We’ve spent hours upon hours riding varied terrain and bikes from across the world – to find the absolute must haves in the e-MTB industry.
From the gnarliest downhill rides, all the way to the big range monsters we’ve gone through them all.
This one has been a lot of fun for our reviewers and we have some truly majestic bikes to reveal to you.
So, strap in because we’re about to go over the creme dela creme and settle this might debate once and for all.
Our Top 3 Picks
Best lightweight e-MTB 2024
Orbea Rise M-LTD
Best lightweight electric mountain bike as an all-rounder
Good for – Enduro, descending, climbing
Price – $12,148
Peaks:
- Super light
- Playfulness
- Good climber
- Motor
- Very forgiving suspension
- Brake performance
Troughs:
- Expensive
- Display costs extra
- Range – extender available, but at an extra cost
Summary:
The Rise M-LTD is one of the most balanced and well-rounded e-MTBs on the market.
It’s also one of the lightest, with tremendous climbing and descending ability – its versatilile and has a feather-light weight, which claimed it the title of our best lightweight e-MTB and our best electric mountain bike for 2024.
Weight/Frame
The M-LTD is one of the lightest full suspension e-MTBs you can find on the market, with the total package coming in at only 16.2kg.
The remarkable weight makes the bike incredibly fun to ride, with a geometry to match.
You feel completely at one with the bike; it’s agile, easy to manipulate and super playful, both downhill and on the climbs.
Orbea Rise Evo OMR 2023
Battery
To reduce the overall weight and maintain that playful edge, Orbea haven’t gone huge on the electrics.
The M-LTD comes with a 360Wh custom battery, which can churn out up to around 50km on a varied route, with a good slice of climbing.
That isn’t groundbreaking and for some riders, who need a lot of assistance, that won’t be enough – however, for a fitter rider, it does the trick – and there is an optional 250Wh range extender, if you want to extend your day’s fun.
That adds around 35km on to your day’s riding. However, that does come at an extra cost of just under $500.
Motor
The M-LTD delivers impressively in the motor department. The bike is fitted with a Shimano EP801-RS motor, which can throw out up to 60Nm of torque.
That’s more powerful than many other super lightweight e-MTBs, making it a very efficient climber.
You have enough power at your disposal to manage anything you throw at it, but the package is slightly let down by no display as standard.
The bike can fit one easily, but it’s another extra cost.
Shimano EP801-RS
Suspension
The M-LTD is shaped for the enduro market, with a suspension that allows you to take on some gnarly hits, but without making it too spongey on the climbs.
It comes with 140mm of travel at both the front and the rear, with FOX 34 Float Factory forks and FOX Float DPS shocks.
It’s a great set-up, which is fit for the rough and ready, fast-paced descents, but also reserved enough to maintain traction, while you’re climbing up the other side.
Wheels/Tyres
You get a lightweight pair of 29 inch OQUO wheels, with Maxxis Rekon tyres – this provides a stable footing on the trail when you’re pushing the bike hard.
And the OQUO compound provides lots of durability, helping to soften the impacts.
Brakes/Drivetrain
The brakes and drivetrain complement the rest of the bike’s top spec features – with a very efficient 12-speed, Shimano XTR drivetrain and ultra-reliable XTR M9100 brakes.
These give you the confidence to push the bike hard – with responsive stopping power in the brakes and silky-smooth shifting ability, to allow quick speed changes.
Final Thoughts
The Orbea Rise M-LTD is the complete package – an adept climber, descender, very lightweight and with a suspension set-up capable of taking on some very wild terrain. It’s also well stocked in the electrics department to offer a decent ride time without having to recharge.
Few e-MTBs can compete with this level of versatility, making it our best e-MTB in 2024.
Shipping and delivery info:
- Free US mainland shipping – 3-5 days delivery on a click and collect basis to your nearest Orbea affiliate store.
- Hawaii – $250 - 5-7 days delivery on a click and collect basis to your nearest Orbea affiliate store.
- Alaska & Puerto Rico – Free – 10-14 days delivery on a click and collect basis to your nearest Orbea affiliate store.
Shipping and delivery info:
- Free US shipping.
- International shipping available – cost and delivery time varies markedly depending on location.
- US delivery time – 1 day to California, 2 day to Nevada/Arizona/Utah, 3-5 days to the rest of mainland US.
S-Works Turbo Kenevo SL
Best lightweight electric mountain bike for downhill
Good for – Downhill, gnarly trails
Price – $11,249
Peaks:
- Downhill ability
- Handling
- Lightweight
- Adjustable features
- Plush suspension
- Gnarly terrain ready
- Adjustability
- Versatile
Troughs:
- Price
- Battery range
- Motor power
Summary:
The S-Works Turbo Kenevo SL is one of the leading lightweight downhill e-MTBs on the market, placing it highly as one of the best full suspension electric mountain bikes.
It’s geared up for seriously rough terrain and designed to try and mimic the qualities of the conventional e-MTB.
Weight/Frame
It comes with the company’s custom FACT carbon frame and has a total bike weight of 18.7kg.
Adjustability is key to the bike’s design and you can tweak the set-up in many different areas to suit your riding style or the demands of the day’s trails.
There’s an advanced, aggressive geometry, which lends itself to being thrown around, the bike feels nimble through very challenging terrain and has light touch handling.
The bike is definitely geared up for a more advanced rider though, the aggressive set-up would be too punishing for people in the early stages of their biking career.
Battery
The S-Works Turbo Kenevo SL has a very modest battery – a custom 320Wh SL1 model, which offers a low level of range, around 50km.
This bike wasn’t created to offer endless assistance all day long, it’s a bike designed to mimic a traditional e-MTB and the focus is on the descending ability and handling, rather than assistance level.
If you need a lot of assistance, this bike won’t suffice. However, for a fitter rider, it’s a cracking downhill bike.
Motor
The same issue applies with the motor – you get a custom SL 1.1 motor, which can only kick out up to 35Nm of torque.
This allows the bike to remain light and although it offers a little punch to get you up the climbs, it would be a struggle for a less fit rider.
It’s perfect for a fit downhill rider though, who will spend most of their time with the nose down and only need a little extra assistance to get up the other side.
Specialized SL 1.1
Suspension
The suspension and handling are where the S-Works Turbo Kenevo SL really comes to life.
It has a very plush set-up, with 170mm of travel at either end of the bike, which gears it up for heavy-duty riding.
You can throw all manner of gnarly terrain at it and it remains pillow soft, coping majestically with big drops and impacts.
This is all thanks to the bike’s FOX components, with Float 38 Factory forks and Float X2 Factory shocks.
The rebound time is also mightily impressive, allowing you to quickly prepare for the next turn, drop, or challenge.
Wheels/Tyres
To cope with all that impact, you need a durable set of wheels and fortunately the bike comes with a super lightweight and robust pair of Traverse SLs.
The 29 inch set-up also comes with a toothy pair of Butcher tyres, which offer a strong footing on the trail, gripping firmly into the corners.
Brakes/Drivetrain
The bike is rounded off with a top spec pair of SRAM Code RSC brakes, which give you a lot of confidence when pushing the bike hard – with a quick response time and reliability.
You find the same in the drivetrain, with a 12-speed SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS gearing set-up, which is ultra-responsive and offers smooth shifting – helping you easily shift speeds.
Final Thoughts
The S-Works Turbo Kenevo SL absolutely dominates in a downhill environment.
It may feel under gunned in the assistance department for some riders, but if your fitness is good, you can absolutely fly on this e-MTB and it can take on very tough terrain with a flourish.
The fun factor is high on this e-MTB and there few are which descend any more playfully – it makes it our best electric downhill mountain bike.
Shipping and delivery info:
- Specialized home delivery for frame sizes – S3, S4 and S5. S2 currently out of stock direct from Specialized. Free delivery.
- You can also buy the bike from your local Specialized affiliate store – times and costs vary depending on state. Check the Specialized website for full details.
S-Works Turbo Levo
Good for – Long days in the saddle, enduro, gnarly terrain capable.
Price – $11,999
Peaks:
- Excellent electrics
- Best brakes available
- Suspension
- Versatility
- Drivetrain
- Riding experience
- Climbs and descends well
Troughs:
- Price
Summary:
The S-Works Turbo Levo is a monster of an e-MTB, with no expense saved in any department – if you want all the bells and whistles and a very good all-rounder, this e-MTB is one of the best you can get.
A big price tag, but if you want a chunky amount of assistance, without compensating on ride quality, then you have to pay a premium.
Weight/Frame
The carbon framed bike comes in 6 different sizes and there is a heck of a lot of adjustability – with the option to adjust the head tube angle by 2.5 degrees and the bottom bracket height by 7mm.
This allows you to fine tune your set-up and it helps craft a bespoke feeling ride, which works for the needs of the rider’s body and the demands of the trail.
The bike weighs in at 22.36kg, maintaining playfulness, but you also have some sizeable electrics.
Battery
The S-Works Turbo Levo has a whopping 700Wh custom battery, which provides up to around five hours of riding time on undulating trails.
That’s reduced when you throw in some chunky climbs, but it’s still very impressive, and offers more than enough assistance for most riders.
Plus, there is still a reasonably low overall weight, which means you don’t have to be too hot on the assistance use.
Motor
This e-MTB is also blessed in the motor department. It comes with Specialized’s custom Turbo Full Power 2.2 motor, which can serve up a maximum torque output of 90Nm.
It’s a phenomenal amount of raw power, to throw you up the trickiest ascents.
It doesn’t feel jerky or unnatural though. There’s a great level of intelligence in the motor design, which helps it run smoothly and you feel in control at all times.
Suspension
You get a burly suspension set-up too – with 160mm of travel in the FOX Float 38 Factory forks and 150mm of travel in the FOX Float X2 Factory shocks.
It’s well balanced, allowing the bike to manage chunky impacts and big hits, without proving to be sluggish while climbing or on the flats.
It’s perfect and we think it’s the best middle ground to be able to offer excellent descending ability, while also remaining composed in other environments.
Wheels/Tyres
The S-Works Turbo Levo comes with a playful mullet wheel set-up, with a 29er at the front and a 27.5 inch at the rear.
Both are provided by Traverse, with the SL models fitted as standard. It allows you to take impacts and hop over obstacles easily, while also remaining aggressive in the twisty sections.
The bike can be thrown around and you have an ultra-reliable Butcher Grid Trail, front tyre and an Eliminator Grid Trail, rear tyre.
Brakes/Drivetrain
The bike comes with the best of the best in the brake department – the Magura MT7s, which have unbeatable stopping power and response times.
The bike is then rounded off nicely with a highly tuned 12-speed SRAM Eagle AXS drivetrain, which offers very smooth shifting and a beautiful riding experience.
Final Thoughts
This is an e-MTB bike which makes you say “wow” out aloud. The complete package for us – a tremendous descender and climber, with bags of range and a playful riding experience.
It’s an expensive bike, but you get top quality in every area.
Shipping and delivery info:
- Specialized home delivery for frame sizes – S3, S4 and S5. S2 currently out of stock direct from Specialized. Free delivery.
- You can also buy the bike from your local Specialized affiliate store – times and costs vary depending on state. Check the Specialized website for full details.
Trek E-Caliber 9.9 XX1 AXS Gen 1
Best lightweight cross-country e-MTB
Good for – Cross-country
Price – $9,749
Peaks:
- Ultra-lightweight
- Pacy
- Handles well
- Tyres
Troughs:
- Battery range
- Motor power
- Lack of travel limits terrain
Summary:
The Trek E-Caliber 9.9 XX1 AXS Gen is the best cross-country e-MTB you can find at the moment.
It’s designed to fly and is one of the lightest e-MTBs around.
Weight/Frame
It comes in at only 16.35kg, which makes the bike nimble and pacy.
Riding it doesn’t feel dissimilar to being aboard a normal cross-country MTB and the geometry is set-up to maximise pedalling efficiency.
The handling is light and, combined with the sporty geometry, it make it a real flier.
Battery
The range is impressive for a bike of its weight – you can still push out around 75km with the 250Wh Fazua battery.
It’s very efficient in its power delivery, conserving juice well, despite the size.
Motor
This e-MTB excels in the motor department, thanks to another Fazua component.
The Ride Trail 50 motor has a maximum torque output of around 58Nm – for a bike of its weighs, it’s astonishing, and it climbs like a beast.
It makes straightforward work of challenging ascents and you can crank up to speed rapidly on the flats.
Fazua Evation Drive Pack
Suspension
To ensure the bike performs well in the cross-country department, you don’t have a heavy-duty suspension set-up.
There is only 60mm at the rear end and 120mm in the forks – that ensures you keep up traction and maintain pace well.
The RockShox SID Ultimate forks offer a small level of support to cope with bumpy trails, without feeling too rigid. However, this e-MTB can’t take big launches or heavy hits – it simply doesn’t have the protection to cope.
The Trek IsoStrut FOX Factory shocks are certainly under gunned for heavy hitting trails, but it’s worth remembering this is a bike made for pace and it does that very well.
Wheels/Tyres
You get a well-designed pair of 29inch Kovee XXX wheels, by Bontrager, and the company’s XR3 Team Issue tyres.
Traction is key to this selection, they offer a brilliant balance of bite in the dirt and durability, without offering too much friction, so you don’t feel sluggish.
Brakes/Drivetrain
The bike is fitted with a 12-speed SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS gearing set-up, which is among the best on the market.
They’re very efficient in their shifting ability, allowing you to fly up and down through the gears without any clunkiness – perfect for a fast-moving cross-country bike.
And you get a tremendous pair of SRAM G2 Ultimate brakes, which have immense power and a fast response time.
Final Thoughts
This e-MTB is one of the paciest you can find and the performance of its electrics for the overall weight is awe-inspiring.
If you’re looking for an electric cross-country bike, there aren’t any better – it’s a true beauty.
Shipping and delivery info:
- Free shipping
- 3-5 working days delivery time for standard delivery to your local Trek dealership on the US mainland – expect longer times for Alaska and Hawaii.
- 2-day delivery to local Trek dealership available for $19.99, overnight delivery available for $34.99.
Santa Cruz Bullit 3 CC MX X01 AXS RSV
Good for – Downhill, climbing, long days on the trails
Price – $10,449
Peaks:
- Long range
- Powerful motor
- Excellent suspension
- Top brake/drive train performance
- Low weight for long range
Troughs:
- Motor ride experience
Summary:
The Santa Cruz Bullit 3 is a big burly stallion of an e-MTB, which can take on the toughest terrain and offer you nearly a full day of fun.
It does so without compensating too much on weight and overall, it’s a complete powerhouse.
Weight/Frame
The bike comes with a very robust carbon frame, which helps soak up impacts, without transferring it through to the rider’s body.
It also comes with an aggressive geometry, which is well-suited to hard and fast downhill riding.
Despite that sturdiness, you don’t lose out on playfulness, it still feels very fun to handle and is easy to manipulate.
It weighs in at 22.32kg – a respectable amount, particularly when you factor in the electrics.
Battery
The e-MTB is fitted with a chunky 630Wh Shimano Steps battery, which offers an impressive range – we completed rides with more than 2,000m of climbing, with a bit of juice still left to play with.
On the flats you can push out 80km or more, however, this is a bike made for the mountains and you’ll be descending hard on it.
Fortunately, thanks to the motor power, this bike can also cope well with the steep inclines afterwards.
You don’t get many fairly lightweight downhill bikes, which can also offer a long range on the climbs – this does.
Motor
You have a hearty punch in the Shimano EP8 motor – it offers up to 85Nm of torque, which is enough power to cart the 22.32kg bike up some very challenging climbs.
You can also use the motor liberally, safe in the knowledge the long-range battery will keep pumping out assistance for hours on end.
It doesn’t offer the smoothest power output though, which is worth remembering on technical climbs, as it can feel quite jerky.
The motor’s raw power can’t be doubted, but its intelligence certainly can.
Shimano EP8
Suspension
The Santa Cruz’s suspension set-up is sublime – with a huge 170mm of travel at the front and at the rear.
It’s geared up to take on the gnarliest trails and wildest mountain terrain – capable of soaking up the heaviest hits, without so much as a whimper.
The heavy-duty FOX 38 Float Factory forks perform very well, as do the RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate shocks – it’s a set-up ready to take on a beating.
Wheels/Tyres
The bike’s playfulness is furthered thanks to the bike’s mullet wheel set-up.
You get a 29 inch front wheel, to offer a good strong planted feel on the trail, and a 27.5 inch rear wheel, which allows the bike to be thrown around easily.
This combination comes to life in the very twisty and technical sections.
Reserve supplies the wheels, which also helps soak up the impacts well, and you get tremendous Maxxis tyres, which offer the kind of fighting ability you need to cope with hard and fast downhill riding.
Brakes/Drivetrain
It’s rounded off with a 12-speed SRAM X01 Eagle AXS drivetrain, which offers smooth shifting and does well to combat the jerkiness of the motor output.
It also comes with a top spec pair of SRAM Code RSC brakes, which offer strong fighting power and response times when you’re pushing the bike hard.
Final Thoughts
If you want to ride hard and take on gnarly terrain, but need plenty of assistance, there aren’t many better bikes.
This one can take on the wildest of the wild and give you hours of fun, making it one of the best e-bikes for trails.
It’s only let down by the jerkiness in the motor, but it’s a manageable issue to cope with on this otherwise excellent e-MTB.
Shipping and delivery info:
- Free US shipping.
- 1 day to California, 2 day to Nevada/Arizona/Utah, 3-5 days to the rest of mainland US.
- International shipping available – cost and delivery time varies depending on location.
Orbea Wild M20
Good for – Enduro, mid-budget, long range, descending
Price – $7,299
Peaks:
- Powerful motor
- Long range battery
- Versatile
- Playful handling
- Natural power delivery
Troughs:
- Brakes
- Drivetrain
- Weight
Summary:
The Orbea Wild M20 is a lightweight, mid-budget, trail slayer – which is a great enduro option if you can’t stretch to some of the more expensive models in our list.
You won’t lose out much – the bike still retains an excellent riding experience and chunky electrics.
Weight/Frame
It comes with a carbon frame and a playful geometry, which feels fun to ride and it’s capable of taking on some challenging terrain.
It doesn’t have the high level of adjustability that some more expensive bikes have. Still, there are 4 frame sizes to choose from and all of them feel ready to tackle complex trails, without feeling too aggressive for riders with a little less experience.
The bike weighs in at 23.27kg, which isn’t the lightest, but it still feels playful overall.
Battery
The bike is very well stocked in the battery department, with a monster 750Wh Bosch PowerTube, which offers hours upon hours of fun.
On our review rides we found we could push out between 70 to 100km comfortably, without running out of juice and on flatter terrain, it got well over 100km.
A lot of factors at play here when estimating range, but this bike is capable of a long ride either way.
Motor
The motor is also a winner – it comes with a Bosch Performance Line CX motor, which is among the best in the business in terms of overall performance.
It provides an extremely smooth power delivery and has a great level of intelligence with the battery, to conserve the power and deliver it steadily.
It also has a powerful kick – up to 85Nm of torque- enough to make easy work of all the climbs you put in its way.
Bosch Performance Line CX
Suspension
The bike also has a heavy hitting suspension set-up, with 160mm of travel at the front end and 160mm at the rear.
This Orbea can cope with most hurdles you put in its way, including some gnarly drops and high impacts, without coming unstuck – but it doesn’t recoil quite as smoothly as some better spec options.
The forks are supplied by RockShox, with their 35 Silver TKs fitted as standard, and you have FOX Float DPS Performance shocks, which are robust and reliable.
Wheels/Tyres
To cope with that extra weight and big impact riding you have a strong pair of 29 inch in Race Face AR 30c, which soak up pressure well.
Along with Maxxis Minion DH tyres – these are hard fighters in the corners and when things get spicy on the trails, but they don’t quite shed as easily as some others.
Brakes/Drivetrain
It’s here that you begin to feel the real difference between this bike and the elite e-MTBs on the market.
It comes with SRAM DB8 brakes, which can feel a little sluggish when you push them hard and they don’t always fill you with confidence.
The 12-speed Shimano CS-M7100 drivetrain can similarly feel a little sluggish and although it’s passable, you can feel the difference between this and some of the more expensive bikes on our list.
Final Thoughts
If you’re on a mid-range budget, this is one of the best mid-drive electric full-suspension mountain bikes, particularly if you want to take on challenging trails and have plenty of juice in the tank.
It climbs and descends well, has an approachable handling set-up, which fits for many different abilities, and it’s got one of the best electrics packages out there.
There are a few issues, such as the brakes and drivetrain, but you’re still getting a solid e-MTB.
Shipping and delivery info:
- Free shipping
- 1 day to California, 2 day to Nevada/Arizona/Utah, 3-5 days to the rest of mainland US.
- International shipping available – cost and delivery time varies depending on location.
Pivot Shuttle SL Pro X01
Good for – Enduro, versatility
Price – $10,999
Peaks:
- Weight
- Motor power
- Suspension
- Versatility
- Drivetrain
Troughs:
- Can’t take on the gnarliest terrain
- Alloy wheels
- Brakes
Summary:
The Pivot Shuttle SL Pro X01 is another well balanced, full-suspension e-MTB, which tries to balance low weight with reasonably sized electrics.
It offers a great deal of versatility, with the ability to descend and climb proficiently – ideal for enduro and playful e-MTB riding.
Weight/Frame
The bike weighs in at 18.7kg, with a full carbon frame, which has a progressive geometry, laid out well for technical riding.
It has a light touch of handling, that can be manipulated easily through tight sections, and you never feel overfaced when things become complex on the trails.
It feels responsive on bumpy terrain and the complex carbon compound in the frame, soaks up hits well.
Battery
The bike is fitted with a 450Wh Fazua Ride battery, which offers an impressive range for its weight.
It can take on long old rides without a struggle, offering enough juice to take on plenty of climbing – we found we could push out climbs of around 1,500m on one charge.
There’s also talk of a battery range extender coming out in the near future, which will further that ride time.
Motor
The bike is also well served in the motor department – it comes with a Fazua Ride 60, which can punch out up to 60Nm of torque.
It’s a powerful kick for a bike of only 18.7kg and that helps the bike climb excellently – it feels surefooted and nimble uphill.
Plus the power delivery feels smooth and natural, helping to give the impression that you’re riding a normal MTB.
Fazua Ride 60
Suspension
You have a well-balanced, enduro focused suspension set-up, with 150mm of travel at the front and 132mm at the rear end.
The FOX Factory 36 forks are capable of taking on the rough stuff, while the reduced amount of travel in the FOX Factory Float X shocks means the bike remains pacy.
That’s a solid combo, which allows you to climb and descend well – however, when things become particularly gnarly, the bike can feel slightly limited. It’s not a bike to excel at a jump park – you might find some uncomfortable impacts if you launch off sizeable ledges.
Wheels/Tyres
The 29 inch DT Swiss XM1700 aluminium wheels offer a very stable footing, but we would question why a carbon model wasn’t included.
This would help reduce the overall weight and help bring the bike closer to the Orbea M-LTD.
No issues in the tyre department, you get a grippy pair of Maxxis Dissectors, which do the job needed.
Brakes/Drivetrain
The bike excels in the drivetrain department with a 12-speed SRAM X01 Eagle set-up, which is reliable and responsive – helping you to shift pace efficiently.
Meanwhile, the bike’s Shimano XT M8120 brakes do just about enough, but aren’t quite as high spec as some of the competitors in this area of the e-MTB market.
Final Thoughts
An excellent enduro option, which offers a clever mix of weight, power, natural riding experience and versatility.
A good climber, a reasonable descender and also competitive on the flats – undoubtedly one of the best e-bikes for trail riding.
A few issues, which could be improved, but a good ride all the same.
Shipping and delivery info:
- Free shipping to the US mainland (Alaska not included).
- Standard shipping time – 3-5 business days from the day of shipment (US mainland only).
- Economy shipping times – 5-10 business days from the day of shipment (US mainland only).
- Extra fees & varying shipping times for international orders, Alaska, Hawaii & other US territories
Trek Fuel EXe 9.9 XX1 AXS
Good for – Enduro, elite riders
Price – $13,999
Peaks:
- Low weight
- Powerful motor
- Brilliant suspension
- Advanced display
- Playful handling
- Fun to ride
Troughs:
- Expensive
- Low range
Summary:
The Trek Fuel EXe 9.9 XX1 AXS is the company’s leading enduro bike and offers all the descending qualities, which the E-Caliber doesn’t.
It’s a very advanced e-MTB, which is fit for someone right at the top of their game, such as very talented amateurs or elite riders.
Weight/Frame
The handling experience is key to this bike’s design and it offers a progressive geometry, which is targeted at advanced riders.
It’s an aggressive set-up, which lends itself to being thrown about, and it feels great to ride, if you have a good level of experience.
There are 4 frame sizes to choose from, each with 2 different geometry options – this increases the chance of getting a bike tailored closely to your riding style and body type.
The playfulness is increased further thanks to the overall low weight of the carbon framed bike – a total of 18.45kg.
Battery
To maintain the low weight, Trek have installed a reduced sized TQ battery, which offers 360Wh, equating to around 50km in range overall on the flats.
If you throw in a healthy dose of climbing, you might find that being reduced further to around 40km.
It’s not a bike for those who need heaps of assistance – it’s targeted at experienced and fit riders, who can ride hard, without needing a consistent leg up.
For those sorts of riders, the battery offers enough in the tank to have quite the day out.
Motor
The motor offers a lot of power for its weight though – its TQ HPR50 can churn out up to 50Nm of torque, which makes a real difference on the climbs.
It’s nimble going uphill and the motor offers a powerful punch to get up to top speed on the flats.
Its climbing prowess adds to the bike’s overall versatility.
TQ-HPR50
Suspension
The suspension set-up is suitably aggressive to take on some chunky impacts, without feeling over sluggish on the climbs.
You get a reliable pair of RockShox Lyrik Ultimate forks, which offer 150mm of travel – they soak up some very unsteady terrain with ease and the 140mm of travel, in the RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate shocks, also does the job well.
It’s a well-balanced set-up, which allows you to take on some big hits, but without losing out too much on speed.
Wheels/Tyres
The Bontrager Pro Line wheels offer great impact dissipation, which adds to the overall smooth feel to this e-MTB.
However, you do feel marginally let down by the SE5 Team Issue tyres. Although they offer great traction qualities, we found they’re a little more prone to puncture than we would like.
The wheels are 29 inch, which gives you a good grounding on the trail.
Brakes/Drivetrain
Trek hasn’t held back on the spec level with this bike – you get top end SRAM Code RSC brakes, which are among the best available – offering fierce stopping ability and overall performance.
This is mirrored in the drivetrain, with an excellent 12-speed SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS set-up, which is ultra-responsive – again adding to the polished overall riding experience.
Final Thoughts
A very versatile and well-balanced e-MTB, offering excellent climbing and descending ability, along with a very smooth riding experience.
It’s fun to ride and largely reliable, just a few issues with the tyres which need sorting and a low range battery, which could exclude a certain cohort of riders.
Shipping and delivery info:
- Free shipping
- 3-5 working days delivery time for standard delivery to your local Trek dealership, on the US mainland – expect longer times for Alaska and Hawaii.
- 2-day delivery to local Trek dealership available for $19.99, overnight delivery available for $34.99.
Norco Sight VLT A1
Best e-MTB on a budget
Good for – Long rides downhill
Peaks:
- Suspension
- Long range potential
- Motor
- Price
- Can take on tougher terrain.
Troughs:
- Unnatural power delivery
Summary:
The Norco Sight VLT A1 is our top pick for people on a budget – it’s striding into a field of top e-MTBs and not doing too shabby in comparison considering it’s a great budget and entry-level E-mtb.
It can take on the rough stuff and offers varying battery sizes, which can build up to some serious range, and for a fraction of the price of some of the other bikes on this list.
Weight/Frame
The first noticeable difference to some of our other top e-MTBs is that it’s an aluminium framed bike, which adds extra weight.
It comes in at 25.2kg, with the smallest battery option, a substantial load to cart around on the trails.
However, it still has an aggressive geometry and that allows it tackle technical terrain without feeling cumbersome – it isn’t as nimble as a lightweight e-MTB, but it still handles well while descending.
Battery
On purchase you can chose from varying battery sizes, which changes the price accordingly.
You can go for a 540Wh, a 700Wh or a 900Wh – this is where you can decide whether you want to try and retain as much playfulness as possible or go for the largest battery and suffer from extra weight as a result.
The range potential on the 900Wh is phenomenal – this is a true, all day ride, custom battery – which never seems to run out of juice.
If you go for the 540Wh it will cost an extra $899, 720Wh – $1,099 and the 900Wh costs an extra $1,299.
Motor
You also get a powerful Shimano Steps EP8 motor, which can emit up to 85Nm of torque.
It’s powerful enough to cart that heavy weight up demanding climbs and you can use it liberally without fear of running out of juice, particularly if you have one of the two largest batteries.
The power delivery can feel rather jerky at times though and it doesn’t offer the smoothest relationship with the pedals.
Shimano EP8
Suspension
You’re well catered for in the suspension department – with a chunky amount of travel in the forks and shocks – 160mm and 150mm, respectively.
This gears the bike up for some very demanding terrain and you can take on some big hits, without bottoming out or feeling uncomfortable.
You get a well-designed pair of FOX Rhythm Float 36 forks and a pair of FOX Float X2 Performance Elite shocks – they offer more than enough protection when things get rough and ready.
Wheels/Tyres
The bike is fitted with a chunky pair of 29 inch E13 LG1 downhill tyres, which are robust enough to take the punishment that this downhill focused e-MTB will throw at it, but they aren’t the lightest.
You get a pair of Maxxis Assegai tyres, which offer great biting power into the dirt and you feel composed when riding the bike hard, despite its weight.
Brakes/Drivetrain
We don’t have full confidence in the brakes – the Shimano MT520s aren’t the highest spec and the reaction time for them to come to life can feel slightly laboured – something worth remembering if you’re really pushing the bike to the limit.
The bike comes with a 12-speed Shimano SLX drivetrain, which is decent enough, without setting the world alight with its performance – but you get what you pay for.
Final Thoughts
If you want to take on long days out on wild terrain, this is a perfect option, particularly if you are on a lower budget.
It has some excellent qualities, which allow the bike to excel on gnarly terrain, and although it isn’t quite as well-rounded as some of the other competitors in this list – it still performs admirably and without completely breaking the bank.
Shipping and delivery info:
- Free shipping.
- International shipping available – cost and delivery time varies markedly depending on location.
- US delivery time – 1 day to California, 2 day to Nevada/Arizona/Utah, 3-5 days to the rest of mainland US.
Final Thoughts
And that’s a wrap – quite the collection, we have to say!
The industry is moving quickly and the technology is becoming increasingly advanced as every year passes.
Bikes are becoming lighter, more powerful and they’re increasingly offering a better all-round riding experience.
We’ve spent many hours in the saddle riding our top picks in this list and you won’t be disappointed by any of them.
All you have to do now is hop aboard and shred – get out there and hit the trails on one of these beauties.
