Find out what the best electric mountain bikes are to give you extra power and performance. You’ll be able to conquer the mountains.
Mountain biking is fun. Go to the next level with an electric mountain bike (eMTB).
Related: The best electric bikes in 2021
You’ll be able to ride further, longer, and have an exhilarating ride. Feel the power and performance of an eMTB while you’re taking on the trails.
Table of Contents
1. Trek Rail 9.9
Trek’s Rail 9.9 is one of the best electric mountain bikes. It’s a long-travel carbon e-MTB with a 625Wh battery and a lightweight Bosch Performance Line CX motor. The Rail 9.9 also has a top-notch SRAM X01 Eagle derailleur and shifters.
It has a RockShox ZEB Ultimate fork with 38mm stanchions and plenty of adjustabilities. Plus, there’s a RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate shock and a Thru Shaft damper.
The high-end suspension, excellent battery, strong and lightweight motor work together to ensure you’re in control throughout the entire ride. You’ll also ride easily up the climbs.
Buy the Rail 9.9 from Trek for $10,999.99.
2. Cannondale Moterra Neo 5
If you’re looking for an eMTB that costs less than $5,000, the Cannondale Moterra Neo 5 is the best option.
It’s a high-performance eMTB with a C2 aluminum frame that offers 150mm of suspension through its 4-bar linked suspension. It also has an SR Suntour XCR LO Boost fork.
It also has a Shimano STEPS DU-E7000 250W drive unit powered by a 504Wh Shimano STEPS BT-E8035 battery. The battery and motor are integrated into the downtube, giving it a seamless look.
Buy the Moterra Neo 5 from Cannondale for $4,500.
3. Specialized Turbo Levo
The Specialized Turbo Levo is the entry-level eMTB for the Turbo Levo series. However, it’s an excellent option.
It has an M5 aluminum frame and a Specialized Turbo Full Power System 2.1 motor powered by a 500Wh Specialized M2-series battery. It’s also equipped with a SRAM CS PG1230 Eagle 11-50T cassette.
The Rockshox 35 Silver TK fork and RockShox Deluxe Select with a custom air valve rear shock ensure you’re able to take on any terrain.
Buy the Turbo Levo from Specialized for $5,500.
4. Santa Cruz Bicycles Heckler X01 RSV
The Santa Cruz Heckler with the X01 RSV kit is an incredible all-around electric mountain bike. It weighs 45.36 pounds, thanks to its full carbon frame.
It also has a 504wh battery, a lightweight Shimano EP8 motor, and a SRAM X01 Eagle derailleur and shifters. The Heckler X01 RSV is built to perform.
For suspension, it has a FOX 36-E Float Factory fork and a RockShox Super Deluxe Select Ultimate rear shock. It’s responsive and keeps you in control regardless of the terrain.
Buy the Heckler from Santa Cruz Bicycles for $12,099.
5. Marin Alpine Trail E2
Marin’s Alpine Trail E2 is comfortable and high-performing. It has a Shimano STEPS EP8 motor and a 630Wh battery. Combined, you have a powerful eMTB.
It also has a Fox 38 fork and Float DHX2 Performance Elite suspension. Along with the top-notch suspension, it has a smooth Shimano XT/SLX 12-speed drivetrain with a 10-51t cassette.
The Alpine Trail E2 has an alloy frame and allows you to ride further, faster, and take on aggressive trails. It’s an excellent electric mountain bike.
Buy the Alpine Trail E2 from Marin for $6,299.
6. Canyon Spectral:ON CF 8
Canyon is known for making some of the best electric mountain bikes. The Spectral:ON CF 8 is no exception. It’s powered by a Shimano EP8 drive system and a Shimano BT-E8036 Akku 630Wh battery.
The frame has a carbon front triangle and an aluminum rear end. It also has a Fox 36 Performance Grip suspension fork and FOX FLOAT DPX2 Performance rear shock.
Overall, it’s an excellent eMTB that allows you to ride fast and provides enough power to tackle steep climbs.
Buy the Spectral:ON CF 8 from Canyon for $6,999.
7. Giant Trance X E+ Pro 29 1
Giant’s Trance X E+ Pro 29 1 rides smoothly and powerfully. It has an EnergyPak 625 Wh battery that’s seamlessly integrated into the downtube of the lightweight ALUXX SL frame.
The battery powers a SyncDrive Pro motor, which offers 80Nm of torque. It’ll help up any steep climb with its smooth pedal assistance.
The Trance X E+ Pro 29 1 has an excellent Maestro suspension system. It gives you more balance and stability to ride in any terrain.
Buy the Trance X E+ Pro 29 1 from Giant for $6,150.
8. Trek Powerfly FS 4
Trek’s Powerfly FS 4 is appealing because it performs and looks like electric mountain bikes that cost more. While it’s not carbon, the aluminum frame is still stylish and durable.
It has a 500Wh battery and a powerful Bosch Performance CX with 85Nm of torque. It’s a strong eMTB that can conquer steep climbs.
The full suspension rides on rough terrain with ease. It has an SR Suntour XCR 34 fork and SR Suntour Edge R shock. It’s an excellent e-bike for off-road riding.
Buy the Powerfly FS 4 from Trek for $4,699.99.
9. Specialized S-Works Turbo Levo
The S-Works Turbo Levo is the top of the line. While it’s also the most expensive, Specialized designed it to withstand difficult trails and harsh weather.
It has a 700Wh battery that powers a 250W Specialized 2.1, custom Rx Trail-tuned motor. Additionally, it has a FOX 36 Factory fork and DPS rear shock.
Overall, it’s a capable, high-performing, and stable eMTB. It’s pricey, but if you have the money, it’s completely worth it.
Buy the S-Works Turbo Levo from Specialized for $12,075.
Bottom line
Each eMTB has strengths and weaknesses. However, the electric mountain bikes that are listed are the best all-around options. They perform well, have trail-smoothing suspension, and ensure you have a fun ride.
Related articles:
- What’s the best electric bike motor?
- Electric bike range: How far can you go?
- How much do e-bikes weigh?
Featured image courtesy of Canva.
About David Em
David Em is the founder and editor-in-chief of Hello E-Bikes, the destination for electric bike reviews, comparisons, gear, and tips.
