Mountain biking is much more fun and accessible with electric-assistance and, given their success, brands are constantly expanding their catalogues and presenting new proposals.
There are numerous types of electric bikes, but all eBikes fall into two groups: Pedelecs and Speed Bikes.
The Pedelec, which is the type we consider in this article, is legally on a par with the conventional bicycle. They are exempt from registration, insurance, driving licence and motor vehicle tax if they meet the following requirements:
Speed Bikes or 45 km/h bikes exceed these limitations. In Europe, they are considered as mopeds, not bicycles, and they require registration, insurance and a driving licence.
The most important difference, is that Speed Bikes cannot circulate on bicycle lanes or forest trails, while Pedelecs can.
In this other article, we explain in detail the different Types of electric mountain bikes, and you can see the widest range of this sector by the top eBike brands in the electric bikes section on our website.
To help you decide, we have made a comparison of electric bikes from the selected brands in our stores, with the most important models in each category. This classification should be used as a reference guide that would vary according to your needs or priorities. The choice would be different, depending on the intended users.
In this article, we list our preferences for the best electric mountain bikes, according to the following parameters:
The selection includes the following types of electric mountain bikes: Hardtail, Full suspension XC and Down Country, Trail and Enduro.
Among those selected, some fulfil to the highest level, the parameters above, and others appear because they are the best electric bikes for their value for money. The most important thing is to choose the most suitable, depending on your personal needs and budget.
Trail electric bikes are the most in demand among eMTB bikes, with suspension travel between 140 and 150 mm. Lighter models have also appeared on the scene, giving up some of the motor power and battery capacity to achieve bikes that are more agile and closer to conventional bikes.
The Turbo Levo is the pioneer in the sector, thanks to the integration of electrical components in the frame and the advanced, custom software, with the Mission Control App and the revolutionary Smart Control.
For the rest of the list, we have chosen the versions we consider to be the most balanced for the greatest number of users, although the top 10 also has to include the most desired and admired eMTB, which features the greatest state-of-the-art technology in each of its components: Turbo Levo S-Works Carbon.
However, we are aware that high-end models are not an option for most of us, so we invite you to take a look at the other Turbo Levo GEN3 set-ups, which also feature all Specialized's Turbo technology with more down-to-earth components. We especially recommend the Turbo Levo Comp Carbon 2023.
And for those who just want a little help in the hardest situations, with an e-bike that feels closer to a conventional bike, the lighter Turbo Levo SL models with limited assistance are a good option.
The second Trail bike on our list is the Cannondale Moterra Neo Carbon 2 2023. A very balanced bike, with 150mm travel on both suspensions, the usual Cannondale quality regarding materials and design, and good value for money. It has the most powerful version of the 250 W Bosch motor with maximum torque of 85 Nm, which appears in several models on this list, and the 750 Wh battery, which guarantees a good range. And, as an extra, it has the Cannondale Wheel Sensor on the front hub. This is a GPS device that records bike activity and when linked to the Cannondale App on your smartphone, it serves as a GPS navigator and control system to register the warranty and manage the maintenance of its components.
Orbea started their lightweight electric Trail bike category with the Rise. Its top-of-the-range versions weigh in at around 16 kg and the lightweight motor has 65 Nm maximum torque and a 540Wh battery, which provides enough range for long rides, thanks to its lighter weight. With the Range Extender option, which is an additional battery attached to the bottle cage, it increases the capacity by another 252 Wh. This bestselling range includes very balanced models such as the Rise M10 2023, which we have selected for the list.
Few models from the major brands can be defined as full suspension electric XC mountain bikes. But bikes designed for Down Country, with travels between 100 and 130 mm, are an interesting option for many riders. Let's take a look at the best models.
The new Scott Lumen is the Swiss brand's commitment to lightweight eMTBs, which is essentially the "Spark" with electric assistance. It has the same integrated shock absorber and TwinLoc suspension system, and it is currently rated as the lightest electric mountain bike available, with a record weight of 15.5 kg for the top-of-the-range Lumen eRide 900 SL. The intermediate Lumen eRide 900, which is already available in our stores, comes in at 16.3 kg. And the entry model to the range, Scott Lumen eRide 910, at 17.6 kg, which is the one on our list, and which will also be available at Mammoth soon.
For the electrics, they have developed the TQ-HPR50 motor with 50 Nm maximum torque at a record weight of 1.8 kg. And thanks to its compact size, they've managed to fit two bottle cages in the frame and give the Lumen the same Q-factor as the Spark. The in-tube 360 Wh battery can be upgraded with an external 160 Wh battery, which is housed in the second bottle cage.
The BH Ilynx Race was a pioneer in the XC category. And the version we have chosen for this selection is the BH Ilynx 5 Race Carbon LT 7.6, thanks to its perfect choice of components and the performance offered by its 120 mm travel in the Fox suspension with Split Pivot system.
In this XC / Down Country category, MMR offers the 120 mm version of its X-Bolt, which we highlight for its excellent value for money. We have selected the X-Bolt 120 30 2022, with a Bosch motor and battery, Rock Shox suspension and Sram Eagle drivetrain. This set offers great performance at a reasonable price.
E-bikes have revolutionised the concept of Enduro because they make it easier to ride uphill, which for most people in this discipline is just the transition to enjoying the downhill ride. We have selected an extreme Enduro, such as the Specialized Kenevo, and a lighter Enduro, such as the Mondaker Crafty, to cover the whole spectrum.
In Enduro e-bikes, Specialized once again leads the way with its Kenevo model, which has the essence of the legendary Enduro that gave its name to the segment, but reaches higher and further, with the help of electric assistance, without losing the brutal downhill capacity of the 180 mm travel. It is powered by Specialized 2.2 motors with 90 Nm maximum torque, which it shares with the Turbo Levo, and 700 Wh batteries. The model selected for the list is the Turbo Kenevo Expert, because we believe it is the most balanced.
Among the wide range of Enduro electric bikes, we highlight this model from the Spanish brand Mondraker, which is always at the forefront of innovation. The Mondraker Crafty R 2023 offers an excellent balance between shock-absorption capacity and pedalling performance, thanks to the rear ZERO Suspension System. It entrusts the electrics to Bosch and makes a safe bet with Fox suspensions. Although, the most expert and demanding users have the option of the Crafty XR 2023 version, with the legendary Öhlins suspension.
Hardtail pedelecs usually have 100 mm forks and are suitable for less technical terrain and even urban or touring use. They are the gateway for new users of eMTBs, due to their low price, which is achieved by the absence of rear suspension and the choice of inexpensive components on most models, with exceptions such as the Specialized Tero, which we show below.
Specialized stands out from the general trends of other brands, and raises the level of mechanical components to tackle mountain tours with total assurance. The chosen Specialized Tero 4.0 2022, is equipped with a Rock Shox Recon Silver 110 mm fork, telescopic seatpost and Sram NX 11-speed drivetrain. For the electrics, the motor reaches 70 Nm and the battery offers 710 Wh, to guarantee a high mileage range. All this influences its higher price, but puts it on the podium in this category.
We close our selection with the Megamo Ridon 10 2022, which maintains the general trend of equipping hardtail MTB pedelecs with modest mechanical components for recreational use. But this Spanish brand offers a very competitive price and, its electrics include a powerful motor with 80 Nm maximum torque and a 504 Wh battery. It certainly earns its place on the list for its value for money.
At our Mammoth stores and at mammothbikes.com/en/, you will find all these models and many more, in the best selection of electric bikes.
If you are thinking of purchasing an electric bike, count on the advice of our professionals. They will be glad to help choose the right bike for you!
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