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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 PX Carbon Pro is the best electric mountain bike we've tested. It's lighter, more powerful, and quieter than the rest. It boasts the best motor on the market, adjustable geometry, and is still an impressive value proposition.
If you don't need full suspension, the Aventon Ramblas ADV is a stellar bike at an exceptional price.
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 on June 23rd, 2026 to add the new Amflow PX Carbon Pro.
Quick Picks
Here's a quick list of our favorite Electric Mountain Bike recommendations.
The Amflow PX Carbon Pro moves the goalposts in e-mtb performance. While most companies were trying to match Amflow's performance, they were busy redefining what high performance would mean. The glaring highlight of this bike is the Avinox M2S motor, which delivers more power and torque than any other powertrain on the market. Beyond the motor, it's a spectacular bike with a host of noteworthy features.
The PX is a full-carbon 4-bar linkage frame that offers 150mm of travel, paired with a 160mm fork, and features a 64.2-degree headtube and Mx wheels. Not content with “just” modern geometry, Amflow gave the bike up to 40 possible geometry configurations. This allows you to alter the head tube angle, bottom bracket height, and chainstay length, making the bike a chameleon of capability. A high-end build kit includes carbon wheels, a SRAM XO AXS drivetrain, Magura Gustav Pro brakes, and Schwalbe Radial tires. This gave the bike an up-for-anything disposition that left our testers wanting for nothing.
A 700Wh battery with industry-leading power density gives the bike a svelte downtube and a curb weight of just over 46 pounds. A 2" touch screen in the top tube and dual wireless handlebar controls allow you an unprecedented level of ride data and customization. The bike is Class 3-capable, with a top speed of 28 mph, and delivers 1300 watts of power and 130 Nm of torque. As if that weren't already dwarfing every other bike on the market, you can toggle to Boost mode for 60 seconds, delivering 1500 watts of power and 150 Nm of torque. The bike isn't better because it's more powerful; it's better because it's well-designed, well-equipped, and lighter than the competition without sacrificing performance.
The ride quality is sublime; it's fast, planted, and agile. It pushes you to ride harder, and we never felt like it was too much bike for tight, technical climbs or too little bike for harrowing, gap-and-drop-filled descents. While our testers absolutely loved the PX, it feels geared toward advanced riders with solid bike-handling skills. If you're new to the sport, you might want to work your way up to this level of power and performance.
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 adjustable leverage, 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, we never found its power to be insufficient. Using the associated Bosch Flow app, you can tweak the motor's power and dynamics to suit your preferences. We found settings that worked for our fitness and riding style, but compared to other powertrains, it feels less smooth and refined. That said, the motor continues to improve and grow more powerful over time as software updates roll out.
We found several of the bike's components disappointing for the price point, but I still loved riding it. This is admittedly the least expensive of the carbon Valas, but the brakes and drivetrain distract from the overall experience. The 160mm Zeb fork and Fox Float X Performance shock are base models, but they complement the bike quite well.
There are 7 carbon models, 2 Aluminum models, and 2 “Lite” models that use the company's lighter, more expensive CC frames. The carbon frames are available in 5 sizes, while the Aluminum frames omit XXL, leaving 4 sizes. All models are compatible with a Bosch 250Wh PowerMore range extender. We don't feel the Vala is an exceptional value, but all our testers were wildly impressed by how fun and capable this bike is.
The new Ramblas ADV is the follow-up to Aventon's wildly successful Ramblas released last year. Using Aventon's own A100 motor, this bike is surprisingly capable. The Ramblas ADV has an exciting spec and an even more exciting price tag. The build on this bike is quite impressive, with a RockShox Psylo fork, SRAM NX Eagle drivetrain, SRAM DB6 brakes, a dropper post, and Maxxis tubeless tires. A downtube-stashed and removable 708Wh battery powers the torquey motor. Our lead tester says, “Most E-MTB models climb at about the same rate in turbo. The Ramblas ADV sits in the front of that pack.”
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 ADV has standout power and performance. The direct-to-consumer model yields impressive savings, and Aventon will find a huge market for this bike, which comes in 3 sizes, accommodating riders from 5'5" to 6'5".
The ride quality isn't forgiving, and Aventon didn't make it easy to adjust; the non-adjustable fork works fine for riders in the middle of the weight range, but lighter-weight riders and those pushing closer to the bike's 300-pound weight limit will find the suspension less than ideal. This e-mtb might be for more than just trail riders, though; equipped with taillights in the chainstays, a bright headlight, and a kickstand mount, this bike is perfect for adventure-seeking riders who crave a bit more versatility with a mountain-bike disposition.
Tipping the scales at 53.3 lbs set up tubeless, it's not svelte, but the bike's ample power does a good job of compensating for its mass. In our range test, the Ramblas ADV rode 29.1 miles with over 5700 feet of vertical climbing on a single charge. Powerful, capable, and well-priced, the Ramblas is a slam dunk.
The Ride1Up TrailRush is a rugged aluminum hardtail that marks the brand's first serious move into the mountain bike world. It features a quiet, German-engineered Brose mid-drive motor that delivers 90 Nm of torque, giving you a natural pedaling feel that makes steep climbs much easier. While it's built to handle dirt with its adjustable RockShox air fork, grippy Maxxis tires, and a dropper seatpost, its balanced design means it won't feel awkward on a paved bike path. It's also a Class 3 bike, so it can assist you up to 28 mph, making it a powerful and versatile option for both trail adventures and fast commutes.
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 deliver class-leading range, but we rode 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 very low gearing. The motor's torque masks both issues, but riding the bike without power isn't advisable. All the criticism we have of the bike must 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 ADV.
A 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 deliver a comfortable, 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
Product Comparison Table
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 anything that starts with the letter H 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 that cover 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 can be challenging on its own, but adding a motor to the mix can make it 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 80-130Nm. These bikes can be a great option for longer rides and for riders wanting more uphill support. They're also great for those just getting into the sport who may benefit from a bit of extra assistance.
A lightweight e-MTB aims to complement your riding with subtle pedal assistance and a lighter battery, enhancing 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 bike's weight and improves its handling, providing a more natural riding experience. Bikes like the Amflow PX use a slender 700Wh battery with a higher power density, giving you a lighter bike, sleeker design and plenty of power.
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 a matter of 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 are available in alloy or carbon fiber. Carbon creates a lighter, stronger frame that provides a more dampened ride. Carbon can be molded to exact dimensions, producing a frame that foregoes welds and the need for available shapes, giving you a serious weight advantage. Those weight savings take a higher toll on your wallet and are, by and large, not recyclable. 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 most e-MTBs on the market use 29" wheels to support a 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, which stand for mixed wheels. Some frames feature geometry adjustments that allow you to use either rear wheel size. 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 the 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 with 140mm to 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 retains its 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 focused on full-suspension models that can tackle all-terrain conditions. 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 ADV 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 metrics: downhill performance, climbing performance, distance range, power output, and e-bike controls 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; there are some spectacular bikes priced well below the $20,000 Specialized is asking for its 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 ADV is an incredibly impressive bike priced well below $3000. The Amflow PX Carbon Pro breaks into 5-digit pricing, but it's a spectacular bike with class leading power and all of the upgrades built in.
The Ramblas ADV 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 suspension travel, geometry, and wheel/tire sizes. 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 weight of these bikes makes them significantly more difficult to ride without the support of the pedal-assist motor. There are some exceptions 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 PX Carbon Pro has the most powerful motor in our test and a large 700Wh battery, but it weighs just over 46 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 increases the likelihood that these components will experience issues or fail altogether. We recommend researching warranty coverage and buying from a knowledgeable local dealer whenever possible to ensure you are taken care of if problems arise.
The Levo SL makes air travel easy. Credit: Joshua Hutchens
Downhill Performance
Downhill performance is our highest-weighted rating metric because we feel that the most important element of an e-bike is how well it performs 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 PX Carbon Pro had the best downhill manners. The slacker geometry on the Vala lets you get rowdy and wild, while the Amflow's lighter weight 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. The highly adjustable geometry on the Amflow and Specialized allows you to dramatically alter the bike's character and handling to suit your style, terrain, and preferences.
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, but the Levo SL can also run a 29" rear wheel. 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 allow the rider to adjust the geometry to their terrain or preferences, or to 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 that the Specialized does.
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 Amflow PX Carbon Pro is the most competent climber we've tested. The Avinox M2S motor produces a class-leading amount of power and torque, but what really helped the bike crush the technical climbs was its lighter weight. Not only is the Amflow comfortable, but it is also highly maneuverable and responsive, making it ideal for tackling whatever you may encounter on the trail. The Specialized Turbo Levo SL is another favorite on the uphills. The bike lends itself well to scrambling up just about any climb while retaining some of that analog maneuverability. However, due to the Levo's adjustable geometry, 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 drag-you-up-the-mountain assist; instead, it gives you just enough oomph that you feel like maybe it's 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 bike 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 a nice feature on these bikes that let us 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 Heckler SL.
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 504-700Wh, 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 can affect how long a charge lasts or how far you can ride.
To compare the models' distance range in our test, we had the same tester take each bike out in its highest support setting and ride 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 bike's range.
Specialized is no longer winning the battery-size wars (for now), but the Turbo Levo Comp remains 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 of elevation gain before running out of juice. This performance was backed up by several trail rides in the 30-mile range with about 6k of elevation gain. The Aventon Ramblas ADV was not far behind, boasting a 708Wh battery and the A100 motor, logging 29.1 miles and 5711 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 uses a different motor, and despite the Shimano E7000 motor's low torque, it couldn't match the longer range of other bikes in our test. During some of our rides on the Levo Comp, we rode 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 let you customize your support settings, and these changes may increase or decrease the range on your electric mountain bike. Keep in mind that most bikes can also use a range extender, giving bikes like the Amflow PX Carbon Pro up to 1300Wh of battery.
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 to transfer power from the motor to the drivetrain to “support” your regular pedal stroke. All the different drive units do this in roughly the same way, though subtle differences in their power output make them 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 by feel rather than scientific measurement, and our testers could all discern differences among the models in blind testing. All of the e-bikes we tested are Class 1, with a top pedal-assist speed of 20 mph (although a few can be set to Class 3/28 mph modes), and they have several support modes offering varying levels of pedal assist.
The Avinox M2S motor featured in the Amflow PX Carbon wins the arms race for power with 130 Nm of torque and 1500 watts. The Specialized 3.1 motor system boasts 105 Nm of torque with a peak output of 850 watts, which was increased by a software update. The Aventon Ramblas ADV uses Aventon's A100 motor, which delivers a shocking amount of power for the dollar and crushes 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
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 riders work harder and may be preferred by some. The Santa Cruz Heckler SL uses the Fazua Ride60 motor, which has 60 Nm of torque on paper but doesn't feel much punchier than 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 the system is to interact with, how intuitive and ergonomic the shifters are, how easy and readable the display is, and how easy it is to charge the battery. Each drive system also has a smartphone app that allows users to fine-tune motor support settings, create custom settings, monitor battery charge and health, and much more. We don't feel the apps are necessary to use any of these e-MTBs, but those with an affinity for technology or for personalizing their 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.
