5 Best Electric Mountain Bikes of 2025

Written by: Rémy Rossi | November 27, 2024 | Time to read 4 min

Your favorite off-road routes deserve the best electric mountain bikes. Discover our top e-MTB picks for conquering climbs and dropping descents.

More about the Author: Remy Rossi

Rémy Rossi is a bike writer, mechanic, and educator who got his start in community-based bike shops and co-ops. With a decade in the industry, he still wrenches on bikes when he can and plays bike polo on a fixie.

Cannondale Moterra Neo Carbon 1 electric mountain bike in front of yellow wall

Trying to decide on the best electric mountain bike can feel like standing at the trailhead without knowing which route to take. With so many options designed for every type of terrain, the purchasing process can get rocky. Luckily, though, I’ve done the hard work for you and selected 5 of the very best e-MTBs of 2025 to point you in the right direction.

None of these high-quality bikes fly under the radar but don’t spread the word on these top e-MTBs too loudly, we don’t want the entire trail network to know our secrets now, do we? Find out what's the best electric bike for your next off-road adventure below.

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Table of Content

Introduction

Specialized Turbo Tero 3.0

Cannondale Moterra Neo Carbon LT 1

Santa Cruz Heckler

Marin Alpine Trail E1

Rocky Mountain Fusion Powerplay 30

Key Take Aways

5 Best Electric Mountain Bikes of 2025

Specialized Turbo Tero 3.0

Let’s kick off the list with an approachable, trail-friendly hardtail. But don’t let my warm and light introduction fool you, the Specialized Turbo Tero 3.0 is a robust workhorse that’s fit for a variety of terrains. Equipped with a 250W mid-drive motor with 50 Nm of torque, it just so happens to also be an inviting adventure e-Bike that can double as a rugged commuter or backcountry explorer.

The battery is nearly integrated into the downtube for a sleek look that’s slimmer than most, including a whopping 710Wh capacity. It relies on an SR Suntour XCM 32 fork with 110mm of travel and fast-rolling 29” wheels. This versatile Class 3 hardtail encourages you to develop your MTB skills and expand your map.

🚲 Perfect for: Cross-country, singletrack, and mixed-surface rides

🌟 Why I picked it: Versatile hardtail design, excellent value, and confidence-inspiring ride

Cannondale Moterra Neo Carbon LT 1

Cannondale Moterra Beo Carbon LT 1 electric mountain bike

Beyond simply looking beautiful, the Cannondale Moterra Beo Carbon LT 1 provides a gorgeous ride up and down the mountain. This high-performance enduro e-MTB comes with the extra suspension travel required for hard-hitting trails and challenging terrain— LT stands for long-travel in case you didn’t know. The stiff and lightweight frame is made from carbon fiber with bold accents throughout.

The e-MTB rocks a full RockShox suspension package with a ZEB selection 160mm fork and Deluxe Select Plus rear shock. It’s powered by a Bosch Performance Line CX motor with 85 Nm of torque and maximum assistance of 20 mph. For off-road riders who demand the most from their steed, the Neo Carbon LT 1 is your new trail companion.

🚲 Perfect for: Steep and chunky terrain, rock gardens, and demanding terrain

🌟 Why I picked it: Long-travel enduro setup with top-tier power and responsiveness

Santa Cruz Heckler

The Santa Cruz Heckler is a rowdy e-MTB that lets you run wild on the trail. From a mountain biking brand that needs no introduction thanks to their famous flair and hard-hitting models, this electrified version bulldozes through the toughest terrains. The long-travel enduro suspension soaks up big obstacles and the Shimano EP8 mid-drive motor powers up even the steepest climbs. The Heckler has massive 29x2.6” MAXXIS tires to take on the gnarliest terrain from peak to base camp.

🚲 Perfect for: The big stuff, steep climbs, and chunky trails

🌟 Why I picked it: Impeccably designed enduro e-MTB with a powerful Shimano EP8 motor

Marin Alpine Trail E1

MArin Apline Trail E1 electric mountain bike

A full-suspension model that some riders may be sleeping on, the Marin Alpine Trail E1 offers serious performance at an excellent value. Unlike purebred 29ers, this e-MTB rocks a mullet setup with 29x2.6” up front and oversized 27.5x2.8” at the rear for ultimate control. The full-squish model also opts for an aluminum frame that feels great without the cost premium of carbon, a worthwhile trade-off in my book.

The 504Wh battery pack is somehow hidden in such a slim downtube with the rad-looking coil shock at the center of the bike. The Alpine Trail E1 uses a Shimano E7000 mid-drive motor with 60 Nm of torque. This unique e-MTB does a few things differently which I like, adding significant spice to your favorite routes without leaving your wallet bone dry.

🚲 Perfect for: All-mountain riding, flowy singletrack, and long climbs

🌟 Why I picked it: Well-chosen components and materials deliver great performance at the right price

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Rocky Mountain Fusion Powerplay 30

This Rocky Mountain e-MTB is the perfect mix of power specs and playful handling for any trail. The Fusion Powerplay 30 is a hardtail that rides the chunky stuff in the smoothest way. The suave pedal assist navigates trail adventures and everyday rides and the 480Wh is barely noticeable inside the downtube. No seriously, how did they engineer that?

The innovative Dyname 4.0 MTB drive system is only on the Powerplay model, featuring a unique chain line and motor casing. This special design results in a whopping 108 Nm of maximum torque to make it up the steepest gradients with ease. Go solo and start your own powerplay with this spirited adventure e-Bike.

🚲 Perfect for: Cross-country routes, steep climbs, recreational rides

🌟 Why I picked it: Eye-wateringly high torque meets smooth performance in a sleek profile

Key Take Aways

Sleek and Spicy: The Specialized Turbo Tero 3.0 and Rocky Mountain Fusion Powerplay 30 shine for cross-country and mixed-terrain riders, offering approachable designs with impressive power and sleek profiles.

Enduro Excellence: For those tackling steep and technical descents, the Cannondale Moterra Neo Carbon LT 1 and Santa Cruz Heckler deliver premium long-travel suspension and powerful motors to dominate rugged trails.

Value-Driven Innovation: The Marin Alpine Trail E1 stands out with its mullet setup, balanced performance, and accessible pricing, making it a hidden gem for all-mountain adventures.

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5 Best Electric Mountain Bikes of 2025