Electric mountain biking is a trend that everyone seems to be hopping on. It has changed the game as far as mountain biking goes, adding in technological advances to allow mountain bikers to reach new terrain and go longer distances than has ever been done in history.
Electric bikes have been somewhat frowned upon by the biking community in recent years. They are expensive and have faulty technology, making them less convenient than a typical bike. However, this has completely changed over the last few years.
Electric bikes have become lighter, faster, more powerful, and more enticing. They allow almost anyone to get outside and enjoy a ride. With new electric mountain bike models popping up on the market regularly, deciding which one is best for you is not easy, especially if it is your first one.
In this article, I will discuss the best electric mountain bikes on the market today and the specific specs of each. I will also teach you what you should look for in an electric mountain bike and how to determine which will best fit your needs.
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QuietKat
The QuietKat Jeep E-Bike is a collaboration bike that combines Jeep’s off-roading expertise with QuietKats insane motors. It makes for one of the best electric mountain bikes on the market today. It comes with full suspension and can be used for hunting, in winter conditions, on trails, and on almost any other off-road terrain you can imagine.
It comes with a 750W or a 1000W motor option and is nearly silent when it rides. With traction, 160 Nm torque, and 10 levels of pedal assistance, this bike is truly a mountain beast. It also features a removable thumb throttle and comes with a built-in torque and speed sensor.
If you want a bike that can get you through all conditions with very little noise, this might be for you.
Diamondback Response
Diamondback is known for being the king of all things bike. They are one of the top-selling biking brands in the United States today, and they sure know how to produce a quality bike. Their first-ever electric mountain bike is the Response E-bike, and it is awesome.
It keeps everything we loved about the regular 27.5” Response bike, including its lightweight aluminum frame and 120mm front fork. It features a 350Wh motor and a 500Wh battery. With a 28 miles per hour max speed and 85Nm torque, this bike is perfect for people who are just getting into electric mountain biking and want a reliable brand and a durable bike.
Turbo Levo 2022
The Turbo Levo 2022 by Specialized is known for its incredibly designed details. It is a very nice bike with full suspension and an almost invisible motor and battery. It even earns itself a name as one of the most searched electric mountain bikes on the internet.
It features 12 speeds, a 500Wh battery, and a 250W 90Nm motor. With things like Bluetooth-enabled speed controllers hidden inside of the tubes, this bike looks like your typical mountain bike but still packs a motor and loads of power.
If you want a discrete but impressive electric mountain bike, this is a good option.
Heckler by Santa Cruz
The Heckler electric mountain bike by Santa Cruz is a full suspension, 12-speed, carbon CC bike that is one of the best in the entire world. Although it is incredibly expensive, it features the best quality and highest technology on the market.
It is shockingly light and incredibly powerful. It features a 504Wh battery and a motor with 85 nm power. Quality pivot hardware and a moderate length allow for a snappy bike that can handle any quick twists and turns.
If you have the money to spend and want the best bike there is, you should consider looking into the Santa Cruz Heckler.
Ride1Up Prodigy XC
The aluminum Prodigy XC is a reasonable price and has 9 speeds. It has a great body and motor for its price range and weighs less than 50 pounds. It can be pedal-assisted or fully on-demand. It has a pedal-assisted maximum speed of 28 miles per hour and an on-demand speed of 20 miles per hour.
It features a front light, a 500W motor, and 90Nm of torque. It has a comfortable saddle and is the best meat for lighter terrain. The tires are smaller than other electric mountain bikes, only 2 inches wide. This means rough rocks and tough terrain might not be the best for this bike.
If you are looking for a pedestrian-friendly trail electric mountain bike with a medium price range, this is the perfect bike to consider looking into.
Buying Guide
Here I will walk you through what you need to look for and consider when you are picking out the perfect electric mountain bike for you. Considering distance, pedal assistance, and price range will help you choose your ideal bike.
Related: Tips for Buying a Mountain Bike
Speed and Distance
Some electric mountain bikes can reach speeds up to 30 miles per hour. They also have batteries that can take you up to 250 miles on one single charge. This is quite impressive. The average pedal-assisted bikes typically go around 12 miles per hour and up to 70 miles on a charge.
The speed and range that you can go are ultimately dependent on the battery capacity, the terrain and hills that you are riding, the wind factors, and your weight. If you have long-distance biking goals in mind, then looking for a bike with a longer range is something you should consider.
Assist or On-Demand
There are different types of eclectic mountain bikes. There are ones that are called pedal assist and require you to pedal for them to move. The other kind is power on-demand, and they can be completely controlled and driven by the motor without your pedaling. They come with a handlebar accelerator.
Deciding whether you want a pedal-assisted bike or a fully on-demand bike will help you narrow down your option.
Price
If you have begun your shopping experience, you have likely found that eclectic bikes are not cheap. They typically range between $4000-$6000 for a decent electric mountain bike. The most expensive bikes can be upwards of $13000 and are often made from pro-level carbon fiber.
Decide what your price range is and look for the best possible option within your range. You can end up spending a lot on an electric mountain bike, so setting a budget and deciding which features you really want will help you narrow down your choices.
Final Thoughts
There you have it, the five best electric mountain bikes on the market today. Picking the right electric mountain bike may seem scary at first, with so many options on the market and a lot of money at stake. You want to make sure that you are getting the perfect bike for you.
The right electric mountain bike will allow you to climb new hills, reach new heights, and explore more than you ever have before. It is an exciting and life-changing purchase. Consider the price, type, and speed of bikes when shopping for the best one for you. Happy shopping and happy biking!
