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To find the best electric mountain bike, we've tested 25 models and ridden each for hundreds of miles and over 300,000 vertical feet. We measured the range, power output, and geometry. We also evaluated and ranked each e-bike's interface and controls.
A true disruptor in the market, the Amflow PL Carbon Pro is the best electric mountain bike we've tested. It's lighter, more powerful, and quieter than the rest. It also boasts an impressive range and a high value proposition. If you don't need full suspension, the Ride1Up TrailRush is by far the best value we've come across.
See our electric bike review for recommendations on the best eBikes from commuter bikes, class 3 bikes, and folding electric bikes.
Editor's Note: We updated this review to add the new Amflow PL Carbon Pro and Ride1Up TrailRush.
The Amflow PL Carbon Pro came out of nowhere to seriously upset the competition. Considerably lighter and more powerful than anything else on the market, this bike is remarkably adept and playful. A full-carbon 4-bar frame offers 150mm of travel, paired with a 160mm fork, and features a 64.5-degree headtube. Modern geometry and a well-thought-out build kit give the bike exceptional trail manners and wide appeal.
The Avinox M1 motor is the main attraction, redefining performance in this category with 105Nm of torque and up to 1000 watts of power. Packing an 800Wh battery, you wouldn't expect the Amflow to weigh in below 45 pounds, but that's part of its magic. The ride quality is sublime; it's fast, planted, and agile. The bike is Class 3 capable, giving it a top speed of 28 mph, and features a boost mode that gives it 120Nm of torque for up to 60 seconds. The bike uses a 2" OLED touch screen in the top tube and dual wireless controllers on the handlebars to give an unprecedented level of ride data and customization.
With all that we'd read about the motor and electronics, we expected to be impressed, but we had our doubts about whether such a young company could make the bike as compelling as its motor and software. Those doubts were quickly put to rest, and we found ourselves riding this bike further, harder, and with more enthusiasm than we knew we could muster. The geometry, motor dynamics, suspension, and software came together to create a near-perfect ride. Compared to the newest Specialized Levo Comp, the Amflow is faster, more powerful, has more range, and is almost nine pounds lighter. It's also priced very competitively, has a similar warranty, and is compatible with 29 or 27.5" rear wheels.
So, did we love everything about the bike? Almost. The Magura MT7 Pro brakes are incredibly lightweight but don't have the raw power of the now ubiquitous SRAM Mavens. The rear tire is a first-generation Maxxis Dissector, which is an excellent spec for most bikes, but our testing conditions called for something more extreme. We swapped the tires for a set of Schwalbe Radials that handled the torque and speed this bike produces better. We found the headtube angle agreeable for the up-and-down riding we did, but more gravity-oriented riders will likely wish for something slacker. That said, you can use a 170mm fork that pushes the headtube back to 64 degrees.
50 lbs 1oz (Large)(3lbs 5 oz - range extender battery)
The Santa Cruz Vala R is a departure from the norm for Santa Cruz as their first 4-bar linkage bike and their first bike to use a Bosch motor. Packing a 600Wh battery and full-power motor, the Vala feels remarkably agile and fun to ride. The bike features adjustable geometry, allowing you to slacken the headtube by 0.3 degrees to 63.9 degrees and lower the bottom bracket by 4mm to 340mm. A flip chip allows for an adjustable leverage rate, and the bike is coil-shock compatible. Mullet wheels and aggressive geometry give the bike a sporty feel and a fearless disposition.
The Bosch CX Line motor produces 85 Nm of torque, and while it may not be the most powerful motor on the market, I never found its power to be insufficient. Using the associated Bosch Flow app, you can tweak the motor's power and dynamics to customize it to your liking. I was able to find settings that worked for my fitness and riding style, but compared to other powertrains, it feels less smooth and refined.
I found several of the bike's components disappointing for the price point, but even so, I loved riding this bike. This is admittedly the least expensive Vala, but the brakes and drivetrain distract from the overall experience. The 160mm Zeb fork and Fox Float X Performance shock are base models, but I found them to complement the bike quite well.
The C Carbon frame is available with five build kits, while the lighter CC Carbon frame is available with the top two build kits. Both offer five frame sizes and are compatible with a 250Wh PowerMore range extender. While I'm not convinced of the value of the Vala, I'm wildly impressed with how much fun and capable this bike is.
The all-carbon DW-Link Ibis Oso 1.1 is a bear of a trail bike. With 155mm of rear travel and a 170mm fork, the bike is undeterred by most of the obstacles that litter our terrain. Ibis says the Oso is like riding “Downhill both ways,” and that's pretty accurate. A 64-degree headtube sits atop a Fox 38, giving you fearless descending capabilities.
Ibis offers four frame sizes (S, M, L, XL) and only one build kit, but that's not a bad thing, as the curated parts list is absolutely dialed. SRAM Transmission, XT 4-piston brakes, Maxxis DD tires, and Fox Performance Suspension leave little desire for upgrades. Small and Medium bikes get the mullet treatment while the two larger sizes roll on 29" wheels.
Using the Gen 4 Bosch Performance CX Line motor, the bike gets 85Nm of torque to conquer the ascents. A 750-watt battery gives the bike an impressive range and a bit more mass than most. The Bosch Flow app gives the bike additional functionality and lets you tweak most of the performance parameters.
If crushing big mountain lines is your idea of a good time, the Oso is “Oh, so good”. Its size and weight make the bike feel less agile, but it results in a new type of trail fun.
Ride1Up has been building high-value electric bikes and selling them directly to the consumer since 2018, but this is their first real electric mountain bike. The TrailRush is an aluminum hardtail that uses a Brose mid-drive motor for up to 90Nm of pedal-assist. The bike has a reasonably nice part spec with a 10-speed Shimano drivetrain, quad-piston hydraulic brakes, and an adjustable suspension fork. The bike uses semi-progressive geometry to give you a ride that is fun on the trails but doesn't feel out of place on the bike path. If getting off-road is your intent, the 2.6" Maxxis tires and dropper seatpost will serve you well.
The bike is available in two sizes, accommodating riders from 5'5" to 6'4". Both sizes use 29" wheels and offer 120mm of suspension travel. The Brose motor offers a fair amount of customization, and the clever all-in-one remote / display shows an impressive amount of ride data. A 504Wh battery hidden in the downtube doesn't provide class-leading range, but we were able to ride almost 20 miles in the bike's most powerful setting while barely pedaling.
The TrailRush tips the scales at over 57 pounds and uses a narrow-range cassette that doesn't offer a very low climbing gear. The motor's torque masks both of these issues, but riding the bike without power isn't advised. All of the criticism we have of the bike has to be weighed against the incredible value it offers. This bike is hundreds (or thousands) of dollars less than most electric mountain bikes on the market, and lets you ride further and faster than you might on an analog bike. Ride1Up hit a home run with this bike. Check out our full review and see how it compares to the Aventon Ramblas.
Aventon isn't known for mountain bikes.. yet. The new Ramblas with Aventon's own A100 motor puts this company on the trail map. The Ramblas rolls in with an exciting spec and an even more exciting price tag. The build on this bike is quite impressive, with a RockShox 35 Silver fork, SRAM NX Eagle drivetrain, SRAM DB8 brakes, a dropper post, and Maxxis tires. A downtube-stashed and removable 708Wh battery powers the torquey motor. This is the least expensive e-mtb we've ever tested; it's also the most powerful e-mtb we've ever tested, putting down more than 26Nm of torque to the ground in our dynamometer test. Our lead tester Joshua says, “Most E-MTB models climb at about the same rate in turbo. The Ramblas just smoked them all.”
An aluminum frame, 29" wheels, a 130mm coil-sprung fork, and slightly conservative modern geometry make this an incredibly versatile bike. Many people will be sold on the spec alone, but the bike is more than the sum of its parts. Notably, it's wildly fun and powerful; even when riding with other e-bikes, the Ramblas is off the front in cross-country terrain. The direct-to-consumer model yields some impressive savings, and Aventon will find a huge market for this bike with 4 sizes, the smallest using 27.5" wheels to accommodate riders down to 5'1".
The ride quality isn't forgiving, and Aventon didn't make it easy to change; the fork isn't adjustable, and the rims aren't tubeless compatible, so rowdy trail riders might not appreciate the lack of comfort. This e-mtb might be for more than just trail riders, though; equipped with tail lights in the chainstays, a bright headlight, and a mount for a kickstand, this bike should appeal to riders who crave a bit more versatility with a mountain bike disposition.
Tipping our scale at 54 lbs, it's not svelte, but the bike's ample power does a good job compensating for its mass. In our range test, the Ramblas rode 30.1 miles with 5980 feet of vertical climbing on a single charge. Powerful, capable, and well-priced, the Ramblas is a slam dunk.
Smaller motor and battery provide less torque and range
Pricey
SPECIFICATIONS
Battery Size (Wh)
320Wh (+160Wh Range Extender)
Wheel size (inches)
MX (29" front, 27.5" rear)
Motor System
Specialized SL 1.2 (320W)
Motor Power (torque)
50Nm
Measured Weight (w/o pedals)
40 lbs 1 oz (S4)(2lbs 6 oz - range extender battery)
The redesigned Specialized Turbo Levo SL Comp is a mid-powered electric trail bike that feels more like a trail bike than an electric bike. Built with Specialized's next-generation SL 1.2 motor and a 320Wh battery, it adds power, speed, and torque to your rides. The motor's 50Nm of torque doesn't give it the same powerful feeling that we've come to associate with standard Levo's 90Nm of torque. Instead, the Levo SL hits that sweet spot of assist and weight, giving it the agility and versatility of a trail bike with just a bit of extra oomph.
This bike is a blast to descend on; its slacker (and adjustable) headtube angle paid dividends at high speeds, and the shorter 432mm chainstays gave it a poppy, agile feel. In technical situations, the bike's lighter weight gave it a spry disposition that isn't present on most assisted mountain bikes. Power engages with a natural feel that can be mistaken for your own, allowing the rider to climb with enhanced athleticism, but it won't rob you of cardio on the ascent. While the bike is low on power, that shouldn't be a point against it. With 320 watts of assist on Turbo, the bike changes the dynamic of your ride while still allowing you to push that cardio button.
The FACT 11M carbon frame and Fox suspension work well together to provide a comfortable and responsive ride. This build feels like the sweet spot of performance for the dollar; Specialized offers an alloy model, but it's a few pounds heavier and not priced significantly less. We also tested this bike with a 29" rear wheel, giving it a more efficient but less rowdy feel. At just over 40 pounds, we loved how lightweight this bike feels, allowing us to ride without power and still have a quality ride.
A fantastic trail bike that just happens to have a motor. Credit: Matt Lighthart
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Out for a rip while testing the best new electric mountain bikes. Credit: Laura Casner
How We Tested
Over several months, our team of professional mountain bike testers rode each of the electric mountain bikes in our test selection on various trails and terrain in a range of climates. Each tester rode each of the bikes numerous times, often riding the different models back to back for the sake of comparison. We treated them like rental cars, putting them through the wringer to identify their strengths and weaknesses.
Our testing covers five rating metrics:
Downhill Performance tests (30% of overall score weighting)
Climbing Performance tests (25% weighting)
Distance Range tests (25% weighting)
Power Output tests (15% weighting)
E-Bike Controls tests (5% weighting)
We put each bike through a multi-point performance analysis to rank its performance as a mountain bike and its ability as an e-bike. We've ridden these bikes hundreds of miles, subjecting each bike to numerous tests to assess performance and compare them. The most important metric for mountain e-bikes is downhill performance, which comprises 35% of the total score. We found this is the most important functionality of a mountain bike, giving it a higher weight than other test metrics.
Why Trust GearLab
Our team of testers has a strong background in the bike industry. These riders have been racers, mechanics, shop owners, and adventure lovers passionate about all things bicycle.
Joshua Hutchens has spent decades in the bicycle industry. He has been a racer, bike shop owner, mechanic, and guide. When he's not testing bikes, Joshua teaches mountain biking to kids through his local community college. Hutchens has a critical eye for the nuances of mountain bike performance and loves his time in the air. His favorite trails are Highline in Sedona and A-Line in Whistler. Chris McNamara spends a whole lot of time in the saddle. This rock climber turned mountain biker loves huge rides covering obscene distances. He is working on a few gigantic rides, including a singletrack route around Lake Tahoe and a ride from Canada to Cabo San Lucas.
The Levo isn't reluctant to get airborne, but its weight feels like a lot to muscle. Credit: Joshua Hutchens
How to Choose the Best Electric Mountain Bike
Finding the perfect bike in itself can prove to be a challenging task, but adding a motor to the mix can make finding the right bike feel daunting. We're here to help you navigate the wide range of options on the market and provide some key considerations to help streamline the buying process.
Lightweight or Full Power Electric Bike?
Full-powered e-MTBs will offer larger motors in the 700-1000Wh range with torque specs between 80-120Nm. These bikes can be a great option for longer rides and riders wanting more support going uphill. They're also great for those just getting into the sport that may benefit from a bit of extra assistance.
A lightweight e-MTB seeks to complement your riding through subtle pedal assistance and a lighter battery, which helps with handling and agility. The ability to stuff a smaller 320-450Wh battery into the frame means a sleeker, more streamlined design. This also reduces the weight of the bike and impoves its handling characteristics, providing a more natural riding experience.
Other factors, such as the types of bikes your group or partners ride, can affect whether a fully powered e-MTB is necessary. When deciding between the two, it's important to consider how you want to experience the trail. Do you value the ability to travel further and squeeze as many laps in as possible, or do you prefer the more natural feel and playful agility of a lighter bike? While the choice is ultimately personal preference, gauging your intentions and typical riding habits/trails can help you find the appropriate bike.
Lightweight or full-power electric bike, you are bound to have a good time. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Frame Material
Just like analog/acoustic/amish mountain bikes, electric mountain bike frames can be had in alloy or carbon fiber. Carbon creates a lighter, stronger frame that provides a more dampened ride. Carbon can be moded to exact dimensions, producing a frame that foregoes welds availabel shapes, giving you a serious weight advantage. Those weight savings take a higher toll on your wallet and are by and large, not recycleable. For the weight-conscious rider, a carbon frame might be worth the extra dough, but if you're less concerned with saving weight, an alloy frame will cost less and likely outlive the bike's motor and battery.
Which Wheel Size is Right for You?
While the majority of e-MTBs on the market opt for 29" wheels to help support the larger platform and maximize your breakover angle, some bikes are available with 27.5" rear wheels. These are collectively known as mullets or Mx configurations that stands for mixed wheels. Some frames feature geometry adjustments that allow you use either size rear wheel. In general, the larger 29" wheels are more efficient, while the smaller rear wheels can make the bike feel more agile and playful. Mullet bikes use shorter chainstays and pull the rear wheel up underneath you, giving the bike more pop and generally better manners when you leave te ground.
The Amflow PL Carbon Pro feels almost too good to be true. Its power-to-weight ratio is just part of its appeal; this bike is exceptionally good. Credit: Matt Lighthart
How Much Travel Do You Need?
The different amounts of travel on a bike help categorize its riding capabilities and intended use. Most bikes under 140mm of travel will excel in cross-country and trail riding, ideal for long days on the saddle. Bikes between 140mm and 160mm of travel are the most popular travel options for e-MTB, and for good reason. Anything over 160mm typically means they're a bit more focused on descending capabilities. The majority of e-MTBs will fall within the all-mountain category, which is generally 140-160mm travel. This range gives you the best of both worlds, where uphill pedaling isn't compromised yet the bike the bike retains it's capabilities when the trail turns back toward sea level. The added benefit of a well-designed e-MTB means you can get away with more travel without sacrificing uphill performance thanks to pedal-assisted motors.
Choosing the right travel is dependent on your terrain and riding style, but it's hard to go wrong these days with the advancements in geometry and design. Credit: Abriah Wofford
Do You Really Need Full Suspension
Much of the development of electric mountain bikes has been focused on full-suspension models that can tackle all-terrain. For some riders, a hardtail e-bike with a suspension fork may be adequate. These models cost significantly less and require less maintenance. They're generally not as comfortable on rough terrain, but if your ambitions don't lie in high-speed rocky descents, you might be able to save some cash. Models like the Aventon Ramblas or Ride1Up TrailRush offer incredible value and a far simpler approach to electrified trail riding. Their use of higher volume tires helps to offset the bumpier ride that leads to less traction.
Analysis and Test Results
We scrutinized every aspect of each e-bike's performance. We scored them on several rating metrics, downhill performance, climbing performance, distance range, power output, and e-bike controls to gain the knowledge to help you in your e-bike buying quest.
The 4th generation of the Specialized Levo is a compelling, but heavy choice. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Worse Value
Better Value
What's the Best Value?
Mountain bikes can be quite expensive, and adding an electric pedal-assist motor makes them even more expensive. The priciest electric mountain bikes aren't always the highest-performing ones; there are some spectaculr bikes priced well below the $20,000 Specialized is asking for their top of the line Levo. For instance, the Ride1Up TrailRush costs much less than some of its competitors yet performs almost as well. Ride1Up achieves this value by selling directly to consumers. Similarly, the Aventon Ramblas is an incredibly impressive bike priced well below $3000. The Amflow PL Carbon Pro might break into 5-digit pricing but it's a spectacular bike with all of the upgrades built in.
The Ramblas is really a spectacular value. Credit: Matt Lighthart
What is an E-Bike?
There are various kinds and classifications of electric bikes on the market. Most electric mountain bikes fall into the Class 1 category, where power is delivered only while the rider is pedaling. In the US, Class 1 electric bikes are limited to a top speed of 20 mph, and their motors are designed with a speed governor to regulate it. These types of e-bikes resemble modern mountain bikes, but they have significant battery packs and small motor units integrated into the frame design. The e-MTB pedal-assist motor is typically built around the bottom bracket and provides varying levels of pedaling “support” directly into the drivetrain while the cranks are turning. Most drive unit systems offer several support settings that provide pedal assistance, amplifying the user's input to varying degrees. Some of the newer bikes to cross our review desk offer Class 3 capabilities, meaning their pedal assist function provides power up to 28mph.
We tested full suspension all-mountain/trail bike models with relatively similar amounts of suspension travel, geometry, and wheel/tire size. The addition of a large battery and a small motor adds significant weight to an e-bike, and they generally weigh in the neighborhood of 50 lbs, approximately 20 pounds heavier than non-e-bikes. The heavy weight of these bikes makes them significantly more difficult to ride without the support of the pedal-assist motor. There are some exception to this rule, the Specialized Levo SL, a lower-powered and lighter-weight model that tips the scales at just over 40 pounds. The Amflow PL Carbon Pro has the most powerful motor in our test and a large 800Wh battery but weighs just over 44 pounds.
There are many places in the U.S. where you can legally and responsibly ride e-MTBs and take it from us; they are a heck of a lot of fun. We recommend checking with local land management agencies and other resources to determine where electric mountain bikes are allowed before hitting the trails. We know that you can ride e-MTBs on any trails that are legal for motorized use, so we took advantage of the wealth of OHV trails in the greater Lake Tahoe area for our testing purposes.
It is important to note that adding a motor, battery, controls, wiring, and sensors to a mountain bike creates additional potential for these components to have issues or fail altogether. We recommend researching warranty coverage and buying from a knowledgeable local dealer whenever possible to ensure that you will be taken care of if problems arise.
The Levo SL makes air travel easy. Credit: Joshua Hutchens
Downhill Performance
Downhill performance is our most highly weighted rating metric because we feel that the most important element of an e-bike is how well it performs out on the trail, especially when bombing down the hill. Each tester rode every bike numerous times and formulated their own opinions of each model, considering how factors like the component spec, geometry, and frame design play a role in its downhill performance. All the e-bikes we tested were fun to ride, but they each had distinct personalities and trail manners. To test this, we rode the bikes downhill a lot and took them down various terrains, from fast and flowing open trails to tight, low-speed technical, and everything in between.
In the end, the Santa Cruz Vala R and Amflow PL Carbon Pro were the funnest bikes to descend on. The slacker geometry on the Vala lets you get rowdy and wild while the lighter weight of the Amflow gives it far more agility. Both bikes have 150/160mm of travel and use 4-bar suspension designs. The full-power Turbo Levo Comp was another favorite on the descent. Also packing 150/160mm of travel, the Levo can steamroll the trail with confidence and composure. Additionally, the highly adjustable geometry allows the rider to dramatically alter the bike's character and handling to suit their style, terrain, and preferences. You decide how you want the Levo to ride, even if that means adding a 180mm fork.
With oodles of traction, all that mass, and progressive geometry, the Levo descends with astonishing confidence. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The Santa Cruz Heckler SL combines 150/160mm of travel, modern trail riding geometry, and mixed wheel sizes to create a super versatile, lightweight ride that performs well across varying speeds and terrain. It's stable and confident at speed and in steep terrain, yet it remains maneuverable and handles well at lower speeds and on moderate trails. Much like the Specialized Levo models, it feels like a trail bike with responsive handling, agility, and the ability to get after it when the mood hits or the trail gets rowdy.
The smaller rear wheel gives the bike even more confidence in steep and technical terrain. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The Specialized Levo SL is a 150mm travel 29er with modern geometry. It impressed us with its lightweight yet, ground-hugging feel, and it seemed eager to get up to speed. The Levo SL's flip-chips also give the rider the ability to adjust the geometry to their terrain or preferences or use a smaller rear wheel. The Amflow PL Carbon can also use 29 or 27.5" rear wheels but doesn't have the breadth of geometry adjustments the Specialized does.
Small adjustments to the geometry yield big changes to the geometry. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Climbing Performance
You've gotta get up to get down, and one of the intentions of e-bikes is to make it much easier to do just that. Some of our testers even claim that climbing is now nearly as fun as descending, thanks to the pedal assistance. Climbing on an e-MTB with pedal assist support is still somewhat different from climbing on a bike without a motor. These bikes can carry some serious speed uphill, changing the climbing dynamic with a much faster pace, often tossing finesse out the window in favor of power and momentum. The heavy weight of these bikes provides incredible traction, keeping them planted on the ground, and compression dampening/climbing switches can be left wide open to enjoy the added traction benefits of active rear suspension. Each bike's geometry, kinematics, handling, and power output all played a role in how well they performed on the ascents, and we had plenty of time to test them while rallying back uphill for more downhill laps.
The Specialized Turbo Levo is a very competent climber. The Levo's powerful 3.1 motor is one factor, but its dialed trail riding geometry is another. Not only is it comfortable, but it is also highly maneuverable with responsive handling, making it ideal for tackling whatever you may encounter on the trail. The bike has abundant power, but its weight gives it less manueverability uphill and it wants to go over the terrain in stead of around it. The Amflow PL Carbon Pro is a rocketship up the trails, even its less powerful settings, the bike feels like it's scurrying up the climbs but less mass and slightly steeper geometry make you feel more dexterous and agile. The Specialized Turbo Levo SL is another favorite on the uphills. The bike lends itself well to scrambling up just about any climb while holding on to some of that analog maneuverability. Due to the Levo's adjustable geometry, however, this may not always be the case as its handling can be altered so dramatically. It tops out at 50 Nm of assist so it never really has that chairlift type of drag you up the mountain assist, instead it gives you just enought oomph that you feel like maybe its just a really good day.
Electric mountain bikes can change the way you interact with the trail and greatly expand your range. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The Specialized Levo SL was the most agile bikes in the test. Testers agreed that line choice was of critical importance and you couldn't just point-and-shoot like you can on the full-power bikes. Flip-chips were nice features on these bikes that allowed us to dial in the geometry. and we generally found the high setting to be better for climbing and everyday trail riding. The low settings were well suited for blistering fast descents and courageous moves.
Jumping while heading uphill is an almost e-bike-exclusive activity. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The Santa Cruz Heckler SL was a bit of an outlier in this metric. With roughly half the power output and torque of the full-power models, you work a little harder on the climbs, but it's not that much lighter. That said, it has a comfortable geometry, quick handling, and no drivetrain drag. Riders who enjoy working a bit harder for their turns will enjoy the Santa Cruz.
Steep climbs can be relaxing on a full-powered ebike. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Distance Range
The distance range of an electric mountain bike refers to the distance you can travel on a single battery charge, given a specific set of circumstances. E-MTBs come with a range of battery storage capacities, most in the range of 625-700Wh, with a few exceptions. 900Wh batteries have now entered the conversation, and the technology only continues to evolve, with them getting lighter and smaller every year. Theoretically, the larger the battery, the longer and farther you should be able to ride, but external variables like rider weight, pedaling input, terrain, trail conditions, and temperature may all affect the length of time or distance that a battery charge will last.
To compare the distance range of the models in our test, we had the same tester take each bike out in its highest support setting and do laps on roughly the same course until the batteries ran down from fully charged to completely dead. When we finished, we recorded the distance and vertical gain that each model could complete and easily and objectively determined our winner. To equalize the input provided by the rider, we use Garmin power meter pedals and monitor our input, keeping it just high enough to activate the torque sensors without adding so much that we extend the bikes range.
Specialized is no longer winning the battery size wars (for now), but the Turbo Levo Comp is still very competitive with its 840Wh battery. This battery is removable, and Specialized left room for SWAT storage in the top of the downtube. It came as no surprise that it was one of the top performers in our range test, and our tester rode the Levo 27.2 miles with almost 5,000 vertical feet during our standardized testing. The newer Levo has less range than the previous model, despite having a larger battery; torque takes its toll.
The Santa Cruz Vala R is not outdone but is equipped with a 600Wh battery and the Bosch motor. It traveled over 26 miles with nearly 5,000 vertical feet before running out of juice. This performance was backed up by several trail rides in the 30-mile range with around 6k of climbing. The Ibis Oso comes with a 750Wh battery and clocked over 30 miles and 6000+ feet of elevation gain. The Aventon Ramblas was not far behind, boasting a 708Wh battery and the A100 motor. We logged 30.1 miles and 5980 feet of ascent.
The charge port doubles as an input for the range extender battery. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Despite the 635Wh of battery storage, the Ari Wire Peak has the shortest distance range of all the tested models. We rode it for 20.5 miles with less than 2,000 vertical feet of elevation gain on its high power setting. Each model of the Wire Peak utilizes a different motor, and despite the low torque output of the Shimano E7000 motor, it was unable to compete with the longer range of other bikes in our test. During some of our rides on the Levo Comp, we were able to ride well over 30 miles with more than 5,000 vertical feet of climbing, and significantly more if we used the Eco mode.
It may go without saying, but the less power output you use while riding your e-bike, the more range you'll have. All of the pedal-assist drive units we tested also have smartphone apps that can be used to customize your support settings, and such changes may allow for more or less range on your electric mountain bike. Specialized's Mission Control app even has a feature that lets you set a predetermined route, and the app then regulates the motor's support to ensure power lasts to finish your ride. There is also a feature that allows you to set a heart rate goal, and the bike will provide just enough assistance to stay within the heart rate zone you selected.
Fun and flickable, the Vala cheats gravity on the way up and helps you make the most of it on the way down. Credit: Natalie Kafader
Power Output
The whole idea of an e-bike is transferring power from the motor into the drivetrain to “support” your regular pedal stroke. All of the different drive units do this in relatively the same way, although subtle differences in their power output make them all feel slightly different. It is important to note that all of these systems work pretty well; their differences are generally pretty subtle. We tested this metric primarily based on feel instead of scientific measurement, and our testers could all ascertain the differences between the various models in blind testing. All of the e-bikes we tested are Class 1 with a top pedal-assist speed of 20 mph and have several support modes offering varying levels of pedal assist support.
The new Specialized 3.1 motor system boasts 101 Nm of torque with a peak output of 666 watts, and we found it to feel marginally more powerful than everything else, even the Aventon Ramblas. The Ramblas uses Aventon's A100 motor with a shocking amount of power for the dollar and crushes the climbs that might otherwise intimidate you. The A100 is advertised as producing, you guessed it, 100Nm of torque.
You don't need to spend a fortune to have fun; the Ride1Up TrailRush is an incredible value. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Despite a torque rating of 85Nm, the Bosch Performance CX motor on the Ibis Oso felt very powerful. The power output was smooth, consistent, and strong, and the bike felt incredibly fast. The Levo SL falls into a category different from the other bikes in this review. The SL1.2 motor is significantly smaller, with a maximum torque of 50Nm and up to 320 Watts of power. This is a little more than half of the competition, and that is by design. Power output is impressively smooth, although it doesn't deliver the oomph of the full-power models. It makes the rider work harder and may be preferred by some riders. The Santa Cruz Heckler SL uses the Fazua Ride60 motor, which has 60Nm of torque on paper but doesn't feel much more punchy then the Specialized motor.
The Bosch motor compared to the Fazua on these two Santa Cruz models.
E-Bike Controls
The bikes we tested all use a variety of e-bike motor systems, and the controls, the primary user interface, are an important element we rated but didn't weigh as heavily as some of the others. Each motor system and its associated controls are slightly different. Our primary interest is in how user-friendly it is to interact with the system, how intuitive and ergonomic the shifters are, how good and easy the display is to read, and how easy it is to charge the battery. Each drive system also has a smartphone app intended to allow the user to fine-tune the motor's support settings, create custom settings, monitor battery charge and health, and a lot more. We don't feel the apps are necessary for using any of these e-MTBs, but those with an affinity for technology or personalizing your ride may be inclined to use them.
Conclusion
There are loads of great electric mountain bikes on the market, with seemingly more options every few months. If you're in the market for an e-MTB, then you already know it can be hard to decide which is the best for your needs. We hope this detailed comparative review helps you find the best model for riding style, terrain, and budget. We will continue to update this review as new bikes emerge and electric mountain bikes continue to evolve.
