Top 12 Best e-MTB Bikes | The best electric mountain bikes ridden & reviewed

Undoubtedly, we find ourselves amidst an electrifying epoch in the realm of e-MTBs. The category is undergoing an explosive surge, with the generation of these bikes becoming more capable and extending their range.

These bikes offer a much-appreciated helping hand on the uphill, but don’t detract when the trail points back down. There are few better ways to spend a day out on the trails than with an e-MTB as they maximise the amount of ground you can cover in a short period of human-powered fun.

With that, the category has split into full-power e-MTBs and lightweight or SL e-MTBs. The full-power behemoths pack a punch with masses of torque and big batteries to get you up hill fast, over, and over and over, again, at the expense of a portly demeanour. While SL e-MTBs are more svelte, with less powerful motors and smaller batteries, they require a bit more input at the pedals but also tend to be more sprightly on the trail.

With quite a few e-MTB tests under our belt and folks always asking us what they should consider purchasing, we’ve put together our pick of the best e-MTBs.

Of course, this list isn’t exhaustive, and some esteemed e-MTBs, like the Pivot Shuttle AM or the Commencal Meta Power, are yet to grace these pages. The reason for that is that we haven’t tested one, and therefore, we can’t comment on its performance and how it compares to others in this category. Sure, we could make some assumptions based on what other folks have said, but that’s not how we run this show.

So, without further ado, here are 12 of the best e-MTBs we’ve ridden and reviewed.

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the Scott Lumen e-MTB ranks in one of the best electric mountain bikes we've ever tested
Scott’s Lumen e-MTB combines its latest hide-the-shock-in-the-frame design language with a TQ motor to make a shockingly lightweight electric mountain bike.

Scott Lumen

The 2023 Scott Lumen eRIDE represents a brilliant fusion of innovation and design, sharing its roots with the renowned Scott Spark. With a carbon frame, a compact TQ motor and a slender 360Wh battery, the top-tier version is claimed to weigh an astonishing 15.5kg – a feat that sets it apart in the realm of lightweight e-MTBs. The entry-level spec we tested, which is half the price at $12,799 AUD, still posted an impressive 17.78kg on the scale.

Sporting 29-inch wheels and 130mm of front and rear travel, the Lumen hides the shock inside the frame. Controlled by the TwinLoc system, the suspension offers three modes: Descend, Traction Control — which limits the rear travel to 90mm — and Lockout.

The TQ-HPR50 motor seamlessly lends up to 50Nm of peak torque, delivering a natural feeling boost. It requires a decent amount of input from the rider to unlock its power, and even then, the small motor never seeks to dominate the experience. 

The Lumen’s on-trail performance pleasantly surprised us, delivering a vibrant and energetic character. This is a seriously rapid trail bike that encourages you to ride hard and fast across undulating terrain.

Lightweight tyres contribute to quick acceleration, while the TQ motor’s silent operation and smooth power delivery accentuate the bike’s organic ride quality. While the Lumen shines on descents, we thought the stock tyres could benefit from improved grip on technical terrain.

We also don’t love the ergonomics of the TwinLock plus dropper remote, there is a lot going on, limited adjustability and the paddles feel thin and edgy.

Read the full review of the Scott Lumen here.

The Giant Trance X E+ Elite e-MTB is one of the top e-mtb's we've reviewed at Flow
The Giant Trance X E+ Elite is a unique take on the SL e-MTB combining a full power motor and a small battery.

Giant Trance X E+ Elite

The Giant Trance X E+ Elite is a new electric mountain bike for 2023, representing the Taiwanese brand’s first attempt at the SL category. Despite only the word Elite differentiating it from its predecessor on paper, this is a wholly different bike.

Its top-end trim features a unique frame, a smaller 400Wh battery, and weight as low as 19kg.  

But this isn’t your typical SL e-MTB, and it’s built around the same Yamaha-manufactured SyncDrive Pro 2, 85Nm unit found in other full-power Giant e-MTBs. Whether that approach pays off will really boil down to your personal needs and riding style. In our standardised range test, which involves repeating a tarmac climb in boost mode, it fell short of the others in the SL category — keep in mind that boost on this bike is the same as full power e-MTB. In an actual ride situation, we got up to 40km with 1000m climbing on flowy XC trails and 32km with 1300m of elevation gain, both on tour mode. An aftermarket 200Wh range extender battery is available to increase the total capacity to 600Wh. 

With a 150mm fork and 140mm of rear travel, the Trance X E+ Elite is designed as an all-round trail bike. Its frame is built around the Maestro dual-link suspension platform and employs a mixed wheel setup, allowing shorter chainstays that dramatically improve the handling of the existing Trance X E+. It’s quick and agile and never demands a whole lot from you piloting it through tight and twisty singletrack. 

However, the over-caffeinated SyncDrive Pro 2 drive unit can feel a bit peaky, and the torque sensor is so touchy the bike wants to lurch forward when you’re simply resting a foot on the pedal. We found the Smart Mode to be a little unpredictable. However, the lower-power Tour mode hit a good balance of predictability and range. 

You can read more about the Giant Trance X E+ Elite here.

One of the best e-mountain bikes we've reviewed is the Canyon Spectral:ON
Now in its fourth generation, the Canyon Spectral:ON continues to be a solid and capable platform, you just have to get used to the noisy motor.

Canyon Spectral:ON

The Canyon Spectral:ON features a full carbon frame that comes in two flavours: CF and CFR, with the latter utilising higher-modulus fibres, shedding 300g. Equipped with a Shimano EP8 motor, the bike combines a 29-inch front wheel with a nimble 27.5-inch rear wheel. 

Squish has been bumped up to 155mm at the back, the head angle is slacker and the reach longer, which come together to make the latest Spectral:ON more versatile, playful and easier to handle.

In the lineup, you can choose from five different models, with battery capacities ranging from 720Wh to a whopping 900Wh. While the larger battery offers extended range potential, it adds weight high in the downtube, which has an adverse effect on handling and has a more intimidating price tag. Prices for the models start at $8,899 AUD for the CF 7 model and go up to $17,699 AUD for the CFR LTD model.

We found the fourth-gen Spectral:ON lively and fun with the new updates, making it even better on descents and more stable at speed, improving its overall performance. Also, with its low anti-squat value, we found the suspension provides excellent small-bump sensitivity and a plush yet supportive ride quality.

While the Spectral was a ball of fun on the trail, the clack, clack of the Shimano EP8 motor on the descents was jarring. The flimsy charge port door and headset cable routing also gave us pause.

Riders looking for a capable, playful, and fun electric mountain bike should consider the Canyon Spectral:ON a strong option. 

You can read our full review of the Spectral:ON here.

The specialized levo is amongst the best e-mtb's we've reviewed
Snappy handling, plush suspension, and well-thought-out spec have made the Levo our go-to e-MTB. But all that doesn’t come cheap.

Specialized Levo

Specialized didn’t hold back with the third-gen Levo. We’re talking about a trendy mullet setup, short chainstays, and the nifty 6-way adjustable geometry initially seen on the Stumpjumper EVO. Among the many updates to this bike, Specialized has also integrated MasterMind TCU display into the top tube, clear info about battery life, assist mode and ride metrics like speed, power and distance.

The Levo shines out on the trail. The handling is sharp, thanks to the mullet setup and responsive suspension. Plusher and more progressive suspension performance has bolstered the Levo’s big-hit capability, and along with the Fox 38 and aggressive tyre spec, it’s a bike that absolutely loves ripping high-speed turns and bashing through rocky off-piste singletrack.

The Brose motor is like poetry in motion; smooth and quiet with plenty of predictable power on tap. We even had some inexperienced riders jump on the Levo and quickly feel comfortable and confident finding the balance between pedalling input and motor output. 

However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Durability issues emerged, especially in the suspension department. Leaky air pressure and a clicking fork brought a fair share of headaches — though that’s not necessarily a knock on Specialized. But the charge port door failing due to a minor workshop mishap is, fortunately, the brand has rectified this issue for the current 2023 model. 

Despite the ups and downs, the Specialized Levo Pro remains a top-tier e-MTB, but it has a price tag that will make your wallet cry. 

Read our in-depth review of the Specialized Levo here.

The specialized levo SL is one of the top electric mountain bikes we've reviewed
The original Levo SL is the bike that legitimised the lightweight e-MTB category, and the latest version continues to lead the field.

Specialized Levo SL 

In early 2020, Specialized launched the Levo SL. This lightweight electric mountain bike introduced a low-powered motor and a smaller battery. Despite not being the first lightweight e-MTB, it played a pivotal role in legitimising this type of bike, leading to the emergence of other similar models like the Orbea Rise, Trek Fuel EXe, Pivot Shuttle SL, and even Specialized’s own Kenevo SL.

Fast forward to 2023, Specialized has unveiled the second generation Levo SL, promising increased power, better integration, enhanced handling, and more adjustability. The new Levo SL features a redesigned FACT 11m carbon frame with updated geometry and a mixed wheel setup, sporting a 27.5-inch rear wheel — though you can run a full 29er thanks to a flip chip. The suspension kinematics have been overhauled, providing a flatter leverage curve for better sensitivity, offering a marked improvement. 

But the star of the show is the all-new SL 1.2 motor, which boasts a two-piece magnesium housing, that makes the drive unit quieter and stiffer. This motor offers higher peak torque and power output than its predecessor, bringing its performance in line with other lightweight e-MTBs. Specialized has also integrated the MasterMind TCU display into the top tube, providing comprehensive ride metrics and customisation options through the Mission Control app.

More capable and a hoot to ride at Mach-10, it might not offer the outright plough-ability of the Kenevo SL, but it’s a playful bike suited to a wide range of terrain. 

Since it’s only available in carbon, the price of entry is high. However, the RRP has come down over the previous model, which is good news, especially considering the improved spec, frame and motor. 

Along with the broad range of sizes and a tremendous amount of adjustability built into its chassis, the  Levo SL is a very appealing option. Certainly, when it comes to the on-trail performance, we can confidently say that this is the best lightweight e-MTB that we’ve tested so far. 

Read our full review of the Levo SL here.

If you're more downhill inclined, the specialized kenevo is one of the best descending e-mtb's
It’s big, it’s bruly and devours technical terrain both on the ups and the downs. It’s the Specialized Kenovo SL.

Specialized Kenevo SL

The Specialized Kenevo SL takes the existing Kenevo model and adds a slew of improvements. Unlike the full power Kenevo, this version boasts a full carbon frame, a 6-bar suspension platform, compact SL motor and a smaller battery. Altogether, this sheds 5 kg from its metal sibling.

The Kenevo SL features 29in wheels at either end, aggressive tyres, and 170mm of suspension travel, and it firmly slots into the e-Enduro category. The bike is built around Specialized’s ‘Super Light’ e-MTB concept and uses the SL 1.1 motor. This is lighter and more compact than its regular e-MTB motors and sees peak torque reduced to 35Nm, which is mated with a slimline 320Wh battery.

While the Kenevo SL’s power and battery specs might seem underwhelming compared to full-powered e-MTBs, the focus is on creating a bike that appeals to traditional mountain bikers looking for a less weighty and more agile e-MTB experience. It’s designed for riders who prioritise handling on descents, seeking a pedalling experience closer to traditional mountain biking, rather than a self-shuttle rig.

On the trail, the Kenevo SL offers seamless power delivery; it devours technical climbs and descends like an absolute freight train. The suspension design is ridonculously plush, and the adjustable geometry allows you to set it up to ride some pretty wild terrain. The application of the SL motor and battery keeps the weight in a reasonable range that helps to lower the bike’s centre of gravity for improved stability and traction, without adding so much as to detract from its technical handling qualities. It’s a marvellous balance.

The Kenovo wasn’t a top performer on our standardised range test, but in the real world, we managed to eke out 40km with 1,513m of climbing before the battery dipped below the 10% mark.

Get our full take on the Kenovo SL here.

If you're after a lightweight e-mtb, the Trek Fuel EXe is among the top performing e-mtb's we've reviewed at Flow
The Fuel EXe was the first platform we saw the TQ motor, and it made a lot of folks (including us) rethink what lightweight e-MTBs could be.

Trek Fuel EXe

The 2023 Trek Fuel EXe is designed to bridge the gap between Trek’s full-noise Rail and analogue Fuel EX models. Developed in collaboration with Bavarian company TQ, the bike features a compact and whisper-quiet TQ-HPR50 motor delivering 50Nm torque and a 360Wh removable battery. With only two moving parts, the motor’s minimalist design delivers smooth assistance and a progressive power band. And visually it’s almost indistinguishable from the acoustic Fuel EX. 

Those with sensitive joints should note the wide 195mm Q-Factor, and we also found the TQ motor wasn’t as quick to respond to changes in cadence as some of its competitors.

Even still, we consistently managed elevation gains of 1,000-1,300m over 30-38km of riding before the battery was close to flat, and the range estimations proved to be surprisingly accurate. 

Oh, and did we mention the motor is damn near silent?

The bike’s control centre features a 2in O-LED display on the top tube, complemented by an intuitive two-button controller on the handlebar. Seamless Bluetooth/ANT+ connectivity enhances interaction with GPS units and smartphones. With the Trek Central app, there’s more functionality on tap with things like navigation and integration with third-party apps.

Available in OCLV carbon fibre and alloy options, the Fuel EXe draws inspiration from the acoustic Fuel EX lineage, walking the line between agility and stability with a 29-inch wheelset, 150mm fork, and 140mm rear wheel travel. Its modern geometry includes a 64.7° head angle and a 76.7° seat angle in the lower setting. It’s not a rough and rowdy sled and rewards an active pilot. 

While the suspension isn’t buttery smooth over smaller chatter, it does produce a heap of support and incredible control at higher speeds. Along with the stout chassis, the Fuel EXe exhibits a well-damped ride quality that shrugs off the big hits and awkward landings despite not having a tonne of travel.

The top-tier 9.9 build we tested isn’t currently available in Australia, however the 9.8 XT build is pretty similar, costing $12,999 AUD, but prices start at $8,499 AUD for the Fuel EXe 5.

Read our full review of the Fuel EXe here.

The trek rail is a contender for the best electric mountain bike that we've tested
Leveraging the power of Bosh motor, the Trek Rail sees a taught carbon frame and a surprisingly bright and nimble ride.

Trek Rail

The latest iteration of the Trek Rail stands out as one of the best handling full-powered e-MTBs we’ve had the pleasure of testing.

Its preeminent feature lies in its exceptional suspension performance, boasting an impressive small bump sensitivity, all while maintaining a responsive and smooth feel throughout its travel. Also, the way it manages to balance big-hit compliance while still giving good pop is mighty impressive. With its stout chassis, long wheelbase and burly build, the Rail can monster truck its way down some pretty gnarly descents.

It isn’t a total barge on flowier singletrack, however, which is largely down to its taut carbon frame, responsive suspension and short chainstays. Certainly, for a 24kg e-MTB, it’s one of the more intuitive and fun bikes to ride.

But, there is no getting around the heft and new riders may struggle to wrangle the weight and raked-out wheelbase. 

Scaling technical ascents is also within the Rail’s repertoire. The commanding Bosch motor showcases both responsiveness and an innate understanding of your intent on the pedals, while the generous 750Wh battery extends an invitation for full-day escapades.

In addition to the trademark clacking of the Bosh motor on the downhills, we did experience a rattly battery mount inside the frame, which according to the Trek dealers we spoke with, is widespread. There is a solution that Trek produced under warranty, but for a bike of this price it’s not ideal.

Even still, it’s a powerful and highly capable e-MTB that thrives on enduro-type trails, and the Rail delivers control and composure in spades, especially when things get steep, fast and chunky.

Want to know more about the Trek Rail? Find the full review here.

When we reviewed the Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay it was one of the best we've ever tested
The Dyname motor found in the Altitude Powerplay is unique to Rocky Mountain. It utilises some novel tech and a standard BB and cranks, which together produce masses of predictable assistance.

Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay

With a substantial 170mm front and 160mm rear travel capacity, the 2022 Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay is a bike for the gravity fiends. 

The latest iteration of the Powerplay showcases a redesigned chassis, the Dyname 4.0 motor, and an upgraded battery system. The suspension incorporates a mid-high pivot design and plays nicely with both coil and high-volume air shocks. It’s not the poppiest or lightest-weight option out there at 24.12kg, but man can this thing mob through chunder and eat big hits like they are frosted cornflakes. 

The geometry and handling on this bike are nothing short of brilliant. There’s a heap of adjustability on offer and once you find the sweet spot, you’re rewarded with a comfortable riding position and exceptional weight distribution that makes the Altitude Powerplay both agile and predictable across a wide range of conditions. 

The Dyname 4.0 motor delivers an eye-watering 108Nm of torque and peak 770w of power from a compact and relatively lightweight package. It also uses a standard press-fit BB shell and the wear parts are readily available at any bike shop. Using a novel torque sensor, the motor delivers near-instantaneous response to pedal inputs, and Rocky revamped the torque curve to make the delivery more like a dimmer switch than a jarring on/off switch. In fact, on this bike Wil managed to clean a bastard of a climb that he’s never previously ascended without a dab. 

Paired with a 720Wh battery, it’s one of the higher performers in our standardised range test and offers a speedy turnaround time from flat to full in under four hours. Compared to motors such as the Bosch Performance Line CX, the Dyname 4.0 distinguishes itself with its quieter operation, which contributes to a serene riding experience. 

Click here for our full review of the Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay.

The Norco Sight VLT was a top perfomer for ranger and battery capacity in our shootout of best e-mountain bikes
While it may bare the same name, the latest iteration of the Sight VLT is a completely different species to its poppy and playful, 27.5in wheeled predecessor.

Norco Sight VLT

Designed as an all-rounder, the Norco Sight VLT boasts a 29-inch wheel setup with a beefy 160mm fork up front and 150mm of rear wheel cushion. 

Compared to its predecessors, the new Sight VLT is a more capable bike on really rough and rowdy high-speed descents. Though thanks to the perky EP8 motor and long rear end, it’s also more capable on steep and technical climbs too. This new Sight VLT and the poppy and playful 27.5in model we loved in 2019 are about as closely related as dogs and fish. 

We found the updated chassis and suspension bring exceptional sensitivity and support, making rough and challenging terrain feel like a walk in the park. But don’t be fooled; this bike isn’t just about downhill prowess. Thanks to the longer chainstays (462mm) and steep seat angle (77-78°) this sucker can winch up just about anything you put before it, provided there isn’t a tight switchback. 

Plus, the four-bar suspension leaves plenty of real estate for hydration, with the L and XL frames capable of carrying two bottles. 

With room for a 900Wh battery in the downtube, it’s the longest-running e-MTB we’ve encountered to date, conjuring 2,478m of climbing on our standardised range test. Carrying tat much juice adds nearly 5kg to the overall weight of 25.32kg, however smaller and slightly lighter 540Wh or 720Wh battery options are available. 

Being so long and heavy, the Sight VLT is cumbersome on tight and technical singletrack. Similarly to most bikes specced with it, the Shimano EP8 motor was clanking about, when it’s not engaged. 

Despite its playful limitations, the Norco Sight VLT remains a true powerhouse, excelling in high-speed downhill riding and offering impressive range with its substantial battery capacity. For riders seeking a reliable and robust all-mountain electric bike, the Sight VLT is a strong contender.

Read more about the Norco Sight VLT here.

Orbea’s Rise takes a Shimano EP8 motor, detunes it, and matches it with a smaller battery pack. Combined with a snappy geometry, it offers a ride that’s totally unique in the e-MTB space.

Orbea Rise

The Orbea Rise emerges as a standout in the realm of electric mountain bikes, characterised by its lightweight design and low-powered prowess. Central to its allure is the detuned Shimano EP8-RS motor, delivering 60Nm of torque, which makes for a unique sensation on the trail. The engagement is lighting fast like a regular EP8 unit, but the acceleration is much softer, and the power curve is more progressive, creating a direct link to the force coming out of your quads and the motor. A bike for lazy pedallers, this ain’t.

Despite its smaller 360Wh battery, the bike offers impressive range thanks to its efficient motor and gram-conscious construction. In our range test, it managed 1,388m of climbing, which isn’t really that far off the full-powered e-MTBs. 

Most models of the Rise come fitted with a 150mm fork, though it’s also available with 140mm at the front, paired with 140mm of squish at the rear. With a not-too-slack 65.5-degree head angle, and a nicely balanced wheelbase, the geometry is spot-on for fast and aggressive trail riding.

Thanks to lightweight wheels and the majority of the heft being low and central in the frame, the Rise is adept at pivoting and changing direction quickly. Some e-MTBs can feel like a wrestling match through twisty singletrack, but there is no such battle here.

Utilising the brand’s four-bar UFO suspension design, traction is superb, small and mid-bump sensitivity are excellent, and the back end patters beautifully over rock gardens. On bigger hits, it doesn’t have that bottomless stuck-to-the-ground sensation you get with weightier e-MTBs.

The Orbea Rise presents an attractive counter argument for those mountain bikers looking to maximise their riding capacity without turning the whole experience into something totally different. Yes it’s electric, but it’s still very much a mountain bike, and a bloody good one at that.

Find our full review of the Orbea Rise here.

Merida eOne Sixty
Merida’s e-One-Sixty has been around for a while, but it’s still one of the most popular e-MTBs in Australia.

Merida eOne-Sixty

Merida’s e-One-Sixty is one of the most popular e-MTBs in Australia thanks to its sharp pricing, quality build, smooth suspension performance, and approachable handling.

With 160mm at the front and 150mm rear travel, it’s very much an all-rounder, and the mixed-sized wheels keep the rear end compact without sacrificing tyre clearance. 

Updated in 2021 with an EP8 motor, the frame nor the mounting points changed, even though the housing is a hair smaller. So Merida filled the gaps (literally) with Moto foam. It may not be the most aesthetically pleasing solution, but it does the job. The motor itself offers 85Nm of oomph and is paired with a 630wh battery, except for the XS frames, which stick to the old 504Wh battery due to downtube real estate. 

The EP8 motor offers plenty of pep, and quick intuitive delivery of power, though it doesn’t have the grunt of the Bosh. Better still, it’s totally customisable through the companion app. However, you do sound like the percussion section of a marching band with the way the motor clacks on rough descents. 

As for the rest of the bike, the smooth and active rear suspension is impressive. It’s sensitive over small bumps to generate toothy tracking on techy climbs, while offering a floaty ride quality and steady ramp-up to stave off harsh bottom outs. 

This, combined with Merida’s measured hand on the geometry chart, make for a poppy and engaging ride. The numbers aren’t as boundary-pushing as some other bikes in this space, but we never felt held back by the e-One-Sixty. 

Sure, it could be longer and slacker, but those changes would make the steering feel heavier and less involving for the pilot. And the reality is that the overall weight, sticky tyres and supple suspension provide a heap of stability as it is, making the comprehensive package feel supremely well-balanced and accessible for a wide range of riders and trail types.

Read our full in-depth review of the Merida e-One-Sixty here.

Wrapping up

As we mentioned at the top, this is not an exhaustive list of high-performing e-MTBs, and we can only speak to the performance of the bikes we’ve ridden. With that, there are a few notable omissions like the new Pivot Shuttle AM — which we’ve just received — Focus Jam2 SL, the latest Santa Cruz Heckler and a few others. There are plenty we’d love to test, and are constantly working to get our hands on these bikes and others.  We’ll also be continuing to update this list as we tick through more bikes.

If there’s something you’d like to see, sing out in the comments and let us know.

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