrast, mid-drives power the cranks, transferring power through the drivetrain to the wheel. Because mid-drives connect to the drivetrain, the rider must change gears appropriately to maximize efficiency.
Mid-drive ebikes are superior because they are the most efficient, meaning they get more range from smaller batteries and produce more torque at lower power (Watt) ratings. In addition, they’re more durable, and the ride feel is smooth and natural because the power output matches the torque the rider is producing and goes through the drivetrain instead of directly to the wheel.
As you see in the reviews above, Bosch and Shimano are the most popular choices, and both brands have a range of options to suit different prices and demands.
In contrast, hub motor e-bikes are more clunky to ride as the power output is delivered according to cadence and goes straight to the wheel. These motors also produce less torque and are inefficient, meaning you need larger (and heavier) batteries. However, the advantage is they are cheaper and easier to use as you don’t need to shift gears while using a hub-drive e-bike.
Sensors and Torque
As mentioned above, the ride quality of the motor changes depending on where it’s placed and the types of sensors it uses (torque, cadence, or both) to determine power output.
Torque sensors provide power based on your output, the assistance level, and the selected gear. This method results in a natural feeling when you pedal.
On the other hand, cadence sensing alone delivers power based on how fast the cranks turn and the selected assistance level, which results in an unnatural ride quality. For this reason, most electric mountain bikes use mid-drive motors with torque and cadence sensors.
The torque rating is another variable to consider when choosing a motor. High torque is generally better for e-MTBs, because of the steep, technical climbs you encounter on the trail and the higher weight of the bikes.
Do I Need a Throttle?
You don’t need a throttle, but they are a nice extra feature. The Velowave Ranger, Aventon Aventure, and Rad Power Bikes RadRover 6 Plus have throttles, but the rest of the models in the list above do not.
Most pedal-assist mountain bikes don’t have a throttle as they are not legal in Europe, so the major mid-drive manufacturers don’t include them in their e-bike systems.
Electric MTB Battery and Range
The best electric mountain bikes should have plenty of range for a full day on the trails while using pedal assistance. But, unfortunately, a high battery capacity doesn’t always mean a high max range.
As mentioned, hub motors are inefficient and require larger batteries, meaning they’re heavier. In contrast, mid-drives can use smaller batteries and get more range.
When choosing an e-mountain bike, you should determine how much assistance you need, how much elevation you typically cover in a day, and how fast you want to go.
If you like a slight boost from the motor and your rides are hilly but not mountainous, you will get away with a smaller battery. However, if you want an easy ride and are taking on enduro-style trails, you’ll want a big one.
The range you get also depends on the wind, elevation, speed, rider weight, bike weight, and tires. Most electric mountain bike manufacturers don’t offer an average range, as it is highly variable, so take any manufacturer-stated range with a pinch of salt.
Where to Buy Electric Mountain Bikes
Electric mountain bikes are the second most popular type, after urban and commuter hybrid e-bikes. Most shops that stock electric bikes will have a selection of off-roaders, so check out your local e-bike shop to see what they offer and do a test ride.
Direct-to-consumer brands sell their bikes directly from their online stores for lower prices. Some of the most popular ones include:
- Ride1UP: A variety of affordable and mid-range e-bikes, including one hardtail XC E-MTB.
- Rad Power Bikes: Offers a wide range of e-bikes, including one fat-tire electric mountain bike.
- Aventon: A popular electric bike brand that has one fat-tire electric mountain bike on offer.
Alternatively, you can also check out online retailers that offer e-mountain bikes for all budgets and disciplines. The ones we recommend include:
- REI.com — Excellent selection of Cannondale and Haibike electric mountain bikes. By far the most popular online retailer.
- JensonUSA.com — A huge selection of top brands, such as Orbea, Norco, Niner, Santa Cruz, Devinci, Rocky Mountain, Ibis, Yeti, etc.
- MikesBikes.com — Offers a large lineup of high-quality E-MTBs from brands like Giant, Santa Cruz, Cannondale, Orbea, Liv, etc.
- Evo.com — The best online retailer for high-end electric mountain bikes from brands like Santa Cruz, Scott, Orbea, Yeti, Transition, etc.
- Backcountry.com — Excellent choice of high-end models from Yeti, Pivot, Devinci, Santa Cruz, Ibis, etc.
If you purchase an electric bike online without trying it in advance, ensure that the seller has a test-ride period. That way, you won’t get stuck with an e-bike that doesn’t fit or isn’t what you expected.
See you on the trails! Let us know what you think about this guide and our recommendations in the comments below!