Year after year, we are seeing the realm of e-MTBs continually shift, driven by the rapid pace of motor and battery development. 2024 saw some fairly notable releases, including the all-new DJI Avinox M1 motor, along with the new Bosch Performance Line CX Gen5 motor.
We are seeing full-powered e-MTBs with weight figures not far off mid-powered ‘SL’ bikes of years past and current generation ‘SL’ bikes sitting only a few kilos heavier than their non-motorised counterparts.
Pricing also seems to be becoming more competitive, and there are a whole host of high-performing bikes under the $10,000 AUD mark. And in some cases such as the Trek Slash+, the motorised offering has matched the pricing of the pedal-powered Slash, making the Slash+ a compelling choice.
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 Transition Repeater or the Commencal Meta Power SX 400, 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 18 of the best e-MTBs we’ve ridden and reviewed.
Related:
- Top 11 Best Enduro Bikes | The best enduro mountain bikes ridden & reviewed
- Top 13 Best Trail Bikes | The best trail bikes ridden & reviewed
- Top 14 Best XC Bikes | The best cross country mountain bikes ridden & reviewed
- 14 Tips for buying an electric mountain bike | The Flow e-MTB Buyer’s Guide

Amflow PL Carbon
- Highs: Incredibly powerful motor, excellent climbing performance and surprisingly well-priced
- Lows: No size small, minor motor rattle on descents and limited seatpost insertion
The Amflow PL Carbon is easily one of, if not the most talked about electric mountain bikes of 2024. That’s impressive given it only broke cover at Eurobike in July that year, and it’s no surprise given its jaw-droppingly powerful DJI Avinox motor.
This compact drive unit weighs just 2.58kg (confirmed) despite pumping out 105Nm of torque and 850W of peak power. That gives it a considerably higher power-to-weight ratio compared to the latest Shimano EP801 and Bosch Performance Line CX motors.
There are four main assist modes to choose from; Eco, Trail, Turbo and Auto. The latter is an adaptive mode that uses a variety of sensors to vary the power output depending on what the rider and terrain are doing. In practice, it’s much like Bosch’s eMTB mode, and it ended up being our preferred setting for technical off-road riding. Furthermore, there’s the eyebrow-raising ‘Boost’ mode. This kicks the motor’s torque output up to 120Nm and gives you 1,000W of peak power for a 30 second burst, which can be useful for cresting a particularly steep section of trail. After 30 seconds, the motor returns to the mode you were previously riding in.
The Amflow PL Carbon presents an alluring set of numbers on the spec sheet thanks to its benchmark-blasting DJI Avinox motor, and we’re happy to report that it totally delivers on the trail. For those who value maximum power and range, there is no doubt that this is one of the best e-MTB systems on the market. Perhaps the biggest surprise was just how well the Amflow PL Carbon rides on the trail.
It’s not exactly breaking any new ground in terms of its frame and suspension design, but it doesn’t really have to. The neutral geometry, smooth suspension and low overall weight make it a fun and sporty bike to ride. There are certainly burlier options out there for full-blown gravity riding, but for those after an all-rounder that can climb unlike anything else out there, it would be very hard not to consider the Amflow PL Carbon.
Read the full review of the Amflow PL Carbon here

Trek Slash+
- Highs: Stupendously plush suspension and incredible composure at speed
- Lows: Noisy chain slap, heavy for a ‘lightweight’ e-MTB
The Trek Slash+ made its debut in 2024 as the longest-travel electric mountain bike ever created by the US brand. Building on the success of the lightweight Fuel EXe from 2022, the Slash+ retains the same compact TQ HPR50 motor but steps things up with a larger 580Wh battery. It also carries over the signature high-pivot suspension design from the standard Slash. The outcome is a fascinating e-MTB that blends long-travel capabilities with a compact motor.
It’s the suspension performance of the Trek Slash+ that stands out as one of its best attributes. The rear end gobbles up everything in its path, devouring the chunkiest of rocks and the girthiest of roots.
It might not have the highest pivot out there, but there’s enough rearward movement to allow the wheel to get out of the way quickly and to help maintain momentum when you’re skipping across sharper edges. Along with the carefully managed chain and neutral anti-squat levels, the Slash+ affords a smooth and somewhat relaxed ride quality when the speeds are high and the trail gets rowdy.
Read the full review of the Trek Slash+ here.

Norco Fluid VLT
- Highs: Excellent geometry and handling, punchy motor performance, solid build for the money
- Lows: Could benefit from extra travel, stock tyres struggle in loose or wet conditions, motor clacking noise
Following two years of development, the Norco Fluid VLT has arrived as the first lightweight electric mountain bike from the Canadian brand. Adding to the excitement, it was also one of the first e-MTBs to be announced with the new Bosch Performance Line SX motor.
The Fluid VLT is built to exclusively roll on a mixed wheel setup with a 29in front wheel and a 27.5in wheel at the rear. Norco says it did consider a full 29er, but the desire to make the chainstays sufficiently short, especially on smaller frame sizes, meant that the mullet setup won out.
Most Fluid VLT models are equipped with a 150mm travel fork and 140mm of rear travel. The exception is the top-of-the-range C1 130 model, which shrinks travel down to the same 140/130mm configuration as the non-motorised Fluid.
The SX motor produces less peak torque at 55Nm, but if you spin the pedals fast enough, it’ll reach the same 600W peak power output as the CX drive unit. It manages to do this while being considerably smaller in profile and almost a kilo lighter. Norco pairs this with a 400Wh internal battery, which drops a further 1.5kg of weight. The end result is a range of complete bikes that weigh 18-20kg. That’s around 5-7kg lighter than the Sight and Range VLT.
Despite not being the lightest e-MTB out there, we were impressed with the agile character of the Norco Fluid VLT. The weight is well-placed on this bike, with less mass up at the head tube, thanks to the shorter 400Wh battery. Combined with the mullet setup and short chainstays, it initiates turns and rips corners with absolute ease.
Overall, the Fluid VLT offers a lively, playful ride that highlights the handling benefits of a lightweight e-MTB compared to its full-powered counterparts. If you’ve been intrigued by the category but turned off by underpowered motors, the Fluid VLT is definitely worth a closer look.
For more details, check out the full review of the Fluid VLT here.

Santa Cruz Bullit
- Highs: Absolutely thrives on long, steep, rowdy descents, and doesn’t mind getting airborne too
- Lows: No size small frame, 150mm dropper on size M frame is too short
The Santa Cruz Bullit is the brand’s long-travel full-powered e-MTB, a modern reincarnation of the brand’s old freeride behemoth. While the latest Bullit is quite a bit more complex, the intended purpose is the same. It’s meant to go down the toughest, rowdiest trails and send big jumps, but with the added benefit of a helping hand to get you back to the top.
It features a full carbon chassis with no alloy options available, and it’s equipped with a whopping 170mm of travel front and rear. Santa Cruz elected to build the Bullit around a trendy mullet wheelsize setup, with a 29in front wheel and a 27.5in rear wheel. This allows the chainstay length to be kept to a modest 449mm, despite the motor and huge amount of travel.
Powered by Shimano’s EP801 drive unit, the Bullit sees 85Nm of torque and 600W of peak power. The impressive motor is powered by a large 630Wh battery, giving riders hours of full powered shred time.
The Bullit’s ability to handle whatever we could throw at it consistently impressed, the bike’s added heft kept it glued to the ground through rough rock gardens and over loose sketchy tracks. Yet, despite its weight, it still loves to get airborne over jumps and drops and didn’t feel too cumbersome when taking consecutive tight corners.
If you love tackling wild descents without shuttle access, the Bullit is an attractive choice. It charges downhill like there’s no stopping it and makes getting back to the top feel like a breeze. This is a lot of bike to handle, and if your local trails aren’t steep, and rough, it might be hard to fully appreciate all that suspension.
To read our full thoughts on the Santa Cruz Bullit, head over to the full review.

Focus SAM²
- Highs: Excellent suspension platform, well-rounded handling and great value for money
- Lows: Headset cable routing, no mullet compatibility, battery cover needs refinement
The Focus SAM² is the biggest and brawniest e-MTB in the brand’s lineup. Built around a tough-looking 7005 hydroformed alloy frame, it features 29in wheels and 170mm of rear travel. Up front is a 170 or 180mm travel fork, depending on the model.
Powered by the Gen4 Bosch Performance Line CX motor, the SAM² tears up climbs with 85Nm of torque and a peak power output of 600W. Battery sizes vary depending on the model, with the SAM² 6.7 we tested sporting the smaller 625Wh battery, and higher-end models carrying a 750Wh unit.
Focus has done an excellent job of keeping the weight as low as possible, and with the bike’s well-balanced geometry, it’s surprisingly easy to navigate tight, flowing singletrack, even with the dual 29-inch wheels. The high-volume tyres and smooth RockShox suspension provided plenty of traction, letting you dig into turns with confidence and control.
On the climbs, the centred riding position and powerful Bosch motor make it a great technical performer, while on the descents, the 170mm of well-tuned suspension delivers exceptional stability.
We’d love to see some refinement in the battery cover, and we wouldn’t complain if Focus reconsidered the integrated cabling through the stem and headset. But beyond those small quibbles, the Focus SAM² is a highly capable long-travel e-MTB that excels in many areas, all at a very reasonable price.
Head over to our full review of the SAM² for more details and ride impressions.

Orbea Wild
- Highs: Astonishingly fast & capable on techy terrain, easy to tune suspension along with excellent geometry
- Lows: Headset cable routing, no mullet compatibility, pricey for the spec
For 2023, the Orbea Wild received a full overhaul with a brand-new frame, refreshed geometry, and the Gen 4 Bosch Performance Line CX system. It remains a rugged, long-travel e-MTB built to take on the toughest peaks and most challenging descents.
The Wild is purpose-built around 29in wheels. You won’t find any flip chips, and that means there are no provisions to set it up as a mullet. Out of the box, the Wild sports 160mm of travel front and rear. It can also be spec’d with a 170mm travel fork for those who are after a little more oomph.
We were thoroughly impressed by the Wild’s incredible traction and control on rough, technical terrain. The Fox suspension offers great sensitivity, while the 2.6-inch wide tyres provide plenty of grips to keep you locked in. The bottom bracket is slightly higher than the previous model, and combined with the short crank arms, powerful Bosch motor, and steep seat angle, it remains as one of the best climbing e-MTB we’ve ever ridden.
It’s a beast on the descents too, with its slack head angle and long wheelbase keeping it stable and balanced in any terrain. The solid fork and powerful brakes let you charge with confidence, and the suspension only gets better the faster and harder you push it.
Since then, Orbea has updated the Wild for 2025 with a host of geometry and kinematic updates, along with including the latest Gen5 Bosch Performance Line CX motor. A full review of the 2025 Wild is in the pipeline, and we are itching in our boots to test out the updates and see how they shake out on the trail.
Check out the full review for all the details of the 2023 Orbea Wild.

Scott Lumen
- Highs: Stealthy frame design, sporty handling, impressive climbing abilities, fits two bottle cages
- Lows: Busy cockpit making maintenance more difficult, flimsy tyre casing, pricey, difficult shock servicing
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.

Superior eXF
- Highs: Comfortable & capable handling, easy-to-tune suspension, decent value for money
- Lows: Tight water bottle clearance, low stack height on larger frames, dropper too short
Superior bikes were a rare sight in Australia, but that’s set to change with the Czech brand being launched into Australia in 2024 through BikesOnline, where they became available direct-to-consumer alongside brands like Marin and Polygon. The Superior eXF is the Czech brand’s big-hitting, full suspension e-MTB that rolls on 29in wheels and sports 160mm of travel front and rear.
The eXF features a hydroformed frame with a four-bar suspension system. It’s driven by the Gen 4 Bosch Performance Line CX motor, delivering up to 85Nm of torque and 600W of peak power. A 750Wh PowerTube battery is housed inside the downtube and can be easily removed using a key.
The geometry seems well-suited for its intended use, with a 64° head angle and a 77° seat angle. The 446mm rear centre stands out as it’s relatively short for a long-travel e-MTB with dual 29in wheels and a Bosch motor. While most of the dimensions are spot on, the 625mm stack height across all three sizes is a bit unusual. This stack height is typically seen on a Medium frame, which could mean taller riders on the X-Large might find the front end too low.
In for testing was the Superior eXF 9039, the only model of the eXF being imported into Australia for now. We found it to be a fantastic all-round performer with a solid build package at a reasonable price. There’s nothing particularly fancy about its frame design or the components that are strapped to it, but that’s kind of the appeal.
The RockShox suspension is smooth and active, the Shimano groupset offers dependable performance, and the tough DT Swiss wheels have been trouble-free. While we think there’s room for improvement when it comes to the cockpit and dropper post, and we’d like to see the ability to set it up as a mullet, for under 10k AUD you’re treated to a comfortable and confidence-inspiring ride both up and down the mountain. Combined with the brilliant Bosch motor and big 750Wh battery, this is a thoroughly capable e-MTB for the price.

Scott Voltage
- Highs: Incredible carbon frame design, stupendously plush & supportive suspension
- Lows: Integrated design won’t be for everyone, tight rear tyre clearance, expensive relative to the competition
2024 saw the launch of the Scott Voltage, a lightweight e-MTB that’s designed for aggressive trail riding and enduro shenanigans. It’s built around 29in wheels and it features a 160mm travel fork with 155mm rear travel.
The Voltage is only produced in carbon fibre and sports the whisper-quiet TQ HPR50 motor. This sees the Voltage being propelled uphill with 50Nm of torque and 300W of peak power, which is fuelled by a slim 360Wh battery.
Similar to the brand’s analogue enduro bike, the Genius, the Voltage sees the shock and linkage arrangement housed neatly within the belly of the downtube. There’s a small tool-free removable hatch for getting to the air valve and adjusters, though you can also unbolt the whole skid plate should you need to remove the shock entirely.
The level of integration is equally as impressive as it is frustrating, which may put some buyers off. However, there’s no denying the benefits the unique frame design brings to the trail, especially with its ability to carry a full-size bottle and the option for a range extender battery.
For many riders, the Scott Voltage could very well be the lightweight e-MTB they’ve been waiting for. The new Voltage aims to fulfil the demands of riders looking to tackle descents, and subtle assistance to get back to the top again. Its raked-out geometry makes it an incredibly capable all-rounder that will appeal to a broad section of the market.
To read out full thoughts on the spaceship Scott Voltage head over to our full review.

Giant Trance X E+ Elite
- Highs: Vibrant & intuitive handling, mullet setup is such an improvement, supple and easily tuned suspension, powerful motor offers genre-bending performance, solid package for the money
- Lows: Heavy for a lightweight e-MTB, Adaptive Smart Assist mode is not great, heavier riders will need range extender, room for improvement with app & user interface
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.

Canyon Spectral:ON
- Highs: Superbly balanced suspension, high-speed stability, battery options offer enormous range potential, fun & agile for a full-powered e-MTB
- Lows: Headset cable routing, quite noisy, charge port door could be more robust
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.

Specialized Levo
- Highs: Fantastic all-round handling, clean cockpit, smooth and intuitive power delivery, geometry adjustability
- Lows: Will burn a hole in your pocket
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.

Specialized Levo SL
- Highs: Incredibly plush & responsive suspension, agile & playful handling, powerful & efficient motor performance, the best user interface out there, highly adjustable chassis, huge size range
- Lows: Dropper post could be longer, kinked seat tube limits insertion depth, spec has improved, but entry price is still high
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.

Specialized Kenevo SL
- Highs: Stunning frame design, wickedly sensitive and supportive 6-bar suspension, outstanding handling on technical climbs & descents, seamless and highly tuneable power delivery, mastermind TCU is so slick and user-friendly, adjustable geometry
- Lows: The Fox 38 failed on us, limited seatpost insertion depth, whining motor noise, electrifying performance means electrifying price.
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.

Trek Fuel EXe
- Highs: Sleek frame for an e-MTB, near-silent motor, excellent weight distribution, great geometry with supportive suspension offering exceptional control at speed
- Lows: TQ motor can lag, marginally heavier than competitors, noisy rear axle lever, wide crankset Q-Factor
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.

Trek Rail
- Highs: Powerful & intuitive Bosch Smart System, big battery offers big range potential, incredible suspension performance, confidence-inspiring ride quality
- Lows: Reduced agility with longer wheelbase, seat angle could be steeper, battery mount failure
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.

Orbea Rise
- Highs: Smooth, active and tuneable suspension performance, impressively lightweight, customisable motor settings, Intuitive power delivery that’s easy to modulate
- Lows: Needs more capable rubber, handlebars are overly stiff, EP8 clacking noise
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 is 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 counterargument 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.
We currently have the latest Orbea Rise with the new EP 801 RS motor on test, stay tuned for the full review. In the meantime, find our full review of the Orbea Rise here.

Merida eOne-Sixty
- Highs: Impressively agile for a big travel e-MTB, adaptable suspension & wheelsize, plenty of choice with multiple price points
- Lows: Not quite as poppy & playful as the previous version, headset cable routing
A familiar sight on Australian trails, the Merida eOne-Sixty has become one of the most popular e-MTBs on the market. Since we first hopped on one in 2018, we’ve been impressed by its smooth suspension, user-friendly handling, and well-rounded component setup. While there are more high-end e-MTBs available, we appreciate how the eOne-Sixty has consistently prioritized delivering a fun, straightforward ride without breaking the bank.
For 2024, the Taiwanese manufacturer upped the ante of the eOne-Sixty, making it bigger and burlier than ever. Compared to the previous version, suspension travel has increased to 170mm front and 174mm rear. It’s still equipped with a mullet setup, though the addition of a flip chip in the linkage means the back end can also accommodate a 29in wheel.
The eOne-Sixty is manufactured in alloy and carbon variants, both of which are built around the latest Shimano EP801 motor. This features a similar construction and aesthetic to the previous EP8 drive unit, but internal changes have lifted peak power to 600W. Construction material aside, the major difference between the alloy and carbon models of the eOne-Sixty is the size of the battery in which they house, with the carbon variant receiving an integrated 600Wh battery, and the alloy sporting a 750Wh removable unit. Alloy or carbon, all eOne-Sixty models are compatible with Merida’s 360Wh range extender.
With its new generation chassis the Merida eOne-Sixty continues to be one of our favourite e-MTBs on the market. The increase in travel and updated kinematics have elevated its technical capabilities, offering more grip and stability when you’re thumping across chunky terrain. It still handles like a champ thanks to its mullet setup and supportive suspension platform, and that makes it surprisingly versatile and fun to ride for such a long travel e-MTB.
For more details, check out Wil’s full review of the eOne-Sixty here.
What is the most powerful e-MTB?
e-Bike power is divided up into a couple of different terms: torque, peak power, and percentage assist. Each of these refers to a separate factor that creates the oomph the motor provides to help you get up and over a tricky obstacle.
Torque
Torque is the rotational force the motor produces, which is measured in Newton Metres (NM). This is the grunt that moves the bike forward, especially at lower speeds and grinding slow cadences. A motor that produces a lot of torque will feel more powerful, even if it’s producing fewer watts.

What is peak power?
Peak power is the maximum power output in watts you get from an e-Bike drive system. According to Australian law, the maximum power output allowable is 250W. However, most e-bike system manufacturers claim a peak power many times higher than that — in the case of the Amflow, the DJ unit can pump out four times that in the 30-second Boost mode.
The Australian e-MTB standard is based on the EU EN15194 standard, which has an important caveat noting that 250W is for continuous power — which can only be activated by pedalling. So if you are cruising along under the 25kph cutoff the motor will only give you 250w, however for that stab you need to get up an over a pinch, the standard affords more help for that limited time.
What is support percentage?
The other key figure you’ll see relating to power is support percentage, and put simply, this is how much the motor gives you back based on your input.
For example, a motor with 100% support will match the rider’s power to double the overall output going into the rear wheel. So if you’re pushing 100w, the motor will give you 100w for a total of 200w moving you forward. This will change depending on the drive mode, and is also customisable within the tunning area of each system.

What is the strongest e-MTB drive system?
Here’s a table covering all of the e-MTB drive systems we’ve ridden.
Motor | Torque | Peak Power | Weight |
---|---|---|---|
DJI Avinox motor | 105Nm | 850W | 2.58kg |
TQ HRP50 | 50Nm | 300W | 1.85kg |
Bosch Performance Line SX | 55Nm | 600W | 2kg |
Shimano EP801 | 85Nm | 600W | 2.6kg |
Bosch Performance Line CX Gen4 | 85Nm | 600W | 2.9kg |
Bosch Performance Line CX Gen 5 | 85Nm | 600W | 2.8kg |
Bosch Performance Line CX Race | 85Nm | 600W | 2.75kg |
Giant SyncDrive Pro 2 | 85Nm | 600W | 2.7kg |
Specialized 2.2 | 90Nm | 565W | 2.9kg |
Specialized SL 1.2 | 50Nm | 320W | 1.95kg |
Fazua Ride 60 | 60Nm | 450W | 1.95kg |

What is the lightest e-MTB?
Some SL e-MTBs are approaching the weight of their analogue counterparts, and we’re also seeing the overall weight of full-fat e-bikes trend down as well. This is due to a range of factors, from decreasing motor and battery weights to changes in frame manufacturing and layout — some brands are opting for non-removable batteries as they save weight and don’t have to engineer a giant hole in the downtube.
Here’s how the weights of the e-Bike we’ve tested over the past couple of years shake down:
- Focus VAM² SL 9.0 | 16.9kg
- Scott Lumen eRIDE 910 | 17.78kg
- Orbea Rise M10 | 18.38kg
- Scott Voltage | 18.94kg
- Trek Fuel EXe 9.9 XX1 AXS 18.6kg
- Specialized Levo SL Comp Carbon 18.24kg
- Scott Voltage | 18.94kg
- Specialized Kenevo SL Expert 19.12kg
- Focus JAM² SL | 9.9 19.02kg
- Norco Fluid VLT | 19.68kg
- Merida eOne-Sixty SL 8000 | 19.8kg
- Giant Trance X Advanced E+ Elite 2 | 20.26kg
- Amflow PL 20.42kg
- Trek Slash+ | 20.9kg
- Canyon Spectral:ON CFR 21.92kg
- Santa Cruz Bullit | 22.15kg
- Specialized Levo Pro | 22.06kg
- Merida eOne-Sixty | 22.5kg
- Orbea Wild M10 23.29kg
- Cube Stereo Hybrid ONE55 C:68X SLX 750 | 23.34kg
- Husqvarna Mountain Cross MC6 | 23.52kg
- Trek Rail 9.8 XT 23.94kg
- GasGas ECC 6 | 24.06kg
- Focus JAM² | 25.14kg
- Superior eXF 9039 | 25.52kg
- Liv Embolden E+ 2 625 | 25.78kg
- Giant Stance E+ 2 625 25.86kg
- Focus SAM² 6.7 | 26.01kg

What e-Bike has the longest range?
The burning question everyone has is how much range can you get? Unfortunately the answer is, it depends!
Everything from the size of the battery, to the motor, and the assist mode obviously plays a role, but also rider and bike weight, the elevation gain of the ride, the surface and even what tyres you’re using can all play a role in how far you can ride an electric mountain bike on a single charge.
We have done a fair amount of range testing on a controlled course, with the same 65kg rider. This involves riding up the same road climb with the motor in its most powerful setting, before zooming back down a singletrack descent to see how many laps we could get in before the battery goes flat. It’s not perfect, but by using the same rider on the same circuit, we’re able to limit the variables as much as possible in order to benchmark each e-MTB against its competition.
- Norco Sight VLT (Shimano EP8, 900Wh Battery) | 2,478m climbing
- Amflow PL Carbon (Avinox M1, 800Wh Battery) | 2,460m climbing
- Canyon Spectral:ON (Shimano EP8, 900Wh Battery) | 2,451m climbing
- Cube Stereo Hybrid 160 (Bosch CX Gen 4, 750Wh Battery) | 2,320m climbing
- Merida eOne-Sixty (Shimano EP801, 600Wh Battery) | 2,114m climbing
- Rocky Mountain Altitude (Dyname 4.0, 720Wh Battery) | 2,108m climbing
- Scott Patron (Bosch CX Gen 4, 750Wh Battery) | 2,079m climbing
- Trek Slash+ (TQ-HPR50, 580Wh Battery) | 1,962m
- Focus JAM² SL (Fazua Ride 60, 430Wh Battery) | 1,665m climbing
- Scott Lumen (TQ-HPR50, 360Wh Battery) | 1,567m climbing
- Orbea Rise (Shimano EP8-RS, 360Wh Battery) | 1,388m climbing
- Norco Fluid VLT (Bosch SX, 400Wh Battery) | 1,361m climbing
- Trek Fuel EXe (TQ-HPR50, 360Wh Battery) | 1,312m climbing
- Scott Voltage (TQ-HPR50, 360Wh Battery) | 1,311m climbing
- Specialized Levo SL (SL 1.2, 320Wh Battery) | 1,307m climbing
- Giant Trance X E+ Elite (SyncDrive Pro, 400Wh Battery) | 1,057m climbing
- Specialized Kenevo SL (SL 1.1, 320Wh Battery) | 1,053m climbing
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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