The battle to create the lightest electric mountain bikes is among the fiercest in the e-MTB industry.
Lightweight brings playfulness and an ease of handling, which brings motorised bikes closer towards their traditional, non-electric, counterparts.
Creating the lightest e-MTB is a balancing act and it isn’t easy, in fact, it’s damn hard.
Manufacturers are investing huge amounts of money to improve the technology and refine their e-MTBs, to shave off weight.
So who has created the best lightweight electric mountain bike?
Let’s find out….
Our Top 3 Picks
What is a lightweight electric mountain bike?
One thing is obvious – they’re light, which increases the fun factor on a bike and often means they’re much easier to manipulate and have more responsive handling.
That opens bikes up to be being thrown around more easily and creates playfulness – fantastic for technical terrain and fast riding.
It also means they’re nimbler on the climbs and in tight twisty sections.
There can be a compromise though – long range batteries and powerful motors often weigh quite a bit – so a lightweight electric mountain bike can sometimes have a lower range and a less powerful motor.
However, the technology is improving rapidly and manufacturers are managing to shave off weight in other areas, so that you don’t lose out too much.
All that refinement in technology comes at a cost – lightweight e-MTBs can often be pricier than their heavier-weight siblings.
Now we know what a lightweight e-MTB is – time to find out the best lightweight e-mountain bike.
The Cube Reaction Hybrid Performance is a versatile entry level e-MTB, which can span both the urban and countryside environments.
Best lightweight e-MTB 2024
Orbea Rise M-LTD
Best all-rounder lightweight e-MTB
Good for – Enduro, descending, climbing
Price – $12,148
Peaks:
- Ultra-light
- Handling
- Playfulness
- Climbing ability
- Motor power
- Suspension
- Brakes
- Versatile
Troughs:
- Price
- Standard battery range
- No display
Summary:
The Rise M-LTD is our best lightweight electric mountain bike for all-round riding.
It’s made to climb, descend and take on technical terrain – doing it all magnificently.
Weight/Frame
The bike weighs an astonishing 16.2kg, which is the lightest e-MTB with a full suspension bike on our list.
It handles beautifully and can be thrown around with ease, performing excellently downhill and having a decent pedaling efficiency on the climbs.
Battery
You get a 360Wh custom battery, which doesn’t offer the greatest range, but for just short of $500 you can buy a 250Wh range extender – the combo takes you to around 80km on a day’s riding, which is lengthy for a lightweight bike.
You’re likely to be hitting between 40km-50km on the standard battery.
Motor
You also get a powerful Shimano EP801-RS motor, which has a maximum torque output of 60Nm – higher than most super lightweight e-MTBs.
That gives you immense climbing ability and the bike makes light-work of just about any climb.
However, the lack of display, as standard, is a problem and that means you end up paying extra if you want one.
Suspension
You get 140mm of travel at the front and rear, but can upgrade to 150mm in the forks, for an additional cost.
The forks are supplied by FOX, with the FOX 34 Float Factory model fitted, along with FOX Float DPS shocks.
It’s a well-balanced set-up, that can take on some pretty gnarly terrain, but without being too spongy – it isn’t quite cut out for the wildest downhill routes though, due to the amount of travel.
Wheels/Tyres
The bike is fitted with lightweight 29 inch wheels, provided by OQUO, and there are Maxxis Rekon tyres, which offer an immense amount of traction.
Brakes/Drivetrain
You also get excellent Shimano XTR M9100 brakes and an excellent 12-speed Shimano XTR drivetrain.
Beautiful components, which complement the rest of the bike’s impressive qualities – providing strong stopping power and swift shifting – adding the bikes playfulness.
Final Thoughts
It’s a phenomenal bike, which offers envious figures in the weight and electrics department, but there are hidden costs and the price soon mounts up.
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.
Trek E-Caliber 9.9 XX1 AXS Gen 1
Best lightweight cross-country e-MTB
Good for – Cross-country, fit riders
Price – $9,749
Peaks:
- Weight
- Playfulness
- Speed
- Handling
- Versatility
Troughs:
- Battery range
- Motor power
- Not good on lumpy and bumpy trails.
Summary:
The Trek E-Caliber 9.9 XX1 AXS Gen 1 is the crème de la crème in the lightweight cross-country e-MTB market.
It’s also the lightest e-MTB in our list.
Weight/Frame
The bike weighs an incredibly low 16.35kg, in the medium frame size, with the company’s OCLV compound.
Despite its low weight, you still get a comfortable riding experience and the frame has great shock absorption.
You have a super sporty geometry, which is made for speed, with excellent pedaling efficiency and an aerodynamic finish.
Battery
It comes with a 250Wh Fazua battery, which despite its size, offers a respectable range of up to around 75km on flatter terrain.
That’s damn impressive for a bike of its overall low weight.
Motor
You also get a seriously impressive Fazua Ride Trail 50 motor, which can punch out 58Nm of torque.
We’re amazed at the electrics for a bike of 16.35kg and it means it climbs like an absolute beast.
It’s a nimble e-MTB, which flies on the flats and dances up the climbs.
Suspension
The climbing prowess is helped by the low amount of travel at the rear end. You only get 60mm in the shocks and 120mm in the forks.
This adds to the bike’s sportiness, with a high level of traction and incredible pedaling efficiency.
It comes with RockShox SID Ultimate forks, which offer enough cushioning to take hits on the lumps and bumps, while also offering quick recoil to be able to keep up momentum.
At the front end you get a pair of Trek IsoStrut FOX Factory shocks – these offer just a slight comforting edge off the bumps of the trail.
It isn’t a bike for enduro/downhill style routes – it’s made for flatter terrain and to move at serious pace, without any sponginess brought on by long forks or dampening shocks.
Wheels/Tyres
You get a pair of 29 inch Bontrager Kovee XXX wheels and Bontrager XR3 Team Issue tyres, which offer excellent shedding ability, while also enough bite to pick up traction – helping to keep up speed.
Brakes/Drivetrain
The bike is rounded off with a pair of SRAM G2 Ultimate brakes, which are powerful and reliable.
And you get a top 12-speed SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS drivetrain, which offers immensely responsive shifting.
This adds to the bike’s paciness, helping you to get up to speed quickly.
Final Thoughts
Overall, this bike is an absolute speed demon, which ticks all the boxes you want from a cross-country bike – dripping in excellent components.
It’s also dropped in price by around $5,000 over the past year – an excellent e-MTB.
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.
Specialized Turbo Kenevo SL Comp
Good for – Downhill, gnarly terrain, fit rider
Price – $5,849
Peaks:
- Weight
- Price
- Playfulness
- Handling
- Versatility
- Suspension
Troughs:
- Battery range
- Motor power
Summary:
The Turbo Kenevo SL Comp is the lower spec version of the S-Works Turbo Kenevo SL and is aimed at riders with a moderate level of experience.
It’s a gnarly downhill bike for people just venturing into the lightweight e-MTB market, but certainly needs a degree of experience to be properly harnessed.
Weight/Frame
It comes with a carbon frame, which is lightweight and playful, with a pretty aggressive geometry, but scaled back slightly from the top spec version.
It weighs 19kg in the size 4 frame size, which is around the equivalent to a large.
It can be thrown around easily and offers a super responsive handling layout, with 6 adjustable geometry settings, so you can tweak the bike to your preferences.
Battery
To nail that weight, a saving has to be made, and that’s in the electrics – the bike comes with Specialized’s SL1 custom battery, which only emits 320Wh.
That holds back a less fit rider and relies more on the ability of the person riding, if you want to clock up big miles.
However, it’s a downhill bike, so it isn’t designed for full-day rides, it’s designed for short and aggressive, descent focused riding.
Motor
The motor is also lacking in real umph, with only 35Nm of torque, which could also hold a less fit rider back on the steeper sections.
However, it still offers a bit of a kick when needed and would do the job nicely for a rider who wants to test themselves physically.
Suspension
You get a chunky suspension set-up, with 170mm of travel at the front and rear end, designed to take on some gnarly hits and wild downhill terrain.
It’s fitted with FOX Float 36 Rhythm forks and FOX Float X Performance shocks, which combined offer a beautiful riding experience in technical terrain.
It can feel a little spongy on the flats, due to the amount of give in the suspension, but this bike is aimed at the descending market after all.
Wheels/Tyres
It comes with 29 inch wheels at the front and rear, with super reliable Grid Trail tyres, which have great durability, which adds to the smoothness of the riding experience.
Brakes/Drivetrain
You get fantastic SRAM Code R brakes and a 12-speed SRAM GX Eagle gearing set-up.
These provide immense reliability and give you the confidence to push the bike hard – the brakes bite responsively into the corners and cope with the rigorous demands the bike is capable of when pushing hard downhill.
You also have silky smooth shifting, which allows you to click up and down the gears quickly and copes with the change of speed well from the big impact drops to the tight corners.
Between the brakes and the drivetrain you have a reliable safety net – that means you can focus on the fun stuff.
Final Thoughts
A great bike and one of the most impressive aspects is the price. You’re getting some truly exceptional components, on an all-out downhill bike, for a steal.
Only downside is the reduced size of the electrics, but it’s a bike made to ride like a normal MTB and you still get a bit of assistance – however, it isn’t one for a less fit rider.
Shipping and delivery info:
- Specialized home delivery available – frame size availability varies. Check the website for the latest info.
- 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 Kenevo SL
Best lightweight electric mountain bike for downhill
Good for – Downhill, gnarly trails
Price – $11,249
Peaks:
- Weight
- Playfulness
- Adjustability
- Handling
- Versatility
- Suspension
- Big hits
Troughs:
- Price
- Battery range
- Motor power
Summary:
The S-Works Turbo Kenevo SL is the downhill focused sibling to the high standard S-Works Turbo Levo SL.
The bike is designed to fly and take on the roughest terrain out there.
Weight/Frame
The bike weighs in at 18.7kg, with the company’s FACT carbon frame, which offers incredibly responsive handling.
The geometry is advanced and descent-focused, with the aim of allowing the rider to flow seamlessly on big descents – it comes with 6 different adjustable settings, so you can tweak it to the needs of the day’s trails.
Battery
The bike is designed to offer a natural riding experience, with the emphasis put on the rider, rather than a reliance on the electrics.
This adds to the bike’s playfulness and ability on the descents, however, it means the bike only comes with a 320Wh, custom SL1 battery – that limits your range considerably to under 50km.
Motor
It comes with the same custom SL 1.1 motor as the S-Works Turbo Levo SL and again, only emits up to 35Nm of torque.
This can limit less fit riders on the most challenging climbs, because you don’t have the assistance power to kick on up steep climbs – it’s a bike designed for the best riders and for them, this is less of an issue.
Suspension
It comes with 170mm of travel at both the front and rear – with high spec FOX Float 38 Factory forks and FOX Float X2 Factory shocks.
It’s a plush set-up, which swallows up impacts with ease, offering a graceful recoil to get you back to a strong riding position, smoothly and quickly.
Wheels/Tyres
You have 29 inch wheels at both the front and the rear, with a reliable pair of Butcher tyres, which fight hard to grip into the dirt on the tricky sections.
Brakes/Drivetrain
You get an excellent SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS drivetrain and an incredible pair of SRAM Code RSC brakes. Both components offer reliability and allow you to push the bike hard on the tricky descents.
They’ll give you the confidence you need to push the bike hard and take on the rough stuff without fearing you’ll slip out in the corners or struggle to get into the right gear easily.
Final Thoughts
Overall, it’s a well-polished full package lightweight E-MTB, which nails the descents and has an insane playfulness that is hard to match.
The only downside is the reduced power in the motor and battery, but this bike is designed purposefully to offer a natural ride experience and that’s exactly what you get.
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.
Orbea Rise M-20
Good for – New riders to the lightweight market, general trail riding
Price – $5,599
Peaks:
- Price
- Handling
- Battery range
- Motor power
- Playfulness
Troughs:
- Brakes
- Wheels
Summary:
The Orbea Rise M-20 is the entry-level carbon bike in the excellent Rise series.
It’s much scaled back from the M-LTD, but it’s still targeted at riders who want to climb, descend and take on some technical terrain – perfect for enduro style trails and general trail riding.
Weight/Frame
It weighs in at 19.3kg, in the large frame size, with an OMR carbon fibre frame, which has an ease of handling.
It doesn’t quite have the feather-light touch of the M-LTD, but it still copes well on technical terrain and it looks a beauty.
Battery
It comes with a 504Wh custom battery, which is larger than the standard M-LTD, and that makes it much more suitable for the general market.
It offers a lengthy day out on the trails of around 75km, which is a decent achievement for a bike under 20kg.
Motor
You also get a Shimano EP801-RS motor, which emits a max torque of up to 60Nm, enough to propel you up tricky climbs.
Overall the power-to-weight ratio is impressive.
Suspension
It comes with a burly suspension to take on some tricky descents – you get 140mm of travel at the front and the rear.
With FOX Float Performance forks and FOX Float DPS Performance shocks – this combination offers a lot of balance – with enough forgivingness to take hits, while also not affecting its climbing ability too much.
It’s a decent set-up, but nowhere near as plush as the M-LTD.
Wheels/Tyres
You have a 29 inch pair of Race Face AR30c wheels and a decent pair of Maxxis tyres. The tyres are reliable in the corners, but the wheels aren’t the most forgiving on impact.
You feel a lot of lumps and bumps, which isn’t ideal.
Brakes/Drivetrain
It comes with Shimano M6100 brakes, which can sometimes feel a slight bit under-gunned for the aggressive nature of the bike.
And a 12-speed Shimano SLX drivetrain – that does the trick nicely and offers smooth shifting.
Final Thoughts
An excellent option if you’re on a lower budget and want a taste of the Orbea M-LTD, without breaking the bank.
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 Levo SL Carbon
Good for – Enduro, descending, climbing
Price – $14,000
Peaks:
- Weight
- Playfulness
- Adjustability
- Handling
- Versatility
- Suspension
Troughs:
- Price
- Battery range
- Motor power
Summary:
The S-Works Turbo Levo SL is one of the cream of the crop in the lightweight market and is targeted at elite riders and competitive amateurs.
Weight/Frame
The bike weighs in at 17.4kg, which is among the lightest in our guide.
It comes with an ultra-durable carbon frame, which has an advanced geometry and is made to be thrown around.
The geometry set-up takes some skill to get to grips with, which is why the bike is targeted at the very best riders and it’s designed to offer a natural ride experience, mimicking a conventional MTB.
Battery
That ultra-lightweight comes at a compromise, the bike is only fitted with a 320Wh custom SL1 battery, which means it only has a short range – around 45km in total when a decent slice of climbing is involved. A little more without, but it’s still not ground-breaking.
Motor
The custom SL 1.1 motor only kicks out 35Nm of torque, which for many riders won’t do.
There is a lot of emphasis put on the fitness of the rider and although this motor offers a little extra aid on the climbs, it isn’t appropriate for riders who want large amounts of assistance.
Suspension
The suspension is where the bike comes into its own – it’s fitted with a high spec FOX set-up, with Float 36 Factory forks and Float X Factory shocks – offering 150mm of travel at either end.
You get a pillow-soft experience on the trails, capable of taking on some enormous hits.
The bike is designed for the enduro market in particular, which limits the amount of travel at 150mm, to retain climbing ability and not become too spongey.
With this in mind, the lack of travel can feel a touch limited on some of the gnarliest downhill trails.
Wheels/Tyres
You get a mullet style set-up, with a 29 inch front wheel and 27.5 inch rear wheel, which adds to the playfulness.
The suspension is complemented by a toothy combo of an of Eliminator Grid Trail front tyre and Butcher Grid Trail rear tyre – which offer immense stopping power.
Brakes/Drivetrain
You also get a top spec pair of SRAM Code Stealth Ultimate brakes, which are among the best in the business, and an SRAM XX Eagle Transmission drivetrain, which offers silky smooth shifting.
These allow you to play around with the bike and push it hard, safe in the knowledge the brakes will grind the bike to a halt when needed.
Final Thoughts
An incredibly versatile e-MTB, which climbs and descends really well. It’s a dream to handle and has excellent components throughout.
However, you get limited battery range and motor power – not one for people who need a lot of assistance.
Shipping and delivery info:
- Shipping provided by your local Specialized affiliate store – times and costs vary depending on state.
Trek Fuel EXe 9.9 XX1 AXS
Good for – Enduro riding, experienced riders
Price – $13,999
Peaks:
- Weight
- Handling
- Motor power
- Display
- Suspension
- Natural ride feel
Troughs:
- Price
- Battery range
Summary:
The Fuel EXe 9.9 XX1 AXS is Trek’s showcase enduro e-MTB, with bags of playfulness and strength both descending and climbing.
Like the S-Works Turbo Levo SL Carbon, It’s aimed at elite riders and experienced amateurs.
Weight/Frame
It weighs in at 18.45kg, with the company’s OCLV carbon frame, which comes in 4 different sizes, with 2 geometry configurations per size.
This means you can tailor the bike to your needs and it helps you get the most out of it.
It handless with a real lightness, that provides a playful experience on the trails.
Battery
The bike comes with a 360Wh TQ battery, which provides a low-level range of around 35km to 50km depending on the terrain – with around 1,200m of climbing we found the bike conked out just over 35km.
Not ideal for a bike, which is likely to face a lot of climbs on its adventures out. The bike is better suited to a fit rider, who doesn’t need much assistance.
Motor
It’s better served in the motor department, with a TQ HPR50 model, which can emit a maximum of 50Nm of torque.
That’s a sizeable chunk of power for a light-bike and it’s more than Specialized’s top enduro bike can put out.
The bike climbs well as a result.
Suspension
This bike is made to take on some big hits, but still offers strength on the climbs.
You get 150mm of travel at the front end, with RockShox Lyrik Ultimate forks, and 140mm at the rear with RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate shocks.
A plush suspension, which operates responsively.
Wheels/Tyres
It comes with 29 inch Bontrager Line Pro wheels at both the front and rear, and they’re coated in Bontrager SE5 Team Issue tyres.
The tyres can be a little puncture prone, but they certainly offer a strong bite on the trail and that gives you confidence to throw the bike around.
Brakes/Drivetrain
You also get top spec SRAM Code RSC brakes, which offer a decent amount of stopping power, and you have a smooth shifting 12-speed SRAM Eagle XX1 Eagle AXS drivetrain.
Final Thoughts
There’s a lot to love about this bike, however, it’s not cheap and the battery range is upsettingly low. A wonderful riding experience, but it relies on a fitter rider to make the most of it.
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.
Specialized Turbo Levo SL Comp
Good for – Enduro, descending, climbing, fit riders
Price – $4,499
Peaks:
- Weight
- Price
- Playfulness
- Handling
- Versatility
- Suspension
Troughs:
- Battery range
- Motor power
Summary:
The Turbo Levo SL Comp is the junior version of the S-Works Turbo Levo SL.
The bike is aimed at the moderate ability rider and those just entering the super lightweight market. It’s bike well versed on most technical terrains and can take impacts.
Weight/Frame
The bike weighs 19.4kg, which means it still has the playfulness that the higher spec version has, but the aggressiveness of the geometry is reduced, so it’s easier to handle for those with less experience.
There’s also less adjustability on offer, with an aluminum frame, rather than a carbon set-up.
It handles well and it’s a fantastic achievement to have kept the weight under 20kg.
Battery
The bike comes with the company’s 320Wh SL1 battery, the same model as the highest spec Turbo Levo.
Due to the heavier frame, it means the overall range is slightly reduced to around 40km, with 1,500m of climbing, which isn’t much at all.
Motor
You also get the same custom SL 1.1 motor as the Turbo Levo, which emits a top torque of 35Nm – not ideal if you need a lot of assistance.
Entry level riders and those with moderate experience are likely to feel that lack of power and for some, it might not offer you enough on the most challenging climbs.
There is a heck of a lot of reliance on a rider’s fitness level.
Suspension
You get 150mm of travel at both the front and the rear, with FOX Rhythm 34 Float forks and FOX Float DPS Performance shocks.
A cracking combo, which soaks up pressure nicely on the trails and allows the bike to head into some pretty rough terrain – perfect for enduro style riding.
Wheels/Tyres
You have 29 inch wheels at the front and the rear, with a durable pair of custom rims and grippy GRID trail tyres, which do the job nicely when called upon.
Brakes/Drivetrain
The bike is fitted with a decent pair of SRAM Guide R brakes and there’s a reliable SRAM NX Eagle drivetrain.
The brakes are reliable and fight hard when you need them to on the fast descents and the sharp corners.
Meanwhile, the drivetrain offers a swiftness of shifting that makes getting up to speed a breeze.
Final Thoughts
It’s a well balanced bike overall, but could be lacking in the electrics for many riders.
Shipping and delivery info:
- Specialized home delivery available – frame size availability varies. Check the website for the latest info.
- 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 Fuel EXe 9.5
Good for – Enduro riding, people new to lightweight bike riding
Price – $5,499
Peaks:
- Price
- Weight
- Motor
- Natural ride experience
- Display
Troughs:
- Brakes
- Battery range
- Drivetrain
Summary:
The Fuel EXe 9.5 is the general market version of the Fuel EXe 9.9 XX1 AXS.
It’s targeting the enduro market – with plenty of climbing and descending, but it’s a scaled back version of the 9.9 XX1 and comes in much cheaper.
Weight/Frame
You get the same OCLV carbon compound frame, and the 8 different frame geometry options all offer a lightness of handling and playfulness.
Overall the bike weighs more though, coming in at 19.93kg – it still offers a fun riding experience, but isn’t anywhere near as nimble.
Battery
You get the same 360Wh TQ battery, which offers a reduced overall range, due to the slightly heavier weight.
You’re looking at around 35km to 45km, depending on the amount of climbing – which is low.
Given the bike isn’t targeted at the best riders, that might prove a problem for many amateur weekend spinners.
Motor
However, the motor is fantastic – with the TQ-HPR50 installed, kicking out 50Nm of torque.
That’s a sizeable amount of punch for a light bike and it makes a huge difference on the climbs, you also get a very well designed display, with lots of customisable options.
Suspension
The suspension is one of the areas downgraded, compared to the top spec Fuel EXe bike, but you still get 150mm of travel at the front and 140mm at the rear.
You get RockShox 35 Gold DR forks and RockShox Deluxe Select+ shocks – these offer a decent degree of protection from some seriously bumpy terrain, but they’re by no means the complete package, which you get with the high-spec bike.
Certainly enough for most amateur riders though.
Wheels/Tyres
The bike has a sturdy pair of 29 inch Bontrager wheels, which also come with Bontrager XR5 Team Issue tyres.
The tyres suffer from the same puncture issue as the top spec bike, but they still perform well in terms of gripping ability.
Brakes/Drivetrain
The brakes are one downside – you get a pair of TRP Slate Evos – they don’t offer quite enough reliability for you to really push the bike hard – we found a few slip outs at times.
You get an average 12-speed Shimano Deore M6100 drivetrain. No thrills, with average shifting speed and responsiveness.
Final Thoughts
The quality of some of the components reflects the much reduced price, compared to the top spec version.
Despite this, the bike still rides well, has decent handling, you can climb well and it’s capable at descending, but doesn’t excel.
A good bike, but not without issues.
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.
Ride 1UP Prodigy XC
Good for – Trail riding, low budget
Price – $2,395
Peaks:
- Price
- Versatile
- Motor performance
Troughs:
- Battery range
- Weight
- Brakes
- Suspension
Summary:
Finding a budget lightweight e-MTB is incredibly tricky because ultra-lightweight components often cost a lot to make and that’s why many of the bikes in our list are over $10k.
However, the Ride 1UP Prodigy states its claim as a good budget option.
Weight/Frame
It’s an aluminum framed bike, which adds extra weight compared to the other bikes on our list, with a total bike weight of 22kg.
That’s still fairly light and it still allows a playfulness on the trails, with a decent handling set-up, but not too advanced – which opens it up to an entry level market.
Battery
You get a decent sized 504Wh battery, provided by the lesser known Phylion, but it seems to do the trick – allowing us to push out up to 80km on our review rides.
However, for a bike of 22kg, that isn’t exactly remarkable.
Motor
The Browse TF Sprinter motor has a heck of a lot of power at its disposal – capable of emitting up to 90Nm of torque, which certainly helps off-set the 22kg weight.
It climbs well as a result and the bike feels assured during most uphil challenges you put in its way.
Suspension
The bike comes with 120mm of travel at the front end and a hardtail, that limits the bike on the rougher terrain, but it helps with the climbing.
It isn’t made for the seriously wild terrain, it’s made for general entry level trails, and the suspension does enough for those conditions.
If you’re looking to take on something more adventurous, this isn’t the bike for you.
Wheels/Tyres
It comes with 27.5 inch custom wheels, with Maxxis Forekaster tyres.
It’s an average set-up, with the wheels offering little shock absorption to dissipate impacts.
Brakes/Drivetrain
You get a simple 11-speed Shimano Alivio gearing set-up and poor Tektro brakes.
These aren’t reliable and don’t really offer enough to cope with the demands you ask of the bike – prone to slip outs and clunky shifting.
Final Thoughts
You get what you pay for with this bike.
At just over $2,000 it’s a good option for people on a low budget, who want a taste of lightweight riding.
Great for entry level riders too who want a lightweight e-MTB in 2024, but certainly not suitable for a more advanced rider or someone who wants to push a bike hard.
Shipping and delivery info:
- Free delivery US mainland, $400 extra to Canada
- Delivery time – between 5 and 10 working days.
Overall Final Thoughts
We included a variety of lightweight e-MTBs – from the very best, elite standard rides, to budget options and ones for various different disciplines – including general trail riding, enduro, downhill and cross-country.
The lightweight electric mountain bike market is incredibly exciting and the bikes are continually getting lighter and lighter, with technology improving and manufacturers battling it out to improve their offerings.
You’re now well armed with all the details you need to pick your lightweight electric mountain bike.
So what are you waiting for?
