Best Electric Mountain Bikes of 2024
Choosing the best electric mountain bike is all about finding the right blend of power, comfort, and control. Whether you’re tackling steep inclines or demanding downhill runs, these bikes will help you enjoy your time on the trail.
An e-MTB For Every Mountain Biker
Here’s a sneak peek into the best electric mountain bikes and what lies ahead:
Best lightweight electric mountain bike: Trek Fuel EXe
Best high power electric mountain bike: Specialized Levo
Best handling electric mountain bike: Specialized Turbo Levo SL
Best hardtail electric mountain bike: Trek Powerfly
Best Bosch equipped electric mountain bike: Orbea Wild
Best electric mountain bike for Trail Riding: Cannondale Moterra
Each of these electric bikes is featured in our list for their excellence in performance, handling, and versatility, with options for various riding styles. Excited to explore more about these bikes? Let’s delve a little deeper.
Trek Fuel EXe: Best overall lightweight electric mountain bike
The Trek Fuel EXe is an epic lightweight e-MTB that doesn’t compromise on performance. This bike offers mountain bikers:
A unique blend of the traditional mountain biking experience and that natural ride feel combined with the added boost of an e-MTB
The near-silent TQ-HPR50 motor delivers smooth power delivery and a serene biking experience
Playful design allows for agile handling and front wheel lifts, thanks to its shorter chainstays
A stable ride suitable for those wanting a boost without losing the essence of an unassisted bike
Price: £4395.00
Trek Fuel EXe Specifications
Motor: TQ-HPR50
Motor power: 50NM
Battery: 360Wh
Weight: 22kg
Trek Fuel EXe Pros:
Near-silent motor operation
Agile handling
Stable ride
Cons:
Premium pricing
Overall, the Trek Fuel EXe stands out as the best overall lightweight e-MTB on the market, delivering an exceptional biking experience that’s light on the trails and heavy on performance
Specialized Levo: Best overall high power
The Specialized Levo has made a name for itself as the top high power e-MTB, thanks to its:
Sturdy carbon fibre frame
Enhanced with Specialized’s sidearm design for extra rigidity
Built to last with riders reporting that it can handle 2400 miles of aggressive riding
Notable performance over 2 and a half years, illustrating its substantial long-term durability.
Price from: £5,939.00
Specialized Levo Specifications
Frame: Carbon fibre
Motor: Specialized Turbo Full Power 2.2
Motor power: 90NM
Battery size: 700Wh
Specialized Levo Pros:
Durable carbon frame
Impressive long-term durability
High performance across varied riding conditions
Mixed wheel setup
Specialized Levo Cons:
Struggles on extremely wild, technical terrain and technical trails
The Levo is not just about durability, it also provides a comfortable and impressive riding experience. Overall, the Specialized Levo is a top choice for high power, providing durability, comfort, and impressive performance on various terrains.
Specialized Turbo Levo SL: Best handling
The Turbo Levo SL Gen 2, a high-performing, lightweight e-MTB, brings a new level of fun and adaptability. This e-MTB stands out for its adjustable geometry, featuring Specialized’s S-sizing concept, two flip chips on the frame, and a customisable setup for trail and enduro riding. This means you can fine-tune your ride to your personal preferences, whether you’re hitting the trails or tackling an enduro race.
The Turbo Levo SL Gen 2 delivers value in spades. Here are some of its key features:
Lightweight carbon frame for a confident and integrated downhill riding position
Even weight distribution for a natural ride
Turbo SL 1.2 motor delivers balanced assistance and battery life
MasterMind TCU display customisable via smartphone app
Assistance adjustments in 10% increments
Price: £10,250.00
Specialized Turbo Levo SL Specifications
Frame: Full carbon
Weight: 17.5 kg (size S4)
Motor: Turbo SL 1.2
Motor power: 50NM
Battery size: 320Wh
Turbo Levo SL Pros:
Lightweight design
Adjustable geometry
High manufacturing quality
Turbo Levo SL Cons:
Premium pricing
If you’re after an e-MTB that excels in handling twisty trails, the Turbo Levo SL Gen 2 is your top choice.
Trek Powerfly: Best hardtail e bike
The Trek Powerfly is ideal for everyday commuting as well as leisurely rides on various terrains such as tow paths. This e bike accommodates different rider sizes and preferences with 27.5-inch wheels for small frames, and 29-inch wheels for medium to extra-large frames, complemented by premium wheels and tyres. The base model’s forks with lockout and damping, and 100mm travel provide sufficient support for riding on rocky paths, ensuring a comfortable off-road experience. However, it may not be the best for aggressive downhill routes.
Price from: £3,674.00
Trek Powerfly Specifications
Forks: RockShox 35 Gold RL with lockout and damping
Wheel Size: 27.5-inch for small frames, 29-inch for medium to extra-large frames
Motor: Gen 4 Bosch Performance Line CX Smart System
Motor Power: 85NM
Battery Size: 625Wh
Trek Powerfly Pros:
Versatile for commuting and playful riding
Accommodates different rider sizes
Walk Assist and intelligent e-MTB mode
Trek Powerfly Cons:
Suspension performance that is not suitable for aggressive downhill routes
If you’re seeking a balance of comfort and efficiency with lighter weight, the Trek Powerfly is the best hardtail e model.
Orbea Wild: Best Bosch equipped
The Orbea Wild, an electric mountain bike powered by a Bosch Performance CX motor, is renowned for its enduro performance and agility. The Orbea Wild's pivot suspension also provides a progressive leverage ratio for better handling.
Despite its premium pricing, the Orbea Wild has received multiple accolades such as ‘eMTB of the Year’ acknowledging it as an important bike in the e-MTB category with exceptional handling akin to traditional mountain bikes.
Price: £6621.99
Orbea Wild Specifications
Motor: Gen 4 Bosch Performance Line CX Smart System
Motor Power: 85NM
Battery Size: 750Wh
Frame: Aluminium frame
Orbea Wild Pros:
High-performance enduro capability
Customisable build options
Balanced climbing and descending efficiency
Orbea Wild Cons:
Premium pricing
If you’re after an e-MTB that’s equipped with a reliable Bosch motor and offers a balance between climbing and descending efficiency, the Orbea Wild is your top choice.
Cannondale Moterra: Best for Trail Riding
The Cannondale Moterra gives riders confidence and control when on the trails and tackling uphill routes.
Priced competitively, the Moterra Neo is an appealing option for riders aiming for serious trail riding without breaking the bank. The Cannondale is a great value, highly capable e MTB and delivers an engaging ride.
Price from: £5439.00
Cannondale Moterra Specifications
Suspension: Cannondale Tuned front and back suspension system
Motor: Gen 4 Bosch Performance Line CX Smart System
Motor Power: 85NM
Battery size: 750Wh
Cannondale Moterra Pros:
Confident and responsive handling on trails
Efficient motor torque
Good battery life for longer routes
Cannondale Moterra Cons:
Not the best for extreme riders who plan to ride hard
While the Cannondale Tuned front and back suspension system serves a broad range of conditions, it may not be the best for extreme trails, but if you’re after an epic electric trail bike, the Cannondale Moterra is your top choice.
Choosing Your Ideal e-MTB
Consider the terrain you will generally be tackling. Hardtail electric mountain bikes are more suited to off road beginners and urban riders who occasionally head to the trails. Full suspension models are generally heavier and geared towards fully off road and extreme mountain bike trails.
The battery capacity of your e-MTB is another critical factor. Additional range can be achieved via additional Range Extenders. These are normally found on the smaller battery options such as the Trek Fuel EXE and the Specialized Levo SL mentioned above. These Range Extenders allow for adventures further afield, whereas other models offer larger capacity batteries for extended adventures. Keep in mind, however, that a larger battery will add extra weight.
The geometry of your e-MTB’s frame also plays a significant role in its performance. A longer wheelbase leads to a more balanced weight distribution, enhancing control at high speeds and on rough terrain. MTB riders also like to fine-tune their bikes for personal riding preferences and trail conditions, so consider how easy this is to do.
Finally, don’t overlook the importance of trying before buying. It’s imperative to consider frame size for stability and to take advantage of a demo to ensure the right fit. At Evolve e-Bikes we welcome customers to come and see and try out any of our electric mountain bikes at our store.
Understanding e-MTB Motors and Batteries
Electric Motor Options
Knowing the function of motors is crucial in choosing the most suitable e-MTB for you. E-MTB motors such as TQ-HPR50, Bosch Performance Line CX, Bosch CX-Race and Specialized Turbo Full Power 2.2 provide torque outputs ranging from 50Nm to 90Nm for climbing and overall riding assistance.
Battery Capacity
Batteries determine the range of your e-MTB. They come in various capacities, with options like the 320Wh, 360Wh, 625Wh, and 750Wh used in e-MTBs. These batteries require 2 to 4.5 hours for a full charge and must be integrated with the motor for optimal performance. Your choice of battery should consider your typical ride length and the availability of charging points along your route.
Bear in mind that less powerful motors will draw less power from their batteries. So while you may initially see less range with a 360Wh battery, a 50NM motor will use far less battery than an 85 or 90NM motor.
Controller and display variants also come into play, ranging from:
basic battery indicators
advanced systems with Bluetooth connectivity
full-colour screens
detailed ride tracking and fitness features
The Role of Suspension in e-MTBs
Whether you opt for a hardtail e-MTB with front suspension or a full-suspension model, your choice will significantly affect your comfort and control on the trail.
Absorb most bumps, reducing fatigue and injury risk
Increased traction due to being able to move with the terrain
Ideal for professional riders or those seeking comfort on complex terrains
Come with additional weight from the suspension system, which can affect e-MTB performance and handling.
On the other hand, hardtail electric mountain bikes cater to beginners and urban riders by providing a balance of comfort and efficiency with lighter weight. They offer sufficient support for proper mountain biking on rocky paths, ensuring a comfortable off-road experience.
Summary
From lightweight performers like the Trek Fuel EXe to high-power beasts like the Specialized Turbo Levo, each e-MTB brings something unique to the trail. Remember, the best e-MTB for you depends on your budget, riding style, desired features, and personal preferences.
Whether you’re a casual rider seeking a comfortable ride around town, or an adventurous rider seeking the thrill of downhill trails, there’s an e-MTB out there that’s perfect for you.
