The best electric mountain bikes of 2023: outstanding e-MTBs that will give your riding experience a boost (2023)

After riding some of the best electric mountain bikes currently on the market, theperfect bikeThe team was completely impressed. The latest generation of pedal-assist mountain bikes have reliable steering systems, great components and excellent suspension that make riding a joy.

E-MTBs quickly became very popular, and if you venture out, you'll likely see a lot of cyclists riding around with electric assistance. There are many reasons why riders should choose an eMTB over a regular bike, whether it's to cover as many trails as possible due to travel time constraints, fitness restrictions, or just prefer the different riding style of a bike. eMTB. MTB. Read our picks for the best electric mountain bikes.

If you're low on cash to spend, we've got a guide for that too.The best cheap e-MTBsas well as an article onThe best electric mountain bikes for women.

The best electric mountain bikes

The Whyte E-MTB bikes have been praised by us and many other magazines and websites since their introduction and during our testing we found the E-160 RSX to be a great example of why they perform so well.

learn from the bigWhyte E-150 SeriesAt first glance, the E-160 RSX looks a lot like its predecessor, but the picture is quite different. It's been beefed up in all the right areas, and the downtube now includes a slide rail for easy battery removal. There are also many weather resistant details on the frame.

Component selection is excellent for an e-bomber like this and at the heart of the bike is a Bosch Performance CX motor powered by a capacious 750Wh battery. Suspension consists of a 160mm Fox 38 Float Performance Elite fork and a 44mm offset Fox Float X Performance Elite shock. It also features wireless shifting from a SRAM AXS GX Eagle 1x12 drivetrain, SRAM CODE RSC brakes with 220/200mm rotors, and a DT Swiss HX1700 wheelset.

Guy found it difficult to find fault with his review: “It has impressive specs and the suspension setup is really phenomenal no matter how hard you drive. Most importantly, this beautifully blended package is super easy, natural, and totally fun to indulge in on the trails.Whyte E-160 RSX under test.

While the eONE-SIXTY is billed as an enduro bike and certainly has travel and power, we had a lot of fun exploring areas and zones that we otherwise wouldn't have explored on a regular bike. Simply following a dual black route loses the adaptive utility that Merida instilled in the eONE-SIXTY.

Otherwise, the eONE-SIXTY's determined climbing ability allows for arduous access that makes exploring more fun than troublesome. Capable suspension combined with realistic geometry means that whether it's smooth singletrack back road or packed with technical features, you're on board a bike that can not only tackle just about any trail with aplomb, but also inspire fun riding. which expresses retrograde descent in the funniest way possible.

Shimano supplies the drivetrain and brakes, with an XT front derailleur and SLX derailleur, delivering the reliable performance synonymous with the brand's flagship groupset. Brakes are Shimano XT disc brakes with 203mm rotors. Dominating the shocks is done by the Fox DPX2 Elite shock and 38 Elite forks, both with 160mm of travel. The 29" front and 27.5" rear mullet setup uses DT Swiss rims and Maxxis tires.

The geometry might not be as advanced as other e-MTBs, but as Graham points out, it's the versatility that makes the eONE-Sixty a great bike. "Some of the geometry numbers might be conservative on paper, but they never feel like a sticking point when riding hard, and they definitely make it feel livelier and more fun on less extreme trails too." Read more about himMerida eONE-SIXTY 9000in our rating.

With the Crafty R, Mondraker has transferred its signature geometry and handling characteristics to an E-MTB with an industry-leading Bosch motor and battery.

Paired with the Bosch drivetrain, the bike uses a mix of SRAM GX, NX and SX Eagle drivetrain components and SRAM G2 R brakes. Combine that with Fox front and rear suspension and DT Swiss H1900 Spline wheels and you have a bike that weighs just under 25 kg.

The Crafty's handling comes to life in the most technical terrain and the steering system is smooth and efficient. Perhaps the only thing missing to make this e-MTB an almost perfect e-MTB are slightly smaller tires for greater riding precision, which can be easily changed if desired.

It's a fantastic all-rounder and, as Guy commented, "While the base numbers don't look the most extreme, years of engineering and racing experience mean the balance in terms of how it comes to life is definitely in the 'special sauce'. Technical situations and fun on the trails. Check out our completeMondraker Crafty Rsee for more information.

The Bullit has been in the Santa Cruz lineup since 1998, but as of 2011 the Californian brand has discarded the model. Now it's back in an all-new format: a rugged, long-haul E-MTB.

The all-new Bullit has 170mm of travel front and rear, making it a long-travel bike built for the roughest terrain. Santa Cruz's Carbon CC frame is built around a mullet wheel size, with a 29" front wheel and a 27.5" rear wheel. It's powered by a Shimano EP8 motor with a full-size 630Wh battery to cover a lot of ground.

While we're impressed with Shimano's EP8 drivetrain, we're also impressed with the suspension's performance, both downhill and uphill. Santa Cruz's VPP suspension platform allows for a powerful descent while providing a stable pedaling platform. Together, this all means the Bullit is a beast of a bike.

Guy really went into detail in his review, saying "Optimizing for a mixed wheel setup also made for an addictive, fun and engaging look whether you're rolling down a single lane or weaving near-vertical black trails. The suspension kinematics mean that extra travel is always a bonus and never a precision or loss of power, and with the impressively light weight it's just as much fun on an epic "All Best Trails" day as it is without waiting in the backcountry park for a cheer."

Read our detailed report on thesanta cruz carto see how it earned its place in this guide.

If you're looking for the ultimate in E-MTB capabilities, Scott's newest Patron E-Ride should be at the top of your list. The mountain bike has 160mm of travel front and rear and is powered by a Gen4 Bosch Performance CX engine with 85Nm of torque and 750Wh. According to Scott, this should be enough to climb 2,000 meters in Eco mode.

Just looking at the Patron with its futuristic aesthetic, it's clear that Scott put a lot of work into the frame design. In the middle, Scott focused on lowering the center of gravity as much as possible, revving the engine and lowering the battery as low as possible on the downtube. The shock is hidden in the top tube, so dirt can't get in and the futuristic look is preserved.

On the integration front is a one-piece stem and bar that directs all Twin-Loc suspension, brake, engine and shift controls to the frame. Scott placed the Bosch Kiox 300's display on top of the rod for easy viewing while riding. There are also mudguards with integrated LED lights.

The result is a superbly well-rounded bike that climbs and descends with poise and confidence, which is important when you tackle big days and are likely to experience a variety of terrain. Something that was made clear when Mick pitched the bike with the words "the Patron is more like the e-trail bike it was designed for and hides its weight really well where it counts most in the fun parts". an all-round all-rounder's gear for the mountain biker who doesn't need to wreck every inch of downhill in his life."

Read our thoughts onScott Patron E-Ride 900.when we took him for a first ride.

It's well known that what works for the pros often doesn't necessarily work for the weekend warrior. This is because the speeds, line options and types of trails taken are very different to the average rider.

Focus has tried to appeal to new and intermediate riders with the Jam2, meaning the forgiving 150mm suspension adds comfort and control. The big brakes and tires also help make the most of the FOLD suspension system so you can feel confident when tackling increasingly difficult trails. The downside is that hardcore, hardcore riders might find the suspension anxious in general, but we eventually found that the Jam2 kept its cool when the trail turned chaotic.

Shimano's new EP8 motor is paired with a slimmer 720Wh custom battery pack that fits neatly into the downtube. The overall geometry is pretty neutral too, with a 65-degree head tube, 76-degree seat tube angle, and 480mm reach (height) to keep the bike predictable and easy to handle on the trails.

For more information, see ourTest Focus Jam2 7.0 im.

At first glance, it would be easy to miss the YT Decoy Elite E-MTB's outdated geometry and engine. A construction with strong and light carbon wheels, plus one of thebest dropper posts, Fox Transfer Factory makes the Decoy a solid option that's also less expensive than the Decoy Core 4 model. A short reach makes climbing a little nervous, but it's the same geometry that makes this bike a riot on tight, twisty trails.

A mullet setup with a 29" front wheel and 27.5" rear wheel means you can flow down winding trails with ease while still devouring rock gardens and roots. Maxxis Assegai and Minion DHR II tires handle any type of condition, and Fox Factory suspension keeps the bike planted and supple, adding value to the build.

More details on how theYT Elite Luremade during testing, read our full review.

A 150mm-travel trail bike, Canyon's Spectral:ON CF features a semi-carbon frame to keep things light, while a mullet wheel-sized setup keeps it fun and ready to shred. The low bottom bracket feels like you're on the bike and increases control and power, but leaves it open for more frequent pedaling on technical climbs.

The bike is equipped with a 12-speed Shimano XT transmission and XT M8100 brakes. The suspension adopts the Fox Performance line, with 150mm of travel at the rear and 160mm at the front. DT Swiss H1700 Hybrid rims feature Maxxis rubber.

Overall, the Spectral is a lightweight eMTB with a solid drivetrain, components, and suspension. One downside is that Canyon is a direct-to-consumer brand, so it's not possible to see one in person before you buy, but they will ship it straight to your door.

Would you like to know more? look at ourSpectral Throat: ON CF8Analysis.

With 13 years of downhill and enduro racing experience, Nukeproof knows a thing or two about building bikes capable of taking full advantage of gravity. Nukeproof electrified the Enduro Mega to create the Megawatt, a slick 170mm E-MTB.

Massive travel does a great job of calming down rough and fast trails with great features. We found that the suspension characteristics provided the early spring and mid-stroke support needed to get through rocky or root-clogged sections without depleting your reserves when hitting the bike park berms at high speed. Grip and support in corners is further enhanced by the agile mullet wheel setup, which cuts corners with greater precision and makes it easier to turn the front wheel.

If you're looking for a self-floating, gravity-punching cruiser, Guy thinks the Nukeproof Megawatt is one of the best eMTBs out there. “When it comes to superdynamic, gravity-powered driving, the Megawatt has few competitors. It's relatively light, inherently agile and perfectly positioned to take full advantage of the incredibly planted and controlled handling and suspension in any extreme situation.”

For more details, check out Guy's full review of theNuclear Proof Elite Megawatt.

There is a clear split in the eMTB best-case scenario, with some brands opting for lighter but less powerful systems rather than the big, fat batteries seen more often. Specialized arguably pioneered this concept with its SL line of e-MTBs using the SL 1.1 engine originally used in the Turbo Creo electric road bike. The motor only produces half the power most other eMTBs manage, but the combination of a lightweight motor and small 320Wh battery (160Wh auxiliary battery available) keeps the weight in our "mid range". "at 19.2 kg. Test model for expert specifications.

Less mass means less weight to drag downhill, and the fact that most of the extra mass is on the bottom of the bike only adds to the stability even more. The suspension is well cared for, gripping the ground for traction without giving up the fun of getting the tires off the ground.

As Guy summarized in his verdict: "DH-level control in a super-smart, geometry-adjustable, lightweight package with surprisingly useful mini-engine assistance." If you're looking for a long haul option, the Turbo Kenevo SL is one of the best."

To learn more, read the full review ofSpecialized Specialist in Turbo Kenevo SL.

On the Focus website, the THRON2 6.9 is described as being suitable for "... trail in alpine terrain for commuting and cycling", which represents a fairly wide range of uses.

While we think of e-MTBs as self-propelled rather than utility vehicles, there are plenty of riders who want to invest in a comfortable and fun e-MTB that can traverse red and blue trails but also cruise at a leisurely pace. While that means the geometry and components won't be as capable as other bikes, it's still attractive enough to shine and flow on a trail hub.

It certainly won't be a bike that will appeal to everyone, especially riders in the UK or the US where there's more of a transmission culture, but in Europe there's a much bigger demand for the mass market type of ATB bike.

In Guy's words, "The THRON2 is definitely a long-range, well-balanced XC/Trail ebike with more versatility and 'lifestyle' value rather than a dirt city bike." Bike You in our entire lengthFocus THRON2 6.9 in test.

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How to choose the best electric mountain bike