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Trek Electric Bikes Review

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In terms of principles, Trek is firmly grounded in producing bikes with high-quality craftsmanship, aiming to bring the joy of cycling to a broader audience. The fact that the company has four electric bikes speaks for itself. 

Trek started back in 1976 as a subsidiary of Roth Corporation, an appliance distributor based in Milwaukee. The founders, Richard Burke and Bevil Hogg, began to manufacture steel touring frames with the aspiration to rival Japanese and Italian-made bicycles that were dominating the market at that time.

Just as its name suggests, Trek is fully committed to bringing its riders to great adventures and even promises to take them to the edge of the horizon.

It’s also fitting that their place of origin, Waterloo, is home to the Waterloo Driving Park Association, where spirited residents gather for some old-time tough and gritty bicycle racing.

Throughout its long history, Trek has been fueled by its determination to provide the best and the most rugged bicycles for the adventurous spirits that form part of their heritage.

Overview of Trek Electric Bikes

Trek Bikes produce premium quality bikes all around the world.

Trek was founded with an established goal of building high-end bikes for the United States. Back in the day, all the good bikes came from European brands. This inspired Richard Burke and Bevil Hogg to take matters into their own hands. The solution? To make their own brand of bicycles.

Three years after its foundation, Trek sales came close to the $2,000,000-mark.

Now, Trek Bicycle Corporation is one of the world’s biggest bike companies.

The company offers models designed for Road, Mountain, and Urban biking. Trek is also renowned for making the bikes that Lance Armstrong rode to his number of victories in Tour De France.

In terms of their electric bike portfolio, Trek covers a wide range of frames, from amiable town bikes to more powerful road bikes and mountain bikes. Currently, the company sells 24 of these bikes with a price range between $1,500 to $12,000.

What We Like About Trek Electric Bikes

It is a given that Trek is very well-known when it comes to building bikes. However, this doesn’t mean that every giant company doesn’t have kinks in its armor.

This section will talk about the pros and cons of Trek e-bikes. Here to highlight the things we like about them and the points to consider before buying their e-bikes.

Reasons to buy:

• Trek produces high-quality bikes that can handle any type of weather and terrain .
• Most models are available in five different sizes for an optimal fit for each rider.
• Aside from their magnificent designs, Trek bikes boast high-quality frames and components .
• Massive collection of e-bikes span from hybrids, mountain bikes, and road bikes.
• The Bosch motor boasts top-notch performance while keeping its size and weight minimum.

Reasons to avoid:

• Some bicycles are overly expensive for an everyday e-bike.
• Some key components don’t come with the complete bike and are sold separately .

Popular Trek E-Bike Models

The company has a ton of bicycles underneath its belt and a compelling product line, market value, and spec sheet.

Trek has been in the biking industry for a long time, but it didn’t hold back on innovating the e-bike scene. Here is a brief overview of Trek’s e-bike categories and what you can expect to see in each one.

Hybrid & Commuter Trek E-Bikes

If you’re looking to commute by e-bike, run errands around town, or just go for a leisurely ride with friends and family, Trek’s hybrid and commuter e-bikes are for you.

They’re split into three categories (City & Hybrid, Commuter, Recreational) and consist of multiple model lines:

• Dual Sport+
• Electra Go! E-Bikes

FX+ and Dual Sport+ model families are what you would call typical hybrid electric bikes with Class 1 speeds and rear hub motors. They are available with step-over and step-through frames and provide dynamic performance and upright riding positions.

Related post:  Trek Verve+ 2 Review

On the other hand, Verve+ and Allant+ model lines are better-equipped city commuter bikes that cost a bit more but offer more in terms of features and speeds. They consist of Class 1 and Class 3 models powered by mid-drive motors and equipped with lights, fenders, rear racks, and even suspension forks on some ebikes.

Finally, Trek also offers Electra Go! electric bikes (Trek’s sister company), which consist of mid-drive and rear-hub drive e-bikes that fall into cruiser, city, and urban categories.

Shop Trek Hybrid E-Bikes

Trek Mountain E-Bikes

Trek’s electric mountain bikes provide ‘endless adventure’, as Trek puts it. The category consists of hardtail and full-suspension mountain e-bikes that will fit all different types of riders.

The selection includes XC bikes, trail bikes, and even enduro bikes. There are four model families you can choose from:

All of Trek’s mountain e-bikes are powered by trail-tough Bosch mid-drive motors and integrated batteries with up to 625 Wh of capacity. They have Class 1 capabilities and the batteries typically last up to 5 hours of continuous use.

The only downside of Trek’s e-mountain bikes is the pricing, as they typically cost between $6,000 and $14,000, though the Powerfly models are priced in the $3,000-$4,000 range.

Shop Trek Mountain E-Bikes

Trek Road E-Bikes

Finally, Trek makes some of the best electric road bikes on the market, but also some of the most expensive ones.

They are famous for providing a natural riding experience and only supplementing power instead of taking over. Therefore, you’ll be able to ride further and enjoy road biking just as you would on a traditional road bike.

Domane+ is the only model family in this category, though it comes in around a dozen variations, including road and gravel capable builds.

These are Class 1 and Class 3 capable e-bikes with Fazua Evation or TQ e-bike systems. All models are built around lightweight carbon frames, come with drop bars, 1x and 2x Shimano and SRAM drivetrains, and powerful hydraulic disc brakes.

Therefore, if you want to explore more or keep up on fast group rides, one of Trek’s road e-bikes is for you, if you can afford it.

Shop Trek Road E-Bikes

Trek E-Bike Classes, Motors, and Batteries

These bikes offer a lot of power and range from both their motor and battery.

The principle which the company is built upon is simple. That is to create a bicycle brand that is on par or even more significant than its European and Japanese counterparts back then. Now, they are one of the biggest bike companies in the whole world, so their grit and drive really paid off.

Trek is all about creating reliable bicycles that could take their customers to the next level of fun and enjoyment.

The company’s formula to success lies at their rigid standard of quality when it comes to their bikes. It ranges from steel, alloy, and carbon fiber, ensuring that it can take on any punishment it might receive when riding. They also didn’t hold back in choosing each component, as evidenced by their top-notch Bosch electric motors and Shimano parts.

When it comes to selling, the company won’t have any problems catering to your needs as they distribute their bicycles worldwide. What’s more? They even have 1,700 dealers in the U.S. alone. Their website also allows you to see the store closest to you, where you can view, test, and purchase their bikes.

Reliability and Durability

Trek Bikes use only the best quality materials so that their products can handle extreme terrains and any kind of weather.

Trek began with a vision from the two founders to build the best bicycles that the world had ever witnessed.

Thus, the company’s strict observance of the highest possible craftsmanship quality was born.

The company’s collection of bicycles typically receive rave reviews for their build quality. This applies to even their entry-level bikes, which at the price tag they’re sold at, isn’t always known to have the most premium components. Even if their price range generally makes their bikes a luxury, everything about it feels premium and durable when you get your hands on it.

As a testament to their bike’s quality, one Quora user shared that he almost managed to travel across Canada by riding an entry-level 1993 Trek 820 Antelope. This devotion to their founder’s vision endeared many cycling enthusiasts to the company and brand.

Frequently Asked Questions

If there’s anything that remained unanswered, here are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding Trek e-Bikes.

• Are Trek e-Bikes any good? 

Yes, Trek e-bikes follow the standard set by their conventional siblings. The excellent quality is a given. What makes it even better is that Trek is supported by a vast network of dealers to ensure that parts and maintenance are readily available.

• What happens if Trek e-bikes run out of battery?

If the battery on your Trek e-bike dies, you can no longer use the throttle, nor will you have the benefit of the pedal assist. However, you can still pedal the bike on your own, just like any regular bike.

• Where are Trek e-bikes manufactured?

Trek’s headquarters itself is located in Waterloo, Wisconsin. Still, the manufacturing happens outside the U.S., in countries such as the Netherlands, Taiwan, Germany, and China.

• How do I buy my own Trek e-bike?

Buying a Trek bike is an easy process. You can find the dealer or retailer closest to you using Trek’s Store Finder on their website. Alternatively, you can order them online and have the bike delivered to your address.

• What is the motor used on Trek e-bikes?

All of Trek’s e-bikes use Bosch electric motors . These are mid-drive pedal-assist electric motors meant to mimic a natural, consistent feel while pedaling.

Bottom Point — Who Are Trek E-Bikes For?

Trek Bikes provide the best e-bikes out there. Not only do they have sports bikes like mountain bikes, but they also provide high-quality city and hybrid bikes.

Trek creates their bicycles with the sole purpose of providing reliable vehicles for adventurous spirits. However, the company also caters to those who only want to get from point A to point B without hiccups.

The company offers a lineup of electrical bikes consisting of road bikes, commuter bikes, mountain bikes, and hybrid bikes. Sure, the price may prove to be high for some, but it will all pay off as soon as you see and feel the quality of each part of the bike.

Shop Trek Electric Bike Models

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E-Bike 2024 Brand Guide: Trek

Content Guide

This guide is designed to provide a detailed exploration of Trek, one of the leading manufacturers of electric bikes.

Trek offers a diverse range of e-bikes designed to cater to various user needs, from the daily city commuter to the weekend mountain biker , and everyone in between.

In this guide, we will delve into the specifics of what makes Trek electric bikes stand out in the crowded e-bike market. We'll cover key features, discuss the varied models, and provide insights into what to consider when looking to invest in a Trek e-bike. Whether you're a first-time e-bike buyer or an experienced rider looking to upgrade, our aim is to equip you with the knowledge you need to make the best choice for your cycling needs.

The Trek Brand

Founded in 1976, Trek Bicycle Corporation has become one of the most recognized and respected names in the global bicycle industry. From humble beginnings in a barn in Waterloo, Wisconsin, Trek's mission was simple yet ambitious: to build the best bikes in the world.

Trek started with just five employees, producing steel touring frames. However, their focus on innovation and quality quickly earned them a solid reputation. They introduced their first mountain bike, the 850, in 1983 and, within a few years, became a major player in the then-burgeoning mountain biking scene.

Trek's commitment to innovation led them to be one of the early pioneers of carbon fiber frames in the 1990s, a move that revolutionized the industry. The lightweight, yet incredibly strong material, transformed the performance potential of both road and mountain bikes, putting Trek at the forefront of bicycle technology.

With the advent of electric bikes, Trek saw an opportunity for innovation. They began producing e-bikes in the early 2010s, combining their bike design expertise with state-of-the-art electric motor and battery technology. Today, Trek's line of electric bikes is recognized for its performance, reliability, and thoughtful design. Whether for urban commuting, off-road adventure, or casual leisure rides, Trek's e-bikes continue to set the standard in the industry.

Key Features of Trek Electric Bikes

Motors and performance.

Trek electric bikes are equipped with some of the best electric motors in the industry , most prominently using motors from the highly reputable Bosch line . These motors provide a natural and smooth ride, enhancing the bike's performance rather than overpowering it.

Motor Position: Trek e-bikes come in both mid-drive and rear hub motor configurations, each with their own unique benefits.

Power: Trek's e-bike motors typically offer varying levels of power output, usually between 250-750 watts, depending on the model and type of bike. This allows riders to choose the level of assistance they need, whether it's a small boost for uphill climbs or a more substantial push for high-speed commuting.

Pedal-Assist: Most Trek e-bikes come with pedal-assist technology , which means the motor only kicks in when you're pedaling. The degree of assistance can usually be adjusted through multiple settings, allowing you to customize your ride based on your needs and riding conditions.

Performance: Trek's electric bikes are designed with performance in mind. The integration of the motor is seamless, providing a natural and smooth ride. The torque-sensing technology adjusts the motor's output based on how hard you're pedaling, giving you a more intuitive and responsive riding experience.

Battery Life and Charging

Trek electric bikes feature high-quality, durable batteries that complement their efficient motors, ensuring a consistent and long-lasting power supply for your rides.

Battery Type: Trek predominantly uses lithium-ion batteries in its electric bikes, renowned for their high energy density, longevity, and lightweight nature. These batteries can be integrated into the bike's frame for a sleek look or mounted externally depending on the model.

Battery Capacity: The capacity of a battery, typically measured in watt-hours (Wh), determines the e-bike's range. Most Trek electric bikes feature batteries with capacities between 300Wh and 625Wh, offering an impressive range suitable for long commutes or extended leisure rides.

Charging: Charging a Trek e-bike is as simple as plugging it into a standard electrical outlet using the supplied charger. The charging time depends on the battery's capacity and the power output of the charger, but a full charge typically takes between 3 to 6 hours. Some Trek models feature removable batteries, allowing you to charge the battery separately from the bike, which can be convenient for city dwellers and commuters.

Battery Life: The longevity of a battery is usually measured in charge cycles, with one cycle being a full charge and discharge. While the lifespan of a lithium-ion battery can vary, most should last for several hundred to over a thousand cycles while still retaining a good percentage of their original capacity.

Battery Management System (BMS): Trek e-bikes come with a sophisticated BMS that protects the battery from issues like overcharging, overheating, and ensuring optimal performance.

Speed and range

Trek electric bikes are designed to offer a range of speeds and ranges for different rider types.

Speed: In general, most standard electric bikes from Trek offer pedal-assisted speeds up to 20 mph (32 kph). However, Trek also offers a range of speed pedelecs, also known as 'Class 3' electric bikes, which can offer pedal-assisted speeds up to 28 mph (45 kph), perfect for those needing a little extra speed during their commutes or rides. The actual speed you can achieve on a Trek electric bike will depend on several factors, including the level of pedal-assist you select, the terrain, and your own pedaling power.

Range: The range of an electric bike refers to how far it can travel on a single battery charge. Trek electric bikes, with their efficient motors and high-capacity batteries, can typically offer ranges between 20 to 100 miles (32 to 160 km) depending on the model. However, it's important to remember that the actual range you'll achieve can vary greatly based on several factors, including the level of motor assist used, the terrain, weather conditions, and the rider's weight.

Modes: Trek electric bikes generally come with multiple levels of pedal-assist, each offering a different balance of speed and battery conservation. For example, a high pedal-assist level can help you achieve higher speeds and tackle steep hills, but it will use up the battery more quickly, thus reducing the overall range. Lower assist levels, on the other hand, can extend the battery life and hence the bike's range, but you'll need to rely more on your own pedaling power.

Efficiency: One of the reasons why Trek electric bikes can offer such impressive speeds and ranges is their efficiency. Trek uses high-quality motors and batteries, combined with intelligent software, to ensure that the bike's energy is used as efficiently as possible.

Design and comfort

Trek's commitment to quality and performance is paralleled by their focus on design and comfort. Their electric bikes incorporate aesthetically pleasing designs with rider comfort in mind, ensuring a pleasing and enjoyable ride every time.

Frame Design: Trek offers electric bikes with both traditional and step-through frame designs. Traditional frames are generally considered more performance-oriented, while step-through frames offer easy mounting and dismounting, making them a favorite for city riding or for those with mobility concerns. Trek utilizes advanced design and manufacturing techniques to produce frames that are both lightweight and durable.

Integrated Components: Many Trek electric bikes feature integrated components, such as lights and batteries, which not only enhance the overall look of the bike but also improve its functionality and ease of use.

Rider Comfort: Trek puts a lot of emphasis on rider comfort. This is reflected in the design of their seats, handlebars, and bike geometry. The ergonomic design of these components ensures a comfortable riding position, reducing strain on the body, and allowing for longer, more enjoyable rides.

Suspension: Depending on the model, Trek electric bikes may feature front suspension (hardtail) or both front and rear suspension (full suspension), improving ride comfort and handling over various terrain types.

Customizability: Trek bikes often come with numerous adjustment points, allowing riders to tailor the fit of the bike to their own personal preferences and body dimensions. This ensures the most comfortable and efficient ride possible.

Design Aesthetics: Trek e-bikes are recognized for their modern, sleek design aesthetics. They successfully balance the need for robust, functional construction with a design that is visually pleasing. With a range of color options and styles across models, riders can choose a bike that suits their personal style.

Special features specific to Trek (e.g., integrated lighting, GPS, app connectivity)

1. Bosch Performance Line Motor: Many of Trek's electric bikes are powered by a high-quality, reliable Bosch Performance Line motor. This offers a natural and smooth riding experience with assistance up to 20 mph.

2. Removable Integrated Battery (RIB): Trek's Removable Integrated Battery system is user-friendly: it hides the battery for protection and makes it easy to remove.

3. Puncture-resistant tires: Many Trek e-bikes come with puncture-resistant tires, giving you more confidence on your ride and reducing the chance of having to stop to repair a flat.

4. Multiple riding modes: The bikes usually offer different levels of pedal assist, allowing you to choose how much help you want from the electric motor.

5. Range Boost: Some Trek electric bikes offer a Range Boost option, which is an additional battery you can purchase separately to extend the bike's range, letting you ride further on a single charge.

6. Integrated Lights and Reflectors: Some models come equipped with integrated lights and reflectors to improve visibility in low-light conditions, adding a safety feature to your rides.

7. Smartphone Hub: Some Trek e-bikes are equipped with a smartphone hub where you can mount your phone and use it as a display to track your speed, distance, and battery life.

8. High-quality Components: Trek e-bikes often include high-quality components such as Shimano gears and brakes, Bontrager wheels and accessories, and suspension forks from manufacturers like RockShox and Fox.

Overview of Popular Trek Electric Bike Models

Trek offers a variety of electric bikes to accommodate different riding styles and needs. Here are some of the popular models:

Trek Verve+ 3

The Trek Verve+ 3 is a hybrid e-bike that's great for commuting, fitness, and everyday riding. It's equipped with a Bosch Active Line motor, providing assistance up to 20 mph, and a removable integrated battery.

The Trek Verve+ 3 is a popular model in Trek's electric bike range. Here's a breakdown of its features, pros, and cons.

• Bosch Active Line Motor: The Verve+ 3 comes with a reliable and robust Bosch electric system that can provide assistance up to 20 mph.
• Removable Integrated Battery (RIB): Trek's RIB system provides an easy-to-remove battery without the need for tools while also maintaining a sleek integration into the bike frame.
• Hydraulic Disk Brakes: For reliable stopping power in all weather conditions.
• Suspension Seatpost: It absorbs the bumps in the road, providing a smoother, more comfortable ride.
• Puncture-resistant Tires: The tires are designed to be resistant to punctures, providing added peace of mind during rides.
• Multiple Assist Modes: Like most e-bikes, it offers different levels of pedal assist, allowing riders to choose how much help they want from the electric motor.
• Versatility: The Verve+ 3 is designed to be comfortable and efficient on a variety of surfaces, from city streets to country roads and even some light trails.
• Comfort: Features like an upright riding position, ergonomic grips, a suspension seatpost, and a comfortable saddle make this bike comfortable for long rides.
• Quality Components: From the Bosch motor and battery to the Shimano drivetrain and hydraulic disc brakes, this bike is made with high-quality components.
• Integrated Accessories: The bike comes equipped with fenders, lights, and a rear rack, making it ready for commuting right out of the box.
• Limited Off-Road Capabilities: While it's versatile, the Verve+ 3 is not designed for heavy off-road use. It's more suited to paved roads and light trails.
• Weight: Like most e-bikes, the Verve+ 3 is significantly heavier than a non-electric bike, which can make it harder to transport.
• Price: While the Verve+ 3 offers good value for its features, the cost of e-bikes can be a barrier for some people.

It's Ideal For

The Trek Verve+ 3's features and design make it particularly suitable for the following types of riders:

• Commuters: The Verve+ 3 is equipped with all the necessary features for daily commuting, such as integrated lights for visibility, fenders to keep the rider clean in wet conditions, and a rear rack for carrying bags or other items. The electric assist can make a long commute or hilly route more manageable and less sweaty.
• Leisure Riders: For those who enjoy leisurely rides, the Verve+ 3 offers a comfortable riding position, a smooth ride thanks to the suspension seatpost, and the assistance to tackle longer rides or hilly terrain without excessive strain.
• Active Seniors: Older riders who want to stay active and mobile will appreciate the electric assist, which makes cycling more accessible and less strenuous, as well as the comfortable upright riding position.

Value For Money

The Trek Verve+ 3 typically has a price range of around $2,500 to $3,000. However, pricing can vary depending on factors like location, local taxes, and additional accessories or customizations.

Given these factors, many users find the Trek Verve+ 3 offers good value for money considering its quality, the features it includes, and the backing of a reputable brand. As always, the perceived value can depend on individual needs, preferences, and the specific use you plan for the bike.

Trek Allant+ 7

The Trek Allant+ 7 is a high-performance electric bike built for commuters and recreational riders who seek durability, speed, and comfort in an e-bike. It's well-regarded for its combination of premium components, sophisticated design, and integrated tech.

‍ The Allant+ 7 is equipped with a powerful Bosch Performance CX (250W, 85Nm) drive system that can easily handle steep inclines and long distances. It also includes a Bosch PowerTube 500Wh battery that integrates seamlessly into the frame and a Purion display that allows you to monitor speed, distance, and battery life.

For comfort and safety, it has a suspension fork, hydraulic disc brakes for reliable stopping power, and wide, puncture-resistant tires. Its sleek frame design and integrated features give it an appealing, streamlined look.

• High-quality Bosch components provide reliable performance and significant range.
• Sleek, integrated design is aesthetically pleasing and improves aerodynamics.
• Hydraulic disc brakes provide excellent stopping power in all weather conditions.
• Comes with built-in lights and is pre-wired for a range extender battery.
• Higher price point might be a barrier for some potential buyers.
• The integrated battery is not as easy to remove as external ones, which could be a drawback for charging.
• The bike is heavier than non-electric counterparts, which may affect handling when the motor is not in use.

‍ The Allant+ 7 is perfect for urban riders who want a high-performing, stylish, and comfortable e-bike for daily commutes or recreational rides. Its power and range also make it a solid choice for those who live in hilly areas or who want to tackle longer rides.

Value for Money

‍ The Allant+ 7 is priced in the higher tier of e-bikes, but this is reflective of the high-quality components, advanced features, and overall build quality of the bike. It's an investment that should provide reliable service and enjoyment for many years, offering excellent value for money.

Trek Rail 7

The Trek Rail is an electric mountain bike that aims to provide a natural, responsive ride on all types of off-road trails. It's a full-suspension bike, built for riders who love to explore challenging terrains, seeking adventure without the limitation of traditional bikes.

‍ The Rail comes equipped with a high-performance Bosch Performance CX drive system that delivers reliable power for steep climbs and rugged trails. The integrated Bosch PowerTube battery not only adds to the aesthetics but also helps maintain a low center of gravity for better handling. The Rail also uses Trek's proprietary Removable Integrated Battery (RIB) system that makes it easy to charge the battery.

On the component front, the Rail comes with top-of-the-line suspension, a 1x12 drivetrain for a wide gear range, and hydraulic disc brakes for confident stopping power. The Trek Rail lineup varies with different models, so some components and features might differ.

• Excellent power and handling for off-road trails.
• RIB system allows easy removal and charging of the battery.
• High-quality suspension provides good control and comfort on rough terrain.
• Integrated tech such as dropper posts and 1x12 drivetrains (depending on the model).
• High price point due to the premium components and features.
• Heavier than non-electric mountain bikes, which could affect handling in certain situations.
• E-bike regulations in some areas may limit where it can be ridden.

‍ The Trek Rail is ideal for adventurous riders who want to conquer challenging trails and steep climbs. It's perfect for those who want an e-mountain bike that combines power, performance, and a natural ride feel.

‍ The Trek Rail, given its advanced features and high-end components, sits in the upper price range for e-bikes. However, if you're a serious mountain biker looking for an e-bike that doesn't compromise on handling or power, the Trek Rail could be worth the investment.

Trek Domane+ AL 5

The Trek Domane+ AL 5 is a high-performance electric road bike that combines speed, efficiency, and range to offer a superior riding experience. Designed with endurance in mind, it's aimed at riders who enjoy longer distances but also want the added benefit of electrical assistance.

‍ The Domane+ AL 5 features a lightweight and robust carbon frame, equipped with a Bosch Performance Speed motor and a high-capacity 625Wh battery for extended range. It uses a Removable Integrated Battery (RIB) system for convenience. The bike also has a full 2x11 Shimano Ultegra drivetrain, hydraulic disc brakes, and comes ready with fenders and lights.

• High-quality, durable carbon frame for a lightweight, responsive ride.
• Powerful Bosch motor and large capacity battery for extended range.
• RIB system for easy battery removal and charging.
• High-performance components, including a full Shimano Ultegra drivetrain.
• Integrated fenders and lights for practicality and safety.
• Premium components and features lead to a high price point.
• Despite the motor assistance, the bike might still be heavy for some users compared to non-electric road bikes.
• As with all e-bikes, the battery life can limit long-distance rides.

‍ The Trek Domane+ AL is an excellent choice for road cyclists who want to tackle longer, more challenging rides with the benefit of electrical assistance. It's perfect for those who want the performance and feel of a traditional road bike but with the added advantage of an electric boost.

‍ The Domane+ AL is on the higher end of the price scale due to its top-tier components, advanced features, and high-quality construction. However, for riders seeking a performance-oriented e-bike with superior endurance and speed capabilities, it offers good value for the investment.

Trek Powerfly FS 9

The Trek Powerfly is a versatile and robust electric mountain bike designed to tackle a variety of terrains with ease and comfort. It merges the agility and durability of a mountain bike with the power of a Bosch electric bike system, providing a boost to your natural pedaling power.

‍ The Trek Powerfly series features a lightweight aluminum frame, coupled with the high-performing Bosch Performance CX motor. Depending on the specific model, it either comes with a fully integrated or semi-integrated removable battery. The series also boasts durable components including RockShox or SR Suntour suspension, Shimano drivetrains, and powerful hydraulic disc brakes for reliable stopping power in all conditions.

• Strong and reliable Bosch Performance CX electric motor enhances riding efficiency.
• Removable battery design allows for easier charging and storage.
• Robust and lightweight aluminum frame for a responsive, agile ride.
• Equipped with quality components, offering reliable performance off-road.
• It comes in both hardtail and full suspension versions, catering to different rider preferences.
• Although competitively priced for e-mountain bikes, it's still a significant investment.
• Battery life could be a limitation for longer rides, depending on terrain and usage.
• The bike is heavier than non-electric mountain bikes due to the motor and battery, which can affect handling.

‍ The Trek Powerfly is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who want to take on off-road trails and steep climbs with an extra boost of power. It's ideal for mountain bikers looking for an e-bike that doesn't compromise on handling or durability.

‍ The Powerfly range offers various models at different price points, so there's likely an option that suits your budget. Considering the quality of the components, the reliability of the Bosch system, and Trek's reputation, it offers good value for money within the e-mountain bike market.

How to Buy a Trek Electric Bike

There are several ways to buy a Trek electric bike, but the specific method may depend on your location and preference.

Visit a Local Authorized Dealer

This is typically the best way to buy a Trek electric bike because you can test ride the bike before purchasing, and the staff can help you find the right model and size for your needs. They can also assist with initial setup and ongoing maintenance. To find a dealer near you, use the "Find a Retailer" tool on Trek's official website.

Buy Online from the Official Trek Website

Depending on your location, you might be able to buy directly from Trek's official website. You can browse the available models, customize your bike, and have it shipped to your home or a local dealer for assembly.

Buy from a Reputable Online Retailer

There are online retailers that sell Trek bikes. However, be sure to use a reputable site to avoid scams or counterfeit products.

Importance of after-sales service

After-sales service is crucial for electric bikes for several reasons:

• Complexity: E-bikes are more complex than traditional bikes due to the addition of electronic components like the battery, motor, and controller. These parts may need special care or maintenance that a typical bike does not require.
• Safety: Regular servicing ensures the bike is safe to use. This includes checking the brakes, tires, lights, and electric components to make sure everything is working correctly.
• Longevity: Proper maintenance and repair can extend the life of the e-bike, ensuring that you get the most out of your investment.
• Performance: Regular servicing can keep the bike running at peak performance. This includes things like making sure the battery is functioning properly and that the motor is running efficiently.
• Compliance with Warranty Terms: Regular maintenance and use of authorized service centers is often required to keep the warranty valid.

The Bottom Line

Trek offers an extensive range of electric bikes designed to cater to various types of riders. Whether you're seeking an electric mountain bike to conquer challenging terrains, a road e-bike for long, exhilarating rides, or a comfortable city e-bike for commuting and leisure, Trek has a model tailored to your needs.

Trek Bikes Official Website: Here, you can find information about all of Trek's available electric bikes, as well as a dealer locator, information about the company, and more.

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.css-1hnz6hu{position:static;}.css-1hnz6hu::before{content:'';cursor:inherit;display:block;position:absolute;top:0px;left:0px;z-index:0;width:100%;height:100%;} Ride Review

Your guide to trek electric bikes.

A comprehensive guide to Trek eBikes that fit your needs on the open road, mountain trails or on the city streets.

In This Guide

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If you are in the market for a new eBike, you’ve probably heard of Trek bicycles . Founded in 1976, Trek is a leading bicycle manufacturer and distributes bikes in over 90 countries around the globe. Headquartered in Waterloo, Wisconsin, Trek bikes are manufactured in Europe and Asia. 

Through extensive R&D from its world-class professional road and mountain bike teams, Trek designs and builds its consumer eBikes with the most innovative technology available in the industry. Trek’s eBike lineup includes an extensive selection of road, mountain, city, utility, and cruiser bikes that suit anyone who wants to ride recreationally on the road or trail, commute to work or carry groceries and kids around town.

Reputation and Quality - With 50 years of experience, Trek has a solid reputation for building quality, dependable eBikes that are equipped with good componentry. Their batteries, motors, and controllers are certified for safe operation and charging in your home.

Model Variety - Trek offers an extensive selection of performance road and mountain eBikes, city and utility eBikes, and hybrid and recreational bikes in a variety of sizes and colors.

Innovation - Trek strives to be on the leading edge of the bike industry and puts innovative technology into all levels of its bike lineup.

Warranty and Customer Service   - Through dealers and customer service, Trek provides personalized service to ensure that you get the bike that’s correct for you and that it works for years with minimum issues. 

More Expensive - Trek eBikes are not the lowest-priced options on the market. Do you prioritize price over component specs and feature innovation? You may look to other eBike brands that deliver more value.

Dealer Sales Only - New Trek eBikes are only available through authorized dealers with no options of direct-to-consumer. On the plus side, you will receive proper fitting and have the peace of mind that your eBike was assembled by a certified mechanic.

Are you ready to learn more about Trek eBikes? Let’s get started!

.css-1hnz6hu{position:static;}.css-1hnz6hu::before{content:'';cursor:inherit;display:block;position:absolute;top:0px;left:0px;z-index:0;width:100%;height:100%;} Trek Verve+ 3 Lowstep

The Verve+ 3 Lowstep is Trek’s take on the classic city bike. The lightweight, step-through frame and comprehensive set of accessories make the Verve+ 3 Lowstep a turn-key eBike for your city riding needs.

10 Reasons to Buy the Trek Verve+ 3 Lowstep

The Trek Verve+ 3 Lowstep e-bike comes with powerful disc brakes that provide maximum safety.

This e-bike is equipped with a mid-drive motor to help riders easily ascend any incline without the need for strenuous physical effort.

Its geometry provides great stability and comfort when cycling, allowing riders to remain in an upright position while their body weight is evenly distributed on the bike's frame.

The design of the Trek Verve+ 3 Lowstep e-bike is sleek and modern, adding a stylish touch to your cycling experience.

To ensure a smoother ride, it has a suspension seat post that can absorb shocks from uneven terrain, reducing stress on the joints.

For added protection against punctures, the Trek Verve+ 3 Lowstep e-bike comes with tough, puncture-resistant tires.

Its lightweight aluminum frame makes the bike easy to maneuver.

The price tag of the Trek Verve+ 3 Lowstep e-bike is also very affordable compared to other electric bikes in its class.

With its wide range of sizes and frames tailored specifically for different heights and body types, you’re sure to find the perfect fit for your needs.

This amazing bike also comes with high-quality accessories, including rear lights.

2 Reasons Not to Buy the Trek Verve+ 3 Lowstep

The Verve+ 3 doesn’t include any front suspension, meaning riders won't benefit from the added shock absorption.

The display included with this bike is nothing special, just featuring basic functions such as speed and battery level indicators.

The Bottom Line

The Trek Verve+ 3 Lowstep’s traditional city bike design and geometry make it ideal for city commuting and light utility use. The low step frame makes it easy to get on and off, no matter what you are wearing. It’s generously equipped with all the accessories that you’ll need to tackle your daily errands in all conditions.

The Trek FX+ 2 eBike is a no-frills upgrade for your city commute or leisure rides when you want an electric boost. The FX+2 is Trek’s more economical eBike offering.

11 Reasons to Buy the Trek FX+ 2 eBike

The Hyena Rider Assistant app optimizes the bike's performance to meet your needs.

The bike's rear hub motor is quiet so you can enjoy a natural ride that feels like a traditional bicycle with an added boost.

The PAS system has three optimized settings that provide noticeable variation in assistance.

The 120-lumen headlamp offers excellent visibility and the fenders help you stay dry in wet conditions.

The kickstand mount keeps the bike upright and accessible, making it easy to grab and go.

The hydraulic disc brakes perform well even in heavy rain, ensuring consistent stopping power in various weather conditions.

The rear rack mount lets you easily transport items while commuting or running errands.

The loud bell ensures you can alert other riders or pedestrians to your presence for added safety.

It’s incredibly lightweight at just 40 lbs for effortless handling and maneuverability.

It comes in four sizes and three color options.

It has a range of 70 miles with the range extender battery system.

2 Reasons Not to Buy the Trek FX+ 2 eBike

The LED display for battery status and pedal assist mode feels outdated compared to modern LCDs.

The lack of quick-release wheels requires tools for their removal.

The Trek FX+2 gives you the essentials for everyday city commuting. Its lightweight,  understated design is excellent for riders who need to carry their bike and don’t want to attract attention. It lacks some features found on more expensive bikes, but the FX+2 provides extra assistance for daily utility and leisure rides.

The Trek Dual Sport+ is a versatile and well-designed electric bike that delivers a comfortable and stable riding experience on both the road and trail. It is lightweight and durable, making it perfect for commuting or light touring.

6 Reasons to Buy the Dual Sport+

Well-designed and versatile electric bike

An affordable and reliable option

Excellent brakes and dependable specification list

Lightweight and durable hybrid bike

Small but effective motor and torque sensor

Stealthy appearance with streamlined design elements

3 Reasons to Buy the Dual Sport+

The absence of an integrated light system

Puncture-resistant tires

Non-replaceable internal battery may limit range without an external range extender battery

The Dual Sport+ electric bike is a well-designed and versatile option that offers great value for its price. With excellent brakes, a dependable specification list, and a small but effective motor, it provides a reliable and enjoyable ride.

The Trek Domane+ LT is a performance road bike with electric assist that is perfect for long miles on pavement or gravel.

5 Reasons to Buy the Trek Domane+ LT

The Bontrager Arvada Elite saddle promises a comfortable ride

Tubeless tires on quality tubeless-read wheels

Full carbon suspension is extremely durable and stable

Powerful electric drive system with a touch remote

Good performance on steep climbs

3 Reasons Not to Buy the Trek Domane+ LT

The pedal assist will cut off after reaching a speed of 20 mph, which might not give the best experience to riders looking for a fast ride.

The battery life can be a bit short if you want to have a full-day adventure.

Only one frame size is available, but it might not be suitable for all riders.

The Trek Domane+ LT can give you an authentic road bike experience, thanks to the quality carbon frame, tires suitable for road and gravel, and hidden electronic drivetrain system.

The Trek Allant+ is a powerful, versatile, and capable electric bike perfect for speedy commutes, sweat-free errands, and off-road adventures. It offers a hill-flattening boost and a range that shrinks distances, making it suitable for various ride use cases such as neighborhood cruising, urban commuting, and family leisure. 

5 Reasons to Buy the Allant+

It is a high-quality ebike with ample range, a powerful motor, and a comprehensive parts package.

It is a comfortable and capable commuter ebike with reliable handling.

This fast commuter e-bike has sharp and reliable handling and ample speed.

The Allant+ features high-quality components, a powerful motor, and intuitive connectivity.

The Allant+ is a high-quality bike with effective weight distribution, an impressive motor, a smooth ride, and good components.

3 Reasons Not to Buy the Allant+

The Trek Allant+ has an expensive price point that may not provide the best value for every customer.

The charging port could benefit from a more accessible position.

Low-speed steering and suspension could be improved.

The Trek Allant+ line of electric bikes offers top-notch quality, impressive performance, and a comprehensive set of features. While they may have a higher price point, the high-quality components and intuitive connectivity make them a great investment for those seeking an enjoyable commuting or casual riding experience.

The Trek E-Caliber is a lightweight electric mountain bike that combines traditional cycling agility with the benefits of electric assistance. With its nimble and efficient ride, the E-Caliber is accessible to a wide range of riders and offers a versatile design that appeals to both professionals and casual riders. 

7 Reasons to Buy the E-Caliber

The Trek E-Caliber is praised for its integration of the Fazua Evation assist system, which provides electric assistance while maintaining traditional cycling agility.

The bike is optimized for weight and performance, potentially setting a new standard for eMTB design.

It offers a nimble and efficient ride, making it accessible to a wide range of riders.

The E-Caliber features a lightweight carbon frame and quality components.

The bike has a versatile design and appeals to both professional and casual riders.

The iso-strut suspension guarantees a comfortable and adjustable ride.

The E-Caliber is customizable, allowing customers to tailor it to their specific needs.

4 Reasons Not to Buy the E-Caliber

The E-Caliber suspension may not provide enough off-road performance and its aggressive geometry may limit its application.

The high price tag of $11,999 may deter some potential buyers.

There are other e-bikes in the same price range that offer more.

Despite its lightweight and quality components, the E-Caliber may not be suitable for longer rides.

The Trek E-Caliber is a groundbreaking eMTB that offers the perfect blend of electric assistance and traditional cycling agility. With its optimized weight and performance, it sets a new standard for eMTB design. The nimble and efficient ride, along with the Fazua Evation assist system, ensures a superior riding experience with minimal resistance.

The Trek Powerfly FS 4 is a full-suspension electric mountain bike designed for rugged trail adventures. It features a durable Alpha Platinum Aluminum frame and is equipped with a powerful Bosch Performance Line CX drive system. Despite its high performance, the Powerfly FS 4 remains affordable, providing excellent value for money.

9 Reasons to Buy the Powerfly FS 4

The Trek 2022 Powerfly FS 4 features a suspension system, making it suitable for mountain biking and off-road adventures.

The bike utilizes Trek's Alpha Platinum Aluminum frame, ensuring durability and strength.

Equipped with the reliable Performance CX mid-mounted motor by Bosch, providing efficient and powerful assistance while riding.

The integrated battery is removable, allowing for easy charging and replacement.

The bike offers additional features ready for customization, giving users the ability to personalize their riding experience.

The new Trek Powerfly FS is versatile and high-performing, suitable for various terrains and riding styles.

The e-bike is equipped with top-of-the-line hardware, ensuring quality and reliability.

Despite its high quality, the Trek Powerfly FS is considered affordable, offering value for money.

The design of the bike allows for great off-road handling, providing a thrilling and enjoyable riding experience.

1 Reason Not to Buy the Powerfly FS 4

The bike's small display screen might be inconvenient for some users, potentially affecting visibility and ease of navigation.

The Trek Powerfly FS 4 is a top-performing e-bike that offers durability, versatility, and value for money. With its suspension system and strong frame, it's perfect for off-road adventures. The reliable motor and removable battery provide efficient assistance and easy charging. Plus, the customizable features allow users to personalize their riding experience. While the small display screen may be a drawback for some, overall, the Powerfly FS 4 delivers a thrilling and enjoyable ride.

The Trek Rail 9.7 is a long-travel carbon electric mountain bike that offers impressive performance and a solid distance range. With its powerful Bosch motor and 625Wh battery capacity, it provides powerful uphill momentum and inspires confidence on descents.

4 Reasons to Buy the Rail 9.7

Impressive distance range with the powerful Bosch motor and a solid 625Wh battery capacity

Powerful uphill momentum and confident descent

Good geometry and an enjoyable ride

Surprisingly plush and comfortable

4 Reasons Not to Buy the Rail 9.7

Slightly quirky display and controls

Less smooth start-off of the motor

Placement of the water bottle holder

The aesthetic of the remote (not visually appealing)

The Rail 9.7 offers an impressive distance range and powerful performance, making it a great option for those looking for an enjoyable and comfortable ride. While there may be some minor quirks and budget-oriented componentry, overall, this enduro eMTB delivers on its promises and provides a solid choice for riders.

The Fuel EXe 9.8 GX AXS is an evolved e-mountain bike from Trek. Built on a carbon fiber chassis, it offers a light, stiff, and nimble ride.

13 Reasons to Buy the Fuel EXe 9.8 GX AXS

Versatility for different terrains

A great option for both park rides and long trail rides

Impressive build quality

Sleek design for a smooth ride

Sturdy build, high-quality components, and excellent ride quality

Electric-assist has powerful performance

Silent operation and instant drive unit engagement

Reduced fatigue and increased agility compared to full-fat eMTBs

Sturdy frame and supportive suspension for an efficient and confident ride

Efficient climbing performance and powerful brakes

It has a short rear end for a playful ride quality

Impressive natural ride feel and lightweight build

Potential long-term durability and performance

3 Reasons Not to Buy the Fuel EXe 9.8 GX AXS

Somewhat expensive compared to some competitors

It has areas for potential improvement

Heavier and lacking small-bump suppleness

The Fuel EXe 9.8 GX AXS is a versatile and high-quality micromobility vehicle that delivers an exceptional ride experience. With its sleek design, sturdy build, and powerful electric-assist performance, it's a top choice for riders looking to tackle different terrains, from park rides to long trail adventures. The reduced fatigue and increased agility make it a joy to ride, while the supportive suspension and efficient climbing performance ensure a confident journey. Despite the somewhat higher price tag, this micromobility vehicle offers long-term durability and performance, making it a worthwhile investment for those seeking a reliable and enjoyable ride.

The Trek Fetch+ 2 is a compact electric cargo bike designed to haul a lot while being fun and simple to use. With the powerful boost of the Bosch smart system, it can easily carry up to 175 lbs of cargo, making it perfect for families.

5 Reasons to Buy the Fetch+ 2

The Trek Fetch Plus 2 electric bike offers great capacity for carrying children or cargo.

The bikes are highly customizable, allowing for the addition of child seats and various compartments for cargo.

They are equipped with Bosch electric bike motors, known for their quality and reliability.

The removable Bosch batteries can be fully charged in six hours, providing a convenient power source.

The Fetch Plus 2 cargo bike offers a minimalist design with a relatively lightweight, making it suitable for urban riding.

4 Reasons Not to Buy the Fetch+ 2

The Trek Fetch Plus bikes have a hefty price tag, which may not be accessible to all potential buyers.

While the bikes are designed for carrying cargo, they may not be suitable for users who don't have a need for that specific functionality.

The customization options and additional accessories may add to the overall cost of the bike.

The bikes are primarily designed for short city rides, so they may not be the best choice for long-distance or off-road riding.

The Trek Fetch+ electric bikes are an excellent choice for those seeking versatile micromobility options. With their impressive carrying capacity and customizable features, they provide a reliable and convenient solution for transporting children or cargo.

The Trek Fetch+ 4 is an electric cargo box bike that offers a high carrying capacity and the ability to connect with family members while providing a sustainable transportation alternative. With the powerful boost of the Bosch smart system and best-in-class handling and stability, this bike can confidently carry up to five children.

6 Reasons to Buy the Fetch+ 4

Customizable options for the Trek Fetch+ 4 electric cargo bike.

Significant carrying capacity, with the Fetch+ 4 able to carry up to 200kg and carry up to five children.

Priced comparably to leading electric cargo bikes.

High cargo carrying capacity and durable components make the Fetch+4 ideal for families.

Premium Bosch powertrain systems, a trusted brand in electric bike technology, offer high performance power and sustainable transportation alternatives.

Potential savings from eliminating recurring costs related to car ownership.

4 Reasons Not to Buy the Fetch+ 4

The design appeal of the Trek Fetch+ 4 falls short compared to rivals.

The Trek Fetch+ 4 lacks a throttle, which may be a disadvantage for some riders.

Customizable options for the Trek Fetch+ 4 is not as extensive as other brands.

The cost of the bikes is high, which may be a deterrent for some potential buyers.

The Trek Fetch+ series offers customizable options and impressive carrying capacity, making them perfect for families and those in need of a reliable cargo bike. With Bosch electric bike motors and high cargo-carrying capabilities, these bikes provide sustainable transportation alternatives and potential savings from eliminating car ownership costs.

Featured Products

Trek Verve+ 3 Lowstep

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Plug in and get hooked Soar up trails, through town, and everywhere in between with the ultimate do-anything e-MTB. Marlin+ is an electric hardtail that gives you all the versatility you crave and adds in a simple boost for flattening climbs and cruising with ease. It packs in the electric mountain bike features that matter most, like a Bosch drive unit and a confident and capable bike frame – without the hefty price tag. Are you ready to get hooked?

Up to 20mph

2 - 4 hours

We’ve been building bikes from top to bottom for five decades and backing up every single one with a lifetime warranty. We don’t expect you to run into any issues, but if you do, we’re here to support you around the globe.

Bosch has been in the gadget game since the 1800’s, engineering and honing the top tech in cars, electronics, and more. These days, Bosch is creating some of the world’s best e-bike motors — and just like your friends here at Trek, Bosch backs you with support all around the globe.

Simplicity is key Electric bikes are the most fun when you’re focused on the ride and not the controls. Marlin+ is built around that idea – the bike is loaded with technology that disappears underneath you when you’re riding, so you don’t have to fuss with settings and can just enjoy the ride.

More bike riding, less button mashing

AUTO mode adaptive motor support adjusts assistance level automatically while you ride to help you stay in your flow. It recognizes speed reductions and tweaks support to match, so you’re always riding with just the right boost.

True power lies within

An internal Bosch CompactTube 400 watt-hour battery is fixed in the downtube, where it’s clear from the elements. Its high energy density allows for a slim and sleek profile, while an easy-to-use charge port makes topping it up a cinch.

Intuitive and informative

The Purion 200 remote gives you all the data you want with a bright color display that clearly shows your battery life, range, and speed. Simple controls let you change display data and power up your ride.

Your favorite bike goes electric Marlin+ builds off the same platform of our most popular Trek – Marlin. That means you get the same confident handling and versatility as traditional Marlin but with a little boost!

Dialed for the dirt

Take on the rough stuff with a 120mm suspension fork, dropper seatpost that lets you move around, and stiff front and rear thru axles that keep handling precise. Button that up with trail-ready MTB geometry and you’ll be ready to cut loose on the dirt.

Does your ride keep rolling beyond the trail? Marlin+ is ready for full customization for cruising the town. Rack, fender, and kickstand mounts let you add on all the gear you need on commutes to the campus or office.

• Shop Marlin+ Accessories

Your safety matters on every ride — that’s why we set our standards sky high. Every Marlin+ is backed by Bosch and Trek, so you can count on it to exceed safety standards. And because every detail on your bike is important, we’re here to get your Marlin+ is dialed for you as soon as it’s unboxed. You never even have to lift a wrench.

UL certified

The e-systems on all Trek e-bikes are third-party tested to meet leading e-bike safety standards, and we're proud to use only systems in the US that pass stringent UL 2849 certification.

Top-tier batteries

The cells in Trek e-bike batteries come only from Tier 1 suppliers, which means they're from companies that have the highest requirements for quality, the best documentation, the longest qualification timelines, and the most experience manufacturing.

Better battery management

Every battery you'll find on a Trek e-bike has a sophisticated battery management system (BMS), which is like a security guard for the battery's cells.

Looking for something else with a boost?

Want a little more assist? Powerfly is a high-power electric mountain bike for taking on the trails with plenty of assistance for effortless climbs.

• See the bikes

Dual Sport+

Want something a little more city and a little less mountain bike? Dual Sport+ is a versatile electric assist city bike for cruising through town.

Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. How we test gear.

Trek’s Newest E-Mountain Bike is Light, Fast, and Sporty

An adventurous pedal-assist bike, the E-Caliber has the heart of a cross-country racer.

The Takeaway: The Trek E-Caliber is a lightweight, XC-oriented electric mountain bike for riders who want a nimble and agile machine that excels on a wide range of trails.

• Trek claims the 34.8-pound E-caliber 9.9 XX1 AXS is the lightest full-suspension eMTB.
• 60mm carbon frame, 120mm fork, and aggressive geometry
• Fazua Evation pedal-assist motor can be removed for unassisted riding

Price: $11,999 Weight: 36 lb. (size Large)

A light and efficient 60mm carbon frame, cross country-oriented geometry, a 120mm fork, and...a Fazua Evation pedal assist motor?

Old Man Winter has been very uncooperative this month, leaving much of my trails buried deep beneath the snow . But as I write this, the sun is shining, snow is melting, and I’m optimistic that it won’t be long before I can hit the trails for some more substantial rides.

.css-1hhr1pq{text-align:center;font-size:1.1875rem;line-height:1.6;font-family:Charter,Charter-roboto,Charter-local,Georgia,Times,Serif;}.css-1hhr1pq em{font-style:italic;font-family:Charter,Charter-styleitalic-roboto,Charter-styleitalic-local,Georgia,Times,Serif;}.css-1hhr1pq strong{font-family:Charter,Charter-weightbold-roboto,Charter-weightbold-local,Georgia,Times,Serif;font-weight:bold;} 5 Things We Love About the Trek E-Caliber 9.9 XTR

Short Travel

The lightweight, single-pivot design allows just 60mm of travel.

Carbon Wheels

Bontrager Kovee XXX hoops are light, stiff, and very durable.

Removable Motor

The battery and drive unit can be taken out of the downtube.

Minimalist Controls

The buttons for the Fazua motor blend nicely into the handlebar.

Lightweight rear suspension offers great pedaling efficiency.

The E-Caliber was borne from Trek’s full-suspension XC racer, the Supercaliber . The Fazua Evation motor neatly integrated in the downtube gives riders three levels of pedal assist. Besides being very light (7.4 pounds on my scale), the battery and drive system are removable and can be replaced with a dummy battery that doubles as a storage compartment, leaving me with a 28-pound (for size Large) bike that should pedal like a non-electric bike.

Class 1 Fazua Evation Motor

The Fazua Evation motor is powered by a 250-Wh battery with a claimed range of 18 to 50 miles. As with all e-bikes, that depends heavily on what mode you use, how much you weigh, and how hilly the terrain is. The more power you demand, the quicker the battery drains.

That motor itself represents a departure for Trek, as we’re more accustomed to seeing bikes from the Wisconsin-based brand with Bosch’s stellar Performance Line CX motor. Ott attributed that move to the new Black Pepper Tune, “which we felt took a good bike and made it a great bike for us,” he said, because it refines power delivery over a broader cadence range. Ott also told me the new tune improved responsiveness, making the pedal assist engage sooner.

The system has three power modes with very Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance names. Breeze is the economy mode and gives riders a constant 100 watts of help. River provides progressive assistance where the motor’s software attempts to match the amount of assist with what you’re putting into the pedals, but only up to 210 watts. The full gas mode is called Rocket, which gives riders an extra 250 watts regardless of how much effort they put into the pedals. But because this is a Class 1 e-bike , additional power cuts out when speed tops 20 miles per hour regardless of mode.

Fazua plans to release an app in April that will give riders complete freedom to customize the power curve in all levels of assist.

The E-Caliber retains the IsoStrut single-pivot suspension design from the Supercaliber, giving the bike just 60mm of rear wheel travel and exceptionally low weight due to the lack of pivots and linkage. But things change on the front end to handle the extra speed and hard riding the motor adds to the equation. Front suspension goes up to 120mm, giving the bike a more adventurous feel like the Cannondale Scalpel SE and Specialized Epic EVO . Head angle is kicked out to 67.5 degrees, the result of bumping travel up by 20mm. That’s still aggressive by trail standards but within the realm of modern XC geometry like we see on the Scalpel, Specialized Epic , and BMC Twostroke 01 . Reach got longer than the Supercaliber’s, in this case by 15mm (440mm for a Large).

Those three changes represent the main geometry differences between the E-Caliber and its analog sibling. As with other bikes that get the longer/lower/slacker treatment, the idea was to add stability at high speed and make the bike handle better on rougher terrain.

Trek E-Caliber 9.9 XTR Details

Style: E-mountain bike Material: Carbon Wheel Size: 29er Fork: Fox SC34 Factory 120mm Shock: Trek IsoStrut 60mm Drivetrain: Shimano XTR Cranks: E*thirteen E*spec Race Carbon Chainring: 32t Cassette: Shimano XTR 10-51 Brakes: Shimano XTR M9120 4-piston Wheels: Bontrager Kovee XXX 30 Carbon Tires: 2.4-inch Bontrager XR3 Team Issue Saddle: Bontrager Verse Pro Seatpost: Bontrager XXX OCLV Carbon Handlebar: 750mm Bontrager Line Pro OCLV Carbon Stem: 70mm Bontrager Kovee Pro Tire Clearance: 29 x 2.4-inches

Where Does This Bike Fit In?

Mid-travel e-bikes have proven to be great options for a wide range of uses, not the least of which are shuttling enduro runs, ripping flow trails, and making any hard, mountainous trail more accessible to riders who have less than professional-level fitness. However, those bikes can quickly lose their appeal for riders who enjoy taking a more active role in piloting because the heavy frames, big tires, and longer travel have a way of letting you steamroll over obstacles. The E-Caliber is still a 36-pound bike, which, while light for an electric mountain bike, is hefty. I don’t expect it to behave exactly like my XC bike that weighs 30 percent less, but I’ll be looking very carefully to see if it holds onto the spirit of that style of riding. I’m cautiously optimistic that the combination of short travel, light weight, and aggressive geometry will make for a bike that opens up the joys of long trail adventures and ripping fast singletrack to a segment of riders that may not otherwise get to experience that thrill.

E-Caliber Family

The E-Caliber is available in five models priced from $6,499 for the E-Caliber 9.6 all the way to $12,499 for the range-topping, jaw-dropping, 34.8 pound E-Caliber 9.9 XX1 AXS. All models share the same full-carbon, 60mm frame with a 120mm fork. Interestingly, the top-tier 9.9 XTR and 9.9 XX1 AXS builds do not come with dropper posts. That’s disappointing, but it’s a move we often see on new XC bikes, where droppers are omitted for the sake of keeping the weight as low as possible. As ubiquitous as dropper posts are these days, it feels like an artificial way to claim a lower weight. If you’d like a dropper stock on your bike, look to any of the three lower priced options. You can also add a dropper to any of the higher priced models through Trek's Project One options.

The cheapest (still $6,499) E-Caliber, the 9.6, features a drivetrain that’s a mix of Shimano XT and Deore, with a 120mm RockShox Gold fork and Bontrager Kovee Comp wheels. For $7,999 the E-Caliber 9.8 gives you Bontrager Kovee Pro carbon wheels, a 120mm RockShox SID Select+ fork and the choice of either a SRAM GX or Shimano XT drivetrain. The next jump is a steep one: an extra $3,500 nets you the E-Caliber 9.9 XTR with a 120mm Fox Factory 34 SC fork and Bontrager Kovee XXX Carbon wheels. The top spot is reserved for riders willing to plunk down 12,499 bones for a dreamy bike, the E-Caliber 9.9 XX1 AXS, resplendent with SRAM’s wireless shifting and a 120mm RockShox Sid Ultimate fork.

Trek E-Caliber 9.9 XTR

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Trek has been building bikes since 1976 — and in that time, we’ve collected a whole lot of hard-earned knowledge about what makes a quality bike that’ll stand the test of time. We’ve applied those same lessons to the electric bikes we’ve made in the past two decades. Experience matters when it comes to design and innovation. But whether or not your e-bike journey ends with a Trek, there are some key things you should know to look for when you’re making your choice. Here’s what we’ve learned separates quality electric bikes from the mass-produced e-bikes that can be less dependable, less durable, and less convenient. 

Parts that are locally serviceable

Want to spend more time riding and less time waiting? Choose an e-bike that can be serviced locally at your shop, and not one you need to ship away to a service center for repair.

Robust hubs, wheels, and tires made for e-bike power and speed

Electric bikes have more mass and are ridden faster. So, it makes sense that they’re equipped with strong parts built to stand up to these additional forces — not just cheap parts that happen to fit the frame.

Hydraulic disc brakes for all-weather stopping power

With the additional speed and mass of an electric bike, you want high-quality disc brakes designed for stopping power in varying weather conditions. Rim brakes are generally not as powerful as disc brakes, so we recommend avoiding them.

A higher torque if you’re riding in hilly areas or carrying cargo

In an e-bike drive system, a higher torque gives you quicker acceleration. If you’re climbing or carrying extra weight, opt for a system with more torque.

A range that matches the distance you’ll ride

Stopping to charge mid-ride isn’t always awesome, so choose an e-bike with a range that’ll at least get you where you’re going and back on a single charge.

A battery that’s replaceable and recyclable

Electric bikes use lithium-ion batteries. Make sure the e-bike company you choose has a solution both for replacing your end-of-life battery and recycling it responsibly.

A drive system with software that’s easy to update with new features

Just like your computer or phone, a quality e-bike will have software that’s easy to update when new features are released. Choose an e-bike with software that can be updated easily when the time comes.

A warranty that covers both the electronics and the frame

Check your warranty carefully and be sure to understand what’s covered and for how long. Reputable e-bike companies won’t be afraid to stand behind both the electronics and the frame.

Curious how Trek stacks up?

Seven ways Trek is a smarter e-bike investment

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Wherever you roam, there’s an e-bike that’ll bring more power and possibility to your rides.

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Want to talk it out? We love talking bikes — electric bikes especially. Because we know there’s a lot that goes into your decision to purchase one. We’re standing by to talk through your questions and help you find your perfect ride. Here’s how you can reach us fast.

Take a test ride locally

Drop by your local Trek retailer to check out Trek and Electra e-bikes, ask questions, and even go for a test ride. It’s the best way to see how much fun an e-bike will bring to your life.

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Have questions now? Don't wait! We have a ton of ways for you to reach out and get connected with us. We'll help you answer your questions, guide you to your perfect model, and help you find your local Trek retailer.

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Trek Dual Sport+ 2 Electric Bike Review

Trek’s hub motor electric bike with a torque sensor.

The Trek Dual Sport+ 2 Stagger is Trek’s first electric bike with a hub drive motor and torque sensor. This is a lightweight electric bike looking towards the entry level rider. The Dual Sport+ 2 is built out with a nice component spec and ready to ride home, right out of a Trek store.

The Trek Dual Sport+ 2 Stagger is a class 1 electric bike with pedal assist up to 20mph. It has a 250 watt hour battery internally mounted in the frame. This powers the 250 watt hour rear hub motor that has 40nm of torque. There is a torque sensor to activate the motor. A torque sensor measures how hard the rider is pedaling to determine how much electric power to push to the bike. The harder you pedal, the more power it gives to the motor.

It has a Shimano 9 speed drive train and uses Hydraulic disc brakes with 160mm rotors for strong and effective stopping power. The controller is a simple three button layout with LED indicators to tell you what mode you are in. There are three pedal assist modes you can choose from which can be custom tuned by a Trek Dealer. There is an integrated headlight and tail light that turn on with the bike. The wheels are 27.5” wheels with 2” tires mounted on them and there are mounting points for a rear rack as well.

The size medium weighs 38.1 pounds and has up to 35 miles of range. You also have the option to use an 250Wh range extender you can purchase separately. This step through model of the Dual Sport plus 2 costs $2,399.

250Wh Battery

9 Speed Shimano

27.5″ Wheels

Trekbikes.com

There are a lot of things we liked about the Trek Dual Sport+ 2 Stagger . When we first picked it up and loaded it into the car we noticed that it was light in weight. Coming in under 40lbs it made loading it into the car nice and easy.

The Dual Sport+ 1 also has a sleek look with the battery integrated seamlessly into the frame. It looks like an analog bike at first glance, you don’t see any of the rear hub motor since it is hidden behind the large rear cassette. The motor is also nearly silent, when pedaling in the lowest settings you hear no motor noise, and barely any in the highest setting. The 9 speed Shimano drive train pairs well for this bike, giving you a good range of gears throughout the 9 speeds.

The torque sensor which activates the motor assist on this bike is very smooth and gives a very natural bike ride feel to it. Having the torque sensor, that measures the pressure you are applying to each pedal stroke, versus a cadence sensor, which just senses pedal movement, makes this feel a lot more like an analog bike would feel just with some extra boost. The harder you pedal, the more assist you get, so you get a nice workout as well.

The wheel and tire spec make this comfortable on rough roads and can handle a gravel road or trail with ease. The Stagger edition is also very convenient when having to get on or off the bike as well as at stops, There is still a cross bar which helps with the stiffness of the bike, but it does not get in the way when stepping forward.

Having a support system from a brand like Trek that has many physical shops is also very beneficial. We had an issue with the lights when we first got it so we called a Trek shop in the area and they told us to bring the bike in and they were able to troubleshoot the problem and get it taken care of right away. Having in person help with from a shop makes a big difference in the overall experience of owning a bike. The shop can also custom tune your pedal assist levels to your liking, they mentioned many people turn down their first pedal assist for maximum range, 2 for normal cruising and then turn up pedal assist 3 for maximum hill climbing power.

There are just a few things on the Dual Spot +  2 stagger plus that we would have liked to see on it. . One of the things is that it does not have a display screen to show you speed/battery percentage/range. There is a thumb controller with LED lights to indicate battery levels and pedal assist mode, but it is nice to be able to see your speed/range on an actual screen. 

It’s nice that there is an option for a range extender to double the battery capacity, but this will take up the water bottle cage mount and then you will not have a place to mount a water bottle. It would be nice to have a place for a bottle if you are doubling the distance you can pedal.  It does not come with fenders so you will have to get some aftermarket ones if you live in a wetter climate.

The Trek dual sport + 2 is great for someone who is looking to get a nicely priced electric bike for their commute to work,or just leisurely rides around town. Add a rear rack to it and it would be a great grocery getter. Adding the torque sensor to this rear hub motor bike keeps the price point down compared to a mid drive electric bike and gives it a really nice natural pedal assist feel and you’ll get a bit of a work out doing so.

Price: $2399 Sizes: Small, Medium, Large Weight: 38.1lbs Website: Trekbikes.com

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14 comments.

I agree a small lady screen be nice to tell speed & mileage.

Is there a rider weight limit?

There is a combined weight of bicycle, rider and cargo limit of 300 pounds for this bike.

While I can see this technology as advancing cycling, it’s too damn expensive. But, consumers has been convinced to believe that they need it. Pedal on America, pedal on.

“Analog bike” is a silly term. No bicycle is an analogy of anything. “Manual”, “unassisted”, or “conventional” are all better terms for non-motorized bicycles.

Ha, thanks. I guess we get lost in guitar world a bit too much.

There is a free trek app which shows speed, range, has GPS with bike trail defaults, etc. Works well. The bike also has a walking assist feature so it’ll creep along when you want to walk with it.

I have a Garmin 1030 GPS device that I use on all my bikes, it gives lots of info including speed, distance, grade, etc. It can be mounted on the handle bar or using a stem mount from Amazon for ~ 15 bucks.

Good info! Thanks for sharing, not everyone has a computer like that, but yes, you definitely could get a computer for a bike without one.

Is there a way to increase my speed? A friend of mine has chipped his cube and is much faster now

I agree with Michael A, it is pricey. And, its capabilities are wildly overstated. I just purchased a Dual Sport + 2, have put 300+ miles on it and I’m sorry I bought it. Its Achilles heel is actually its main feature, i.e., the electric motor. Peddle Assist level 1 works, on average, of 20 minutes before the motor shuts down and the handlebar mounted controller (HMI) goes into error mode (3 flashing red lights). In level 2, it shuts down after about 10 minutes and in level, about 3 minutes or less. I live in a hilly area and my rides are punctuated with this motor giving up and leaving me on the side of the road waiting for the motor to reset. I contacted both Trek and Hyena (who makes the motor, controller and battery) and they seemed clueless as to why the motor stopped working (and they’re supposed to be the experts). A rep at Trek actually said, “I’m guessing that you’re peddling too hard.” After numerous back and forth email exchanges, both Trek and Hyena threw in the towel and directed me back to the dealer who sold it to me. After a long discussion with the dealer, they commented that the Trek Dual Sport + 2 with its 250 watt battery and 40nm motor isn’t capable of tackling hills and is only suitable for errands around town on flat or mildly elevated terrain. So, much like EV passenger vehicles whose range is inflated to increase sales, this Trek Dual Sport + 2’s capability is also exaggerated by its manufacturer and also by those being paid to write glowing articles on its performance.

I use your dual sport +2 primarily on the American River Trail (Historic Folsom to Discovery Park, Sacramento). It makes the 26 mile trip with battery power remaining. I installed a dropper seat post so that I could lower the seat as I came to a stop and put my feet on the ground. The control cable fits inside the frame tubes, but is a tight fit and takes time and patience to do. The gearing is too high for me, so I installed a 32 teeth chain ring. The rigid front fork really takes a hit when rolling over the tree roots which make “speed bumps” on the asphalt, so I installed a Rockshox ParagonSL suspension fork (100mm travel). I had to use a steerer tube extender in order to attach the handlebar stem. The suspension fork raised the front end up too high, so I installed a 24 inch front wheel. The bike is finally “perfect” for me. I smile a lot when riding the bike, At age 90 I am greatful for every day I am alive.

Well done Russ, Sounds like you have created the ideal commuter for you. Cycling has been a saviour for my fitness and longevity also – very blessed to have got into cycling when I was young, and now have chalked up 50 years of riding and still love it. All the best of health and happiness to you.

The torque sensor can adapt to your pedaling effort, providing just the right amount of electric assistance, making your ride smoother and more enjoyable. It’s a smart technology that enhances the synergy between the rider and the motor, ensuring a more natural and intuitive feel.

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Trek Verve+ 2 Review

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• Trek Reviews
• City Electric Bike Reviews
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• One of Trek's most popular and affordable electric bike models, loaded with accessories and high-quality components, available in a wide range of frame types, styles, and colors, backed by a fantastic warranty, and supported by a large network of dealers and repair shops
• An excellent city and commuting Ebike thanks to full plastic fenders, integrated always-on lights, and a rear rack, the Bosch Active Line motor provides smooth and quiet power that pairs well with the top-tier Shimano Alivio groupset and efficient Bontrager H5 tires
• An impressively comfortable ride thanks to many small factors such as the suspension seatpost, large 700x45c tires that provide a lower attack angle and more float, ergonomic locking grips, vibration-dampening solid steel fork, and a wide and comfortable saddle
• The Active Line is the least powerful of Bosch's motors and caps out at 100 RPM which may not be a good fit for less active riders, the Purion display has only basic features and is not removable, some standard functions such as walk mode are disabled and there are no USB Type-A charging ports

Video Review

Introduction

Body position:, suggested use:, electric bike class:, learn more about ebike classes, availability:, model year:, bicycle details, total weight:, battery weight:, motor weight:, frame material:, frame sizes:, geometry measurements:, frame types:, frame colors:, frame fork details:, frame rear details:, attachment points:, gearing details:, shifter details:, brake details:, seat post length:, seat post diameter:, tire brand:, wheel sizes:, tire details:, tube details:, accessories:, electronic details, motor brand:, motor type:, learn more about ebike motors, motor nominal output:, motor peak output:, motor torque:, battery brand:, battery voltage:, battery amp hours:, battery watt hours:, battery chemistry:, charge time:, estimated min range:, estimated max range:, display type:, display accessories:, drive mode:, written review.

To run the forums, host the website, and travel, I charge a universal service fee for my reviews. This in-depth review was sponsored by Trek. My goal is to be transparent and unbiased with you, this video and writeup are not meant to be an endorsement of Trek products. I welcome your corrections, additions, and feedback in the comments below and the Trek electric bike forums .

Observations:

• NOTICE: in the comments below, Ron posted “My local Trek dealer told me that the latest Verve+2’s are now shipping with narrow wide chainrings as a fix to the derailing problem. They said if you buy one in stock which doesn’t have the fix they will retrofit.” so that’s great to hear! Thanks Ron :D
• Trek is one of the “Big Three” bicycle manufacturers along with Giant and Specialized. Trek started out in 1975 making hand-brazed steel frames, and since then they have grown into a global powerhouse in the cycling industry with distributors in 90 different countries, truly impressive in my opinion!
• The original Verve+ was Trek’s most affordable electric bike model in 2018 and the Verve+ 2 still holds that title today, although it’s worth noting that this only includes Ebikes bearing the Trek name brand. Trek also owns Electra which is comprised of even more affordably priced models, but they typically don’t have the premium components and features that we see on Trek branded Ebikes
• You will see the Bontrager name on a lot of components in this review, Bontrager is Trek’s in-house component brand and is therefore common on many of Trek’s electric bikes
• Available in four frame sizes, three color options, and the choice of a high-step or a step-through frame style, supported by a huge network of dealers which allows for fitting and test rides as well as maintenance support, and covered by an outstanding warranty with two years of comprehensive coverage and lifetime coverage for the frame and fork. This warranty is an upgrade and new for Trek in 2020, in previous years the warranty only covered the frame and fork for five years
• Fully loaded with great accessories such as integrated lights, fenders, a rear rack, and even a suspension seatpost, the Verve+ 2 is an excellent Ebike for commuting and city use
• The rack is a welcome addition and I love that it’s now a standard accessory, whereas on the original Verve+ it was an optional accessory that cost an additional $45. The rack uses standard-gauge tubing and also has the standard 25kg/52lb weight limit and will work great for hanging bags or panniers
• The integrated lights have also improved in quality compared to the Verve+, here we have a headlight from Hermans that is brighter with side cutouts for more side visibility, as well as being mounted to the fork so it will turn with the handlebars and better illuminate the road ahead. The new taillight is the SOLO by Spanninga and is carrier-mounted on the rear rack, it’s a solid rear light although I do miss the flashing pattern of the fender-mounted taillight on the Verve+
• The fenders still have the same great full coverage with a toe-strike guard on the front and the material used has changed from aluminum alloy to plastic. All fender types have tradeoffs, the upside with plastic is that they weigh less and a bit more resilient and less likely to get bent or dinged, and you don’t have to worry about them getting scratched and rusting
• The suspension seatpost only has about 30mm of travel but it works wonders for the ride comfort, this is coil suspension and it is adjustable for preload so you can tighten it up a bit if you are a larger rider. The seatpost has also gotten a bit larger with a diameter of 31.6mm, this provides a bit more strength and sturdiness compared to the 27.2mm seatpost of the Verve+
• Other positive ride comfort factors include the Bontrager Boulevard saddle, a fairly wide saddle with a ventilation gap in the center, I found this saddle very comfortable even on some longer rides and I also appreciate the locking ergonomic grips (also from Bontrager). The fork has also changed from alloy to solid steel which adds some vibration dampening qualities, the large diameter and greater width of the 700x45c tires means a lower attack angle for smoothing out bumps as well as extra air cushion… There’s a lot of small comfort-oriented details here, and together they make the Verve+ 2 a surprisingly comfortable bike considering the minimal suspension
• Stopping power is solid thanks to the Shimano hydraulic disc brakes, two-finger levers are extremely easy to actuate, and there are dual-piston calipers and 160mm rotors in both the front and rear. In addition to being much easier to actuate and having no delay, hydraulic brakes also require less regular maintenance than mechanical brakes
• We still have the same derailleur here with the Shimano Alivio, this is one of Shimano’s top-tier derailleurs and it performs flawlessly as expected. This is a 1×9 setup with a range of 11-36 on the rear cassette, a fairly large range that works great for city riding. I love that Trek has added a full plastic chain guard to protect the chain itself as well as protecting the rider’s pant legs, this is a nice upgrade from the original Verve+ that had only an alloy bash guard
• The tires are the same excellent Bontrager H5s which have a hybrid tread pattern that is smooth and efficient in the middle, and larger and more grippy on the edges for better traction and control while turning. These tires also have Hardcase Ultimate puncture protection which is some of the best you can get, definitely a welcome feature in places like Colorado where goat-heads are always a cycling hazard
• The electrical system is another area where nothing has changed since the Verve+, we’ve still got the Bosch Active Line mid-drive motor powered by a PowerPack 400 and controlled by the Purion display. This combo works well on the Verve+ 2 which is geared for riders who like to be a bit more active not get as much help from the motor, the motor itself is very quiet and you can get 80 or more miles of range riding in Eco, great for commuters who don’t want to have to charge the battery at work before riding home. The Purion is an older display from Bosch, it’s their smallest display with basic features and a grayscale LCD that is backlit and very easy to see in any lighting as well as swiveling so that you can avoid glare
• The quill stem is also Blendr compatible, Blendr is a mounting platform that allows you to mount all manner of accessories to the top and/or bottom of the stem such as GPS units, phone mounts, cycle computers, additional lights, and much more
• The included kickstand is adjustable for length without needing tools, and I appreciate that it is rear-mounted which prevents “pedal lock” which occurs when the left crank arm collides and locks with a mid-mounted kickstand, being mounted in the rear also provides more stability especially when carrying cargo on the rear rack
• Torque-sensing motors require you to put more force against the pedals in order to receive more help from the motor, and the Bosch Active Line only provides assistance up to a max pedal cadence of 100 RPM. This may sound like a lot but it’s actually pretty easy to pass this limit if you ride fast while in a lower gear, so this is not an ideal setup for riders with knee sensitivity who prefer to use a lower gear and cycle the cranks at a higher cadence with less force
• There are some features of the Purion display that Trek disables, one of which is the Walk Mode. There is a dedicated button for walk mode on the bottom of the display but it doesn’t do anything on the Verve+ 2 or on any of Trek’s Ebikes, I’m not sure what the exact reason for this might be but it seems related to the wide range of local laws in different areas for Ebikes, and in some areas walk mode could be interpreted as a sort of a throttle. Another disabled function is the ability to turn the lights off, they are on by default and the normal method of holding down the + button on the Purion display does not turn them off. Presumably, this is a safety feature since lights make you more visible as a rider in the daytime, but it can be frustrating if you want to turn them off to conserve battery or for any other reason, keep in mind that the Active Line motor is very efficient so there is at least plenty of battery to spare for the lights
• As I mentioned earlier all fender types have their tradeoffs and the downside for plastic fenders is that they tend to rattle more than metal fenders, fortunately for the Verve+ 2 they are securely mounted and I didn’t notice any rattling during any of my test rides
• There is no reflective striping on the sidewalls of the tires, I would love to see this since it greatly improves side visibility which is important for safety, I do appreciate that the Hermans integrated headlight has nice big side cut-outs to help with that side visibility
• The Verve+ 2 really is amazingly comfortable when you consider that the only suspension is in the seatpost, but the lack of front suspension may not work for riders that have hand or wrist sensitivity, for such riders I recommend a suspension stem to help reduce jarring bumps and vibrations
• One feature missing here is the ability to charge additional electronic devices, there are no USB Type-A ports on the display or the battery itself. There is a micro-USB port on the Purion display, but this is only for diagnostics and firmware updates and doesn’t work for charging other devices
• I like the new solid steel fork because it is stronger and has vibration dampening qualities, but be aware that steel is vulnerable to getting scratched or dinged and then rusting, if yours gets damaged you can cover the area with clear tape as a temporary fix until you are able to add touch-up paint. Fortunately, since Trek dealers are plentiful they will be able to help you out with the right shade of touch-up paint
• While I personally prefer the Purion display because it’s minimalist and out of the way, it is lacking in features and not removable which leaves it exposed to weather and physical damage when parked at a bike rack, whereas Bosch’s other displays (Intuvia and Kiox) are removable and more feature-rich. It is possible to have a shop upgrade your Ebike to a more powerful display, in addition, Bosch also has a new Smartphone Hub that allows you to use your smartphone as a control display with a lot of cool features such as navigation and reminders for maintenance tasks

Useful Resources:

• Official Trek Website
• Bosch Purion Ebike Display Settings
• EBR Shop Directory to find a Trek dealer near you for fitting and test rides
• Head-to-Head Comparison of the Verve+ 2 with the original Verve+
• Bosch eBike Systems Motor Comparison

Review Updated On

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Comments (56) YouTube Comments

I’ve been commuting 20+ miles/day with this ebike since September 2019. Great overall impression. My only major complaint is the rear fender. Despite the description it is not a full fender. On rainy days the rear end of the frame and my panniers and back are coated in wet road sludge. The front headlight is passable but not great so I added a handlebar light. Otherwise this has been a great commuter ebike.

Hmm, thanks for that feedback, Chris! Is the issue with the rear fender that it’s not long enough or not wide enough on the sides? Trek sells the Bontrager accessories, and they have some awesome little square lights… is that what you got for the handlebar, or something else? I like Blackburn a lot too ;)

Hi Court, the fender is plenty wide. The fender isn’t long enough to cover spray coming off back of the tire. The Bontrager fenders on my road bike are clearly the right length and I’ve never had this issue with them. The bike shop said they’d replace the fenders with full Bontragers, for the cost of parts and labor. Hey Trek: having to essentially buy two sets of fenders to get the right one is not my idea of an honest business model. The handlebar light is a 2014 Cygolite. Plenty bright and it still gets me through two full commutes, or about 3.5 hours.

Are you guys going to be reviewing the Trek Alliant 7 for 2020? I spoke with Trek USA, and they indicated any day now for availability. The photo they sent me looks similar to a combination Verve-Alliant and Dual Sport.

The description they sent shows it is Class 3 as well. Here’s the photo .

Hmm, that looks very interesting. Thanks for the feedback, Rick! Yeah, I hope to cover many more Trek models in 2020. The Alliant 7 looks great with fenders, rack, lights, AND suspension fork! It looks almost like a cruiser style ebike with that taller sweeping top tube.

Thanks for response: I Have learned an enormous amount from Your YouTube channel and written reviews, which I can appreciate more than most might. I am Involved in producing video content for two totally not-related to E-Bikes channels. I doubt there are many who understand all the leg work Involved just to get to the point of making the Video review, plus you are traveling all over to boot.

Not only are the reviews detailed and the information easy to absorb, you seem to have a great future in front and behind the camera. Your success is well deserved!

Thanks again

MORE DETAILS Alliant +7 Sport https://electricbikereview.website/forums/threads/trek-alliant-7-sport-with-6-detailed-colored-pictures-class-3.31726/

David Lipscomb

I’ve had the Verve+ 2 for 3+ months and overall I love it. I ride it to work, roughly 15 miles RT. It’s smooth and comfortable, except on the bumpiest parts of the capital crescent trail along the Potomac in DC– when front suspension really would be nice. The battery range is excellent, and I can easily go 3 days (so roughly 45 miles) without charging, even when using a fair amount of “turbo” (full) power. Turbo works very well on hills — making an easy ride out of the otherwise long slog uphill from DC into Montgomery County on the CCT. Lights are great, battery is easy to unlock and carry, step-thru design is excellent, and the weight is not too bad (given that it’s an ebike).

One issue: **derailing**. The chain has derailed four times, and each time the chain had slipped off the front chainring. It was easy to slip it back on the first three times (just turn the bike upside down and glide it back on). But the last time I had to bring it to the shop because it got jammed (not a fun walk home). Trek is aware of the issue and I’m hoping they come up with a fix. My LBS says that Trek will be replacing the front chainring with a “narrow-wide” chainring, which apparently is something that many mountain bikes use. Let’s hope it works.

Tyson Roehrkasse

Hey David, thanks for the great comment! I’m glad to hear you are enjoying your Verve+ 2, although that is definitely disappointing to hear about the chain derailing issue. I like that they upgraded to a full plastic guard, but unfortunately, that doesn’t help to keep the chain in place (as you have discovered). Having a narrow-wide chainring will definitely help with that, as would having a chain guide… but there may not be room for a guide underneath that plastic cover.

Can confirm the chain derailing & jamming problem. It’s happened twice to me. The first time was on the road and somehow wrenched it free. Fortunately the second time I was at home and able to loosen the chain guard enough to get in and dislodge the well and truly stuck chain.

Thanks for the feedback here, Chris! It really helps to draw attention to the issue and I hope they resolve this in future models.

My local Trek dealer told me that the latest Verve+2’s are now shipping with narrow wide chainrings as a fix to the derailing problem. They said if you buy one in stock which doesn’t have the fix they will retrofit.

Wow! Sweet feedback here, Ron. Thank you so much! I’ll add a note to the review :)

Ron, did the new narrow wide chain stop the chain from coming off? I a buying one of these for the wife, picking it up on Thursday. I called Trek, they said the bike I am buying shipped April 14, 2020 to the dealer I am buying from. Do you think the new chain ring is in this bike?

Nick-from-Napa

Very good review Court. Your site helped immensely in helping me choosing an ebike. I’m enjoying my Trek Verve+2 Low-step very much. I have put 600 miles on it, mostly riding 10 or 12-mile ‘to and fro’ distances. I have done a few 30-mile rides, which compared to using a regular bike, was pretty fast and easy.

Like you, I like the stock saddle, so I didn’t change anything out. I bought Jannd shopping panniers, and do my weekly grocery shopping without having to emit anymore CO2. I really do appreciate the step-through frame, because I have pretty tight hips. I also like the mid-motor placement, the ‘always on’ lights, and the upright handlebars. Oh, and the Magenta color almost matches my Mazda 3. Btw, there *is* a walk assist mode. You just have to ask the Trek LBS to enable it (but I’ve only used it once). Also, I get a free checkup/tuneup every 300-miles by the Trek LBS for one year. I had the chain derailing problem once, but since the last checkup, no problems.

Essentially, I use the Eco assist mode (level 1 out of 4) for most of my riding. The assist is very subtle. In that mode, I’ll use the gear-shifter a little more often. I do ride in Tour mode (level 2 out of 4), either when I’m riding with a strong wind in my face or when a decent incline is present. The extra boost is wonderful. When I come to a sizable incline, I’ll get into the Sport or Turbo modes (3 or 4 out of 4). I’ll also use it when I’m on some dirt trails. That boost is great too. Once, some young dude tried drafting behind me. Switching to turbo, this 60+ year old left him in the dust. Combined with all these modes, I’ve been getting about 40-46 miles per charge. Very satisfied. Thanks again. Happy Trails!

Hey Nick, I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed the bike… and EBR! Thanks for your wonderful comment :)

Hey Court are you guys going to review this Newest Verve +3 https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/bikes/hybrid-bikes/electric-hybrid-bikes/verve/verve-3/p/30979/?colorCode=black

Yes, that’s the plan! Not sure when we’ll get to it as we want to cover some of their other models before circling back to the Verve :)

I just bought the lowstep model. The dealer did indeed swap the chainring for a narrow-wide Wolf Tooth brand model. Love the bike so far – so smooth and responsive! Thank you guys!

Awesome! Thanks for the feedback, Ron. I hope you get lots of fun rides this Spring! Sounds like you’ve got a good dealer there :)

We are in the process of purchasing 2 of the Verve + 2, regular and low step. The dealer activated the walk mode and we had the choice of having the lights on all the time, or have it where we can turn them on, we prefer on, all of the time. My wife and I are older, so I hope Covid-19 doesn’t disrupt our riding adventures!

Wonderful to hear the dealer was able to customize that stuff for you – definitely one of the perks of getting a Trek! Wishing you safe and happy rides, hope you check back here, later on, to let us know how you’re liking the bikes :)

I’m reaching out because you indicated you are an “older” rider. I have been researching and test riding several low step through styles and before i make a decision, i need to know that the bike is safe. I am 5’1” and 100lbs so are the tires wide to ofer more stability? anything you can provide would be so help. thank you kindly, jean

Sorry about not replying. I haven’t been to this site for awhile. You probably have bought your bike. We have over 350 miles on the bikes and they work well on pavement and gravel bike trails. They are very stable. My wife weighs 130 lbs and is 5′ 4″ tall. She is registering about 95 miles on the Eco mode when we ride. I weigh about 230 lbs and am 5′ 10″ tall. I register about 75 miles on Eco mode. Just got back from a midweek camp trip, and rode back to back 33 mile day and 32 mile day. We could never do that on standard bikes. The great thing about the Bike, is the “quality over quantity” of the ride is what makes it so fun.

Great review. I have a question about weight of this bike. It would be a great commuter but I’m trying to figure out where its weight is coming from. The bike is 52.2lbs. When I look at the spec of the non-e bike version it is 29.2 lbs. (Verve 2 disc). The battery and motor combine to 11.8 lbs. There’s 11.3 lbs of extra weight which seems unaccounted for. I’m not looking for carbon race bike weights but there seems to be extra weight. 50lbs doesn’t make sense if it could have been 40 lbs.

Hi Cal, great question!

I believe the frame is bigger and stronger to account for the placement of the motor, as well as being able to handle the extra stress from being an Ebike. Looking at pictures of the non-electric Verve it looks like the frame is quite a bit more narrow – especially the downtube where the battery is mounted. The electric version also has a lot of extra frame around the bottom bracket area to incorporate the motor.

The tires on the electric version also come with Hardcase Ultimate protection and double the thread count at 60TPI. I didn’t go through all the components, but I’d wager that there’s a few more on the electric version that are more durable components (that will weigh more).

Lastly, the bike I used for my review was an XL frame. If you’re going for a smaller frame size, that will definitely save some weight!

I posted an earlier comment but I just got off the phone with Trek CS. I am picking up a Verve 2+ low step for the wife this week. With an April 2020 ship date to my dealer, they could not tell me whether any fixes were installed for the chain slippage. I explained that forum members say that I need a replacement chain ring to be a narrow wide chain ring, however, the CS person said I need a “Chain Guide”. I was wondering what experiences others have. My wife is going to be 70 and we are not close to the dealer to haul the bike back so I do not want to take delivery until I am satisfied that the chain won’t come off. Thanks.

Hi Bill! This is Court, I am not the one who reviewed this ebike in the video… but I am very familiar with Trek electric bicycles. I really don’t think that the chain is going to fall off if you and your wife are mostly riding on streets and sidewalks. The metal support arms that hold the plastic chain cover act as a guide, and there isn’t much clearance on either side of the chainring for the Bosch Active Line motors with this setup. Yes, a narrow-wide chainring would help with retention, and that is why many full suspension mountain bikes use them. However, 90%+ city ebikes that I cover do not use them. Same thing with chain guides, it’s nice to have, but they opted for a chain cover to keep your pants or dress ends clean here. I really think you’ll be just fine, and it’s probably going to be difficult to find a NW chainring or a chain guide that will work with this ebike without removing the chain cover. I’d trust that this ebike will be just fine in almost all use cases that it was designed for. Even if you did go off-road on a very bumpy section, it should hold up just fine. Trek dealers should be able to help if there ever was a drop or chain break, and that’s part of what you pay for with these products, a great network of friendly dealers ;) good luck!

Thanks Court, that makes me feel a lot better. There are a few owners who did get the NW chainring, interesting to see if working OK, but I guess I agree with your assessment, we should be OK. My wife is the rider of the bike, and she only goes on streets and paved trails. Thanks again!

I wish I had found this site a year ago when I bought my Verve +2; great info to be learned here overall on this model but many other bikes as well. Personally, I have had two separate chain issues while riding on flat city streets/sidewalks or flat asphalt/cinder bike paths.

• I bought my Verve +2 at the end of July 2020 & rode the bike 250 miles within two months. The chain came off the front sprocket three times. My dealer encouraged me to ride slower and in Eco or off mode until the recall to fix this came to Ohio. I had another 250 miles by mid-Nov when the chain came off for fourth/final time. The recall was installed in mi-Dec. In the first two months of 2021, I have ridden an additional 750 miles proving that particular chain issue was resolved.
• In mid January, having only ridden 575 miles total on the bike, I was presented with a different chain issue. The chain started to skip in 9th gear regardless of the pedal assist level. I called my home store and after sharing with the store manager the recall was performed I was advised the chain may need to be replaced. He continued saying Trek didn’t have any chains available anywhere across the country and it was ok to keep riding until it arrived. By the time I arrived back in Ohio in early March I had more than 1200 miles total on the bike. Neither 8th & 9th gears were available at any pedal assist level. Trek Supply Chain still was unable to identify a single chain in the country for my bike. Additionally, when they inspected my bike for a tune-up; they advised me that my rear cassette was had pencil point gear teeth and needed to be replaced. They attributed the damage to the elongated chain. They have now had my bike for nearly four weeks and today at the end of March, still no chain in their Supply Chain network. My question to this forum is: was this chain the odd data point (poor material properties on the batch level) or do I really need to replace my chain every 500 or so miles due to a faulty chain design (inadequate material specification)?

An additional point I neglected to include on my previous point. I do recognize the global supply chain for the biking sector as well as nearly every hard good supplier has been disrupted. My previous post may have implied a short-sided or an entitled perspective from me. That is far from the truth. I only wanted to share my observations and learnings I had experienced.

Thanks again for this opportunity to learn.

UPDATE: I wanted to update my post. I spoke to the bike dealer today for the Verve +2 Lowstep. The bike we are picking up tomorrow has the narrow wide chainring already installed from the factory. I found out that this particular unit was shipped to the store in April 2020. I feel much better about that. Thanks to all that responded.

Robert de Leon

I have the Trek Verve+ 2 and just recently had the chain come off and it got stuck – left me stranded 6 miles from home. Once I got home I was able to get it off and back on the chain ring but now it skips. That night I started doing research on this issue and luckily found this thread. I have since called TREK and as previously stated, are sending dealers the necessary upgrades to address this issue.

As of today, the Trek G3 Motor Mount which was shared during my chat with TREK, is currently not available and won’t be until mid-late October. One of the issues I have presently is that the chain skips, bad! This is something I did not experience prior to the chain coming off and getting stuck. Does anyone have any suggestions and / or recommendations to get the bike going again?

Thank you. Robert

If your chain is skipping, especially on the smaller sprocket gears on back wheel, it might be because the chain got bent sideways. It can happen if the chain comes off track at the chainring, it can put a side kink or bend in your chain. To fix it, I usually place bike upside down onto handle bar and seat, then crank the pedals, watch chain go past rear shifter, and look for where a kink or bend in the chain is located. Once I find the suspected bent links in the chain, I use two pairs of pliers to wiggle the two links to loosen them up. Use back and forth, and side to side motions with pliers. You should be able to get more use from this chain now. Of course, you can also get a new chain to solve the problem.

HI Zolt! Thanks for sharing these insights and your methodology for a fix. This is actually new to me, I always thought that a skipping chain was due to the derailleur being bent, or one of the rear sprockets having a tooth that is a little bent. Your explanation makes sense, and the chain links are probably much easier to bend than the sprockets. Great feedback :)

We’ve got some serious hills in this area – Asheville NC – and I’m wondering if a 250 watt motor is enough. I definitely like to peddle. Any thoughts?

Hi Lou! Yes, this is a confusing topic because there is more to it than just the nominal watt rating. Bosch makes a line of five motors right now, and they are all rated at “250 watts” but the Active Line is their weakest, with low pedal RPM support. Since this is a mid-drive motor system, it can be surprisingly effective if you pedal using a low gear. If you’re okay pedaling and are going to be on mostly flat, paved, mild neighborhood conditions… it is probably enough. I personally prefer the Active Line Plus or Performance Line motors because they provide more torque and “zip” but in general, all Bosch motors are very good and capable if you shift gears thoughtfully or just maintain some speed going into a climb :)

I have a question: Can the motor of this bike be upgraded to, say, a Bosch Performance Line later?

I just bought my trek verve+ 2 step through electric bike and I am super excited. I appreciated your review. I wonder about the water bottle placement though. I see two small bump outs in your review and yet mine doesn’t have that. I went to Treks website and they don’t show it either. Perhaps it’s just not on the step through bike?

Hi Sarah, you are correct that some versions of the Verve+ 2 don’t come with the bottle cage bosses. I’m not sure which ones have it and don’t, but I think it was the two smaller sizes of the step-through version that don’t. There are still bottle cages that can mount without the bosses but they may not secure as well or require some adhesive to stay in place.

You can use the walk mode… you first have to hit the walk button then you have to hold the + button and it will work. No need to adjust anything. Lights on are a stock setting and can be changed by any Bosch Certified Service center. Very easy change.

Thanks for the clarification, Charlie! I think you’re correct… though I have seen some older Trek models that had walk mode disabled by default, maybe we missed the detail on this review or just got it wrong. Being able to get a software update from the local shop is awesome, and get their help learning how to use the bike systems better. Cheers!

Have you heard of any complaints around the different modes? I’m experiencing with my bike that Eco and Touring give good assistance, but the Sport and Turbo mode gives minimal (if any) additional power. I’ve been told its because my RPM’s aren’t high enough, but I don’t agree as I’m getting sufficient power from the other settings.

Also, the chain derailing is an issue on mine also. I ended up taking the plastic guard off because I couldn’t get the chain out and had to push it uphill for 2 miles to get it home.

Hi Dave! This is Court replying to you and I am not the one who filmed this review (Tyson was). I have experienced the Active Line Cruise motor (most basic from Bosch) and agree that there seems to be minimal assistance increase from the lower to higher levels. The torque rating is lower than the other Bosch mid-motors (up to 40nm max). In my experience, pedal RPM is a small part of what increases motor output, pedal force seems to be the bigger driver. I don’t think there is something wrong with the motor, it’s just meant for lighter neighborhood use and is not as dynamic as the Active Line Plus or Performance motors that provide higher pedal rate support (105 and 120 RPM vs. just 100 RPM for your motor) and up to 50nm or 65nm and then 85nm for the Performance Line CX, Cargo, and Speed. That’s a very big difference. Your motor is quieter, uses less energy, and weighs a bit less, but it offers more limited output in my experience. I hope this helps!

TonyCarpinelli

Can anyone confirm that the Verve +2 chain coming off issue is now fixed. I test rode this bike last week and could hear the chain rattling around a concerning amount and then started reading reviews and see that it (was) or is still an issue.

Can anyone comment how the bike performed on light dirt trails since it does not have front suspension. I am really wanting this bike but have a few concerns.

Hi Tony, for the chainring you would need to make sure it has the narrow-wide chainring. You could ask one of the reps at the shop, or visually inspect it yourself – the teeth should alternate in size narrow-wide-narrow-wide (and so on). If the bike doesn’t already have the right chainring the shop should swap it at no cost to you.

I think it would do well on light dirt trails, but that really depends on personal preference and comfort level. I normally ride a road bike with no suspension at all, so bikes like the Verve+ 2 feel very comfy to me, what with the bigger tires and suspension seatpost.

I bought my 2021 Verve 2 in Sept 2021. First off, I LOVE the bike, I love the seat, the suspension seatpost, the adjustable height handlebar post, and the assist is great, it surprises other riders and motorists as well. I commute 20 miles plus each day. I probably have well over 3,000 miles on it.

Now for the ugly: I had regular and constant derailing issues. Trek put in a guide, which kept the chain from continuing to get wedged between motor and sprocket which leaves me stranded because the chain guide prevents me from pulling the chain back out. Then the only derails I had would fall on the outside of the sprocket, which are easy to get back onto the chainring. Then I purchased a narrow wide chainring from the local trek dealer and had them install it and a new chain and a new cassette (I ride lots of miles and chain and rear cassette were worn). ZERO derailing issues since.

Next, I am a fairly big guy and I’m certain my pannier and I at times will exceed the 300lb design load for my bike. Combine that with the horrible, cracked up roads, and this bike takes a bit of abuse, which is certainly not Trek’s issue.

I have never popped a spoke on a bike before, so when I popped my first spoke, I did not know what it was, and when the second spoke on the same wheel popped, the bike was unrideable! Ended up the wheel had to be trashed because I had cracked it. I bought 2 new bontrager (Trek) wheels so I would have spares. I popped spokes on both of them just 2 weeks ago! I have a third spare that I pulled off of my other 700c bike that is fairing much better. I think the bontrager wheels have alloy spokes and they have been popping right at the nipples.

The wheel from my other bike is a cheaper wheel that has stainless steel spokes, and it seems to be holding up much better.

I see the new Treks coming in and they appear to have the wider, stouter wheel design. I will be working with the dealer to see if those wheels can be retrofit to my Verve 2.

Again, I love my Verve 2!

Great feedback James! It sounds like you have a good attitude and are finding solutions. The tip about switching to a narrow-wide chainring is awesome, so glad to hear that helped your chain stay on track. I’ve experienced chain drops many times when reviewing ebikes and have become a big fan of guides and the NW setup.

Hopefully the new wheelset will resolve your spoke issues. I’ve heard about spoke loosening and breaking on some bikes based on the weight being carried or the use (like off-road or the rough roads you described). Thanks again for sharing :)

Patrick O'Brien

I LOVE my new Verve+2! Don’t know how it compares to other ebikes but compared to my quality 24 gear hybrid, the Trek is a joy to ride. Only complaint is the fact that it takes longer to get users manuals online from Trek than it takes to learn how to ride a bike. Thought Trek could do much better with manuals given the quality of their bikes.

Hmm, hopefully they make the manuals easier to find in the future! I’ve been able to get help from the local Trek store when issues came up, which is nice. Glad you’re loving the bike itself :D

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Adrienne So

Review: Trek FX+ 2

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If you come to me and say, “I’ve never ridden an electric bike before,” I am probably going to take a few factors into consideration. The first is safety. If you’ve never built a bike, I’m probably not going to recommend a mail-order one you have to assemble yourself. You don’t want to discover that you've failed to tighten a screw when you’re going 20 miles per hour down a hill.

You also probably want a bike that’s reasonably priced, comfortable, and convenient to ride. In fact, you might want one that’s as close to your first human-powered bike as possible. Trek’s FX+ 2 hits all the sweet spots. It’s made by a reputable manufacturer with a wide retailer network. The reasonable base price includes all the commuter components, like integrated lights and fenders. Most importantly, it’s light and maneuverable.

It’s not a 65-pound “starter” ebike that will crush you if you stop on a hill or forget to charge the battery. Nor is it a smart bike that makes you spend 20 minutes walking through an app before you can ride it. I've been testing ebikes at home for years, and this is the first one my 60-year-old dad has felt comfortable grabbing and using to chase after my kids. “Sometimes I don’t even turn it on,” he remarked the other day. That’s the whole point.

The FX+ 2 comes in two configurations and three different sizes. The default model has a regular step-over top tube, and the FX+ 2 Stagger has a step-through top tube. Both come in a variety of colors and have small, medium, and large sizes. I’m 5'2" and the small-size Stagger fits me well. However, if you’re smaller than 5 feet, you might want to look at a different bike.

The cables, battery, and motor are inside the frame. The only clue the FX+ 2 Stagger is an ebike at all is a small unit with only three buttons on it: a power button, and plus and minus symbols. When you turn on the bike, its lights turn on, and two light meters show how much battery you have left and what level of pedal assistance you have toggled on.

That’s it. There’s no bright LCD display and no throttle. This might seem like a downside, but I use my electric bike for commuting and running errands. When I lock it up on a rack, it gives me peace of mind to know that no one’s going to spot a lone ebike in the wild and immediately try to steal it (or the battery).

I also appreciate the clarity in the controls. I’ve tried other electric bikes with a one-button toggle, but I could never remember how many times to press the button to toggle the level of assist, or what light indicated how much battery I had left.

The FX+ 2 has a 250-watt Hydrive rear hub motor, which is the European standard. That might seem slightly underpowered to Americans looking to power up huge hills, but the bike is so light and maneuverable that having a smaller motor doesn’t matter much at all. The medium frame size weighs 40 pounds—almost 30 pounds lighter than my own Tern GSD S00.

Not only is it easy to scootch up hills, it’s also easy to maneuver onto crowded bike racks when I’m out, or to lift onto our hanging bike rack in my garage. Also, for the past two weeks, it’s the first bike both my dad and I have grabbed to run errands around the neighborhood. The stated range is 35 miles, but we’ve put at least 10 miles on it by now, and the battery seems largely untouched. The fast 45c road tires didn’t hurt, either.

It does lack a few features we're used to seeing on higher-end ebikes by now, like a low-maintenance carbon belt drive or a continuously variable shifter. Instead, it has a regular bike chain on a nine-speed Shimano shifting system, with a derailleur that, yes, you may have to adjust occasionally.

But honestly, this was more than fine by me. I didn’t have to learn a new shifting system or figure out how to calibrate the gearing with the assist levels. I wasn’t riding a bike that was trying to predict how much assist I’d need and when—I could simply toggle on more or less as I rode. In that way, it felt much easier and more natural. 

It also has a lot of accessories that may be equally important, especially as the weather here in Oregon has grown cold, gray, and wet in the past few weeks. The 120-lumen headlamp is incredibly bright. The bell is incredibly loud. The fenders have kept my jeans relatively dry, and I’ve been able to bungee items onto the rear rack. A kickstand keeps it up in the garage for quick access, and hydraulic disc brakes work even when the rain is pouring down.

The price point may seem high compared to direct-to-consumer bikes from Aventon, Lectric, or Rad Power. But once you start adding up the cost of quality components, labor, and accessories, their prices start inching up. Mail-order companies are able to offer much lower prices on base models because their motors are cheaper. With a nicer motor, a mail-order bike like the Ride1Up Prodigy is priced comparably to the FX+ 2, and you have to assemble and safety-check it yourself.

Over the years, I’ve seen bicycle manufacturers debate and then struggle to add or subtract features that will make electric bikes more attractive to people who haven’t biked before. Extremely low step-throughs! Weird shifting systems! Apps! Huge tires! Maybe the best way to get people on an electric bike is the same way you get people on a regular bike—by making it fun, light, and easy to ride.

Trek FX+ 2 review

The trex fx+ 2 is a great, simple electric bike but needs a bit more to live up to its high price tag.

Tom's Guide Verdict

The Trek FX+ 2 is an eBike that is easy to ride and feels like a bike, but the lack of certain features makes it tough to justify its $2,399 price.

Clean design

Responsive pedal assist

Comes with fenders and rack included

No removable battery

Why you can trust Tom's Guide Our writers and editors spend hours analyzing and reviewing products, services, and apps to help find what's best for you. Find out more about how we test, analyze, and rate.

The Trek FX+ 2 feels like a bike. Trek has definitely made an effort for this city-focused eBike to look and feel like a bike as much as possible and in that effort, it succeeded. The FX+ 2 felt like riding a traditional bicycle until you really turn on the pedal assist, and even then it still largely kept that feel. At around 40 pounds, it also is closer in weight to a traditional bicycle, at least compared to the competition. I was able to get it up and down stairs without breaking a sweat, which was convenient. 

Weight: 40.13 pounds Max rider weight: 300 pounds Gearing: 9-speed Shimano Altus Battery: 250Wh Motor: 250W HyDrive motor Max assisted speed: 20 mph Max estimated range: 35 miles

For all these successes, the $2,399 FX+2 is significantly more expensive than our best budget electric bike , t he Aventon Soltera ($1,399) or our best overall electric bike , t he Rad Power RadCity 5 Plus ($1,999). This despite the FX+ 2 having no throttle, no LCD display and no removable battery. As enjoyable as riding it may be — and it is — it’s tough to recommend it over the competition.  

Trek FX+ 2 eBike review: Price and availability 

The Trek FX+ 2 came out in May 2022 at a starting price of $2,200, but the version we reviewed came with a price tag of $2,399. Unfortunately, it looks like the price has gone up since launch, with the 2023 models of the FX+ 2 coming in at $2,499 on Trek’s website.

The good news is that you are not forced to buy the FX+ 2 from Trek. Trek offers its bikes through local retailers in addition to its website, and those retailers may offer lower (or higher) prices than Trek. So make sure to check with your local bike shop before adding the FX+ 2 to your cart.

Trek FX+ 2 eBike review: Design 

Trek offers the FX+ 2 eBike in four sizes (S, M, L, XL) and three colors: Satin Trek Black, Viper Red and Satin Mulsanne Blue. The model I was provided with was a Satin Mulsanne blue in size L, which worked perfectly with my 6-foot 2-inch height and 32-inch inseam.

At first glance, the FX+ 2 looks like a traditional bicycle. That’s because Trek has intentionally designed it this way, with the cables and battery stored within the tubes of the bike. Unfortunately, that means the battery isn’t removable — at least by you. Trek says that the battery can be removed by a trained technician, so you’ll need to head to a shop if anything goes wrong. 

That said, you can still add an external battery for extra range. There are two water bottle holders, one on the seat tube and one on the down tube, and the one on the downtube allows for a 250Wh plug-and-play Range Extender battery. This allows you to easily double your range if needed. That battery life comes at a price though; the Hyena Range Extender Battery costs $499.

Designed for commuters and city bikers, the FX+ 2 comes already equipped with some much-needed accessories. The eBike comes stock with a front fender, rear fender, headlight, taillight, kickstand, bell and rear bike rack — no need to buy one of the best bike lights separately. There’s also a chain guard to prevent clothes from getting caught in the chain.

Still, there are a couple of things missing in the design that would be nice to have. First, the Hyena pedal assist control system has an LED display for the battery status and pedal assist mode. It is easy to use and read, but many eBikes now have LCD displays, so this feels cheap by comparison. Additionally, the wheels are not quick-release, which means if something goes wrong you’ll need tools on you to get the wheels off.

But the biggest design flaw is the lack of any shock absorption in the bike. The FX+ 2 definitely feels every bump and pothole, especially at top speed. Even merely adding a seat post shock absorber would be a welcome addition.

Trek FX+ 2 eBike review: Performance 

The performance of the Trek FX+ 2 was more than adequate. Between the three power modes (Eco, Normal and Turbo) and the nine-speed rear cassette, I was able to hit the top speed of 20 mph frequently, regularly averaging 13MPH while riding through the streets of Atlanta.

Hills were also not a problem once you get a feel for the bike. I could regularly keep my cadence going up hills by using the full range of the bike’s gears and the Turbo pedal assist mode. The pedal assist modes kicked in very smoothly and with almost no lag.

The only shortcoming the FX+ 2 really has in terms of performance is the lack of a throttle to give riders fully motor-assisted thrust (i.e. no using your pedals), which does come on some of the FX+ 2’s competitors like the Soltera and RadCity 5 Plus. However, I would be lying if I said I missed it. The bike is plenty quick and easy to ride without it. 

Trek FX+ 2 eBike review: Battery life and range 

Trek states that the FX+ 2’s 250Wh battery can provide riders with up to 35 minutes of range. This of course depends on a range of factors, from the pedal assist mode you typically use to how hilly your terrain is.

My commute to work was just over five and a half miles round trip and I would go through about a quarter of the battery. That puts my estimated range at closer to 22 miles. However, I almost always used the Turbo (highest) pedal assist and I do have a large hill each way. So had I been more conservative I could have probably got more range out of the FX+ 2. 

Luckily if you do need to charge the bike, it only takes around two hours for a full charge and the charger can be plugged into any wall outlet.

Trek FX+ 2 eBike review: Competition 

Unfortunately, the Trek FX+ 2 really struggles when compared to the competition, at least on paper. I have yet to ride the Aventon Soltera, but it is currently our best budget eBike and has a very similar feature set and design aesthetic compared to the FX+ 2. While the pedal-assist seems like it is not as smooth and responsive as the FX+ 2 and it lacks a 9-speed option, you can still get a 7-speed for $1,399. That’s $1,000 less than the FX+ 2 I reviewed, but you get more range, a throttle and an LCD display.

If you want something higher-end, the Rad Power RadCity5 Plus is our best budget bike and would still be my pick over the FX+ 2 based on the research I have done on the RadCity 5 Plus. The FX+ 2 is lighter, and significantly so (over 20 pounds!), but the RadCity 5 Plus has a feature set that really sets it apart. Yes, you only get a 7-speed rear cassette, but you also get a throttle, a removable battery and two LCD displays compared to the zero LCD displays on the FX+ 2.

Trek FX+ 2 eBike review: Bottom line 

Ultimately, if the Trek FX+ 2 eBike was cheaper it would be a lot easier to recommend. It was a lot of fun to ride, easy to carry with its 40-pound weight and has a very clean design. If price weren’t a factor, I would say the quick pedal assist make it a great choice, and the fact that it comes with fenders and a rack standard is a nice touch.

But none of that can make me get past the fact that this bike is hundreds — if not a thousand — dollars more than its competition without providing a lot of reasons why. Yes, it's lightweight, and it's a Trek so the build quality is excellent, but it lacks the LCD displays, removable battery or throttle that so many of the best electric bikes have. If the FX+ 2 had even some of those features, I’d rate it significantly higher, even with the price. 

Malcolm McMillan is a senior writer for Tom's Guide, covering all the latest in streaming TV shows and movies. That means news, analysis, recommendations, reviews and more for just about anything you can watch, including sports! If it can be seen on a screen, he can write about it. Previously, Malcolm had been a staff writer for Tom's Guide for over a year, with a focus on artificial intelligence (AI), A/V tech and VR headsets.

Before writing for Tom's Guide, Malcolm worked as a fantasy football analyst writing for several sites and also had a brief stint working for Microsoft selling laptops, Xbox products and even the ill-fated Windows phone. He is passionate about video games and sports, though both cause him to yell at the TV frequently. He proudly sports many tattoos, including an Arsenal tattoo, in honor of the team that causes him to yell at the TV the most.

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Trek FX+ 2 Electric Bike Review, 2024

A lightweight city bike for easy carrying, commuting, and cutting across town.

When we first saw the Trek FX+ 2, we had to do a double take to make sure we received the electric version; there is really only one obvious indication that this is an e-bike! That surprise continued with our first test rides; aside from an initial boost of speed from the small 250W rear-hub motor, the bike’s torque sensor and tuning provided a ride experience that was remarkably similar to a mid-drive motor, and therefore more akin to a traditional bicycle.

We were also stunned by the FX+ 2’s incredibly low weight. At just 40 lbs, the bike is easy to maneuver at low speeds, and is capable of accelerating to higher speeds quickly. The lightweight frame also added to its non-electric feel by making the bike easy to pedal with no motor assistance if needed.

These features, combined with integrated commuter essentials like a rear cargo rack, front and rear fenders, a headlight, and a taillight make the bike a capable, practical metropolitan meanderer.

For more information about this terrific traverser of traffic, swipe up or scroll down to our full Trek FX+ 2 review!

Right now you can get 10% off of gear for the Trek FX + 2 during Trek’s Black Friday sales! Click the button above, or head to our Black Friday E-Bike Deals page for more info.

*Editor’s Note: Updated Nov. 20th, 2023 to include award badge, and links to latest info and pricing.

• It feels like a traditional bicycle! The FX+ 2 really strives to emulate the feel of a non-electric bike. With its subtle 250W motor and torque sensor, a stripped-down user interface, and the ability to be pedaled easily without motor assistance, the bike stays true to its old-school, urban roots.
• It’s incredibly lightweight for an e-bike. At just 40 lbs, the Trek FX+ 2 is easy to lift and carry, and has great acceleration and maneuverability at lower speeds.
• The PAS system is optimized for three functional settings, instead of the commonly-seen five levels of assistance. We often find at least one setting to feel pretty ineffective, so it is nice to see all three settings providing a noticeable difference in input here.
• The bike comes equipped for commuting right away, with an integrated rear cargo rack, headlight, taillight, and fenders.
• It’s super stealthy! The FX+ 2’s rear hub motor is the only thing giving any indication that this is an e-bike, and even that is whisper quiet.
• A functional app with motor customization! The FX+ 2’s HyDrive motor pairs with the Hyena Rider Assistant app for ride and data tracking, visible metrics, and the ability to tune the output of the motor in each PAS setting.
• Reliability and peace of mind. As a Trek product, the FX+ 2 benefits from the engineering and experience of a well-established brand. It also comes outfitted with a full scope of trustworthy components.
• Trek offers the FX+2 in a huge variety of frame sizes and colors, allowing for a significant degree of customization for a wide spectrum of people. The high-step version has four frame sizes and three colors (including the flashy Viper Red), while the step-thru (or Stagger) model comes in three sizes and three colors.

• The LED indicator on the left handlebar fits the overall aesthetic and soul of the bike, but we’d love to see a small, simple LCD display for accessible ride data without the need for a phone.
• The FX+ 2’s fully internal battery also continues the theme of the bike, but makes charging a bit more complicated. More importantly, the sealed frame will make replacing the battery difficult when it eventually stops functioning – only Trek dealers can perform the service.
• Battery : 250 Wh internal battery
• Display: LED Indicator (no LCD display)
• Motor: HyDrive 250W, 40 Nm rear hub
• Headlight: Hermans MR4, 120 Lumen, 40 lux, LED
• Taillights: Spanninga Solo
• Pedal Assist: 3 settings
• Range: Up to 35 miles
• Throttle: N/A
• Claimed weight: 40.13 lbs / 18.20 kg
• Maximum total weight limit: 300 lbs / 136 kg
• Brakes: Shimano hydraulic disc, MT200 lever, UR300 caliper, RT26 160mm rotors
• Fenders: SKS plastic
• Fork: FX+ alloy, internal brake routing, fender mounts, rack mounts, ThruSkew 5mm bolt-on skewer
• Frame: Alpha Gold Aluminum, internal cable routing, internal battery, rack & fender mounts, post mount disc, kickstand mount, 144.5mm OLD hub motor spacing
• Drivetrain: Shimano Altus, 9 speed, M2010 shifter, M2000 derailleur, HG200 cassette 11-36T, KMC X9 chain
• Grips: Bontrager XR Endurance Comp, lock-on
• Saddle: Bontrager Sport
• Handlebar: Bontrager Alloy, 31.8mm, 15mm rise, 660-690mm width
• Kickstand: alloy, rear mount
• Pedals: Bontrager City
• Tires: Bontrager H2 Comp, reflective strip, wire bead, 30tpi, 700x40c

Trek FX+ 2 Review: E- Bike Overview

This e-bike was clearly meant to look and feel like a bike first, and an electric bike second. The stealth factor is huge on the FX+ 2 in just about every department:

First, in aesthetics; the tiny LED indicator that replaces an LCD display and the use of a fully internal battery serve to remove the largest giveaways typically seen on an e-bike. That leaves the small, super-quiet rear hub motor as the only real tell, and even then, someone would have to look (and/or listen) closely. We have some critique, or at least some considerations to point out, regarding some of these choices – but overall, they do a great job of helping the FX+ 2 disappear amongst a lineup of non-electric bikes.

Second, in ride experience; that petite 250W rear hub motor provides a reserved, but noticeable boost of assistance that is far more subtle than the more commonly-seen 500W or 750W varieties. This is accentuated by the inclusion of a torque sensor, which is relatively rare in conjunction with a rear-hub (though it is becoming more common with time). We were genuinely impressed by how closely the feel of this combination resembled that of a mid-drive motor, a type which is highly praised due to its similarity to a traditional bicycle. The FX+ 2 is even highly functional without assistance from the motor, and able to be pedaled around with relative ease if the electrical system is not turned on. This is thanks to the 40-lb frame, which is comparatively lightweight when considering the heft that often accompanies e-bikes.

An included package of commuter-centric accessories like the rear rack and fenders makes the FX+ 2 a capable daily ride.

The bike’s charging port is at the base of its down tube, just beneath the water bottle mounts that can also hold an optional range extender battery.

Commuters will be happy to learn that the rear rack on the FX+ 2 is MIK compatible to fit a wide range of accessories.

We did find the bike’s range to be a little on the low end when comparing it to similar urban / commuter models, though it has a few things going for it in that department to help offset our critique. We’ll dive into those details and talk more about our testing deeper into our review of the Trek FX+ 2.

Trek FX+ 2 Review: Circuit Speed Test

Our first evaluation of the Trek FX+ 2 was our Circuit Test, which you can read more about from the graphic above. This allowed us to get a feel for the bike’s HyDrive 250W rear hub motor and test out the performance of its cadence sensor.

With no motor assistance, the FX+ 2’s slight frame and minimalistic character immediately came to the forefront. Many of the e-bikes I have tested are huge and heavy, a fact that becomes magnified quickly when the motor isn’t doing anything to pull its weight. For this reason, the PAS 0 lap in our Circuit Test can feel dreadful. With the FX+ 2, however, it became a relative breeze. The bike’s 40-lb frame is comparable in weight to a non-electric model on the heavier side, so completing that lap did still take some work, but I was pleasantly surprised by how much energy I had left as I rounded the last bend.

I noticed through my following three laps that the bike’s small, 250W motor really reinforces its intention of being a bike first and an e-bike second. To compare again with other e-bikes I have tried, many more powerful rear-hub motors create the strong feeling of being pushed from behind. This feeling exists on the FX+ 2, but only lightly and when the motor first engages after starting from a slow coast or a stop. Once up to speed, the bike’s torque sensor and motor work in tandem to provide a remarkably natural feel that I can only compare to a mid-drive motor. The motor engagement is subtle and sometimes difficult to perceive, until you realize you just climbed a hill you normally wouldn’t have made it to the top of. This contrasts sharply with many more powerful rear-hub motors which can very obviously feel like they fully take over.

The FX+ 2 stood out from many other e-bikes I have tested through another way as well: its PAS system. It is extremely common to see pedal assist systems with five levels of input. It is also common for at least one of these levels to feel relatively ineffective. The FX+ 2 trims the fat here by focusing on just three PAS settings, all of which are functional, varied, and tuned intuitively.

The graphic above illustrates this point perfectly. It’s relatively rare that we see such a linear progression between settings on an e-bike, and while it makes sense for some to deviate from the pattern, it’s something we’d love to see more often. To boil down what the data and the linear graph means: when you increase the PAS level on the FX+ 2, you get just the amount of power boost from the motor that you would expect.

If I’m being honest, this isn’t surprising. Trek has been making bikes since the 70s and e-bikes since the early 2000s, plus they’re a massive company with plenty of funding to apply to R&D. They have the customer base to encourage them to do things right, as well as the experience and the development team to pull it off. You can see more evidence of this in our other Trek e-bike reviews . For now, let’s get back to our Trek FX+ 2 review.

Due to its dependence on rider input, the FX+ 2 is capable of high speeds even at low PAS settings. As a Class 1 e-bike, this means the motor will contribute up to 20 mph. I was able to reach speeds close to this limit in PAS 1 when putting in some work, and this just became easier in PAS 2 and 3. Here at EBR, we often say that some e-bikes can make you feel superhuman, and I think this definitely applies to the FX+ 2 in PAS 3.

The FX+2’s motor performance can be tweaked a bit by pairing the bike with the Hyena Rider Assistant app. We’ll look at that a bit more in-depth later, but for now, just know that the motor output of the three PAS settings can be adjusted as long as the bike is stopped. PAS 1 has a range of 1-33% of the motor’s total (nominal) power. PAS 2 can be set anywhere between 34-67% of the total output, and PAS 3 finishes out the range from 68-100%. I played around with this a bit, and the difference is relatively subtle on the already understated motor, but it can make a difference of a few miles per hour.

The FX+ 2’s geometry makes it comfortable for everyday rides around town.

The FX+ 2 features a nearly invisible Hyena HyDrive 250W rear hub motor.

A Shimano Altus 9-speed drivetrain fits the bike well and delivers snappy gear changes.

Trek FX+ 2 Review: Range Test & Battery Performance

To compare the FX+ 2’s real-world range in relation to Trek’s advertised performance, we put the bike through two tests to evaluate its battery life and measure the distance it was able to travel. Note that we performed this (and all other) testing with the default motor output settings; the aforementioned tweaks I made in the app were for experimentation only.

As shown in the graphic above, we recorded a distance of roughly 13 miles in PAS 3 and about 30 in PAS 1. While there are many factors that affect the range of an e-bike, including weather, terrain, the number of stops/starts, etc., our range tests do not present any extremes. As such, that 13-30 mile range should be a decent estimate of the FX+ 2’s capability under everyday conditions.

For a city bike geared toward commuting, the range we saw is definitely practical, and should cover the distance most folks need to travel in a day (or maybe even a few). That said, the FX+ 2 did end up on the lower end of the range capability of many similar e-bikes we have reviewed , though its battery is also one of the smallest we’ve tested.

Trek seems to be conscious of their e-bike’s limitations, however, as they offer a secondary battery that can be purchased for around $500 to extend its range for those who need it. Trek’s marketing mentions the standard range of up to 35 miles, but also leans toward the 70-mile range granted by the use of both batteries. In the grand scheme, our testing lines up pretty well with their claims.

Quick side note: the optional “range extender” battery is cool. It secures onto the FX+ 2’s water bottle mounts on the bike’s down tube and plugs directly into the charging port for the stock internal battery. This means the additional battery is easy to carry and use, as it can fit in a satchel or be taken into the office for recharging.

The 250Wh fully-internal battery on the FX+ 2 is worth dwelling on for a moment. While its completely concealed nature adds to the stealth factor of the bike, and also helps to reduce weight, there are some concerns to be aware of. First, all batteries will eventually need to be replaced, and the fact that the battery on the FX+ 2 is completely sealed inside the frame means that only a Trek dealer will be able to perform this service.

A second consideration with the internal battery is charging. Removable batteries can often be charged in place on the e-bike or taken inside and charged separately, but internal batteries such as the one on the FX+ 2 are only able to be charged by plugging the bike in. The lightweight frame of the FX+ 2 makes carrying it inside or up stairs easier, but that will need to be done every time the battery runs dry.

Our overall takeaway from the range test again comes back to the fact that the Trek FX+ 2 is meant to feel like a traditional non-electric bike. It has respectable range in its minimum PAS setting, which encourages more input from the rider. And even if its battery does expire while out on the road, the bike can be pedaled pretty efficiently without motor assistance. For those looking to use the FX+ 2 for longer rides, however, we do recommend picking up that optional extra battery.

Trek FX+ 2 Review: Hill Test

Our Hill Test, explained above, was another excellent case in point exemplifying the Trek FX+ 2’s lean toward feeling like a non-electric bike. Considering that it has a small rear hub motor with a torque sensor, it relies on rider input more than many other e-bikes out there. I mentioned earlier that the bike gives you a superhuman feeling thanks to its ability to move you further than you’d normally be able to go with leg-power alone, and this is especially noticeable when climbing steep hills.

The lightweight frame and 700x40c tires allow the bike to be nicely maneuverable.

Shimano hydraulic disc brakes on 160mm rotors provide good stopping power on such a lightweight bike.

The Bontrager H2 Comp tires are a nice middle ground with their width and hybrid-appropriate tread.

When comparing the Hill Test results between the FX+ 2 and similar e-bikes we have tested, it falls somewhere in the middle of the pack. This is not unexpected, due to the bike’s relatively low-output motor and torque sensor; it makes you put in the work, but meets you halfway (even though it might feel like you’re giving a little more than 50%).

In short, the Trek FX+ 2 is a capable hill climber, as long as you – the rider – are.

Trek FX+ 2 Review: Safety and Brake Test

While this review of the Trek FX+ 2 has shown that it is light on bells and whistles, some of the bike’s included commuter-centric features do add to its level of safety.

First and foremost are the integrated headlight and taillight, which we consider essential for riding in and alongside traffic. Brake lights and turn signals would be a fantastic addition to the bike, but they’re not super common in general (yet), so we can’t hold their absence against anyone. I did notice during my testing that the wiring for the headlight on the FX+ 2 didn’t seem to be as well protected as I expected, but I also did not encounter any problems with it.

The FX+ 2’s Shimano hydraulic disc brakes and 160 mm rotors are another feature we appreciate seeing on any e-bike. To test this setup, we pedaled up to the FX+ 2’s Class 1 maximum-assisted-speed of 20 mph, then came to a complete stop while maintaining control of the bike. We repeated this process three times, measuring the distance it took for the bike to stop for each test, and then averaged the results.

With an average stopping distance of an even 22’, the FX+ 2 is a little on the slower side when compared to similar e-bikes we have tested, but it is still well within our range of expected results. We did notice that the bike had a bit of a tendency to skid when clamping down hard on the brake levers, but considering its weight, this was not unexpected. It also did not feel dangerous or problematic – just something to keep in mind and be prepared for.

An additional minor safety feature that we appreciated was the reflective strip on the Bontrager 700x40c tires; such a large reflective surface is sure to catch the eyes of any drivers the bike crosses paths with. There really is not such a thing as too many safety features, so every detail that adds to the overall safety factor is worth acknowledgment.

Related to safety, I do want to draw attention once again to the fact that the Trek FX+ 2 is a Class 1 e-bike. This means that it only features pedal assistance (no throttle), and only then up to 20 mph. There is something to be said for the ability to get up to traffic speed quickly (which a throttle would help with), as well as an inherent level of safety when traveling with traffic at higher speeds (such as the 28 mph limit we often see on Class 3 commuter e-bikes). There are, of course, also some potential dangers at higher speeds, which make this discussion an ongoing debate in the e-bike community. But we’d like to see the option for a throttle on the FX+ 2, for those who might like a little extra boost in traffic.

With these things in mind, it is clear that Trek has made some intentional decisions with the FX+ 2 out of a commitment to maintain the heart and soul of a traditional bike. I think this is admirable, but there is also a ripple effect with those choices that needs to be understood on the consumer side. To be clear, that isn’t a negative in relation to the FX+ 2, just again, something worth stating and being aware of.

Trek FX+ 2 Review: Ride Comfort & Handling, Cockpit, and More

Overall, I think the Trek FX+ 2 is a suitably comfortable e-bike for its intended purpose. As a hybrid city bike with features that overlap into the commuter space, it is designed for flexibility. I do have some critique about a few of its features (or lack thereof), but again, it stays true to its mission.

Let’s talk about rider position, contact points and interface. The FX+ 2 places its rider at a noticeably forward lean, which is not nearly as aggressive as a road bike, but also much less upright than a cruiser. It’s pretty comfortable, and it makes sense in context with the rest of the bike. The saddle was one area I wasn’t a huge fan of, as its performance-oriented shape was a little too rigid and narrow (read: wedgie-inducing) for my personal comfort – but I would imagine it would be pretty comfortable for a smaller person. Fortunately the saddle is an easy thing to swap out if you find yourself in my boat.

I did appreciate the flat handlebars, which had comfortable ergonomic rubber grips. The under-the-bar, trigger style Shimano shifter was a nice choice too. I had no distinct thoughts about the Bontrager pedals, but another of my fellow testers mentioned that they felt larger and more comfortable than expected.

The display, or absence of one, is certainly one of my larger areas of criticism. Aside from the front brake lever, the left handlebar’s only addition is a small LED indicator panel that serves to replace some form of an LCD display that typically accompanies an e-bike. To be honest and fair, this really DOES feel like it fits the character of the FX+ 2, but while riding, I couldn’t shake the desire to have access to more than just the super-basic battery life and PAS level readout.

Many similar e-bikes feature tiny but effective screens that display a wider scope of ride data without taking away from that prized stealth factor or minimalistic approach. Personally, I’d love to see Trek include (or at least give the option for) some sort of LCD display, though this is a great time to circle back about the Hyena Rider Assistant app.

It’s not immediately obvious that the FX+2 pairs with an app; we had to reach out to Trek with some questions in order to learn that it was possible. Once I set up the app and it connected with the bike’s HyDrive motor, I was really impressed by everything it could do. Most importantly, the app allows your phone to be used as a display for the bike, showing relevant ride data like speed, trip time, odometer reading, battery life, and predicted range based on current settings. It also has a GPS and tracks your ride data over time.

We already covered the app’s ability to adjust motor output, but there are a couple of other unique features it has, too. The app provides a battery health reading, so you know when it’s time to replace it, and it can tell you when your next maintenance is needed. You can also set an alert so the app can remind you to charge the battery when it’s getting low. I really appreciated all of the app’s features, so I’d definitely recommend using it, but you’ll need to pick up a phone mount for the handlebars separately.

The FX+ 2’s cockpit is fittingly simplistic for a stealth-focused e-bike.

This indicator panel displays PAS level and battery life through an array of LED lights.

The bike’s Bontrager Sport saddle is narrow but well padded.

The quick and comfortable Shimano Altus trigger shifter felt like a great fit with the FX+ 2.

Before we wrap up this section of our Trek FX+ 2 review, I want to point out a couple of small but significant things that I really enjoyed about the bike:

First, the chain guard. It’s such a simple thing, and I think many manufacturers forget to include one for that reason. Considering how much time I spend on a bike, I love instances when I know that I don’t have to worry about getting grease on my pants thanks to such a useful piece of plastic.

Second, while I gave my thoughts about the LED indicator panel, one feature I have to give credit for is its battery life sensor. We generally prefer percentage-based readouts (which the Hyena app uses) due to their greater accuracy over the bar-based variety. The 5-light system on the FX+ 2 did seem to be pretty consistent and reliable in our testing though, and worth a nod.

Next, the FX+ 2 is more customizable than I expected it to be. The two frame styles each have multiple size options, for a total of 7 combinations. This allows the bike to fit a pretty wide range of people, and the variety of colors Trek offers means that proper sizing and personal style don’t have to be separate.

Finally, while I have mentioned the rear rack being a nice feature for commuters, there is more to it than just that. The rack is MIK-compatible, meaning that an absolute mountain of accessories (baskets, bags, crates, etc.) can be accommodated by it – though be sure not to exceed the bike’s total weight limit of 300 lbs, or the

Trek FX+ 2 Review: Summary / Where to Buy

EBR picked the Trek FX+2 as one of the best electric bikes of 2024 !

If you’re a city cyclist looking to hold on to the core of your riding experience while taking advantage of the power offered by electric bikes, the Trek FX+ 2 should certainly be on your radar. It takes great lengths to maintain a connection with its roots as a function-forward, human-powered machine, but also makes it easier and more fun to go farther, faster, and further uphill.

The FX+ 2 has some serious advantages thanks to its Trek heritage, first of which is the expected reliability and peace of mind that comes from such a trusted, firmly established titan in the industry. More specifically (and more personally relevant), The FX+ 2 benefits greatly from its well-tuned pedal assist system and smooth rear-hub motor, both of which show clear signs of careful engineering.

When compared to many similar city-centric e-bikes, the FX+ 2 also comes equipped and ready for practical, safe use. Its outfit of commuter-focused features give it a leg up right out of the box, allowing its user to tackle that morning ride to work without stress. And the fact that its frame is so light makes it easy to lift and carry on foot, and accelerate and maneuver on the road.

It’s not a perfect e-bike, though in most cases, the factors here seem purposeful in staying true to its ethos. While we appreciate the weight conservation, a removable battery would just be more user-friendly for use and replacement. Similarly, while the trim LED panel fits the FX+ 2’s overall theme, we’d love to see at least the option for a small LCD display.

All things considered, however, the Trek FX+ 2 does bring a lot to the table, and definitely succeeds at what it’s trying to achieve. The bike is clearly geared toward a certain type of cyclist; if you’re looking to get a workout while weaving around town, the Trek FX+ 2 might just be your ticket!

Happy Riding, make sure to let us know if you have any questions down in our comments section or if you think we left anything out in this review of the Trek FX+ 2.

Reader Interactions

March 18, 2023 at 5:41 am

Feel same way Trek be such a hugh company, they cheapened the bike not adding LCD display also could have engineered removable battery. Some cheap Chinese brands have theses features!

March 18, 2023 at 5:48 am

Check out V volt ebikes, removable batteries and belt drive, thousand dollars cheaper too.

April 17, 2023 at 7:26 am

Got this as my first ebike after seeing it in a bike shop window and that it doesn’t look like your normal ebike with a battery attached to it. After owning this for 3 months now I love it , makes my 5 mile commute to work a breeze , don’t have to worry about any headwinds and hills on the way home after a hard day’s graft. Only cons I can think of is the 9 speed altus I regularly can go faster on the flat but end up spinning the pedals I have a spare 2×10 slx drive set that I hope will fit on the hub, if anyone can tell me it does I will swap that out. Other con is now I rarely use my Spec Roubaix or BMC teamelite , it does make you lazy.

April 18, 2023 at 8:47 am

I’m not sure about that drive set, but I’m really happy to hear that you’re loving the FX+ 2! It’s a great bike!

May 19, 2023 at 2:46 pm

I tried a bunch of bikes and was ultimately between the FX+2 Stagger and the Kona eCoco. (I couldn’t try the Kona Coco HD in person, and it was too heavy to be a real contender.) The FX+2 won out because it looks and rides more like a normal bike. I also actually preferred the no-screen controls, because I feared the LED screen would interfere with my night vision. The assist felt similar even though the Kona is a mid-drive. I swapped out the stem for a shorter one to get me more upright, and I am probably going to get some slightly more swept-back handlebars as well.

I’ve been a bikes-as-transportation cyclist for decades and wanted a boost to make that easier on my middle aged knees, without the speed of a class 2 or the aesthetics of an obvious e-bike. Since my imaginary perfect bike doesn’t exist yet, this one gets me on the road now, and I’m happy with it.

May 19, 2023 at 5:07 pm

Thanks for sharing! Glad to hear that you’re enjoying the bike.

May 26, 2023 at 1:51 am

How did you connect it to the Hyena app? I can’t get it connecting?? Any suggestions?

May 26, 2023 at 9:14 am

I don’t recall having any troubles with connecting the bike to the Hyena Rider Assistant app. The bike needs to be on, and you’ll need to be close to the bike with the app open for it to detect the bike, but pairing should be fairly straightforward after that. If you continue having trouble, I suggest reaching out to the folks at Trek for further assistance. Best of luck!

May 29, 2023 at 7:53 pm

According to Trek there is currently no app for the FX+ bike….

September 21, 2023 at 10:03 am

I use my Trek app on my FX+2 3-4 times per week.

May 28, 2023 at 9:49 pm

Purchased a Trek Fx 2 ebike and I’m extremely disappointed. Nothing but problems from Day 1. Peddle assist works intermittently or not at all, tires won’t hold pressure, shifting is extremely rough , wiring exposed on headlights, fenders are rubbing on tires., speed control system not fastened properly on handlebars. I regret buying this bike

June 1, 2023 at 9:35 am

Hi John, sorry to hear about your experience! I’m sure the customer service team at Trek would be able to help you, here’s a link so you can reach out to them: https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/contactUs/

Alternatively, you should have a Trek dealership nearby! Best of luck!

May 30, 2023 at 3:42 pm

Great review! I already bought one and really rode it up a very lengthy steep hill for the first time today. At about a mile and a half into the climb (on full assist) the assist lights started blinking and basically quit assisting. I wondered if it was overheating so I turned it off and pushed it aways and then was able to ride again. I was just wondering if you ever encountered such a problem.

May 31, 2023 at 9:00 am

Thanks Lisa! I didn’t have any problems on the FX+2, but we also tested that bike in the middle of winter. The combination of a long, steep climb and warmer weather could absolutely cause overheating though – I’ve experienced similar things on other e-bikes. Knowing their limits is important!

June 22, 2023 at 12:08 pm

6000 km this year on the odo. On dirt roads on tarmac and dusty roads and rain and muddy roads from Amsterdam to Prague 1500 km and no problems at all.

June 22, 2023 at 1:42 pm

That’s awesome! Thanks for sharing!

July 18, 2023 at 5:36 am

65 yo with first ebike. I wanted something to help with the hills but still able to obtain a good cardiovascular workout. Use power assist only intermittently. Only complaint is warbling sound using brakes downhill. Overall very happy with bike .

July 18, 2023 at 9:36 am

Hi Dave, glad you hear you’re loving the FX+ 2! Without hearing that sound, I’m guessing your brake rotor might be a little out of alignment; that’s an easy fix the next time you have your bike at a shop for service. It’s also not uncommon as the brake systems heat up and the rotors expand, causing rubbing of the pads and rotors.

July 21, 2023 at 5:48 pm

Regarding the “Con” of the FX+2 not having an LCD read screen for displaying ride data, you should know that there are now two phone apps which make an LCD screen superfluous. First there is the Hyena app by the company that makes the motor for the FX+ and the Trek Central App ,an even more feature rich app that now works with the FX+. As an added bonus, the Trek Central app interfaces with Strava and Komoot. Both can connect with the bike automatically. So all you need to track your rides and lots of other variables on the FX+ 2 is your phone and a handlebar phone mount.

July 24, 2023 at 9:18 am

Thanks for the update! The Trek Central app sounds like a great feature, I’ll have to try it out with the FX+ 2.

August 15, 2023 at 5:06 pm

I have had my FX2+ for 6 weeks and have covered 1000 km. I am disappointed in the assist system – it bears no comparison to the mid drive system on Specialized bikes. There is a pronounced delay in assist on starting pedaling and then it comes in a big rush. Reducing eco assist level to 5% has made no difference. Trying to get help from the dealer. Otherwise a great bike (but expensive).

August 29, 2023 at 9:52 pm

I’ve had the mechanically identical dual. Sport + for about a month and am very pleased. Getting the largest frame size means it just fits me better than bikes I’ve had before (I am 6’3) and as a result is more comfortable. Its lightness and decent spread of gear means that in some journeys I barely use the power assistance. Coming off a 21 speed non electric hybrid, it’s no problem and I mainly have the bike for fun and exercise. But I so appreciate the assistance on long up hills or when facing stiff headwinds. I don’t think 100 mile range is impossible in good conditions, we’ll see. The trek app is brilliant, easy to set up and so much info available. I don’t miss having an lcd display at all and it just adds to the stealthiness. That, it’s lack of visible battery and it’s silence mean it’s so hard to tell from a non hybrid. Only a real bike enthusiast can. The bike does have a throttle of sorts, it will self power in walk mode if you are pushing it up a crazy gradient.

I could do with some suspension at times, and I might check out a sprung seat post some time. My last bike had basic front suspension forks. I also find the gears jump too much on their own sometimes, may need some adjustment. And very occasionally the brakes don’t seem to fully release and need a quick pull on the levers to fully release. May also be adjustment.

February 25, 2024 at 8:13 pm

Thank your for another great review. This sounds like a great bike.

I’m in the market for a sub 40 lb Ebike suitable for road and light trails. The FX +2 is nearly identical to the Dual Sport +2 except for tires & fenders; I’m leaning towards the DS due to bigger tires & slightly lower weight. I’m guessing that their performance in your testing would be nearly identical.

I just rode the Trek Dual Sport + 2 and it felt really nice. I have also ridden the Soltera.2 and Propella C9 V2. Both felt quite good also but I could hardly feel the PA boost in their level 1 & 2 where as the boost in the DS+2 was quite noticeable and helpful in all 3 settings. I wonder if that is just a function of the fact that the Trek has fewer PA options. Interestingly though, the Soltera felt underpowered compared to the Propella despite almost identical specs.

One thing I noticed on the Dual Sport was that there seemed to be some drag or rolling resistance when I would stop pedaling which I didn’t sense on the other two. Did you sense that with this the FX+ 2 ?

That said, reviews on it are hard to find. Would love to see you guys take that model for a spin

February 25, 2024 at 8:21 pm

I somehow overlooked this comment before I sent the earlier reply: “It is extremely common to see pedal assist systems with five levels of input. It is also common for at least one of these levels to feel relatively ineffective. The FX+ 2 trims the fat here by focusing on just three PAS settings, all of which are functional, varied, and tuned intuitively. re is no need for 4-5 power levels.” If totally agree & think the 3 PAS settings is preferable to 4 or 5.

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Unleashing the Future of Green Transportation: Exploring Trek Electric Bikes

Features and specifications, benefits of trek electric bikes.

• Eco-Friendly Commuting: One of the foremost benefits of owning a Trek Electric Bike is the reduction of your carbon footprint. By opting for this  you contribute to a cleaner environment and promote sustainable living.
• Fitness on the Go: Contrary to popular belief, electric bikes do not eliminate the need for physical exertion. Trek Electric Bikes encourage users to engage in active pedaling while providing electric assistance when needed. This dynamic approach to fitness makes these bikes an excellent choice for those who want to maintain an active lifestyle without the intensity of a conventional cycling workout.
• Versatile Transportation: Whether you’re commuting to work, embarking on a weekend adventure, or simply exploring your neighborhood, the Trek Electric Bike adapts to your needs. Its versatility makes it a practical choice for individuals seeking an all-encompassing mode of transportation.

Exploring the Pros and Cons

• Effortless Commuting: The electric motor ensures that commuting is a breeze, especially over longer distances or challenging terrains.
• Customizable Assistance Levels: Users can adjust the level of electric assistance, giving them control over the intensity of their ride.
• Environmentally Friendly: With zero emissions, Trek Electric Bikes align with the growing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly transportation.
• Fitness Support: The combination of manual pedaling and electric assistance promotes a healthy and active lifestyle.
• Initial Cost: Trek Electric Bikes can have a higher upfront cost compared to traditional bicycles.
• Maintenance Complexity: The electric components may require specialized maintenance , which can be more intricate than conventional bike upkeep.
• Limited Range: Depending on the model, electric bikes may have a limited range before requiring a recharge.

User Reviews and Statements

How do trek electric bikes prioritize safety and visibility for riders.

Trek Electric Bikes prioritize the safety and visibility of riders, recognizing the importance of electric bike_similarity . Equipped with powerful LED lights, these bikes ensure riders are visible even in low-light conditions. Additionally, they feature reflective elements on the frame and fork for increased visibility on the road. With safety as a top priority, Trek Electric Bikes provide riders with a secure and visible riding experience.

Where to Purchase Your Trek Electric Bike

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Best Electric Mountain Bikes of 2024

Electric mountain bikes (eMTBs)may not be as popular as their unpowered cousins, but they’ve opened up the trails to more riders in a big way. Electric mountain bikes typically contain a large battery pack on the down tube and an electric motor. This gives riders an extra boost, similar to conventional and commuter e-bikes but with a hardier build to deal with the rigors of trail riding.

Choosing the best electric mountain bike for your trail rides can be a bit of a challenge. In addition to considering your needs and preferences, riders should also compare battery life and range, motor types, power output, bike weight and maximum load, frame material, geometry, cost, and warranty. We’ve taken all of that into consideration as we compiled this list of the best electric mountain bikes of 2024.

Table of Contents

• Electric Mountain Bikes
• Things To Consider When Buying
• How We Chose

Specialized Turbo Levo Comp  »

Six different geometry settings

Higher than average max load

700Wh battery with good range

Fork and dampener not top-notch

Noisy motor at high torque

The combination of an above-average number of geometry settings, a high maximum weight load, superior motor torque, and a long range makes the   Specialized Turbo Levo Comp the best overall choice. The Turbo Levo Comp has six different geometry settings, which gives a wider variety of riders the chance to enjoy this eMTB to its fullest. Plus, the bike can carry 309 pounds of weight.

Specialized’s Turbo Full Power System 2.2 Motor provides a respectable 90Nm of torque powered by a 700Wh battery. If that sounds like gibberish, it basically means that you can ride an above-average distance of 33 miles on this bike when it’s fully charged. The simple user interface is built into the top tube, directly in front of the rider, which allows you to keep an eye on the output and battery life as you ride. The Mission Control app is also an added perk; within the app, you can adjust the motor and battery output, and change up the bike display. You can also monitor battery health in the app, and you’ll get status alerts for performance issues.

Specilaized’s lifetime warranty for the original owner requires bike registration, but it covers structural defects and problems with workmanship to the frame, fork, seat stay, and chainstay. That’s far more coverage than we found on most other bikes we researched.

Complaints of the Turbo Levo stem from its harsher ride on truly rough terrain. This is due to Specialized’s choice of gear in the fork and stem, giving it a stiffer ride than more premium eMTBs. I don’t think that’s a deal breaker; but for $9,000, the choice not to build in a more forgiving frame for deep bushwhacking is disappointing.

Radon Jealous Hybrid 9.0 625  »

High-suspension travel

Lightweight compared to other budget options

Powerful Bosch motor

Higher end components

Hard-tailed

Still more expensive than a budget non-electric MTB

Oversimplified user interface

Radon’s Jealous Hybrid 9.0 625 may not be the most powerful or sporty in their collection, but it does the job for mountain bikers on a budget. The combination of a Bosch 625 Wh battery along with the Radon Performance Line CV motor pushes out an impressive 250W of power and 85Nm of torque, giving you 29 miles of riding, even with considerable elevation gain. This is the same system that powers some of the higher-end eMTBs such as Trek’s Powerfly FS 9, but you get it for less than $3,000.

The adjustable front air suspension system opens this bike up to more riders as it can be changed on the fly to accommodate different rider heights – something unique to bikes of this class. The huge 11-50 tooth cassette allows for a higher-than-average amount of control on both climbs and descents, bolstered by the deceleration in downhill mode. Though not as progressive as something like the Turbo Levo, Radon’s geometry is supplemented by an adjustable dropper post. This gives riders the option to easily raise or lower their seat height with the press of a button, instead of having to jump off with a wrench in hand.

The combination of a lightweight aluminum frame with the power of Bosch’s CX motor makes for a fantastic experience both climbing and descending on this bike. Still, a few people complain about comfort issues; that’s because this eMTB is designed as a hardtail. To stay comfortable, you’ll need to stick to tamer trails than you might with a bike that has dual suspension.

In the end, though, this bike’s lower price, along with moderate to high-end components, makes it a steal for riders entering the world of mountain biking on an electric model.

Giant Trance X Advanced E+ EL  »

Smaller, more powerful battery

Ideal battery range of 80 miles

Built by a professional mechanic

Lightweight

Lack of color options for each model

Complicated delivery

Buggy application

Once you get past the sticker shock of all five figures behind Giant’s flagship bike, the Giant Trance X Advanced E+ EL, you’ll see that the quality put into this bike is worth the price tag. Giant has a partnership with Yamaha, which it used to design the SyncDrive Pro, a lightweight version of Giant’s previous motor that still manages to put out 85Nm of torque. In a much-sought-after change from the previous model; the motor is in a higher position; and Giant has upped the ground clearance of the bike, making for a more protected position for the motor and battery.

We were impressed by Giant’s six-sensor monitoring system, which instantly determines how much extra power is needed from the motor, based on terrain. This system can be tweaked manually by adjusting different support ratios to tune up the powertrain based on your unique riding style. Long-distance riders will appreciate that Giant’s maximum battery life was nearly double (and often more) than that of the other bikes we researched. It can take you up to 80 miles on a full battery. Although the RiddControl app is meant to be used with Giant bikes, beware that users have complained about the app. It tends to be buggy and difficult to navigate.

Giant also partnered with Panasonic to produce a more powerful battery than you’ll find in past models, jumping power up to 625Wh with the option of adding an Energypack Plus extender for an extra 250Wh. These newer batteries use a larger, more efficient cell type that claims to have a higher discharge capacity per cycle, making for longer rides without worrying about running out of juice. We also like that this newer battery design is more easily recycled after end-of-life is reached.

Giant also offers an in-house repair partnership with Yamaha. However, the complex nature of the Trance X means that Giant won’t deliver a bike right to your door. The cost of delivery and assembly is included with the bike, but it means getting the finished product is more complicated, especially if you live remotely or outside of a major urban center. Giant will help you find a certified mechanic as close as possible to your location.

Scott Lumen eRIDE  »

Only 34 lbs. total

Smaller motor and battery system

Modular design

Sporty handling with stealthy frame

Adaptable suspension

Lower max weight

Top tier price

More involved cable maintenance

Convoluted warranty

The Scott Lumen eRIDE is only 34 pounds and designed with slimness in mind; its ultra-light focus shows up in everything from the frame to the motor.

At 50Nm, the TQ-HPR50 motor puts out the lowest torque of any bike on this list. But given that the bike is half the weight of some of the heavier models, the power-to-weight ratio is substantially higher. SCOTT has integrated both the motor and battery directly into the frame, giving the Lumen more space to accommodate an extra water bottle and a seamless, plug-and-play range extender. This system makes it very easy to mix and match on the go for either more range or more water for those sweaty uphills.

The Lumen eRIDE contains a TwinLoc remote; with it, you can opt into three very distinct suspension modes: descent, traction control, and lockout. A built-in display sits right on the top tube and shows rider power, battery status, ride mode, and estimated range remaining.

Common complaints stem from SCOTT’s choice of integrating cables into the frame, which makes for a stealthy, smooth look but leads to more involved maintenance work if you need to replace or repair something. Another issue is SCOTT’s convoluted warranty policy that only applies to the frame, is good for only five years, and requires registration within the first 10 days. The warranty is also affected if you don’t bring your bike to an authorized SCOTT dealer, so you’re out of luck if you don’t have one in your area.

Aventon Adventure.2  »

Under $2,000

Lifetime warranty for a budget price

Simplified use

High storage space

High range for weight

More limited use than other models

Difficult to use without the motor

Not as customizable

At 77 pounds, the Aventon Adventure.2 is more than double the weight of the Lumen but can carry almost double the maximum load, making it more of a pack mule than the other models on this list. The powerful brushless rear-hub motor puts out a good amount of torque, which, along with the big battery, can be pushed to up to 60 miles on one charge.

The Aventon truly shines in its price: $1,799 as of the writing of this article, which is one of the cheaper models out there. And don’t let this low price fool you, as the Aventure.2 has significant bang for that kind of buck. It’s comfortable to ride, with 80mm of front suspension and beefy, 4-inch tires. And it can handle nearly every terrain: gravel, mud, pavement, and beyond. Built-in fenders and lights also make for a comfortable and safer ride on roadways and at night.

The user interface is also incredibly well-designed: It’s backlit, with a color LED screen that sits right on top of the stem in front of the rider. This shows the same info as you’ll find on top-of-the-line Lumen or Trance X bikes, and it even has a USB port to charge either a phone or another device. Although the Aventon app isn’t as integrated or in-depth as some of the more premium contenders, it’s very easy to use and has enough info for most riders.

Considering its cost, customer support and warranty from Aventon are top-notch, with a lifetime warranty for an original owner and 90 days to register the bike – a whole 80 days more than SCOTT offers.

The Bottom Line 

Electric mountain bikes are still fairly new, and they are only going to get lighter, cheaper, and more powerful. You certainly don’t need an eMTB to go up and enjoy the trails, but having something with a little more power makes the sport that much more accessible to beginners. Options abound both for the weekend warrior who also wants an e-bike to commute in town, or the committed rider who wants top-of-the-line efficiency, weight, and power.

The extra weight inherent to these systems will turn many riders away. “Think of someone who likes to do downhill sections with tight corners and jumps; they will not appreciate the extra weight,” says Jeff Wight, owner and operator of eBike Generation.

Things To Consider When Buying Electric Mountain Bikes

“There are many different kinds of e-bikes and you can tailor your selection to the type of riding that you do,” says Wight. Understanding the terrain you plan to ride on is also going to dictate what kind of bike you buy.

If you’re seriously looking at buying an eMTB, here are a couple of things to consider:

Price: You can pay a few thousand dollars for an electric mountain bike, or more than $10,000. What’s the major difference? One of the biggest drivers of cost is the frame build and materials. For example, aluminum builds usually have lower price tags while the carbon fiber frames easily push into the five-figure range.

Motor Type and Power Output: This is expressed both in terms of Watts (W) and Newton-meters (Nm). When you’re buying an eMTB, check the style of the motor. As the name suggests, a hub motor is built into the back wheel of the bike and provides power directly into that wheel. Conversely, a mid-drive motor is built into the frame, usually where the down tube meets the bottom bracket. These two systems work in separate ways to produce power: think automatic vs. manual transmission.

Battery Output and Range: A motor is nothing without a power source, and the style and substance of a battery can make or break your riding experience. Measured in Watt-hours (Wh), it’s important to look at how much energy the battery can discharge over a certain amount of time as this will give you a good idea of how long it will last during a ride. Battery range is variable and has to do with the quality of the battery, the needs of the rider, and the weight of the bike it’s supposed to be powering. On an ultralight bike like the Lumen, for example, the drive system doesn’t need as much power as it simply doesn’t have to push as much mass as compared to something like the much heavier Aventure.2.

Bike Weight and Max Load: This metric has a huge impact on a rider’s experience and often has a direct relation to cost, motor power, and geometry. Mostly, a bike’s weight will be determined by what the frame is built from. Carbon fiber builds allow for ultralight bikes to hit the sub-40 pound mark while run-of-the-mill aluminum builds are more in the 50- 60-pound range. This has a huge impact on the strength of the motor and battery, as well as the maximum weight of the bike. A heavier bike equals a stronger motor and battery with a higher max load capacity.

Frame Material and Geometry: Related to both weight and motor power, the frame material and geometry greatly impact the rider experience. Bikes that have flexible or adjustable geometry allow riders to micro-tune their riding experience, opening up that model to a wider variety of riders. This often correlates directly with cost, as bikes with higher-quality frames and adjustable geometry give a single bike more flexibility on climbs, descents, and types of terrain.

Customer Service and Warranty: These bikes aren’t cheap and having a solid warranty and customer service team behind a purchase can mean the difference between a fantastic rider experience and buyer’s remorse. We’ve found that this runs the gambit from a sub-par two-year limited warranty on only the frame to a lifetime warranty for the frame, motor, and battery. Some companies have different requirements for getting the best warranty so read the fine print.

How We Chose The Best Electric Mountain Bikes

Our contributor, Jenni Gritters, used her own knowledge and extensive research about mountain bikes, and the optimal specifications for electric mountain bikes. Gritters also consulted with several experts for this guide including Jeff Wright and Chris Pruitt. Jeff Wight is the owner and operator of eBike Generation , a small business that provides outfitted eMTBs to hunters and other outdoor enthusiasts. He also keeps track of e-bike regulations by state to help riders understand what they can and can’t do on the road. Chris Pruitt is the CEO and a certified trainer at WorkoutHealthy , who trains and treats mountain bikers and happens to be an avid rider himself. His focus is on exercise and outdoor tech which, along with his work on mountain bikes, gives him a unique perspective on the ever-evolving world of eMTBs.

For each electric mountain bike, Gritters considered bike weight, materials, geometry, price, battery size and range, user reviews, and more.

WHY YOU SHOULD TRUST US

Jenni Gritters is a journalist with a decade of experience covering outdoor gear, writing about everything from kids' balance bikes to the best hiking boots. She lives in Bend, Oregon, an outdoor playground of a mountain town. For this article, Gritters consulted Jeff Wight, owner and operator of eBike Generation, and Chriss Pruitt, CEO and certified trainer at WorkoutHealthy.

“There are many different kinds of eMTBs and you can tailor your selection to the type of riding that you do,” Wight says. 

Understanding what you’re planning to ride on both in terms of terrain and distance will dictate what bike you buy, and you should visit a bike store to learn more about the best match for your style. Wight lists the things you should ask about: mid versus hub motors, motor size, battery size, a derailleur versus an internally geared hub, a hardtail versus rear suspension, wheel size, and tire specs.

“Ensure the bike’s battery supports the distance you plan to cover,” says Pruitt. With an electric mountain bike, having the best motor and frame matters little if you run out of power!

In short, the motor and battery affect the performance of an electric mountain bike significantly. The power of the motor and the amount of power supplied over time by the battery will impact your ride. Both are directly related to how heavy the bike is and understanding the power-to-weight ratio of the entire system.

You should make your motor and battery choices based on the type of terrain you plan to ride on, Wight says.

Mid-drive motors will work better for riders on steep terrain, because of their design and how they transfer power to the bike. On rides when traction might be an issue, you should consider a hub motor (either front or rear-wheel mounted).

“Battery care is critical to preserving the life of this important (and expensive) component. Shifting mechanisms will need adjustment if the bike is not shifting correctly, as well,” says Wight. This is something all bike mechanics will know how to do and is something bikers can learn for themselves.

The motor and battery of an eMTB make up for the more complex – and expensive – components on the bike and make maintenance more complicated.

“Store the battery in a cool place to extend its lifespan,” says Pruitt, as temperature fluctuation hurts how much charge a battery has, as well as how long it can release that charge over time.

“Size guides from the manufacturers will help you choose the right size for you,” says Wight. Again, always consider what terrain you’ll be riding on and how long your rides will be; this will often give a good idea of what kind of geometry your ideal bike should have.

“Some of these bikes are pretty heavy,” continued Wight, “and things like getting them up onto a bike rack, or schlepping them around in your garage, are different than a non-ebike.”

Like shopping for a car, “The best advice is to test-ride the bike to ensure it fits well,” says Pruitt.

“Look for a good set of brakes. You want lots of stopping power for these heavy bikes in rough terrain,” says Pruitt.

“Built-in lights and reflective materials for visibility in low light conditions are paramount,” according to Wight. You should also check the maximum weight of the bike before riding it.

About Our Team

Jenni gritters.

Contributor

Staff Writer

U.S. News 360 Reviews takes an unbiased approach to our recommendations. When you use our links to buy products, we may earn a commission but that in no way affects our editorial independence.

First Bosch-powered electric bikes enter Taiwan thanks to Tern

It feels like e-bikes powered by Bosch’s popular mid-drive electric motors have been around in just about every market for as long as many of us can remember. But there are still major markets getting their first taste of the highly-engineered drivetrains. Bosch’s mid-drive motors are now entering Taiwan, rolling in on Tern’s Vektron and Quick Haul e-bikes.

While Tern’s mastery of the Western e-bike markets has led many to assume they are a North American or European brand, the company is actually based in Taiwan.

Their Bosch-powered e-bikes carry an esteemed international reputation for quality and longevity, but so far the company’s domestic market has only had access to its folding and non-electric bikes (I’ve often drooled over the Tern BYB, which offers a design that looks like if Brompton ratched up the style knob several clicks).

Now Tern is launching the Vektron and Quick Haul e-bikes in Taiwan, and in doing so, is bringing the first Bosch-powered electric bikes to the island.

“Taiwan is the global epicenter for quality bicycles and the country has come so far in promoting bikes for recreation and transport,” stated Josh Hon, Tern Team Captain. “With a large portion of Tern Team Members calling Taiwan home, it was easy for us to raise our hands when Bosch suggested entering the Taiwan market. Our bikes also make the most sense for dense cities like Taipei where a compact e-bike is easier to ride and store.”

The Tern Vektron is an ideal urban city e-bike thanks to its tight-folding frame design, which is more compact than most folding e-bikes in its class. These types of folding e-bikes are a common sight in major European capitals where portability is key.

The Vektron is a convenient option for commuters who need to ride to the train station and then fold their e-bike to carry onboard with them into the city.

For those riders who use e-bikes more as a family vehicle than an individual commuter, the Tern Quick Haul offers more cargo and kid-hauling opportunities. Having tested the Quick Haul myself , I can confirm that it’s definitely a car-replacing electric bike thanks to its go-anywhere and carry-anything vibe.

The Quick Haul’s form factor is key, with the company describing it as “brawny enough to safely ferry a passenger or handle 150 kg (330 lb) of load, the Quick Haul is still smaller than a standard city bike.”

Both bikes also feature Bosch powertrains, meaning they sport the complete motor, battery, console, and drive system package.

Electrek’s Take

When I first heard this news, I was surprised to find out that Taiwan didn’t have any Bosch-powered e-bikes yet. After all, Josh Hon is exactly right – it’s the epicenter of the higher-quality e-bike industry. But on second thought ( and after a recent trip to Taiwan ), I remembered that I didn’t actually see as many e-bikes on the road as I expected, since most two-wheeled commuters seem to love scooters there. Those great bike parts originating in Taiwan are mostly being exported.

Sure, there were certainly many of the types of e-bikes we think of here in the West, and I was impressed with the number of bike lanes around Taipei, but there weren’t the droves of e-bikers like you’d see in Berlin or Amsterdam. Instead, scooters dominate the streets.

But perhaps that’s because they haven’t yet had access to the type of Bosch-powered e-bikes that Berliners treat as their daily drivers. I’m sure I saw just a snapshot in time, and it’s great to hear that the trend is moving upwards towards higher rates of cycling. I guess we’ll have to check back again this time next year to see if Bosch-powered Tern bikes become a common sight on the streets of Taipei!

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Micah Toll is a personal electric vehicle enthusiast, battery nerd, and author of the Amazon #1 bestselling books DIY Lithium Batteries , DIY Solar Power,   The Ultimate DIY Ebike Guide  and The Electric Bike Manifesto .

The e-bikes that make up Micah’s current daily drivers are the $999 Lectric XP 2.0 , the $1,095 Ride1Up Roadster V2 , the $1,199 Rad Power Bikes RadMission , and the $3,299 Priority Current . But it’s a pretty evolving list these days.

You can send Micah tips at [email protected], or find him on Twitter , Instagram , or TikTok .

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