The Best Electric Mountain Bikes of 2021

Sometimes you need to get away from it all. Having the right bike ensures you’ll have a great experience in the outdoors, but which one is the right choice? Depending on where you live, the best options might be the models that can bring their mountain bikers to any destination. Meet the electric mountain bike. This type of bicycle (or e-MTB for short) is a bicycle that provides you extra power when you need it. Trails get crazy out there, with steep climbs, rough terrain, and that can take a traditional bicycle out of commission. But an e-MTB can tank tough hits and keep its wheels rolling. Each electric motor comes with several hours of charge across untamed country and challenging mountain trails. You can go faster and farther, reaching places you would never have seen without your bike’s assistance.

And an electric mountain bike’s power is entirely customizable. If you’ve reached an easier segment of the ride, turn down the power and take it into manual drive. Once you hit rough roads and rocky ridges, roll your motor into high gear and let the machine help you do the work. Pedaling, steering, and landing all become easier with the assistance of electric motor power. That’s the biggest advantage of e-MTBs, and why so many riders are turning to electric models to enhance their riding experience.

Mountain biking offers many benefits, including fitness, adventure, and entertainment. With the addition of electric mountain bikes, bikers of all levels can enjoy these benefits. E-MTBs combine traditional biking with the assistance of an electric motor.

Bestselling Electric Mountain Bike 2021

SaleBestseller No. 1
Totem 26" 350W Electric Mountain Bike, 20MPH with 36V 10.4Ah Battery and Shimano 21 Speed Gears, Adjustable Stem - White
  • Adjustable Stem Upgrade: The stem angle can be adjusted to your height and riding habits, making Victor 2.0 the rider's best travel partner.
  • Fast charge technology: 3A fast charger can recharge the battery in 2-3 hrs, 350W high-speed rear hub motor, providing higher output efficiency.
Bestseller No. 2
Jasion EB5 Electric Bike for Adults with 360Wh Removable Battery, 40Miles 20MPH Commuting Electric Mountain Bike with 350W Brushless Motor, 7-Speed, 26" Tires and Front Suspension (Standard, Dark)
  • 350W Motor & Upgraded Display - The EB5 electric bike equipped with a 350w brushless motor, boosted a top speed of 20 MPH. The LCD display panel has adjustable backlight brightness from 1-5 levels. In addition, upgraded LCD Display provides more powerful data support, such as accurate percentage power display, ODO RT/MAX/AVG SPEED, PAS mode can be customized up to 3 mode.
  • Removable Large Battery - The EB5 e-bike is equipped with 360Wh lithium-lon battery, which covers a range of up to 25-40 miles per charge for 5-6 hours so that it can meet travel or daily commute needs. Removable battery makes charging more convenient whether you are at home or in the office.

What is an Electric Mountain Bike?


Electric mountain bikes are an ever-growing trend. They combine a mountain bike with the convenience of an electric motor and battery pack. There are many benefits to choosing an electric mountain bike over other mountain bikes, including:

  • Travel further: Bikers can cut down on transportation costs with an electric mountain bike. Whereas biking to work or to run errands with a traditional mountain bike might be intimidating, the addition of an electric motor makes it more doable. Some electric bikes are even foldable so you can store them at your destination.
  • Go faster: Electric bikes allow you to trade in public transportation costs, and you can still get to work in a reasonable amount of time.
  • Navigate more difficult terrain: The addition of an electric motor allows bikers to explore new terrains which might otherwise be too difficult to explore.
  • Entertaining: There is no question that when you place a motor on an already enjoyable activity, it becomes even more entertaining. This is a great way to motivate your own biking habit, and encourages biking in less enthusiastic children and teens.

Even with these added benefits, electric mountain bikes are still considered stylish. In many cases, you might not even be able to recognize that someone is using an electric bike versus a traditional mountain bike. Electric mountain bikes are good for all types of riders. There are bikes available for skill levels and both adults and children.

Simply put, an electric mountain bike is a regular bicycle that runs on electric power. It runs on a motor, which can come in several varieties (mid-drive, hub, etc.). The motor helps the cyclist to pedal, allowing for better flexibility and strength on untamed mountain trails. In some models, the electric motor can reach speeds of up to 28 miles per hour when the rider pedals.

Because of that extra electric push, e-MTBs can tackle tougher terrain with ease. Putting power into the pedals means that it’s not just your own strength that’s driving the device. The e-MTB works just like a regular bike, but with the added strength of a small but powerful motor.

Understanding How Mountain Bikes Work


It can be useful to know how electric mountain bikes work when deciding if one is right for your biking hobby. E-bikes come equipped with a battery and an electric motor. When the rider pedals the bike, the motor activates. The motor gives the bike a boost, which can help the rider tackle steep hills and rougher roads. Depending on the type of motor, it automatically switches on when pedaling. 

Do Electric Mountain Bikes Charge When You Pedal?


All models are different, so please keep that in mind. However, plenty of electric mountain bikes can provide power to the motor as the cyclist pedals. In these cases, the device charges much like a hand-cranked flashlight works and is called regenerative pedaling. Regenerative pedaling converts kinetic energy from the pedals’ motion into electricity, which is absorbed by the lithium-ion battery inside your motor. 

Obviously, this method is not 100% efficient, as kinetic energy is lost by friction into the bike itself. The wires also will wear down over time and lose their efficiency, or the battery may not store as well as it used to. The rate at which the bicycle charges depends on the model and make; in fact, not all of them even charge on the go. But most high-end models will do so, allowing you to ride for longer and further on the bike of your choice.

How Fast Does An Electric Mountain Bike Go?


This question depends on how fast you want to take your bike, as well as what its electric motor’s rating is. The motor rating essentially determines how fast the motor vehicle can go on its own power. Whether it requires pedaling or not to reach that speed depends on the type that your e-MTB sports. If your electric bicycle is classified as a Class 1 e-bike, that means it can reach top-assisted speeds of up to 20 miles per hour (it also lacks a throttle). Class 2 e-bike motors also have a maximum speed of 20 miles per hour but reach that mark on throttle-assisted mode without pedaling. That’s the biggest difference between Class 1 and Class 2: whether the rider had to engage the throttle to reach the 20-mile mark. But a Class 3 e-bike takes the cake in terms of self-motorization and pedal assist: The pedal assist and throttle can take you up to 28 miles per hour. (In fact, any faster than 28 miles per hour, and the vehicle becomes either a moped or motorcycle.)

So there are the speeds your mountain bike can have. Many models sport a regular Class 1 e-bike motor and do just fine on all types' trails and terrain.

Can Electric Bikes Go Up Steep Hills?


But the real speed advantage to an electric mountain bike isn’t going forward, but up. Every hiker, mountain biker, and lover of the great outdoors has had to endure their fair share of tough climbs. The climb can make or break both the rider and their equipment, causing them to replace important parts that get fractured in the process, such as a fork or rear shock. 

A traditional bike with a traditional front and back wheel requires an experienced rider, good terrain, and a steady hand. Electric bikes lower the experience threshold and allow both experienced and new riders to climb aboard and get going. This includes helping riders to scale difficult terrain by taking some of the exertion out of the experience. With pedal assist, your bike’s motor will help the internal machine to pedal. It’s a little like power steering in a car: it’s not autopilot, but pedal assist reduces the strain on your body and improves your performance. Electric power also helps in turning and braking, but be sure to inspect your model of choice for particulars. Your motor is a powerhouse and can pump out tons of output for each charge, helping your electric road bike enjoy a slick, sweet ride up rough terrain.

Electric Mountain Bikes Do Require Effort


Perhaps one of the biggest myths of electric bikes is that once you decide to choose a mountain bike with a motor, you can no longer take advantage of manual pedaling. Fortunately, this is not the case. Electric riders can still manually pedal an electric bike. Instead of thinking of the electric motor as an easy way to mountain bike, consider it as a feature that assists.

In fact, the bike draws power from the motor when pedaling. Some bikes also allow riders to disengage or deactivate the motor when pedaling. Pedaling efforts can also be adjusted between low, medium, and high power assistance.

This also means that electric bikes do not move without pedaling. You will need to pedal to ride, whether you are going straight, uphill, downhill, or making numerous turns. You don’t have to pedal as hard as you would with a traditional mountain bike, which can make a big difference when navigating terrain that is bumpier or rockier than you’re used to or has steep inclines or declines.

This also brings the question of whether or not you can use your electric mountain bike without the battery. Bikers can use their e-bike, even without the battery. This will not damage the electric motor but might make it more difficult for the rider to use the bike, especially on steep inclines.

Are Electric Mountain Bikes Legal?


This may seem like a silly question, but it’s something you’ll need to figure out for your area. Most of the time, it comes down to the difference between motorized trails and non-motorized trails. As you might guess, a motorized trail allows bikers with e-bikes to ride freely. Riders can enjoy the great outdoors on trails that allow it, but some are meant for pedestrians, horses, and slower traffic. Non-motorized trails are strict about their limitations, and using an e-bike on one of these could land you a huge fine. Taking an e-bike down a traditional bike path can end up being a huge mistake.

On top of that, some communities have a general dislike for motorized vehicles. Like it or not, electric mountain bikes are held responsible for some of the damage on trails. Some people see them as too accessible to inexperienced riders who aren’t likely to use them well. But a regular mountain bike can cause trail damage, as well, so it doesn’t seem as if banning an electric bike model changes too much. Not to mention, some of the legislation dates back to the days before fat tires, which allow for softer landings and less damage to the trail. 

Perhaps in the coming years, there will be loosened laws around what types of bikes are allowed on certain trails. But nevertheless, it’s vital to get familiar with the laws and regulations of the community you plan to take your electric mountain bike. Do your research and find out whether the trails you’re looking for are motorized or non-motorized. Perhaps over time, regulations on electric mountain bikes will subside. But until then, learn safe habits and plan ahead.

And above all, don’t give electric mountain bike haters another reason to ban them. Show respect to others on the trail, including the people who work hard to maintain them. Show the world that mountain bikers are willing to keep the trails clean for others’ enjoyment. Practice proper trail etiquette and help keep mountain biking alive.

Why Are Electric Mountain Bikes So Expensive?


This is a great question, but the answer is simpler than you’d think. First, all top-notch bikes are expensive. Prices for regular, non-electric bicycles run only a little lower than e-bikes’ price tags. Because of how reliable the materials need to be, and how sturdy the construction has to be, manufacturers are in their right to charge quite a bit to make up for labor and material costs. Many models are also imports from other countries, which significantly add to shipping, handling, and tariff costs.

Secondly, and more specific to electric mountain bikes, is the motor. It’s expensive to make and required a lot of ingenuity to mass-produce. Think about a car motor, or a motorcycle motor. Now imagine installing one of those onto a bike—not just duct taping it onto the top, but integrating its wires and pathways with a bicycle that was already expensive to begin with. E-bikes need everything a regular bike has—great materials, reliable construction, foreign import costs, etc.—on top of lots and lots of research and development. 

How do you balance the motor? How do you keep the bike relatively lightweight while still protecting its precious electrical parts? How do you prevent wind, rain, dirt, and the elements from stopping the motor mid-ride? Researchers have worked hard to answer these and other questions in order to bring e-bikes to the popular market. Without their work, we wouldn’t be able to enjoy all the advantages that this novel technology affords. Naturally, these developers are well within their right to cover their costs by bumping up the price on their e-bike models. It’s a new product, bringing with it all the hype and excitement that new things bring, and it’s a difficult product to make. A good e-bike defies the stereotype that electric devices are haphazard and unreliable.

How Long Do Electric Mountain Bike Parts Last?


The parts that get worn out the most on e-MTBs are batteries, brakes, chains, and tires. Remember that these will need replacing on a regular basis to keep your rides safe. It’s essential for you to trust the materials you’re riding on; otherwise, you could find that a fun weekend on a back trail suddenly goes sour when something breaks apart.

And the most significant among these is the battery. You may not notice battery wear at first, but aging electric devices will eventually drain their charge faster or not retain a charge properly. At this point, it’s time to get a new one. An average bike battery is rated for 10,000 miles, and mountain bike batteries tend to last between three and five hours for each charge. If you’re not sure what to expect from your bike, check out the owner’s manual, and find people who have experience with the bike. Ask them questions. Let them know what you’re considering and what type of terrain you are planning on going through. Because the strain put on the bike varies greatly between paved roads and untamed trails, you may need to adjust your replacement plans and fix things more often than the manual requires. It all depends on how much service you plan to put your parts through.

With good maintenance and proper handling, a well-made electric mountain bike can last for years to come. Of course, with how recent the product is, it might be difficult to say. 

There are more ways than ever to enjoy the great outdoors. Thanks to e-MTBs’ rising popularity, the number of models you can purchase has increased significantly. Gone are the days of poor variety and limited choices. Electric mountain biking has caught on with those who are serious about their playtime and ready to take action. Go through rough terrain, scale treacherous mountains, and master everything these bikes have to offer. Because of how well it balances personal experience and raw power, electric bikes are leagues ahead of their competition when it comes to efficiency and practicality.

Types of Electric Bikes


It can also be helpful to evaluate the type of electric bikes that are currently available. 

Electric bikes are divided into classes and include:

  • Class 1: Class 1 e-bikes do not have a throttle. They are pedal-assist only and have a top speed of 20 mph.
  • Class 2: Class 2 e-bikes do have a throttle assist and can reach 20 mph without pedaling, using just the motor.
  • Class 3: Class 3 e-bikes are also pedal-assisted with a speed that is capped out at 28 mph.

Federal regulations exempt class 1 e-bikes from being categorized as a motorized bicycle. This means that class 1 bikes can navigate many of the same trails and paths that regular mountain bikes can. Of course, it is always important to know what your state laws determine. There is also a class four, but it includes electric bikes that go over 750 watts of power, which is often considered a moped or a motorcycle.

Electric bikes are also categorized into types, which often covers the type of mountain biking that you do most often. Bikers can choose electric bikes that are designed for trail, enduro, downhill, or uphill terrains. Most electric mountain bikes use the motor when pedaling, with the motor topping out at 25 mph.

The Best Mountain Bikes of 2020

  • Efficient 2.1 Rx Trail-tuned motor
  • Fast turbo speed with 560 peak watts
  • Larger wheel size of 29 inches
  • Great handling with modern design and a good suspension
Specialized Turbo Levo Comp

The Specialized Turbo Levo Comp is a top choice because of its good battery life and quiet motor. It has consistently been named one of the top e-bikes year after year.

  • Durable carbon fiber material with good suspension
  • Comfortable ride with large 27.5-inch wheels
  • Powerful and efficient motor with zero power loss
  • Stealth carbon design for a minimum weight and exceptional durability
Mondraker Crusher XR+

The Mondraker Crusher XR+ is another popular choice because of its comfortable ride paired with sturdy suspension.

  • Digital display that allows the rider to easily adjust the speed
  • Minimal three hour charging time
  • Cost-effective and affordable, perfect for entry-level bikers
  • Minimal and simple design, good for first-time riders
GTech EBike City

The GTech EBike City draws power from the rear and is available in either low or high-speed settings. It is a good option for entry-level bikers because of its cost-effectiveness.

  • Designed with a heavy material, giving you a sturdy ride
  • Full suspension with a modern electric-assist bike and motor
  • Equipped with a trail mode and dual suspension for more difficult terrain
  • Good amount of torque
Felt Redemption E-50

Some of the best full suspension mountain bikes in the market today are a good choice for more adventurous bikers. The Felt Redemption E-50 is one of the top e-bikes for off-roading terrain. It has an upgraded suspension system that will make it feel like the bumpiest and roughest or conditions are easy.

  • Boost mode is available and includes a 20 mph cruise speed
  • Speed sensors
  • Large battery capacity of up to 1125 Wh
  • Large 29-inch wheels, good for even more difficult of terrain

The Scott Genius eRide 920 not only stands out from the crowd with its modernly bold design, but it also features a performance motor and speed sensors for a reliable ride. This e-bike is a good option for avid mountain bikers who want to benefit from a powerful motor that allows them to explore the open trails.

  • Powerful, trail-tuned motor that is both quiet and capable
  • Simple, modern bike design
  • Good torque power output
  • Designed with a specialized mission control app to customize motor

The Specialized Turbo Levo Expert comes equipped with the latest technologies including trail features and a higher-capacity battery. It is also very lightweight, making it a good option for bikers who prefer a smaller ride.


These are just a few of the best ebikes currently in the market. Narrow them down by considering what type of e-bike will best match your riding preferences. You can also learn a lot from the best electric bike reviews with testimonials from actual bikers.


Electric Bikes and Your Fitness Goals


Electric bikes are slowly being recognized in the biking industry. While some extreme bikers still prefer to navigate difficult trails without the assistance of an electric motor, there are actually many advantages to using one, including fitness and weight loss.

Whether your fitness goals are to lose weight or to tone up, e-bikes are a good option. While they do make biking easier, having a motor will also allow you to explore new locations. The electric-assist bikes often encourage bikers to spend more time biking while exploring locations that some bikers might have otherwise skipped. E-bikes can also help navigate more difficult terrain, which can burn more calories and tone muscles faster.

How to Choose the Right E-Bike


A lot goes into choosing the right mountain e-bike. You want to choose a bike that has good reviews that meets your individual biking preferences, but you will also want to consider things like range, battery, motor, and speed.

Long-Range Electric Bikes

Enthusiastic and adventurous bikers might wonder how long they can bike with a traditional electric battery. Additionally, a long-range battery might be important to you if you spend hours on the trails or use your e-bike to commute. While many factors can affect range, such as terrain type and riding style, the following bikes are known for longer ranges:

  • QWIC RD11: The QWIC R11 has a range of 110 miles. It can also reach up to 28 mph, making it a good commuting e-bike.
  • QWIC MN7 VV: The QWIC MN7 VV has a range of 130 miles. It also is an efficient and maintenance-free option.

Keep in mind that entry-level e-bikes tend to top out at 30-mile ranges, so if a long-range is important to you, it might make sense to go with an upgraded option. Review the best electric bike reviews to learn more about ebikes with the longest ranges.

Top Speeds for Electric Bikes

E-bike speed might be another important characteristic, especially if you are navigating longer commutes with your bike. The size of the bike’s motor affects its maximum speed, but a traditional 250-watt motor can occasionally reach top speeds of 60 km/h. However, more realistically, a top speed of 35-40 km/h on longer rides is often more likely.

As always, when determining the maximum speed needed, make sure you know your state’s laws for e-bikes. An e-bike's speed can affect the laws that you must follow, based on which class of e-bike you have. For example, e-bikes that reach top speeds of 28 mph will be categorized as a moped and may require a license plate. Higher classes also often require safety equipment, like helmets, and may have minimum age requirements.

Choosing the Right E-Bike Motor

The type and size of e-bike motor will affect your speed and range capabilities. Larger motors with more power will also often come with a higher price tag. E-bike motors are divided into two different types:

  • Up-front: An up-front e-bike motor is often found on entry-level bikes. They range in power from 250-350W and are usually more cost-efficient.
  • Out-back: An out-back motor tends to have more power, between 500-750W, with a higher torque rating. The power is sent to the rear, giving the e-bike a throttle.

Some of the best mountain bike brands currently in the market include Bosch, Shimano, Brose, and Yamaha.

Choosing the Right E-Bike Battery

The battery is an important component of choosing an electric bike. Not only does the battery affect charge time, but also the amount of power and torque generated. E-bike batteries are measured in WH and often range between 300-1,000 WH. A higher kWh means more power and extended battery life. It also often means a higher price tag. 

The average kWh tends to be somewhere around 750 watts, but will vary based on the type and brand of e-bike.

However, for many bikers, the increase of power and longer battery range is worth the higher price tag. Battery power could also affect the overall excitement of your ride. If you’re looking for an adrenaline-producing ride that allows you to explore unpaved terrain, then you might want Electric bike batteries often come in 24V, 36V, 48V, and 72V. The higher the volt of the battery, the more power that you can expect.

E-bike batteries can be charged on or off the bike. While the expected charging time will vary, depending on the bike and the size of the battery, most e-bike batteries can be fully charged between 4-6 hours. Additionally, most e-bikes do not require you to wait until the battery is fully charged to begin riding.

Increasing the Range of Your E-Bike Battery

The majority of bikers would rather spend more time on the trails and less time waiting for their battery to re-charge. Fortunately, there are a few things that you can do to increase the range of your e-bike battery:

  • Limit overall throttle usage
  • Supplement power with pedaling
  • Coast on flat roads
  • Drive at lower speeds
  • Take advantage of regenerative braking
  • Fully charge the battery in between rides
  • Keep a backup battery
  • Maintain the recommended tire fill level

These steps can help you extend your overall battery life, giving you more time to enjoy the outdoors on your e-bike. Many of the best mountain bike brands also come equipped with a longer battery range.

Choosing the Right E-Bike Suspension

The suspension is another important factor to consider, especially if you plan on biking on rougher terrains. Bikes with a better suspension will provide you with more cushion when tackling bumps in the road. Most mountain e-bikes come equipped with full suspension. The best full suspension mountain bikes give you the maximum amount of comfort.

What You Need to Know About Power and Torque


A bike’s power and torque are two characteristics that you might look at when choosing an electric bike.

  • Power: A bike’s power output is usually somewhere around 250 watts, whether it is continuous or nominal.
  • Torque: A bike’s torque output measures its rotational force. Higher torque will often translate to better acceleration and speed.

Understanding the difference and what each one does for the e-bike will help you choose one that meets your terrain and biking style needs.

Other Factors to Consider When Choosing an E-Bike


In addition to choosing an e-bike based on things like battery and suspension, you can also narrow down your options with the following characteristics:

  • Age: Determine whether you will need an adult or child-sized electric bike. Adult e-bikes also come in different sizes and weight limits.
  • Terrain: The terrain you frequent most often is also important to consider. Whether you’re riding on open roads, dirt trails, city roads, or gravel and backroads, you will find it easier with the right bike.
  • Recreational type: The type of riding you do most often also makes a difference when choosing an e-bike that will make you comfortable. Determine your riding style between sport and fitness, recreation, performance or racing, and triathlon types.
  • Price: Of course, you will also want to choose an electric bike that fits within your budget.
  • Bike restrictions: Most e-bikes have weight limits between 220-300 pounds. When choosing the right e-bike, you will also want to consider your overall cargo weight.

E-mountain bikes continue to be improved to better meet the needs of bikers. They are one of the fastest-growing sectors in the biking industry, opening the market for new riders. Whether you plan to meet your fitness goals or want to take your current biking hobby to the next level, an e-bike is a good option.