Best Electric Mountain Bike: 6 Affordable MTBs For Recreational Riders

by Ruaan Nel 

May 23, 2023

The table below our top results for:
Best Electric Mountain Bikes 
Image
Name
Price range
Score
Unbiased Cannondale Topstone Neo Review (Updated 2020)
$3000 & Above
95/100
0 user reviews
BAKCOU Mule Elite Electric Hunting Bike
$3000 & Above
94/100
0 user reviews
RadRover-6-Plus-Review
$1500 to $2000
93/100
0 user reviews
Himiway Cobra Banner
$2000 to $3000
93/100
0 user reviews
Vvolt Sirius Electric Bike Review
$2000 to $3000
91/100
0 user reviews
QuietKat Ibex
$3000 & Above
91/100
0 user reviews
$2000 to $3000
90/100
0 user reviews
Santa Cruz Heckler Review
$3000 & Above
90/100
0 user reviews
Cannondale Moterra Neo Carbon 2
$3000 & Above
89/100
0 user reviews
Cyrusher XF800
$1500 to $2000
89/100
0 user reviews

You can use the filter on the left (or above if you're on mobile) to narrow down the results even further.

Each score is calculated by combining our professional review rating with user reviews, for a final score out of 100. You can read more about how we calculate our scores here.

If you own any of the e-bikes in this review, feel free to leave a user rating by following the link to the bike's in depth review. 


So many Chinese manufactured electric bikes are flooding the market, claiming to be "mountain bikes".

But so many of these bikes are low quality, and guaranteed to disappoint. The reason for this is with fuel prices rising, and electric bikes gaining popularity, many C-grade manufacturers are jumping on the bandwagon trying to make a quick buck.

These e-bikes then underperform and are also potentially unsafe, so nobody who plans to ride steep hills and mountain trails should ever buy them.

To help you avoid these poor quality models, we’ve selected and reviewed several of the best electric mountain bikes from some of the leading brands in the field, so more on this later.

Quick Comparison Table 

Best for Off-Road

Himiway Cobra

Himiway Cobra Camo

Simple, Fast and Effective eMTB

  • 750W Brushless Motor 
  • Up To 60 Miles of range
  • Suitable for all types of terrain
Best Runner Up

Juiced Bikes RipCurrent S
Juiced Bikes RipCurrent S Fat-Tire e-bike

A Worthy Contender For Top Position

  • 750W Brushless motor
  • Range up to 70 miles when fully charged
  • Extra-large 26” x 4” wide Kenda tires

Besides being safe, you will also want to find an e-MTB that’s fun to ride, easy to maintain, and that won’t cost you a fortune.

If this were only as simple as it sounds!

Striking a balance between these three elements is a daunting task, but luckily for you, we’ll guide you along the way. To make your search short and effective, we’ve prepared a detailed guide on what you need to know before making the purchase.

And now, let’s dive deeper into the topic:


Range

Probably the most common question that gets asked about electric mountain bikes is:

 “How long does the battery last?” 

The battery life determines how far you’ll be able to ride the bike using the power of the motor, so it is indeed one of the critical factors.

To everyone’s disappointment, this question can only be partially answered, and here’s why. 

best electric mountain bike buying guide

There are many factors that influence battery life and thus the range of the bike: 

  • the weight of the rider, 
  • type of terrain, 
  • pedaling input,
  • etc.

Ok, so is there any way to figure out how far your MTB will (approximately) be able to go? 

Yes, and your best bet is to look at the watt-hours (Wh). The higher the number of Wh, the longer the battery life. On the other hand, more Wh’s also means a heavier battery, so keep that in mind too!

Price

As with pretty much any other product, a high price does not necessarily equal high quality. Sometimes, the price is certainly is an indicator of the former, but other times it’s just hype.

This means that you shouldn’t go out and spend your hard-earned money on the most expensive e-bike out there (and they can be VERY expensive), because it might not be worth it.

Yes, you read that right.

First-time buyers should take special note of this. There are plenty of reasonably priced options that have more-than-decent quality and are able to give you a safe and pleasurable riding experience.

If, for some reason, you end up dissatisfied with a mid-priced electric mountain bike, then feel free to check out some of the top-notch models. Just don’t be surprised that some of them go for well over $5000!

Tire Size

If you think that tires don’t matter - think again. 

Tires matter BIG TIME because they provide your eMTB with grip, cushioning, and many other mechanical characteristics, which will have a considerable impact on your riding experience. Tire size is going to be the most important thing for you to consider here

Here’s how it works: the wider the tire, the more traction you’ll get

Traction can be your best friend or your worst enemy, depending on what you want out of your ride. If you’re looking to conquer some hills, then go wide, but if you want to move as fast as possible, pick thinner tires.

best electric mountain bike - tire size

To put things into perspective, tire sizes range from 2” to 3”. Yes, that means that you’ll be able to find all the sizes in between, and 2.6” is considered to be a “sweet spot” when it comes to tire sizes. 

In case you have never ridden an electric mountain bike before, picking 2.6” would be a wise move.

Full Suspension Vs. Hardtail

When it comes to suspension, there are two types of electric mountain bikes - hardtail and full-suspension.

While you don’t need to know all the technical details, know that the two are going to provide the rider with a significantly different experience.

Full suspension MTBs are more comfortable, they’ll make the ride safer, and are extremely fun to ride.

Their shock absorbers give them that nice bouncy feeling when going over uneven terrain, so they’re ideal for off-road cycling. 

Wait, there’s more.

Such bikes are heavier and more costly than hardtail ones because it simply takes more to build them.

Now, hardtail electric mountain bikes are (in our opinion) the perfect choice for a recreational rider. Not only are they much more affordable than full-suspension models, but they also require less maintenance and less overall fuss. 

Sounds great, doesn’t it?

Let's check out some of the top models out there and see how they score in these characteristics!

Top 5 E-Mountain Bikes for 2022

There’s a wide selection of e-MTBs on today’s market, and every model is unique. Think about what kind of riding experience you want, how much you’re willing to pay, and whether you want a high or low maintenance model. 

Once you’ve got these three points dialed in, you can go ahead and pick a bike from our list.


1. RadRover 6 Electric Mountain Bike

When it comes to value for money and an outstanding quality, RadPower's RadRover 6 has quite possibly achieved the perfect cost-to-value ratio in the field of electric mountain bikes.

The bike’s frame is made of sturdy alloy, which is one of the go-to materials for lightweight yet durable construction.

However, when combined with the battery and all the other components, this bike is definitely not the lightest model out there, as it weighs 33.3 kg (of which 3.5 kg is the high-capacity  battery).

Rad Power RadRover 6 fat-tire

RadRover 6 Electric Mountain Bike

The Radrover 6 is a hardtail, which means that it won’t provide you with the refined shock absorption like full-suspension MTBs, but it is still very comfortable and a lot of fun to ride. 

It’s important to mention that this model isn’t really suitable for intense off-road rides. Instead, you should use it for light trail riding or perhaps commuting, if your commute goes off-road that is!

A Top Choice For Everyone, Not Too Expensive Either

With 672 Wh of capacity, its 48v 14Ah battery  is more than decent, and it should provide you with a range of 25-45 miles at a max speed of 20 mph. Take note that 45 miles will only be achieved if you provide some serious pedal assistance. Honestly, I'd prefer if manufacturers simply stated the true unassisted range of each e-bike (25 miles in this case) instead of giving us such a broad range. Yes my traditional non-electric bike can also have a range of 1000 miles if I am competing in the Tour-de-France!

The bike’s Bafang 750w rear hub motor works like a charm, and you’ll be riding uphill with it effortlessly. It also includes RadPower's 180 mm mechanical hydraulic disc brakes that are among the best on the market and will help to keep you safe at any point during the ride.

The Radrover 6 is an affordable eMTB that every company in the industry should aspire to make. If you’re a beginner, you will not go wrong with this one.

PRos

  • Made from quality components (Shimano, Tektro, Bafang etc.)
  • Best range and motor size in review
  • Amazing price-to-value deal
  • Comfortable

Cons

  • Doesn’t perform well on very rough terrain
RadPower Radrover 6 Plus Review

RadRover 6 Electric Mountain Bike


Last but not least, we have the Juiced Bikes RipCurrent S, which is an update to the excellent Juiced Bikes RipCurrent.

The RipCurrent S has a sporty appearance with the added bonus of having a back rack installed for any cargo needs, all while weighing 80 lbs.

This ebike goes an extra mile with it's coil suspension and hydraulic lockout fork - creating an extra safe and extra comfortable ride.

The RipCurrent S comes equipped with extra-large 26” x 4” wide Kenda tires - so they form a comfortable ride, absorbing the vibrations from any trail.

Juiced Bikes RipCurrent S Fat-Tire e-bike

Juiced Bikes RipCurrent S Electric Mountain Bike

The ebike has a 750-Watt Bafang hub motor, which is somewhat the average motor on all electric bikes, but it offers a maximum speed of 28 mph while most e-bike companies have a slower top speed than that.

And when it comes to the battery, The RipCurrent S delivers a lot of juice with its 19.2Ah battery, as it can go 70+ miles on a full charge.

As you should know by now one of the most important things to keep in mind when riding an electric vehicle is the quality of the brakes. Juiced Bikes know this, which is why they installed reliable 180mm hydraulic disc brakes on the RipCurrent S. Strong braking is a piece of cake with these brakes!

A Worthy Contender For Top Position

All in all the RipCurrent S is an excellent electric bike, offering a lot more than you'd expect for a bike in this price range. If you’re looking for a bike that will go the extra mile, the RipCurrent S is most likely the bike you should go for.

PRos

  • Powerful motor
  • Extra-large Fat tires
  • Great battery range

Cons

  • Long charging time

This is a full-suspension electric mountain bike with super fat tires and fantastic electronics.

The feature that sets this electric mountain bike apart from other models is the full-suspension design which absorbs vibrations, keeping the rear wheel on the ground regardless of how bumpy the trail is.

In addition, the 80mm front coil fork serves to improve your riding comfort and increase the bike’s overall stability.

The Cobra comes with a 750W geared hub motor and a 960Wh battery. With components like these, you can conquer all sorts of terrains and ride up to 60 miles per full charge

Himiway Cobra Camo

Himiway Cobra Electric Mountain Bike

The Cobra has five pedal assist levels and a throttle set to Class 3 settings. This means the motor will allow you to reach speeds of up to 28 mph while pedaling, whereas the throttle alone will power the bike up to 20 mph.

This mountain e-bike takes off-roading to the next level with the 7-speed drivetrain, hydraulic disc brakes, and its super fat 26x4.8-inch tires

These tires will offer you a great cushy feeling on all terrain types. These fat tires also feature a great level of off-road threads so that you can take this bike for more extreme rides without issues.

Overall this is a more-than-decent electric mountain bike that will get the job done - you can enjoy some recreational off-road riding for a budget-friendly price.

PRos

  • Powerful 750W brushless geared hub motor
  • Huge 48V 20Ah battery that offers around 60 miles of range per full charge
  • Affordable for a mountain e-bike

Cons

  • Better suited for taller and more experienced riders due to the bike’s long wheelbase and tall standover height
  • The faux leather grips can be slippery

The XF690 Maxs is an electric bike that features a folding frame for easy storage and transportation.

At 74 lbs, it's a bit heavier than many other electric bikes on the market, but despite this, the bike is well-suited for all-road riding and can handle steep hills and hauling luggage.

The XF690 Maxs is equipped with a 750W rear hub motor, which is located in one of the bike's wheels rather than in the center of the frame like a mid-drive motor.

This motor provides enough power to reach a top speed of 26 mph, making it suitable for mountain biking. It also has 80 Nm of torque, which allows for smooth pedal-assisted riding and the ability to tackle steep inclines.

Cyrusher XF690 Maxs

Cyrusher XF690 Maxs Folding Electric Mountain Bike

This ebike is equipped with a 48V 15Ah lithium-ion battery that offers a range of up to 55 miles when used with the Shimano 27-speed drivetrain.

The XF690 Maxs is equipped with Zoom hydraulic brakes with 180mm rotors, which offer reliable stopping power in all weather conditions and terrains.

In terms of suspension, the XF690 Maxs features a front suspension fork that has 80mm of travel and preload adjustment and lockout. It also has a rear suspension and a wide saddle seat to help absorb external impacts. This combination of suspension features makes the bike comfortable to ride on off-road trails.

The XF690 Maxs also has 26x4-inch tires, which provide added safety and comfort on various terrain types and in different weather conditions. Overall, these features make the XF690 Maxs a safe and comfortable e-bike to ride.

PRos

  • Plenty of absorption due to suspension and tires
  • Powerful 750W motor
  • Decently large removable battery that offers a range of up to 55 miles

Cons

  • Heavy to carry (74 lbs)
  • Non-folding pedals and handlebar

A sturdy mountain bike that shines on the challenging off-road trail. With the addition of a powerful battery and motor there is nothing standing in your way whenever you decide to push yourself to the limit.

This bike is held together by a SmartFoam C2 Alloy frame that provides a great balance between weight and strength.

The Mottera Neo is powered by a Shimano Steps DU-E7000 motor, that delivers 250W to propel you up those demanding climbs. The mid-drive motor is compact and lightweight, weighing just about 2.8kg while providing 75Nm of torque.

Moterra Neo Bike

Cannondale Moterra Neo Electric Mountain Bike

This ebike is equipped with a durable lithium-ion battery that has a 504Wh capacity. It provides for long-distance mountain biking, but at the cost of the 6.5 hours of charge time; we used the e-bike for just under 60 miles on the trail before the battery finally gave up on us. 

The Moterra Neo rolls on a pair of WTB Breakout, 29 x 2.3”, DNA Compound tires. The tires feel chunky and provide great traction on the loose surface roads to ensure that you never lose your balance while keeping you comfortable on bumpy sections of the road while you reach it's top speed of 28mph.

And don't worry about the bikes breaking power, as we had an easy time bringing the bike to a stop, even at top speeds, and this is thanks to the Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc brakes.

Overall, the Cannondale Mottera Neo will be a good buy. If you don’t mind the hefty price tag, it can make a great partner for the ideal mountain biking adventure!

PRos

  • Long-range battery
  • Wide and fast-rolling tires
  • Powerful disc brakes

Cons

  • Long charging time
  • Pricey

After All is Said & Done, We Recommend: 

RadPower Radrover 6 Plus Review

Our Top Pick

RadRover 6 Electric Mountain Bike

The electric mountain bikes that we presented to you today are not professional-grade, top-notch products that you can take to competitions. These bikes are intended for recreational use as well as commuting, and you can rest assured that they are perfect for those purposes.

The cost of the bikes that you read about is the lowest that one can go and still buy a high-quality product that is safe and fun to use. All of the models come from reputable companies that offer warranties and customer service in case you run into some trouble.

To sum up, we hope that you’ve been able to find something that suits your needs, and until next time - enjoy the ride!

About the author

Ruaan is an electrical engineer born in South Africa and currently working in Oslo, Norway. He loves tech and gadgets and owns an electric car (Tesla) as well a front-wheel-drive electric bike. He rides his bike all year, even through snow and ice covered roads in the cold winter.

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