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.
In a hurry, after 35 hours of research we recommend:
Our Top Pick
RadRover 6 Electric Mountain Bike
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.
Our Budget Pick
Ancheer Electric Mountain Bike
This product is one of the best in its category, so if you need a hardtail to get you around the local trails or to assist you with your uphill ascents, then Ancheer is definitely a good pick.
Foldable Bike
Kemanner 26 Inch Electric Mountain Bike
Kemanner’s MTB is an excellent choice for folks who need something compact, affordable, yet reliable to ride on light trails. If you fit this description, then we couldn’t recommend it more to you.
Quick Comparison Table
Best for Off-Road
Kemanner Electric Mountain Bike
Simple, fast and effective flexible move
Our Top Pick
Radrover 6 eMTB
A Top Choice For Anyone Looking to get into Electric MTBs
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:
What to know when picking an electric mountain bike?
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.
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.
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).
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
Cons
RadRover 6 Electric Mountain Bike
2. Ancheer Electric Mountain Bike
Another fantastic option for those on a somewhat limited budget is the Ancheer electric mountain bike, a.k.a Blue Spark. Similar to the previously reviewed bike, Ancheer too offers a great combination of price and quality.
Like many other eMTBs, this model is also made from aluminum alloy, which is corrosion-resistant, and should last you for a long time. Despite the lightness of the frame, the battery adds some kilos to it, making the entire thing around 25 kg.
The bike’s battery is 36v/10.4Ah, and the manufacturer claims that it can give you up to 30 miles of range when fully charged. This should be more than enough for an exciting afternoon in the great outdoors or most commutes to work. A potential downside here is the long charging time, which takes around 5 hours (from dead to full battery).
Ancheer Electric Mountain Bike
A neat little addition that Ancheer’s electric mountain bike has is the LCD screen mounted on the handlebars. It displays all the relevant information, such as mileage, motor power, battery level, and many other things. With it, it’ll be easy for you to keep track of all the essential stats when going out for a long ride.
When you order the bike, it arrives at your home 85% assembled, leaving the rest up to you, or a company that’ll do the job for a fee. Assembly isn’t complicated, but some users have complained that it took them a while to figure out what the instructions were trying to say.
A Worthy Contender For Top Position
All things considered, this product is one of the best in its category, so if you need a hardtail to get you around the local trails or to assist you with your uphill ascents, then Ancheer is definitely a good pick.
PRos
Cons
Ancheer Electric Mountain Bike
3. Kemanner 26 Inch Electric Mountain Bike
Kemanner is a full-suspension electric mountain bike that’s suitable for both beginners and experienced riders. If you love riding in nature, chances are that you will like this bike. Let’s see what it can do.
Being a full-suspension bike, Kemanner can give you a comfortable ride in nature. However, it does have its limits, and it doesn’t perform very well on super-technical trails with lots of roots and rocks.
On the bright side, it is foldable, so you’ll be able to easily pack it in your car and take it wherever you want.
Kemanner 26 Inch Electric Mountain Bike
The 36v/8Ah battery can power the motor (250W) for around 25 kilometers without your assistance, and a few kilometers more if you turn the pedals. This is in line with most models that we reviewed today, so it’s a good score.
A benefit that Kemanner has over the previous two bikes in this list is the weight, which amounts to around 20 kg. Less weight means easier carrying and maneuvering when you ride.
Like many others, this bike also comes semi-assembled, leaving the rest up to you. Unfortunately, there’s no manual, so if you don’t have a knack for putting things together, you might have some trouble with it.
A Compact Solution For Everyone
Kemanner’s MTB is an excellent choice for folks who need something compact, affordable, yet reliable to ride on light trails. If you fit this description, then we couldn’t recommend it more to you.
PRos
Cons
Kemanner 26 Inch Electric Mountain Bike
5. Wallke Folding Electric Mountain Bike
Wallke isn’t a very famous brand, but it’s on its way to becoming one, thanks to the bike that we’re about to review. This model has taken the market by storm, and today we’re going to learn why.
Wallke’s folding bike is relatively compact, which makes it perfect for transportation to your desired riding location.
It is a full-suspension model with very wide tires, so it’s obvious that it is made to be ridden on trails and inaccessible terrain. This is the first bike in this roundup that is fit for technical trails and harsh conditions like mud.
Wallke Folding Electric Mountain Bike
Another thing that sets Wallke apart from the others is the power of its motor. At a staggering 750W, this bike will be able to tackle any ascent without problems.
The large 48V/14Ah battery provides you with a range of more than 60 km when fully charged! But don’t expect it to charge fast. This process can take anywhere from 5 to 7 hours.
Putting the bike together is a bit of a hassle because the instruction manual is poorly written. Luckily, you’ll be able to find some videos online that show you how to do it.
Also, there have been complaints of problematic parts that don’t mount properly, but this is the exception rather than the rule.
In case you travel a lot and want to have an electric mountain bike with you at all times, then Wallke will probably do it for you.
PRos
Cons
Wallke Folding Electric Mountain Bike
No products found.
5. Ecotric FAT Tire Electric Mountain Bike
This beautifully designed eMTB hails from Ecotric, a company that’s becoming a major player in the fat tire electric bike industry.
The intriguingly named Leopard is a hardtail model that weighs around 25 kilograms. It’s 26” alloy frame is painted in black and orange, and features a psychedelic 70’s font that’ll make you feel like the coolest rider around.
Now, one of the things that makes this bike great is its powerful 500W motor. With it, the Leopard can reach speeds up to 32 km/h on a flat road, so you’ll be anywhere you need to be in no time.
Ecotric FAT Tire Electric Mountain Bike
The bike has a 36v/12Ah lithium battery, which takes a long time to charge (6-8 hours) but will be able to last anywhere from 30 to 50 km depending on how much you use it.
With this being a hardtail model, you can’t expect the comfort and bounce of a full-suspension bike, but you’ll still be able to enjoy moderately bumpy trails. The seat might be hard for some folks, but it’s easy to replace it.
So, for whom is this bike for?
First, it’s for people who are over 5’7” tall (170cm), as shorter individuals will find it too big. Second, we feel that it is suitable for weekend leisure riders as well as those who’d like to commute to work with it.
Off-road enthusiasts should be aware of its limitations and not take it on very technical roads.
PRos
Cons
Ecotric FAT Tire Electric Mountain Bike
No products found.
6. Ancheer Folding Electric Mountain Bike
Last but not least, we have another Ancheer model. This time, it is a full-suspension folding bicycle that’s going to thrill road trip cyclists. Let’s have a look at it.
First off, this is a very compact E-MTB, so it should be able to fit in most people’s cars when folded. Even when it’s unfolded, it’s still rather small, so tall individuals might have trouble riding it.
Despite its size, the bike is rather heavy (25kg), so don’t be fooled by the look of it.
Second, the bike’s battery is located in a small bag that’s attached to the handlebars, which is quite unusual for electric mountain bikes.
Ancheer Folding Electric Mountain Bike
There are several downsides to this. For example, the bag might get torn, and the velcro straps might rip, so be ready to strengthen it somehow.
Speaking of the battery, it has 36v/8Ah, which can last from 25 to 30+ kilometers, and this is pretty decent. The power of the motor isn’t spectacular (250W), but it’ll still make your uphill rides significantly easier.
Third, Ancheer’s MTB is not suitable for very rough terrain and inaccessible off-road rides. Sure, it’s able to take you through such roads, but know that it’ll be an uncomfortable ride. Like all other bikes on today’s list, this model too, is optimal for lightweight trails or paved roads.
Last, Ancheer’s price is hard to beat, and this bike is one of the most affordable on the market right now. It doesn’t feature any high-end parts, so some people might be concerned about the quality, but the user feedback has mainly been positive with this one.
PRos
Cons
Ancheer Folding Electric Mountain Bike
No products found.
After All is Said & Done, We Recommend:
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!
Last update on 2023-03-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API