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Review: Trek's 2023 Fuel EX-e Is Light & Nearly Completely Silent

Trek Fuel EX-e 9.9 XX1 AXS Photo Dave Smith

Cool Features

E-MOUNTAINBIKE Magazine

The Trek Fuel EXe 9.9 XX1 AXS – In our huge “Best e-mountainbike of 2023” group test

trek e bike mtb 2023

With the Fuel EXe 9.9 XX1 AXS 2023, Trek enter our huge 2023 eMTB group test with their first ever Light-eMTB, which retails at € 14,499 and comes equipped with a TQ HPR 50 motor and matching 360 Wh battery. Above all, it’s supposed to convince with its discreet look and natural riding feel, but how does it fare against the competition?

trek e bike mtb 2023

Last year, the Trek Fuel EXe was introduced as the first bike on the market with the new TQ HPR 50 motor. The drive system of the Bavarian tech manufacturer was developed in close co-operation with the American bike colossus and was initially covered by a three month exclusivity agreement. Trek’s yellow trail bruiser combines 150/140 mm of travel front and rear and doesn’t care about huge horsepower or a massive range. Instead, it was developed to deliver the most natural ride feeling and discreet look possible. In Trek’s portfolio, it sits right between Trek’s 160/150 mm, full-fat eMTB allrounder, the Rail, and their XC eBike, the E-Caliber XC, which employs a FAZUA Ride Evation 50 motor and combines 120/60 mm, at the front and rear. Now that the new TQ HPR 50 motor can be found on an increasing number of bikes, we couldn’t wait to see how the Trek fares against the new competition.

trek e bike mtb 2023

For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best eMTB of 2023 – 30 models in review

To e- or not to e-? – How does the Trek Fuel EXe 9.9 XX1 AXS compare to the competition?

No, you’re not drunk and you’re not seeing double: the Trek Fuel EXe 9.9 XX1 AXS looks confusingly similar to its analogue counterpart, the Fuel EX. Trek have done a great job at concealing the motor in the frame, which was made easier by the drive system’s compact dimensions. The display sits flush with the top tube and lets you scroll between different display views, providing a whole bunch of information, including the selected support level, mileage and battery charge status in 10% increments. Compared to the other TQ bikes in this test, the Fuel EXe relies on its own display interface, which differs from the standard TQ version and is more intuitive to use. But that’s not all: Trek have managed to pack several extra functions into the Trek Central app, allowing you not only to display the usual riding data mentioned above but also to monitor the tire and suspension pressure in conjunction with the TyreWiz and AirWiz sensors. In addition, the app recommends an optimal suspension setting based on the rider’s weight. As if that wasn’t enough, Trek’s “Range Cloud” provides a visual estimate of the remaining range for each support level, displaying a radius on a map that shows how far you’ll get with the remaining range. The 360 Wh battery is integrated permanently into the slim down tube of the carbon frame. Like with the Haibike LYKE, the battery can either be charged directly on the bike via the charging port or removed from the down tube for external charging by removing two bolts. For epic backcountry expeditions, you can expand the battery with the optional 160 Wh range extender. The electronic SRAM XX1 AXS 12-speed drivetrain is wired straight into the main battery, allowing you to dispense with one of the AXS batteries. As a result, shifting is only an option with the motor turned on, but the system guarantees up to 300 gear shifts even once the main battery is dead.

trek e bike mtb 2023

The one-piece Bontrager RSL carbon cockpit perfectly suits the slim frame silhouette of the Trek. However, the one-piece construction doesn’t allow for fine tuning, while the 820 mm handlebars are far wider than the average in this test. A basic multitool is hidden inside the stem while an additional tool mount on the underside of the top tube allows you to carry a spare inner tube directly on the frame. SRAM CODE RSC four-piston brakes with 200 mm rotors front and rear ensure powerful and reliable deceleration, but the brake lines rattle loudly against the frame. Trek’s in-house component brand Bontrager also provides the SE5 Team Issue tires, which might be a reasonable choice for clean singletracks, but are far too flimsy for heavy riders and mean shredders, who should upgrade to more robust tires with a tougher casing.

trek e bike mtb 2023

Trek Fuel EXe 9.9 XX1 AXS

Specifications.

Motor TQ HPR 50 50 Nm Battery TQ HPR Battery V01 360 Wh Display TQ 0-LED Fork RockShox Lyrik Ultimate 2023 150 mm Rear Shock RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate 140 mm Seatpost RockShox Reverb AXS 170 mm Brakes SRAM CODE RSC 200/200 mm Drivetrain SRAM XX1 AXS 1x12 Stem Bontrager RSL Carbon 45 mm Handlebar Bontrager RSL Carbon 820 mm Wheelset Bontrager Line Pro 30 29" Tires Bontrager SE5 Team Issue/Bontrager SE5 Team Issue 2.5/2.5

Technical Data

Size S M L XL Weight 18.9 kg Perm. total weight 136 kg Max. payload (rider/equipment) 117 kg Trailer approval no Kickstand mount no

Specific Features

Range-Extender Toolmount TyreWiz/AirWiz integrated multitool

Tuning tip: Shorten the handlebars

Trail King – What is the Trek Fuel EXe 9.9 XX1 AXS capable of?

If you rolled up on your shiny new Trek Fuel EXe 9.9 XX1 AXS at the next group ride, your analogue mates wouldn’t believe how “fit” you are, because the TQ system is integrated almost invisibly into the frame and is as quiet as a mouse – the quietest motor in this test. In all situations, it responds sensitively and doesn’t buck you off the saddle like a Ducati on a dragstrip. On level ground, the Fuel EXe scores with a comfortable pedalling position that’s also suitable for long tours, but the wide handlebars put a lot of pressure on your hands. Riding uphill, the rear end bobs slightly, but generates a decent amount of traction. When the climb gets steeper, you’ll have to actively weight the front wheel to prevent it from lifting.

trek e bike mtb 2023

When gravity takes over, the Trek integrates you nicely between its big wheels. The weight is evenly distributed between the front and rear and, together with the intuitive handling, inspires good amounts of confidence, encouraging you to open the tap. The wide cockpit forces you relatively far forward, providing enough traction on the front wheel, even when carving through open, dusty corners at Mach 10. Before hitting narrow trails with tight corners, however, you should practise your aiming skills, because the wide handlebars require a very focussed riding style. The stiff front end makes it easy to commit to audacious, fun highlines but requires an experienced rider who knows how to handle the strong feedback. The suspension provides enough support to pop off rollers on flow-trails but still bails you out on botched landings. The Fuel EXe 9.9 XX1 AXS implements spontaneous direction changes just as willingly as the Orbea Rise but can’t quite keep up with the stoic composure of the FOCUS JAM² SL 9.9.

If you rolled up on your shiny new Trek Fuel EXe 9.9 XX1 AXS at the next group ride, your analogue mates wouldn’t believe how “fit” you are, because the TQ system is integrated almost invisibly into the frame and as quite as a mouse – the quietest motor in test.

trek e bike mtb 2023

Riding downhill, you’re integrated deeply into the bike and the Trek Fuel EXe 9.9 XX1 AXS inspires enough confidence to really open the tap.

Who should take a closer look at the Trek Fuel EXe 9.9 XX1 AXS and who should look elsewhere?

The Trek Fuel EXe 9.9 XX1 AXS is the ideal companion for sporty trail riders who are looking for a discreet Light-eMTB and have the skills to handle its direct feedback. Connectivity freaks will have the time of their life with the Trek Central app, which offers a huge range of functions to fine tune your ride down to the smallest detail.

trek e bike mtb 2023

Riding Characteristics

User friendliness, value for money, trekking & commuting suitability, intended use, gravel roads, technical climbs, flowtrail descents, technical descents, conclusions about the trek fuel exe 9.9 xx1 axs.

Thanks to the quiet drive and near-invisible motor and display integration, the Trek Fuel EXe 9.9 XX1 AXS 2023 is hardly recognisable as an eMTB. On the trail, it convinces with intuitive handling and balanced weight distribution. The stiff cockpit ensures direct handling and plenty of feedback, which can be overwhelming for inexperienced riders. Overall, the Trek is an excellent partner for sporty trail riders who know how to deal with the direct handling.

trek e bike mtb 2023

  • Seamless integration of the motor system
  • Motor has a sporty, natural ride feeling
  • Intuitive handling

trek e bike mtb 2023

  • Brake lines rattle loudly against the frame
  • One-piece cockpit doesn’t allow for fine tuning

You can find out more about at trekbikes.com

trek e bike mtb 2023

The test field

All bikes in test: Berria Mako Hybrid GT LTD (Click for review) | Bulls SONIC EVO SL EN-1 (Click for review) | Cannondale Moterra Neo Carbon LT1 (Click for review) | Flyer Uproc X 9.50 (Click for review) | Focus SAM² 6.9 (Click for review) | Focus JAM² 6.9 (Click for review) | Focus Jam² SL 9.9 (Click for review) | Forestal Siryon Diōde (Click for review) | Giant Trance X Advanced E+ Ltd (Click for review) | Haibike Lyke CF SE (Click for review) | Ibis OSO (Click for review) | KTM Macina Prowler Exonic (Click for review) | MERIDA eONE-SIXTY 975 (Click for review) | Mondraker Crafty Carbon XR LTD (Click for review) | Moustache Samedi 29 Game 11 (Click for review) | Orbea Rise M-Team (Click for review) | Orbea WILD M-LTD (Click for review) | Pivot Shuttle SL Pro X01 (Click for review) | Pivot Shuttle LT Team XTR (Click for review) | Radon Deft 10.0 (Click for review) | Rotwild R.X735 Ultra (Click for review) | Santa Cruz Heckler MX XO1 AXS RSV (Click for review) | SCOTT Lumen eRide 900 SL (Click for review) | Simplon Rapcon Pmax TQ (Click for review) | Specialized Turbo Levo Expert (Click for review) | Transition Repeater AXS Carbon (Click for review) | Thömus Lightrider E Ultimate (Click for review) | Trek Fuel EXe 9.9 XX1 AXS | UNNO Mith Race (Click for review) | Yeti 160E T1 (Click for review)

Did you enjoy this article? If so, we would be stoked if you decide to support us with a monthly contribution. By becoming a supporter of E-MOUNTAINBIKE, you will help secure a sustainable future for high-quality cycling journalism. Click here to learn more .

Words: Mike Hunger Photos: Peter Walker

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About the author.

trek e bike mtb 2023

Mike Hunger

From slopestyle and landscape photography to enduro and action shots. Mike enjoys trying new things and loves action. He also loves craftsmanship, regularly going on road trips with his VW Syncro van, which he restored and converted himself. Of course, his bike and his camera are always with him so that he can ride the finest trails from Italy to the Alps and capture the most beautiful moments. Thanks to his training as an industrial mechanic, his experience in cycling and his photographic skills, he can apply his know-how perfectly as a bike journalist, testing the latest bikes and components and documenting his findings. As a photography nerd, he also captures the reviews with his camera and ensures that the magazine features only the best images.

Review: Trek Fuel EXe eMTB smashes rough trails & climbs like (you’re) a beast

2023 trek fuel EXe eMTB review riding action

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The Trek Fuel EXe is a bit of an outlier in the current e-MTB market. Most e-mountain bikes fall into one of two categories: High-powered, long-travel beasts, or lightweight, short-travel models with lower-power systems.

The Fuel EXe sits in the middle, with 150/140mm travel and generous, adjustable trail geometry, and the new TQ HPR50 motor that’s ultra-quiet with moderate output. And it works, delivering a balanced, capable bike and an extremely fun ride experience.

If you’re looking for an eMTB that rides like a trail bike and helps you conquer bigger trails and longer days, here’s everything you need to know about the Trek Fuel EXe…

The Quick Overview

trek e bike mtb 2023

The Trek Fuel EXe translates their popular Fuel EX trail bike line into an electric-assist model that “empowers you to do more, without interrupting the way you experience nature.” That was the goal, and they nailed it.

It starts with a full OCLV carbon frame with fully internal routing and integrated TQ HPR50 drive system. The tiny motor sits where the BB is and still allows short 440mm chainstays. The 360Wh battery sits in the downtube and the power button/system monitor is flush in the top tube.

closeup frame and component details on trek fuel EXe e-mountain bike

A simple two-button remote is barely visible on the bars. It cycles through the modes, initiates Walk Mode, and a long press of the lower button will turn off all assist. Meaning, default is Eco mode, you have to hold the lower button for about 3 seconds to turn assist off…I wish it was just a quick press as for the other modes.

closeup frame and component details on trek fuel EXe e-mountain bike

The bike has 29er wheels front and rear, 140mm rear travel paired to 150mm forks, a 65º head angle, and 77º effective seat angle (in Low position; their Mino link flip-chip lets you tweak the geo by 0.5º steeper in High).

Size-specific dropper posts range from 120mm to 170mm in travel depending on frame size. All sizes get 165mm cranks.

Check our launch coverage for the full tech story on this bike.

How’s the TQ motor?

closeup frame and component details on trek fuel EXe e-mountain bike

It’s brilliant. Until I thought to pay attention to it, I heard nothing.

And when I was paying attention, it sounds like a light, barely perceptible whistling of the wind.

The sound of my friend’s regular eMTB riding 20 feet behind me drowned out any noise from this bike.

closeup frame and component details on trek fuel EXe e-mountain bike

Basically, noise is no issue here, not even at maximum power. You truly do hear nature, not the bike.

This is because the motor has no belts or gears. Trek has a great breakaway view of it , and we covered the tech in depth if you’d like to dig deeper.

The TL;DR is this: It’s ultra quiet, pumps out smooth power delivery, and 50Nm of torque is plenty to help you along the trail and up the hills. It’s also ultra-light, weighing 2.5+ pounds less than competitors’ larger 85-90Nm motors. As such, it uses a smaller, lighter battery without giving up range or ride time.

What about battery life?

closeup frame and component details on trek fuel EXe e-mountain bike

Trek claims 2-5 hours of ride time per charge. With judicious use of Eco mode, I routinely got more than 3 hours of riding on a single charge. That means mixed use of mostly in Eco but using Trail mode on most climbs and Turbo on the steepest climbs.

Fortunately, Eco felt just right when pedaling along. Trail was fun, and a bit faster, but mostly not necessary for keeping up with others.

That said, when riding with others on eMTBs with more powerful systems, it was clear that they were faster. But on the trail, in the woods, things evened out enough that we all just rode together perfectly fine. I never felt under-gunned unless we were nailing it up a smooth fire road.

closeup frame and component details on trek fuel EXe e-mountain bike

A 160Wh Range Extender is available for $599 and adds 44% more capacity. It’ll take up the single bottle cage on the bike, but it’s worth it for big days when range anxiety is a real thing. Personally, I’d add it to the cart.

One note: Fresh out of the box, TQ says the system needs a few full charge and discharge cycles to accurately estimate range and battery life.

My first ride’s assistance abruptly ended with 7% battery showing on the display. My second ride ended at 3%.

Subsequent rides are getting closer to 0%, but even at 0% showing, there’s a small reserve left to power the electronics. Which is crucial because the SRAM AXS rear derailleur is plugged into and powered by the bike…not its own battery.

TQ e-bike display

Starting with 1%, I still managed to get 2.5+ hours of riding out of it before it finally, fully shut down and left me with a single speed.

closeup frame and component details on trek fuel EXe e-mountain bike

Yes, you can borrow the battery from the Reverb AXS and use that, but then the wire and plug leading to the derailleur are left dangling about… and likely to get ripped off or sucked up into the chain.

Fortunately, the system also charges quickly, getting to about 80% in about 90 minutes, and fully charged in about 2.5 hours.

It’s worth noting that when TQ’s system drops below 10% charge, it limits output to Eco mode regardless of the setting you choose. This helps ensure you maximize your range.

Why not just get a high-powered eMTB?

closeup frame and component details on trek fuel EXe e-mountain bike

I’ve been asked, “yeah, but if you’re paying for an eMTB, why not just get a high-powered e-MTB?”

That’s a good question. I have a couple of good answers.

First, this bike is a lot lighter, at least 10lbs lighter. It’s entirely pedal-able even without assist, something I unwittingly proved when I showed up at the trailhead and realized I hadn’t charged it.

Three hours later, I was spent, but had a great time riding. Granted, this was on flowing trails without any massive, long climbs, but I still had hundreds of little punchy climbs and sprints to get up and down the trail.

closeup frame and component details on trek fuel EXe e-mountain bike

Second, full power feels about like half power compared to a top-level Bosch- or Shimano-equipped bike. But that’s OK. The Fuel EXe’s output feels more natural, so if you’re looking for an e-bike that rides like a regular bike, this is it. It just lets you get a little further a little faster. Big days can be bigger. Little days can be a little faster.

On loose, technical, or entirely too steep climbs, I actually preferred the lower output of the Fuel EX-e. It was more than enough to help me up (I still had to work), but it wasn’t spinning out or lurching out of control where more powerful bikes were. It makes really steep, sketchy climbs more manageable.

But if you want more power, check out the Trek Rail . If you want no power, we reviewed the non-electric version of this 2023 Trek Fuel EX with this same spec, too.

How much does the Trek Fuel EXe weigh?

trek fuel EXe eMTB actual weights on a hanging scale

I tested the top of the line Trek Fuel EXe 9.9 XX1 AXS in size XL. It weighed in at 41lb 11oz (18.76kg) without pedals…and that’s with an impressive (and expensive) mix of both lightweight and tech-laden parts.

Trek says the entire TQ HPR50 system adds just 3.9kg (8lb 10oz). The EXe is only about 10lbs more than the nearly identical-looking standard Fuel EX, so they didn’t add much beyond the TQ system to make it an e-bike.

closeup frame and component details on trek fuel EXe e-mountain bike

The frame feels stiff and robust. The tires are big and meaty.

closeup frame and component details on trek fuel EXe e-mountain bike

The bike looks tough, with square-ish tube profiles and wide cross sections. All of that adds up to an extremely laterally stiff frame.

closeup frame and component details on trek fuel EXe e-mountain bike

The one-piece RSL handlebar stem and Line Pro 30 carbon wheels save weight, but as a percentage of total bike weight, they’re not making the same impact they would on an analog bike. And, at 820mm wide (on all frame sizes!) it’s really wide…if it were mine, I’d cut it down (they include marks measured to 740mm).

I’d also probably switch the grips to something with a bit more vibration damping. If you choose a model with a standard handlebar and stem, I’d recommend something like the OneUp or Race Face trail handlebars with added compliance.

Too much tech?

closeup frame and component details on trek fuel EXe e-mountain bike

Other spec highlights on this particular trim level include a complete SRAM AirWiz and TireWiz system, offering remote tire pressure and fork & shock pressure monitoring.

The Trek App shows recommended tire, fork, and shock pressures based on your riding weight, along with starter rebound settings. With AirWiz/TireWiz installed, their app will also show current actual pressures, too.

Check it there, or just look for the blinking lights on the bike to be green, and you’re good to go. Red lights mean something’s out of the recommended range.

trek ebike app setup screens for fuel exe eMTB

I found that the recommended tire pressure settings were a tad high. I ended up at 22psi front and rear with no issues (I’m about 192-195lbs fully kitted out, ready to ride).

closeup frame and component details on trek fuel EXe e-mountain bike

The Bontrager SE5 Team Issue 29×2.5 tires are excellent, I run them on some of my other bikes, too. Like most aggressive trail tires, and particularly those spec’d on e-bikes, the casings are stiffer and can take a lot of abuse, so lower pressures help improve ride feel. I may still go a bit lower.

trek e bike mtb 2023

At 22psi, they’ll mold to the ground and take a hit, but I still haven’t felt a rim strike despite some obvious deformation over roots and rocks.

trek ebike app setup screens for fuel exe eMTB

The rear shock’s air pressure recommendation was spot on, giving me full travel on the big days.

The fork, however, was too high. Trek recommended 102psi, but even at 87psi I was only getting ~85% travel. I’m still tinkering here, down to 84psi, but the takeaway is that you don’t have to stick to the recommended settings.

And, once you find what you like, you can use the Trek (or SRAM’s AXS) app to manually set your preferences. If the bike has the Air/TireWiz devices, those will be updated to blink red/green accordingly, too.

closeup frame and component details on trek fuel EXe e-mountain bike

Personally, I think the Wiz devices are clever, but overkill, and they definitely add cost. I like that I can set my preferences and use the Trek app to save them (because I will definitely forget), but I could take or leave the extra electronics on the bike…and, if I were shopping, would probably opt not to pay for that tech here.

How does the Trek Fuel EX-e ride?

2023 trek fuel EXe eMTB review riding action

In short? It rides like an aggressive trail bike. A really good aggressive trail bike.

Trek’s ABP suspension is efficient and effective. There’s a lockout switch on the rear shock, but in most instances it’s not needed. I only used it on long fire road stretches or when riding the road to the trails. Once on the dirt, it stays open with no issues on sprints, standing climbing, or just powering along.

2023 trek fuel EXe eMTB review riding action

On the descents, I could smash through extended rock and root sections, prevalent on the trails at Carven’s Cove near Roanoke.

While I’m still fiddling with the fork’s air pressure to improve small bump and low speed comfort, the Lyrik Ultimate on this bike absolutely demolished high speed hits.

2023 trek fuel EXe eMTB review riding action

Combined with the stiff frame and capable tires, the Fuel EXe inspires a lot of confidence at speed over gnarly terrain.

trek e bike mtb 2023

The suspension stays active under power, which is good because I (like most eMTB riders, according to research) tend to stay seated more often on e-mountain bikes. The motorized assist helps a rider power through rough stuff in theory, and a good suspension platform like this makes it happen in reality.

2023 trek fuel EXe eMTB review riding action

The Fuel EXe hammers through the rough stuff when standing, too, maintaining traction.

Situations like these, where a little bounce and skip is inevitable is another argument in favor of moderate power output from the motor. Never once did I spin out, and never did I really wish for more power. It’s a good balance.

The bike’s geometry is perfectly balanced, too. I could easily maintain rear traction while keeping the front wheel firmly on the ground, even on some monstrous 18%+ loose, rutted fire road climbs.

2023 trek fuel EXe eMTB review riding action

Even the bike’s weight feels well-balanced, in terms of handling. Jumps feel natural…

2023 trek fuel EXe eMTB review riding action

…as do drop-ins…

2023 trek fuel EXe eMTB review riding action

…and drop offs.

2023 trek fuel EXe eMTB review riding action

But there’s a definite heft to getting the front wheel up and over logs or rocks.

The result was that I’d just smash into stuff that I would usually pop up and over on a regular bike. Up to a point, of course … there are some things you simply have to lift the wheel up and over, so just know that it takes more effort.

Which means riding this bike, despite its relative light weight, is more of a full-body workout, as is any eMTB. And I feel like I pedaled more consistently and turned more total revolutions, many times also riding a bit longer than I otherwise would have.

The point is, at the end of each ride, I was all grins and knew quite well that I’d earned them. Well done, Trek.

TrekBikes.com

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Tyler Benedict is the Founder of Bikerumor.com , where he’s been writing about the latest bikes, components, and cycling technology for almost two decades. Prior to that, Tyler launched and built multiple sports nutrition brands and consumer goods companies, mostly as an excuse to travel and ride in new places.

Based in North Carolina, Tyler also loves the Vanlife & family adventure travel and is always on the lookout for the next shiny new part and off-grid adventure.

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Bobiov

Great review!!

Jim Bertolina

Thank you for the thorough review! Did you happen to test it out on jumps? I’m hoping that the reduced weight makes it feel more natural off of jumps compared to the heavier e-bikes but haven’t seen that discussed yet.

Gary Miller

Caution: If you are like me, and ride small frame bikes, right now they are very difficult to come by. I recently ordered the Trek Fuel EXe 9.8 and it has an early arrival date of January. Other companies are into spring.

Doc Sarvis

Hoping to pick up my 9.7 in early November. Excellent review.

Jeff

Great review. You rode an XL but never mentioned your height. Did it feel long? I’m 6’1 190 and debating L vs XL

JBikes

What the long-term plan from TQ on motor footprint/mounting. If the motor goes in 5-10 years, is the bike basically trash?

Yer dad

It’s still just a Trek. I guess we thank Giant for the fine work?

Also, TQ was having a heckuva time keeping up with demand in Europe, so time will tell how successful this bike will be service-wise.

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On Test | Is the Trek Fuel EX 2023 the most forward-thinking trail bike out there?

Huge news in the trail bike world, the brand new 2023 Trek Fuel EX has landed and it looks like an absolute ripper! As we predicted when we tested the electrified Fuel EXe a couple of months ago, Trek is bringing many of the same updates to the non-motorised version. There are some surprises however, with the new Fuel EX adopting some of the innovations shown in the latest Session downhill bike, while also unveiling brand new tech that makes this one of the most versatile Trek mountain bikes we’ve ever seen.

Watch our video review of the Trek Fuel EX 2023 here:

trek fuel ex 2023

What’s changed with the 2023 Trek Fuel EX?

For 2023 the Trek Fuel EX receives an all-new frame design, and it also sees a 10mm increase in suspension travel. Stock bikes are now equipped with a 150mm travel fork, while the ABP platform delivers 140mm of rear travel.

Most frame sizes will come with 29in wheels, though the two smallest frame sizes will be available with 27.5in wheels. And as with previous models, the Fuel EX will be offered in both alloy and carbon variants.

With the aim of improving overall practicality, some of the features we’ve seen in the past have been eliminated from the new Fuel EX. The Knock Block headset is gone, and so too is the proprietary Thru Shaft shock and custom RE:aktiv damper. You’ll also no longer find a press-fit bottom bracket, with the Fuel EX moving to a more popular threaded BB shell.

Trek has also adopted guided internal cable routing, both on the carbon and alloy frames. The same goes for the integrated downtube storage. And as with the latest Trek Slash , there’s a new two-piece, dual-density, bolt-on armour plate for the downtube.

trek fuel ex 2023

There’s huge versatility

For sure one of the most exciting aspects of the 2023 Trek Fuel EX is its in-built versatility.

Of course you’ll still find the Mino Link flip chip, which allows you to tweak the angles by 0.5° and the BB height by 8mm.

Adding to that, there’s now a flip chip at the lower shock mount for fine-tuning the suspension’s leverage rate. We first saw this on the Session downhill bike, and the concept is the same here with ‘More’ or ‘Less’ settings. The Fuel EX will come setup from the factory in the Less progressive setting, which delivers a plusher ride quality and is well suited to air shocks. Riders can flip the chip around to increase progressitivity for more support on bigger jump trails, which is also designed to work better with coil shocks. Yes, the new frame is coil shock compatible.

trek fuel ex 2023

3-way head angle adjustment

Furthermore, you can now tweak the head angle independently on the new Trek Fuel EX.

Stock bikes will come with neutral headset cups, though Trek will also be offering an offset cup that allows you to slacken or steepen the head angle by 1°. The execution is different to the Specialized Stumpjumper EVO , with the Fuel EX utilising press-in headset cups that require a proper tool for removal and installation. Trek states this was done to provide a snug and secure interface, with less chance of the headset developing play or creaking over time.

Unfortunately the Fuel EX won’t come supplied with the offset headset cups. Those will be sold separately, and we understand they won’t be available immediately either. When they are available, owners will be able to set up the head angle to be as slack as 62.9° or as steep as 66°, which is wild!

trek fuel ex 2023

Oh, it’s mullet compatible too!

As if that wasn’t enough adjustment, the Trek Fuel EX can be setup as a mullet too. If you do decide to fit a 27.5in rear wheel, Trek recommends flipping the Mino Link in the High position, and it also suggests running a 160mm travel fork to help lift the BB height back up to its optimal position.

It’s worth noting that most of the stock Fuel EX models come with a Fox 36 fork, so it’ll be relatively easy to fit a 160mm air shaft to extend the travel without having to buy a whole new fork.

trek fuel ex 2023

And big geometry updates

Along with the increase in travel, the 2023 Trek Fuel EX has also received a significant overhaul of its geometry.

In its stock configuration, the head angle has been slackened out to 64.5° and the effective seat angle has been steepened to around 77.5°. Reach measurements have grown, with a Medium frame now sitting at 450mm, and a Large at 485mm. All good stuff for a modern trail bike.

Perhaps more exciting however, is the adoption of size-specific rear centre lengths. By manipulating the suspension pivot locations on the front triangle, Trek’s engineers have been able to adjust the rear end length to better maintain weight distribution throughout the size range. On the smaller frames you’ll find a 435mm rear centre length, which grows to 450mm on the largest frame size.

Speaking of frame sizes, it’s worth acknowledging that Trek will be producing no fewer than eight sizes across the Fuel EX lineup. Yes, eight ! The XXL size will only be available in alloy, but it’s still fantastic to see given that most brands only produce 3-4 frame sizes.

Also of note is the move to a fatter 34.9mm seat tube diameter. Along with an increased insertion depth, the Fuel EX is designed to fit modern, longer-stroke dropper posts.

trek e bike mtb 2023

Trek Fuel EX price & specs

In Australia, there will be four models available in the 2023 Trek Fuel EX lineup. Prices will start at $4,999 AUD for the Fuel EX 7, and will top out at $8,999 AUD for the Fuel EX 9.8.

What about that gorgeous Fuel EX 9.9 model shown here? We understand that Trek Australia will be offering these in a limited number available through the Project One custom bike builder, though we’re still waiting to confirm pricing and availability.

If you’re looking for something on the other side of the spectrum, the previous generation Fuel EX 5 will carry over into 2023. This provides a more budget-friendly option at $3,799 AUD, though it does miss out on all of the frame and suspension updates.

Keen to know how the new bike rides? Check out our Trek Fuel EX review to find out how the new bike compares to the outgoing version and some of its biggest competitors.

2023 trek fuel ex 9.9 xx1 axs

2023 Trek Fuel EX 9.9 XX1 AXS

  • Frame |  OCLV Mountain Carbon Fibre, ABP Suspension Design, 140mm Travel
  • Fork | Fox 36, Factory Series, GRIP2 Damper, 44mm Offset, 150mm Travel
  • Shock | Fox Float X, Factory Series, 185x55mm
  • Wheels | Bontrager Line Pro 30, OCLV Carbon Rims, 29mm Inner Width
  • Tyres |  Bontrager SE5 Team Issue 2.5in Front & Rear
  • Drivetrain | SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS1×12 w/30T Crankset & 10-52T Cassette
  • Brakes | SRAM Code RSC 4-Piston
  • Bar |  Bontrager RSL Integrated, OCLV Carbon, 27.5mm Rise, 820mm Width
  • Stem |  Bontrager RSL Integrated, OCLV Carbon, 45mm Length
  • Seatpost | RockShox Reverb AXS, 34.9mm Diameter, Travel: 100mm (S), 150mm (M-M/L), 170mm (L), 200mm (XL)
  • Saddle |  Bontrager Arvada, Austentite Rails
  • Claimed Weight | 14.11kg
  • RRP |  $TBC

2023 trek fuel ex 9.9 xtr

2023 Trek Fuel EX 9.9 XTR

  • Drivetrain | Shimano XTR 1×12 w/e*13 TRS Race Carbon 30T Crankset & 10-51T Cassette
  • Brakes | Shimano XTR 4-Piston
  • Seatpost | Bontrager Line Elite, 34.9mm Diameter, Travel: 100mm (S), 150mm (M-M/L), 170mm (L), 200mm (XL)
  • Saddle | Bontrager Arvada Pro, Carbon Rails
  • Claimed Weight | 13.7kg

2023 trek fuel ex 9.8 xt

2023 Trek Fuel EX 9.8 XT

  • Fork | Fox 36, Performance Series, GRIP Damper, 44mm Offset, 150mm Travel
  • Shock | Fox Float X, Performance Series, 185x55mm
  • Wheels |  Bontrager Line Elite 30, OCLV Carbon Rims, 29mm Inner Width
  • Drivetrain | Shimano XT 1×12 w/30T Crankset & 10-51T Cassette
  • Brakes |  Shimano XT 4-Piston
  • Claimed Weight | 14.33kg
  • RRP |  $8,999 AUD

2023 trek fuel ex 9.7

2023 Trek Fuel EX 9.7

  • Fork | Fox Rhythm 36, GRIP Damper, 44mm Offset, 150mm Travel
  • Wheels | Bontrager Line Comp 30, Alloy Rims, 29mm Inner Width
  • Tyres | Bontrager XR5 Team Issue 2.5in Front & Rear
  • Drivetrain | Shimano SLX 1×12 w/30T Deore Crankset & 10-51T Cassette
  • Brakes | Shimano Deore 4-Piston
  • Bar | Bontrager Line, 27.5mm Rise, 780mm Width
  • Stem | Bontrager Elite, 45mm Length
  • Seatpost | TranzX Dropper, 34.9mm Diameter, Travel: 100mm (S), 150mm (M-M/L), 170mm (L), 200mm (XL)
  • Saddle | Bontrager Arvada, Chromoly Rails
  • Claimed Weight | 14.76kg
  • RRP |  $6,999 AUD

2023 trek fuel ex 8

2023 Trek Fuel EX 8

  • Frame | Alpha Platnium Alloy, ABP Suspension Design, 140mm Travel
  • Drivetrain | Shimano XT 1×12 w/30T Deore Crankset & 10-51T Cassette
  • Claimed Weight | 15.65kg
  • RRP |  $5,999 AUD

2023 trek fuel ex 7

2023 Trek Fuel EX 7

  • Fork | RockShox 35 Gold RL, Motion Control Damper, 44mm Offset, 150mm Travel
  • Shock | Fox Float DPS, Performance Series, 185x55mm
  • Drivetrain | Shimano Deore 1×12 w/30T Crankset & 10-51T Cassette
  • Brakes | Shimano MT420 4-Piston
  • Bar | Bontrager Rhythm, 15mm Rise, 750mm Width
  • Stem | Bontrager Alloy, 50mm Length
  • Saddle | Bontrager Arvada, Steel Rails
  • Claimed Weight | 15.97kg
  • RRP |  $4,999 AUD

trek fuel ex 2023

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2023 Trek Fuel EXe 9.9 XX1 AXS E-Bike

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T he world of e-bikes feels like it has been in an arms race these past couple of years. New models tout larger batteries and more powerful motors. Additionally, more electronic integrations, displays, and gadgets. This has left the world of lighter e-bikes in the hands of only a few players. Today, Trek does an about-face and offers the Fuel EXe - a 40-pound e-bike that to us, represents a new wave of eMTB.

trek e bike mtb 2023

  • OCLV Carbon frame
  • 29-inch wheels (mixed-wheel compatible)
  • 140mm (5.5-inches) of rear-wheel travel // 150mm (5.9-inches) fork travel
  • ABP suspension design
  • Internal cable routing
  • New TQ Motor (50Nm max torque)
  • 360-watt hour battery
  • 160-watt hour range extender available
  • Integrated display
  • Accessory mounts on the underside of the top tube
  • Boost 148 rear spacing with 12mm through axle
  • Measured weight (size Medium, no pedals): 40 pounds (18.14kg)
  • MSRP $13,999 USD as tested ($6,499-$13,999)

From press releases to bike tests, Vital covers most of what is new in the eMTB world. We'd be lying if what we saw lately wasn't all that thrilling. When brands come to the market with a new e-bike, it has generally been one of two motors and a discussion about big batteries. Riders are needing ramps (as observed) or a gym membership to load their e-bikes on cars. With its 52-pound heft and all the gizmos, we got in our fair share of shots with the Trek Rail in our latest set of review s. Like a Sour Patch Kid, the Waterloo brand has now given us a taste of something rather sweet.

trek e bike mtb 2023

In sitting through the media presentation, we were floored with what Trek and TQ were laying on the table. There were tremendous promises given with plenty of fancy tests showing how quiet the new TQ motor was. There was expansive testing in Moab as engineers from TQ and Trek collaborated to make a bike that was worth riding. Additionally, the new TQ HPR50 motor uses new technology in an unbelievably small package to deliver power comparable to other light e-bikes. As it turned out, our own test bike was physically delivered while we were watching the presentation.

trek e bike mtb 2023

The Motor - TQ HPR50

TQ may not be a brand that is traditionally known or discussed among the MTB crowd. The brand has been busy making equipment for space exploration and robotics applications. TQ's HPR50 motor was developed and is produced in Germany. The motor weighs in at 1850 grams and produces a max of 50 Nm/300 Watts of torque. TQ's battery weighs 1830g for the main unit which provides 360 Wh.

trek e bike mtb 2023

Trek integrated the TQ display into the top tube of the EXe and stuck with a minimalist design. There are four preset data screens (not customizable) that can be scrolled through by tapping on the one button below the screen. This is also how the bike is powered on and off. Power modes are changed via the small control unit on the left side of the handlebar. Power levels are displayed on the bottom of the screen with either zero (no assist) or one, two, or three bars to indicate the level of assist. Press and hold the up arrow on the controller to activate walk mode, press and hold the down arrow to turn off all assist.

Current and average speed

The one display that we would have liked to have had, but is not an option, is an odometer or tripmeter. Riders will have to use their GPS unit or the Trek app in order to keep track of these numbers.

trek e bike mtb 2023

We know the price tag of our top-shelf test bike will make many readers wince. Despite being in line with the cost of many other e-bikes on the market, $14,000 has just not normalized as a price to pay for most people. However, Trek is offering the new Fuel EXe in a complete line that starts at $6,499 with the same OCLV frame and TQ drive system.

trek e bike mtb 2023

Fuel EXe 9.5 ($6,499) - RockShox 35 Gold, RockShox Deluxe Select+, Alex wheels with Bontrager hubs, Shimano Deore 6100 drivetrain with Shimano MT4100 4-piston brakes.

trek e bike mtb 2023

Fuel EXe 9.7 ($7,599) FOX Rhythm 36, FOX Performance Float X, Bontrager Line Comp 30 wheels, Shimano SLX drivetrain (XT mech), Shimano Deore 4-piston brakes.

trek e bike mtb 2023

Fuel EXe 9.8 XT ($8,699) RockShox Lyrik Select+, RockShox Deluxe Select+, Bontrager Line elite 30 wheels, Shimano XT drivetrain, and brakes.

trek e bike mtb 2023

Fuel EXe 9.8 GX AXS ($10,999) RockShox Lyrik Select+, RockShox Deluxe Select+, Bontrager Line elite 30 wheels, GX Eagle AXS drivetrain, SRAM Code R brakes.

trek e bike mtb 2023

Fuel EXe 9.9 XTR ($12,999) RockShox Lyrik Ultimate with AirWiz unit, RockShox Duper Deluxe Ultimate with AirWiz unit, Bontrager Line Pro 30 wheels, Shimano XTR drivetrain, and brakes.

Though Trek's new e-bike carries the Fuel EX name, the geometry is adjusted quite a bit over its mountain bike counterpart. We're used to seeing this with e-bikes, typically in the form of longer chainstays. In the case of the EXe, it runs 440mm chainstays, about 3mm longer than the Fuel EX. It is the reach and head angle where things make a more dramatic departure. Trek is not offering a size ML (as in the case of the Fuel EX and Slash line) and instead going with some adjusted numbers and larger jumps between sizes. In the case of our medium test bike, we had a 452mm reach while the move to a large is 482mm. By comparison, the Fuel EX goes 440mm (M), 455mm (ML), and 470mm (L). Lastly, the Fuel EXe has a (by comparison) slacker head tube angle of 65 degrees (66 degrees on the Fuel EX).

Not reviewing these numbers prior to riding the Fuel EXe, we would have sworn it was longer out front than what the numbers say. While the reach figures are toward the shorter side of most bikes (while still falling in the norm), it was perhaps the seat angle and top tube combination that had the EXe riding a tad longer. On the trail, we wouldn't chalk this up as a negative, more the case of the numbers not telling the whole story. Regardless, here are all the numbers:

trek e bike mtb 2023

Our palms were a touch clammy as we triple-checked our measurements and cut lines on the $367 Bontrager RSL integrated stem/bar (star?) but the 820mm width was more than our body frame could utilize. After chopping it down to 770mm, we felt a touch more at home.

trek e bike mtb 2023

We took the Fuel EXe out for a few rides in its stock form before swapping over to a mixed-wheel setup to see how it may change the ride. Moving from the Bontrager Line 30 Pro wheels to a set of Hunt Trail Wide 30s offered us a bit more compliance on the trail. Additionally, the move to a 27.5-inch rear wheel lowered the EXe and made it a touch slacker.

trek e bike mtb 2023

Production builds of the 9.9 XX1 AXS build (tested) will come with integrated AirWiz units to help with the initial setup. These units sync with your phone via the SRAM AXS app to give a recommended pressure given the rider's weight. Our test bike was devoid of these units, which we were ok with given our experience with them on the Rail. We set our SuperDeluxe rear shock to 30% sag and kept the Lyrik Ultimate within the suggested air pressure parameters.

trek e bike mtb 2023

Because the EXe and the new Trek Connect App were both under embargo, we were not able to have access to the app. This meant we were limited to only the factory tunes that Trek sends out. It has been Vital's experience with most e-bikes, and in particular these lighter versions, that a little tuning can go a long way. Our go-to has typically been to bump up the lower power settings to make them more useable and keep the higher-powered settings only for shorter rides or times when that extra boost is really needed.

trek e bike mtb 2023

On The Trail

Our test bike was ridden by four different testers on a variety of terrain in the Sierra Mountains surrounding Reno, NV. The Fuel EXe saw a lot of action in a lot of various terrain, though all of it was very dry.

DH/Technical Performance/Fun Factor

The number one thing to keep in mind is that this is a Fuel. Not a Remedy or the latest Slash . When Trek created the Fuel EXe they undoubtedly went for the middle of the bell curve with rider appeal and trail performance. Our Fuel EXe handled descents just like a trail bike should. This is not a bike that "punches up" a weight class or rides with more gusto than it should. We're good with that. Trek created the Fuel EXe for riders to get out and explore more trails. Pushing the envelope too far may turn off much of the customer base this bike is going for.

trek e bike mtb 2023

On lower-angle downhills we found it to hold speed better than a full-sized e-bike but not quite as well as a comparable mountain bike. We appreciated the EXe's ability to pump terrain and eagerly loft the lips on various jumps. Undoubtedly this was a combination of both a "lighter" e-bike and the RockShox suspension working masterfully together.

trek e bike mtb 2023

Our Fuel EXe felt very much like a "29er" and we really felt the rear wheel in the corners. Because Trek has green-lit this bike to be run with a 27.5-inch rear wheel (via the Mino Link in the high position) we went for it. What it seemed to unlock was the EXe's more playful side. Rather than wanting to make arcs in corners, we could now push in and make faster changes in direction. Admittedly, this is also due to our tester's stature. Results will vary for riders in the 5'11" and up category but we will say for our crew, the smaller rear wheel was a subjective improvement in the bike's overall handling.

trek e bike mtb 2023

We did clarify with Trek about the effect the smaller wheel would have on the bike's governed 20mph motor. It was confirmed that yes, the bike would cut out below 20mph as the motor/speedometer would think there was still a 29er out back. The beauty of these lighter e-bikes is that we never felt the early cut-out nor found it detrimental.

trek e bike mtb 2023

Rear Suspension Performance

Trek's ABP and the RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate made for a stellar combination. Initially, when the EXe was in full 29er mode, we did run the shock a tad soft, closer to 33% sag to get a bit more of an aggressive stance out of the bike. Despite running the shock a touch soft, bottom-outs were not harsh, nor even noticeable for that matter. Once in mixed-wheel mode, we put the Super Deluxe back to 30% sag to lessen pedal strikes.

trek e bike mtb 2023

Via the compression and rebound settings on the Super Deluxe, we were able to get some very distinct ride characteristics out of the Fuel EXe. By slowing things down a tad and lessening the compression damping, we got the bike to ride heavier and stay closer to the ground. Dialing in a few clicks of "rabbit" the EXe livened right up and was a boost machine. We enjoyed messing around with these settings and will give a nod to Trek and RockShox for making it easy to dial in the bike for a given trail or ride experience.

Unique Features

Our Fuel EXe came equipped with the Bontrager Integrated Tool System (BITS). This is not our first go with the setup. We first had it on our Slash test bike. This go-round though, we found things to go a bit smoother. Our tool did not loosen up after quite a...bit of use. (See what I did there?) Additionally, the tool was always easy to pull in and out of the head tube.

trek e bike mtb 2023

There is an accessory mount on the underside of the top tube. Something that is now rather common but merits noting. We appreciated having the necessities when it came time to do our battery-burner tests and found ourselves far from home.

AXS-equipped models have the ability to have the derailleur plug in and draw power from the bike's main battery. This is pretty awesome and is another step toward more integration. We could see this being a great backup feature should riders find themselves with a dead (or missing) AXS battery in the middle of a ride.

Prior to launch, we really didn't have much information on the new Trek's geometry. We knew there was a 65-degree head angle but that was about it. To that end, our ride experience was unspoiled by pre-conceived notions based on numbers. Our medium EXe had a long feel to the front end when pedaling around but was not so spacious that we were stretched out. Our weight distribution on climbs was darn-near perfect.

While descending, the Fuel EXe gave us the sensation of a longer back end. This was part of why we opted for a smaller rear wheel for much of our testing period. Perhaps larger riders won't share this sensation but for us, it was a shared notion among three riders.

trek e bike mtb 2023

Perceived Weight

Our 40-pound test bike felt exactly like a 40-pound bike on the trail. In particular, we noticed this when getting back on our 31-pound mountain bike after riding the EXe. Conversely, we also noticed the weight differential after getting off a 48-pound e-bike. To that end, the EXe is successful in striking a balance between the worlds of mountain biking and e-biking.

...the Trek Fuel EXe just elevated the eMTB game.

What's the bottom line.

Trek has done it. They have created a lightweight eMTB that strikes the balance of power and all-around rideability. Where other brands' lighter models lack easy battery removal, the EXe line can dump the battery in a minute. Heck, it can even be ridden without it or with just the range extender. Overall power delivery is smooth and intuitive while the range is impressive. Our personal preference may be for a more aggressive bike but there is no objectivity in that claim. We have to call it as we see it and the Trek Fuel EXe just elevated the eMTB game.

Head to Trekbikes.com to learn more

About The Tester

Brad Howell - Age: 43 // Years Riding: 28 // Height: 5'9" (1.75m) // Weight: 165-pounds (74.8kg)

Brad started mountain biking when a 2.25-inch tire was large, and despite having threads, bottom brackets sucked. Riding in the woods with friends eventually lead way to racing, trying to send it at the local gravel pits, and working in bike shops as a wrench to fix those bikes. Brad has been fortunate enough to have dug at six Rampages, attend some World Cups, work in the industry for a few years, and become friends with some of the sport's biggest talents. These days, he just likes riding his bike in the woods with friends.

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The 13 Best Electric Bikes of 2024, Tested, and Approved

We’ve tested dozens of electric bikes in every category—commuter, cargo, cruiser, folding, mountain, and city. Here are the ones worth considering in a range of styles and prices.

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

While bicycle prices continue falling—you'll find lots of sales and discounts right now from brands and retailers—there is possible change on the horizon. What may impact the industry in the next few months is action by the Biden administration to increase tariffs on imported goods from China—and that includes electric vehicles.

The reason for the new tariffs is to give American automakers an edge over the Chinese brands. It is uncertain at this time if the tariffs will include e-bikes as well. Inventory that has been in warehouses and bike shops for months won't be affected, but pricing for new e-bikes entering the U.S. could be.

In the meantime, our roundup of the best e-bikes offers helpful reviews so you can find the right option for you. We focused on a range: lower and mid-price options from brands you can purchase directly online, some recommendations for e-bikes available through bike shops, and more expensive models that our bike testers loved.

Brands like Aventon , Ride1Up , and Lectric offer affordable models you can buy online that perform well in our ride testing. If you want to purchase an electric bike in person or test ride before you buy, established players like Specialized and Trek offer many types of e-bikes and have hundreds of dealers nationwide. Additionally, REI has many locations across the country offering its Co-op e-bikes and models from other popular brands.

Check out Bicycling’s 2024 Bike Awards for 13 exceptional, high-performing e-bikes rigorously vetted by our editorial team.

The Best E-Bikes

  • Best Overall : Aventon Level.2
  • Best Utility: Co-op Cycles Generation e1.1
  • Best Fat Tire : Aventon Aventure.2
  • Best Fat Tire Commuter : Rad Power RadRover 6 Plus
  • Best E-MTB: Aventon Ramblas eMTB

How We Test E-Bikes

Our full electric bike reviews, things to consider when buying an e-bike, how to buy a used e-bike.

Our experienced bike test team evaluates each model included here on its overall quality, safety features, handling, motor, and battery life. We also assess whether the components and features add to the overall quality of the ride. Bicycling editors tested these bikes on local roads, commuting to and from work, using them to stock up on groceries and beer, and running their batteries down to see how long they last on one charge.

Deputy editor Tara Seplavy , the author of this article, also worked in bicycle product development for two decades and led product management for major bike brands. Plus, she commutes to Bicycling's headquarters daily on an e-bike.

While we rode most of the e-bikes in this story, sometimes we can’t get our hands on a great electric bike. In those cases, we rely on the expertise of our test team, interviews with product managers, and rigorous research to compare the bikes’ value and performance against similar models we’ve tested.

Aventon Level.2 Electric Bike

Level.2 Electric Bike

Although we loved the original Level , its update is an improvement in practically every way. A smoother ride than its predecessor, it sports a new torque sensor that evenly distributes power, resulting in a more natural ride feel that’s easier to control and manage. Its update also adds visibility, not just with integrated lights, but a full color, easy-to-read display. The Level.2 isn’t just one of our favorite e-bikes—at its price, comfort level, and premium features, we think it just might be the best.

Our only gripe is with its Zoom Aria suspension fork, which can’t handle bigger bumps, though the lockout feature works well. When it hits these large bumps, the fork's rebound is unpredictable and rapid, and it tends to bottom out. Still, if you need an e-bike for doing just about anything, from commuting to work to zipping around pavement on the weekend, the Aventon Level.2 is our top nomination.

Aventon Aventure.2 Electric Bike

Aventure.2 Electric Bike

Aventon has been on a roll with its new models and continuous revisions to existing platforms. The brand’s update to its Aventure fat-tire e-bike is no exception. At first glance, there are few significant visual differences between the original Aventure and this second-generation model. However once you ride it, the small changes add up and feel huge.

Compared to the original Aventure, this second gen rides much more smoothly. The new torque sensor allows more control over the acceleration of Aventure’s 750W rear hub motor; lighter-weight testers found the previous model to have too much torque, but the latest Aventure remedied this fault. Additional updates include a new head unit interface, integrated turn signals, a front light, a rear rack, and fenders for keeping clean.

The Aventure.2 is an excellent fat-tire e-bike for commutes, especially on snowy days and gravel pathways. Off-roading, it excels on doubletrack trails, but with this burly bike’s weight and components, it has limited functionality on singletrack and more aggressive mountain trails.

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Aventon Ramblas eMTB

Ramblas eMTB

The Aventon Ramblas is a category-defining hardtail e-MTB that impressed us during trail testing. Its trail-forward components include a 1x12 SRAM Eagle drivetrain that can handle most climbs, powerful 4-piston SRAM brakes, a solidly stiff 35mm RockShox fork, a comfy dropper seatpost, and cushy 2.4-inch wide tires. These are unmatched by any other hardtail e-MTB, especially given its price.

"The Ramblas has no true competitors for comparatively priced, trail-ready e-MTBs," says Seplavy. "Every so often a bike comes along that entirely shifts the bicycle market—the Ramblas might do that for mountain biking. And once more bike brands see and ride the Ramblas, I expect several will soon follow Aventon’s lead with sharp-priced, trail-capable hardtail e-MTBs."

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Rad Power Bikes RadRover 6 Plus Electric Bike

RadRover 6 Plus Electric Bike

Brawny, big, and bold, the RadRover 6 Plus is powerful at its best and sluggish at its worst. With its 750W rear hub, 4-inch-wide tires, and RST spring suspension fork (with 60mm of travel), it’s cushy and stable enough to tackle potholes as well as dirt, rocks, and snow.

Compared to its predecessor, an updated display and solid hydraulic disc brakes make the RadRover 6 Plus a more comfortable and relaxed ride. It also comes in at just over $1,ooo making it reasonably priced.

With its extreme weight of 74 pounds (without a rack), we wouldn’t dare to roll this thing upstairs. If you need a do-it-all bike to help get you to and from work or the grocery store and frequently battle the elements while doing it, or if you have a lot of land you’d like to tear up, the RadRover 6 is your beast. But anyone living in a small space might have trouble handling this steed.

Lectric One eBike

One eBike

A big reason to consider Lectric’s One, according to Test Editor Dan Chabanov, is Pinion, a German brand that manufactures high-end and fully enclosed gearbox units—sort of like an internally geared hub, he notes, except mounted in the bottom bracket.

Most consumers don’t know about the brand, explains Chabanov, because Pinion products are typically found on very pricey and niche bikes. Having this system on a $2,000 commuter e-bike, he notes, is very exciting, especially since it’s a part usually reserved for bikes triple that price.

Chabanov was impressed with not only the Pinion system’s smoothness and precision, but the hub motor as well. While the improved cadence sensor was better than others he’s used, Chabanov notes it was still very much a cadence sensor. “Like most cadence sensor-equipped bikes, the One feels disconnected from the motor,” he says. “This feeling is from a combination of lag (though very slight in this case) and because the force put into the pedals does not relate to the motor’s output. Both factors result in a slightly unnatural motor response.”

Still, it didn’t take Chabanov long to get used to how the One delivers its motor assist. The One is an ideal option for riders who seek a dependable, low-maintenance, all-weather commuter bike with the bells and whistles of a bike that usually costs much more.

Ride1Up Cafe Cruiser Electric Bike

Cafe Cruiser Electric Bike

Sometimes, you just want a classic cruiser to take out on the weekends. And if that casualness is your desired style, the Ride1Up’s Cafe Cruiser is your best bet. Strapped with a built-in rack, front and rear lights, a 750W motor, hydraulic disc brakes, a decent suspension fork, and 3-inch-wide tires, this upright bike is stable enough for newer e-riders, and with an added passenger kit , the little one, too.

Our testing found that the bike had plenty of oomph to climb short hills despite its weight and laidback geometry. But, like several wide-tire bikes, it has some handling issues. It’s capable of speeds up to 28 mph (and 20 mph using the throttle), which is more than enough power to get you where you need to be.

Ride1Up Portola Electric Bike

Portola Electric Bike

Ride1Up’s new Portola folding bike packs a lot of punch for how small it is. Folding down to a compact 19- x 29.5- x 33-inch footprint, this bike features a 750W rear hub motor with 65Nm torque, hydraulic disc brakes, a Shimano 8-speed drivetrain, and an integrated rear rack with 130-pound carrying capacity.

For less than $1,000, this is a great deal for bimodal commuters, RVers, vanlifers, or folks living in a small apartment. The standard 10.4Ah battery has a claimed range of 20 to 40 miles. Or bump the range up to 45 miles with an optional 13.4Ah battery for an additional $100.

Specialized Globe Haul ST Electric Bike

Globe Haul ST Electric Bike

If you need to haul it all, go with our 2023 Bike of the Year : Specialized’s Globe Haul ST. With a carrying capacity of a whopping 419 pounds, it’s good for a range of riding tasks, from grabbing groceries to dropping Fido off at doggy daycare.

Specialized designed this bike with the average commuter in mind, motivating riders to swap those short- and medium-distance car trips with a bicycle instead. The result is a well-designed short-tail cargo bike with wide 20- x 3.5-inch tires that can eat bumps while keeping you stable and low to the ground. It’s also a blast to ride.

Our test editor Dan Chabanov says it feels much more like a traditional bike than a souped-up e-cargo, which is to say, it’s actually fun. “If you haven’t ridden an e-cargo bike, you might take this for granted,” he says. “But the reality is that even some of the more compact e-cargo bike options out there often don’t ride like a typical bike, or worse, they simply ride poorly. As a cyclist, one of the Haul ST’s most enamoring traits is how much it rides like a ‘normal’ bike. Well, that and the ability to carry a week’s worth of groceries on it.”

Cannondale Treadwell Neo 2 Electric Bike

Treadwell Neo 2 Electric Bike

We’re fans of the unpowered Treadwell for its clean looks and upright rider position. It’s not quite a hybrid but also not a foot-forward-style cruiser. The line is comprised of unique, practical bikes for city commuting or riding around town.

The Treadwell Neo 2 improves on this by offering electric assistance without a big weight penalty. This makes for a light and zippier riding bike at a low price. A Class 1 rear hub motor moves the Treadwell along smoothly at up to 20 mph with pedal-assisted power. The 7-speed drivetrain and a wide-range cassette help you get up long hills, and the Maxxis 650b tires roll fast on pavement.

Velotric T1

T1

Hybrid bikes combine elements of road bikes (lightweight frame, 700c wheels) and mountain bikes (flat handlebar, wide-range gearing, and sometimes suspension). These bikes offer a compelling combination of traits that can make hybrids the best choice for many riders’ commuting, fitness, or leisure needs.

One of Seplavy’s top choices is Velotric’s T1. Sporty and quick, the bike handles much like some road bikes. Credit that snappy feel, she says, to the T1’s 350W rear hub motor and road bike-like geometry, but also from its weight at 36 pounds.

Velotric packs plenty of tech features into the T1, too. There’s a torque sensor for a smooth and natural pedaling feel and a light-sensing headlamp that turns on when it gets dark. For security, there is a fingerprint lock on the bike plus GPS tracking and theft alert via Velotric‘s app.

Specialized Turbo Vado 4.0 Step-Through Electric Bike

Turbo Vado 4.0 Step-Through Electric Bike

Specialized’s Turbo Vado 4.0 is smart and comfortable, with solid brakes, a terrific fork, a sleek design, and a clean iPhone companion app. We’ve ridden a lot of e-bikes over the years, and the Specialized Turbo models consistently test amongst the best in all categories.

The brand puts a ton of development time into its Turbo series e-bikes by refining the motor tune and carefully selecting parts. This work pays off with best-in-class ride quality. If you have hesitated to try an e-bike because you think it won’t feel like your favorite non-assist bike, try a Specialized Turbo. You’ll quickly become a convert.

Specialized offers the bike at several price levels between $3,250 and $5,500. You can purchase Turbo Vados with traditional or step-through frame styles, derailleur or internal hub drivetrain configurations, and several color offerings.

Bluejay Premiere Edition

Premiere Edition

If you’re looking for a fun bike for summer rides around town or to the beach, Bluejay’s Premiere Edition should be on your list. Bluejay combines elements of classic cruisers and townie bikes into a stylish electric bike. We found the bike ideal for trips to the farmers’ market, morning coffee, or weekend brunch and rides with the kids or friends.

A 350-watt Bafang mid-drive motor (powered by a removable 550Wh battery) is at the heart of the Premiere Edition. It uses a torque sensor for smooth pedal response and has a maximum assisted speed of 20mph. Shifting duties are handled by Shimano’s low-maintenance 8-speed Alfine internal hub.

Bluejay sells this model in two sizes (small for riders 5-feet-5-inches and under, and large for riders 5-feet-6-inches and taller) and 15 fun and poppy colors (including Luxe Camel, Hot Pink, and Citrus Orange).

While the Bluejay is a little pricier than some other e-bike options, it comes fully loaded with front and rear racks, lights, fenders, a bell, and an adjustable stem. The rear rack can accommodate up to 55 pounds of cargo and is compatible with a Thule Yepp Maxi child seat (sold separately).

Trek Verve+ 3 Lowstep

Verve+ 3 Lowstep

Seniors come in all shapes and sizes, so it’s difficult to recommend just one e-bike model for every type of rider. But based on conversations with Bicycling members and our experience working in bike shops and at cycling events, many older riders seek a few common traits in an electric bike. They want something easy to get on and off, simple to use, low maintenance, and smooth riding.

Trek’s Verve+ 3 Lowstep checks off each of those boxes. The trusted and smooth-riding Bosch Active Plus motor system powers the Verve+. The 250W mid-drive motor has 50Nm of torque and powers the rider up to 20 mph. This Trek also features a wide-range Shimano 9-speed drivetrain for getting up hills. Powerful and reliable Shimano hydraulic disc brakes handle stopping duties.

The Verve+ 3 Lowstep uses a step-through style frame (it is lower than many other e-bikes) that makes getting on or off the bike easy. It also features a suspension seatpost to smooth out potholes and bumps on the road, and an adjustable height and rise step to dial in your riding position.

Since Trek has hundreds of dealers and company-owned stores throughout the country, you’re never far away from a Trek shop if you need service or repair. Plus, the Bosch and Shimano components are among the most-trusted and durable parts in the category.

A Few E-Bike Terms to Know

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Measured in Newton meters (or Nm), torque is a rotational measurement of force—and the number to pay attention to when you want an idea of an e-bike motor’s output. More torque means more power off the line and more boost to your pedaling. 

The heavier the bike, the more torque it needs. Lighter road bikes typically have 30 to 40 Nm of torque, and trail and cargo models (generally) have at least 80 Nm. Most commuter bikes fall somewhere in between.

The size of an e-bike’s battery is measured in watt-hours (or Wh). This measurement represents the energy stored in the battery and how many watts it can deliver each hour. The higher the number, the longer the range, but the faster you go, the faster you drain the battery.

So, if a 504Wh battery paired with a 500W motor gives you one hour of ride time at the highest assist, riding at about half that power will double your range.

Locking Battery

a removable battery helps for charging off the bike

Many e-bike brands seamlessly integrate batteries to make the bike look sleeker (and more like a traditional non-assist bike). Most batteries lock to the bike and come with a key that lets you unlock and remove it, which serves multiple purposes: You can remove the battery and charge it off the bike, plus a locked battery deters (and hopefully prevents) a thief from stealing it. And an e-bike with the battery removed is safer for hauling on a bike rack and lighter for carrying up steps.

Stability and Control

front tire of coop cycles generation ebike

Since e-bikes can maintain higher speeds for longer than standard bikes, you want extra control when riding. Wider tires provide better traction and the freedom to leave the pavement with little penalty, and a suspension fork will help tame some of the rougher roads you might explore. Good disc brakes are a must, too, for slowing a heavy bike at high speed. This is not a place to skimp.

Integrated Lights

integrated lights on handlebar

Some e-bikes have an integrated lighting system that turns on when you power up the bike. While this is a great feature, it’s not a deal-breaker if your bike doesn’t come equipped this way. It’s just as easy to attach your own since so many great bike lights are available.

Warranty and Service

a person working on an ebike

E-bikes need regular maintenance and repair to stay in good working condition. Because they’re heavier and go faster than non-assist bicycles, e-bikes often require more regular service on parts like brakes, tires, and drivetrain components. We recommend having a good relationship with a local bike shop experienced in e-bike repair to keep your equipment running smoothly.

E-bikes use electronics for their motors, batteries, and displays. These parts are often proprietary to bike brands or even specific e-bike models, making replacement more difficult than parts on non-electric bicycles. Make sure to use the correct electronic replacement parts to avoid damaging your e-bike (or it catching fire).

Established brands usually (but not always) have a good supply of these parts for replacement, even for years after a bike goes out of production. Bosch and Shimano are two e-bike motor manufacturers with some of the most compatibility between bikes and stock parts for previous generations of systems.

Look for e-bikes from brands that offer at least a one-year warranty on electronic components (many brands’ warranties are longer) and make items like replacement batteries for your bike. These parts are usually not cheap (sometimes up to half the cost of a new bike), but it’s the difference between having an e-bike that can be repaired or becomes a bicycle-shaped paperweight if something goes wrong.

Certification

ul certification sticker

Following a dramatic increase in fires caused by the lithium-ion batteries used in electric bikes, there is a push from local officials, regulatory agencies , and advocacy groups across the U.S. for improved safety certification of e-bikes, batteries, and motor units. On September 16, 2023, a New York City law went into effect requiring that any e-bike sold in the city “has been certified by an accredited testing laboratory for compliance with Underwriters Laboratories (UL) standard 2849”. And in November 2023, Amazon announced it ceased sales of illegal batteries to New Yorkers.

However, just because something is marketed as UL 2849 compliant, tested to UL 2849, or even “certified to UL 2849” does not mean it is UL Safety Certified. Ibrahim Jilani, UL’s Global Director of Consumer Technology, notes: “Certification is always earned by a manufacturer and not a given when they undergo a product submittal. The UL Mark, or any authorized certification mark, can only be issued upon successful demonstration of meeting the requirements of the safety standard.” You can find UL’s updated list of products Certified to UL 2849 here .

We contacted many e-bike brands on this topic. Most companies informed us they are working toward the certification process. So, expect the list of certified e-bikes to grow in the coming months. If owning a UL 2849-certified bike is important to you, ask the brand from which you plan to purchase it for proof of certification. You can cross-reference OSHA ’s Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories if you want to dive deeper into the topic.

Conversion Kits

Several manufacturers offer kits to add pedal assistance to a non-electric bike. We purchased a few popular conversion kits, fitted them to bikes, and rode them. We do not currently recommend these kits for use. While converting an old bike to an electric assist sounds good in theory, it rarely makes practical sense. Plus, it can lead to rider injury or failure of the bike.

Manufacturers do not design non-electric bikes to accommodate the extra weight and forces incurred when adding an e-bike motor, battery, and control equipment. This puts more stress on the bicycle frame and other components and can lead to breakage or failure of the bike.

conversion kit ebike

Selecting most conversion kits requires knowing fitment details about your bike and might require specialized tools for installation. Many do not have a straightforward installation process, and it can be a challenging project for novice mechanics. If you want a shop to install a conversion kit, check with the shop before purchasing it. Since most non-electric bikes are not engineered to accommodate electric conversions, many shops will not install these kits.

Many economical e-bikes do not cost much more than the total price of a conversion kit plus the installation cost. We recommend buying a purpose-built e-bike for the best and safest experience.

The Three Classes of E-Bikes

After determining which style of bike is right for you, the next consideration is which class of e-bike best fits your needs. In the U.S., there are three e-bike classifications. These are defined by the type of assist and how fast the motor will propel you. Most electric bikes are defined as class 1 or 3. Class 1 bikes have a motor (max 750W) that assists while pedaling up to 20 mph. Class 3 (sometimes known as “speed pedelec”) can have up to a 750W (aka 1-horsepower) motor but can assist you up to 28 mph. Both are allowed in most states and cities without needing a license.

gocycle folding bike ridden by aithne feay in brooklyn

Class 2 models have become more popular with riders, especially at lower prices. These models have a throttle that can propel a bike up to 20 mph without needing continuous pedaling.

Some bikes blur the lines. Aventon’s popular Pace 500 , for example, is technically a Class 3 e-bike in that it reaches speeds up to 28 mph, but it also has a throttle that tops out at 20 mph (the maximum legal speed for a throttle).

Good quality e-bikes can cost a lot of money; purchasing a pre-owned bike is one way to save some cash and get a better model. If you want to shop for a used e-bike in person, some bicycle stores offer refurbished units. Shopping in person allows you to check the integrity and condition of the bike before you buy it. When purchasing from a shop, make sure that the retailer is experienced with e-bike service and that the bike includes the proper charger and battery.

If purchasing a used e-bike directly from another owner on a third-party site, it’s wise to have the bike inspected by an experienced e-bike shop or mechanic before handing over your money. E-bikes experience higher wear-and-tear than non-assist bicycles, and many e-bikes use proprietary parts or require special tools to service or update software.

With the boom in e-bike sales, a few websites have recently sprung up selling reconditioned and certified e-bikes. Often, these e-bikes have low mileage or were sales floor samples at shops—some are even brand new or are new old stock of a previous model year. While it costs more than purchasing from an individual seller, buying a used bike from these sites usually means you have some sort of warranty on your e-bike and ensures that it was inspected properly.

Two sites offering high-quality, certified pre-owned e-bikes include Upway and TPC.

preview for How to Safely Charge an E-Bike

As Deputy Editor, Tara Seplavy leads Bicycling’s product test team; after having previously led product development and sourcing for multiple bike brands, run World Championship winning mountain bike teams, wrenched at renowned bicycle shops in Brooklyn, raced everything from criteriums to downhill, and ridden bikes on six different continents (landing herself in hospital emergency rooms in four countries and counting). Based in Easton, Pennsylvania, Tara spends tons of time on the road and trail testing products. A familiar face at cyclocross races, crits, and bike parks in the Mid Atlantic and New England, on weekends she can often be found racing for the New York City-based CRCA/KruisCX team. When not riding a bike, or talking about them, Tara listens to a lot of ska, punk, and emo music, and consumes too much social media.  

Headshot of Kevin Cortez

Kevin Cortez is an editor for Runner's World, Bicycling, and Popular Mechanics covering reviews. A culture and product journalist for over ten years, he’s an expert in men’s style, technology, gaming, coffee, e-bikes, hiking, gear, and all things outdoors. He most recently worked as the Style Editor for Reviewed, a top product recommendation site owned by USA TODAY. He also helped with the launch of WSJ's Buy Side commerce vertical, and has covered the music and podcast industries for Mass Appeal, Genius, Vulture, Leafly, Input, and The A.V. Club. Equally passionate about leisure as he is his penmanship, Kevin dedicates his spare time to graphic novels, birding, making cold brew, and taking long, meandering walks.

Headshot of bill strickland

Bill Strickland is the Rider-in-Chief of Bicycling . His equal passions for cycling and writing have led to the books Ten Points: A Memoir ; Tour de Lance: The Extraordinary Story of Cycling’s Most Controversial Champion ; Mountain Biking: The Ultimate Guide to the Ultimate Ride ; and The Quotable Cyclist . His Bicycling story, “100 Pedal Strokes” won a National Magazine Award for Interactive Feature in 2008. In 2009, he assigned and edited the story “Broken,” which won the National Magazine Award for Public Interest. “The Escape,” the December, 2011, edition of his Bicycling magazine column The Pursuit, was named a Notable story by  The Best American Sports Writing . Various editions of his books have been translated into Dutch, German, Hebrew, and Japanese. He uses commas by rhythm and sound, which is a terrible way to do it but makes him happy.

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Here are the best electric bikes you can buy at every price level in June 2024

Avatar for Micah Toll

I’ve spent countless hours here at Electrek doing detailed hands-on testing of hundreds of electric bikes. Through thousands of miles of riding, I’ve learned these e-bikes inside and out, top to bottom and front to back. That dedication to real-world e-bike testing has helped me find the best electric bicycles on the market for just about any budget.

Below are some of the top e-bikes I’ve hand-tested for every price range, current as of June 2024. Summer is upon us and it’s time to start thinking about how we can make the most of the warm weather! Just like the ultra-competitive e-bike selling year last year, 2024 has become the year of the e-bike sales. So check out the awesome e-bikes below, any one of which could become your next electric bike.

Best electric bikes under $1,000

The sub-$1,000 electric bike category is critical for a few reasons.

First, it’s pretty hard to produce a quality e-bike and sell it for under $1k. Most of the options in this price category make too many sacrifices in quality or longevity to earn a spot on this list as one of “the best”.

Second, many newcomers to the e-bike industry just aren’t prepared to drop several thousand dollars on a brand-new concept, making this price range critical for many first-time e-bike shoppers.

Fortunately, we’ve found some excellent options for cheap electric bikes that can still save you some serious dough.

lectric xp lite

Lectric XP LITE 2.0

The Lectric XP LITE 2.0 was recently updated and is now quite likely the king of bang-for-your-buck electric bikes.

For years, the $999 Lectric XP 3.0 has reigned supreme in the budget electric bike category. That’s still a great bike, and we’ll discuss it next, but the more affordable $799 Lectric XP LITE 2.0 is an even more wallet-friendly electric bike.

That new e-bike offers some great riding at under 800 bucks.

It’s a throttle-enabled Class 2 folding electric bike with 20″ wheels, a max speed of 20 mph (32 km/h) and a motor rated for 300W continuous and 819W peak. It’s not going to be the strongest hill climber, but it does get going quickly on flat and modestly hilly terrain.

And the biggest upgrades include hydraulic disc brakes as well as an optional Gates carbon belt drive system for an extra $100. Riders can also opt for a nearly double-sized battery for an extra $200.

trek e bike mtb 2023

This is the only e-bike in this price range that I know of with a 48V electrical system. All the other budget e-bikes under $800 use a 36V system and thus suffer from weaker power.

There are some things that you give up with this model, such as that the fenders aren’t included free. But for just $799 , you’re still getting built-in lights, a hidden battery, large color LCD display and a lightweight folder. Plus it comes in five color options.

There’s a lot of value there!

Lectric XP LITE quick specs

  • Motor:  300W (819W peak) geared rear hub motor
  • Top speed:  32 km/h (20 mph)
  • Range:  Claimed up to 72 km (45 mi) or 130 km (80 mi) with long range battery)
  • Battery:  48V 7.8 Ah (375 Wh)
  • Weight : 22 kg (49 lb)
  • Price :  $799  

lectric xp 3.0 electric bike

Lectric XP 3.0

If you like the idea of a low-cost US-based company like Lectric eBikes but want something with more power than their XP LITE, consider the $999 Lectric XP 3.0 . The XP 3.0 is the newest version of America’s best-selling electric bike, and now it’s even better with hydraulic disc brakes! In my opinion, this is the current king of bang-for-your-buck electric bikes right now. It’s clear why this is the best-selling electric bike in the US.

Between the fast 28 mph speed, comfortable ride with front suspension, nimble yet thick three-inch tires, and the powerful 1,000W peak-rated motor, the bike combines high performance with an awesome price. The new version comes with a higher power motor featuring more torque, a new rear rack that can support 150 pounds (and has a passenger package option for carrying a friend), has longer travel suspension, and several other key upgrades.

There are both step-over and step-through frames available. To be honest, the frame member is low on both of them and so they’re both easy to mount, but I actually prefer the step-through. Even though low-step bikes are often considered to be “women’s bikes,” the Lectric XP 3.0 looks badass enough that no one would ever think of calling the step-through option a ladies’ bike. It’s just a more comfortable way to hop on and off.

Plus, the folding frame of the Lectric XP 3.0 means you can bring this high-value e-bike with you in a car or truck. I know several people who keep one in their RV, and I’ve even heard of folks traveling with it on their boat or light airplane.

The company also has longer-range batteries for the XP 3.0 that add 45% more range. If you’re the kind of person who likes to ride fast, that battery will help you use that power for longer rides at higher speeds.

trek e bike mtb 2023

It’s hard to find a better combination of low cost and high performance anywhere in the e-bike market right now. That’s why this is the bike I used when I worked undercover as an e-bike delivery rider .

Check out my first ride experience on the Lectric XP 3.0 here .

Lectric XP 3.0 quick specs

  • Motor:  500W (850W peak) geared rear hub motor
  • Top speed:  45 km/h (28 mph)
  • Range:  Claimed up to 72 km (45 mi), but less if you’re heavy on the throttle
  • Battery:  48V 9.6 Ah (460 Wh), or larger 14Ah battery available
  • Weight : 29 kg (64 lb)
  • Price :  $999  

Ride1Up Portola

When Ride1Up launched the Portola , it was pretty obvious what the game plan was: fire a shot across Lectric Ebike’s bow with a direct competitor to the Lectric XP 3.0. By all accounts, Ride1Up nailed it with an impressive competitor, the best-selling e-bike out there.

The Ride1Up Portola has a lot more going for it than just the awesome price of $995 . The bike has great performance with a maximum speed of 28 mph (45 km/h) and great components including hydraulic disc brakes, front suspension, a built-in rear rack, and a 750W motor.

There are two battery options available, either a 48V 10.4Ah or a 48V 13.4Ah, and the larger battery only costs an extra $100.

I love the sleek-looking frame and apparently, I’m not alone. Those who are on the hunt for a good-looking folding fat tire e-bike that doesn’t break the bank will likely find this to be one of the more fashionable options.

ride1up portola electric bike

Ride1Up Portola quick specs

  • Motor:  750W geared rear hub motor
  • Battery:  48V 10.4 Ah (504 Wh), or larger 48V 13.4 Ah battery available
  • Weight : 27.2 kg (60 lb)
  • Price :  $995  

Ride1Up Roadster V2

The Ride1Up Roadster V2 seems to hop back and forth in price from $995 to $1,095 , depending on the time of year and current sale. Even when it falls just north of the $1k mark, the Roadster V2 is an awesome deal.

But you should know going in that this is very much a pedal-oriented e-bike. There’s no throttle, and the motor is only moderately powerful, peaking at 500W. That means the Roadster V2 is best for someone who enjoys cycling and simply wants an assist motor to help them go faster and farther.

The belt-drive setup, low-weight design, and fast speed of up to 24 mph make this an incredible deal.

You can check out my full, in-depth review of the Ride1Up Roadster V2 here .

Ride1up Roadster V2 quick specs:

  • Motor:  500W peak (350W continuous) rear hub motor
  • Top speed:  24 mph (38 km/h)
  • Range:  20-35 miles (32-56 km)
  • Battery:  36V 7Ah (252Wh)
  • Weight : 32 lb (14.5 kg)
  • Price :  $995-$1,095

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Propella Mini

The $849 Propella Mini almost looks a bit odd at first glance, but the quirky proportions result in a super nimble and lightweight e-bike.

It’s not particularly fast at just 18 mph. And it’s also a pedal-assist e-bike, meaning you don’t have a throttle for the days when you feel lazy. But for anyone that doesn’t mind pedaling as long as you get a decent electric boost, the Propella Mini is a great option for you.

I love the bright blue rims, white chain, and slim black frame. The look is killer. And the bike rides both smoothly and efficiently. There’s no suspension to speak of, but the upside is there’s no suspension fork to break. The bike should last a long time with modest upkeep, and it’s a definite winner for anyone that’s low on space.

See my full review of the Propella Mini here .

Propella Mini quick specs

  • Motor:  250 W (400 W peak) Bafang rear geared hub motor
  • Top speed:  30 km/h (18.5 mph)
  • Range:  32-56 km (20-35 mi) depending on pedal assist level
  • Battery:  36V 7Ah (250 Wh)
  • Price:  $849
  • Weight : 14.9 kg (33 lb)

trek e bike mtb 2023

JackRabbit micro e-bike

The $999 JackRabbit OG is in one of these fuzzy areas between e-bikes and other e-rideables. In this case, it straddles the line between an electric bike and an electric scooter.

It more or less feels like an electric bike based on its ride geometry. However, the lack of pedals means that it could also be classified as an electric scooter, albeit a large-wheeled e-scooter.

But with those 20-inch wheels and bicycle seat, the JackRabbit rides much more like a small folding e-bike than an e-scooter. And its electronics match that of a light e-bike too.

The 300W motor gets the little runabout up to 20 mph (32 km/h). The small 158 Wh battery only offers around 10-12 miles (approximately 16-20 km) of range, but is also conveniently small enough to easily keep a spare battery in a cargo pocket or even a small purse.

The biggest benefit of the JackRabbit is that it is so simple that the lack of frills keeps the weight down to just 23 lb (10.5 kg)! For an e-bike, that’s almost so light that it floats.

The company also released a higher power and larger battery capacity version too , which might be good for riders that want to push harder and go farther.

See my full review of the JackRabbit here .

JackRabbit quick specs

  • Motor:  300W geared rear hub motor
  • Range:  20 km (12 mi)
  • Bike weight:  10.5 kg (23 lb.)
  • Brakes:  Rear mechanical disc brake

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Best electric bikes under $2,000

Once you bump up above the $1,000 limit, you start to see many more great options for e-bikes in a wide range of categories.

From electric cargo bikes to cruisers and even electric mopeds, there’s something for everyone in this price range.

Lectric One

The Lectric ONE is listed in the “Best under $2,000” category, but in many ways, it’s the best in under a significantly higher dollar value. To put it into perspective, it’d be hard to buy the gearbox alone on this bike for under $2,000, and yet that’s the price tag of the entire bike! For just $1,999 , you’re getting an e-bike with components normally found on $10,000+ bikes.

The Lectric One was unveiled as a lightweight commuter e-bike designed with an ultra high-end drivetrain based around the Pinion C1.6i auto-shifting gearbox. Paired with a Gates carbon belt drive and a true 750W-rated Stealth M24 motor (with 1,300 peak watts!), the Lectric ONE hits class 3 speeds in style with some extra premium components.

trek e bike mtb 2023

Lectric ONE quick specs:

  • Motor:  750W rear hub motor (1.3 kW peak)
  • Battery:  48V 10.4 or 14Ah (500Wh or 672 Wh)
  • Top speed:  28 mph (45 km/h)
  • Range:  up to 75 miles (120 km)
  • Weight:  55 lb (25 kg)
  • Price:   $1,999

Lectric XPedition

We were the first to review this new model and we called it a runaway hit right from the start. With heavy-hauling weight capacity, the option for one or two batteries for extra long range, hydraulic disc brakes and a watt-based more comfortable feeling pedal assist sensor, this e-bike is dragging electric cargo bikes into the future.

The $1,399 Lectric XPedition has turned the electric cargo bike market upside down, finally bringing a heavy-hitting cargo e-bike to market for an ultra-affordable price.

While it’s not the nicest cargo e-bike on the market, it’s definitely the best bang for your buck thanks to a combination of high value parts and reasonable pricing.

Lectric XPedition e-bike

Lectric XPedition quick specs:

  • Motor:  750W rear hub motor
  • Battery:  48V 14Ah (672 Wh) with the option for a second battery
  • Weight:  68 lb (31 kg)
  • Price:   $1,399

Aventon Soltera.2

The $1,399 Aventon Soltera.2 is the latest version of Aventon’s beautiful city bike that offers some of the best quality fabrication that I’ve seen in this price range – or even in higher price ranges. It is offered in either a single-speed or seven-speed format.

The bike rolls on narrow tires for that efficient city ride, while still packing in a 500W motor.

The battery is a bit smaller at 36V and 10Ah, but the bike makes up for a smaller battery by being able to integrate it into the frame in a sleek and attractive package.

The beautiful color display also adds to the bike’s charm, as do the powerful headlight and frame-integrated tail light. There’s even an awesome companion app that lets your phone track your bike’s important stats. Basically, you’re getting a lot for $1,199 here!

Check out my in-depth Aventon Soltera.2 review here .

Aventon Soltera.2 quick specs:

  • Motor:  500W peak-rated rear hub motor
  • Battery:  36V 10Ah (360 Wh)
  • Top speed:  20 mph (32 km/h)
  • Range:  20-63 miles (32-101 km)
  • Weight:  46 lb (21 kg)
  • Price:   $1,199

aventon soltera electric bike

Ride1Up Turris

Ride1Up has proven itself as a high-value electric bike brand, focusing largely on efficient and speedy commuter e-bikes. While the company has many models in the $1,000 to $2,000 range, the $1,095 Ride1Up Turris (at it’s current sale price ) is one of the best bang-for-your-buck options.

A powerful 750W continuous-rated motor gets the bike up to Class 3 speeds that will have you keeping up with traffic or even passing cars when they get bogged down in the city. That extra speed over most class 2 e-bikes can be quite useful when riding on the side of the road trying to reduce the number of times a car whizzes by you. Even when riding alone or in a protected path away from cars, the extra speed sure makes for a fun ride.

The sporty tires and two choices of frame style (step over or step through) give riders plenty of options to use this bike on the trails or the streets. I love that it includes full metal fenders as well so you don’t have to spend extra on those. I’d definitely recommend spending an extra $50 for the rear rack though if you plan to use the bike as a commuter, since you never know when you’ll need to toss something on the back.

If you want to upgrade to more power and a nicer set of components, the $1,695 700 Series is worth a look. But I think the Ride1Up Turris is sufficient for most riders.

Ride1Up Turris quick specs:

  • Range:  32-64 km (20-40 mi) throttle vs. pedal assist
  • Battery:  48V 12.8Ah (614 Wh) with genuine LG cells
  • Weight : 25 kg (55 lb)
  • Price :  $1,095

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Lectric XPeak

Lectric Ebikes recently expanded into larger territory with the launch of the new Lectric XPeak. It’s the company’s first e-bike with a larger than 20″ wheel size, bringing some chunky 26×4.0″ tires into the company’s inventory.

The XPeak takes the form of a typical adventure-style fat tire electric bike. It features a hardtail design with a suspension fork, high volume tires, hydraulic disc brakes and a relatively large battery that is certified by the Swiss testing agency SGS to meet UL 2849 standards.

The bike is also tested to higher standards for ruggedness of the frame and fork than most e-bikes in this price range, meaning it’s likely going to last longer too. As far as fat tire adventure-style e-bikes go, there’s no better bang for your buck than the Lectric XPeak.

Lectric XPeak quick specs:

  • Motor:  750W (1,300W peak)
  • Range:  Up to 75 km (45 mi) on low power
  • Battery:  48V 14 Ah (672 Wh)
  • Weight : 39.4 kg (67 lb)
  • Price : $1,299 (may increase to $1,399 after promotional sale ends)

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Ride1Up Cafe Cruiser

The Ride1Up Cafe Cruiser is Ride1Up’s first non-purely commuter electric bike, and boy did they knock it out of the park on this one.

The Cafe Cruiser, as its name suggests, is part cruiser bike, part fast motorbike.

The cruiser bars, suspension fork, comfortable seat and pedal-forward geometry make it a pleasure to ride. The high performance 750W hub motor and 28 mph (45 km/h) top speed make it a blast for quick errand running and fun commutes.

High quality parts like hydraulic disc brakes complete the package, and the included fenders and rear rack increase the bike’s value.

One of the coolest features though is the passenger package that adds a rear bench seat, wheel skirt and foot pegs so you can carry a second rider on back. The second seat has a quick release so you can easily pop it on and off the bike whenever you need to swap back and forth between carrying your friends or a basket full of groceries home.

At just $1,595 , the Ride1Up Cafe Cruiser is priced way below fair market value, which makes this an absolute steal of a deal.

Ride1Up Cafe Cruiser quick specs:

  • Motor:  750W rear geared hub motor
  • Range:  50-80 km (30-50 mi)
  • Battery:  48V 15Ah (720 Wh)
  • Weight : 29 kg (65 lb)
  • Price : $1,595

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Rad Power Bikes RadRunner

The RadRunner from Rad Power Bikes has been an industry favorite ever since it was first announced back in 2019. The company is actually on the RadRunner 2 now, but the update only made minor changes since the original was already so well designed.

The bike uses a step-through moped style frame to create a short utility bike or mini cargo e-bike. It’s quick up to the 20 mph top speed and offers a ton of uses. When outfitted with the Passenger Package , it has a seat and footpegs that let you carry kids or adults on the back, turning this into a multi-passenger e-bike.

The high-capacity battery and powerful motor also make for sprightly acceleration and longer than average rides, so you’ll have enough power to ride all day.

The RadRunner is truly one of those do-anything e-bikes because it has so many uses. The same bike can be used for fun recreational riding, city commuting, trail riding, or grocery shopping. There’s something for everyone.

There’s even an upgraded version known as the RadRunner Plus, which adds suspension, a seven-speed transmission, a more detailed display, and the passenger package, though the RadRunner Plus costs a bit more at $1,899 .

Check out my complete review of the RadRunner 2 here .

RadRunner 2 quick specs:

  • Range:  45-72 km (25-45 mi) depending on user input
  • Battery:  48V 14Ah (672 Wh)
  • Weight : 29.5 kg (65 lb)
  • Price : $1,499

Rad Power Black Friday

Rad Power Bikes RadWagon 4

Cargo electric bikes are the workhorses of the e-bike world. They have higher weight capacities and more surface area for carrying all of your gear.

The $1,999 Rad Power Bikes RadWagon 4 is one of my favorite options thanks to the awesome build and wide range of compatible Rad accessories.

The bike’s 750W motor and large capacity battery make it easy to hit the top speed of 20 mph and ride farther than your errands will require.

Plus that long rear bench has tons of room for boxes, bags, or kiddos. I’ve had three riders on the bike plenty of times, and it can definitely do more. Plus, I love that double center kickstand for creating an ultra-stable parking platform.

Check out my full in-depth review of the RadWagon 4 e-cargo bike here .

Rad Power Bikes RadWagon 4 quick specs:

  • Motor:  750 W geared rear hub motor
  • Battery:  48V 14Ah (672Wh)
  • Weight : 34.8 kg (76.7 lb)
  • Price: $1,999

Electric Bike Company Model Y

Electric Bike Company is one of the only e-bike manufacturers that actually builds its electric bikes in the US from the ground up.

They start with bare frames and perform the entire build locally with highly trained e-bike technicians. That also allows them to offer more customization options than any other e-bike company out there.

The $1,949 Model Y is a step-through cruiser e-bike with a hidden battery in the front basket. It offers fast speeds up to 28 mph and high-quality parts like hydraulic disc brakes and top-end hardware. The color screen and leather accents on the seat and bar ends add to the classy look too!

The real treat though is getting to select the custom paint on every surface of the bike, plus your own rim colors, trim colors, and tire options. It’s incredibly customizable to the point where you’re virtually guaranteed to be able to create a truly one-of-a-kind electric bike if you wish.

Check out my full review of the Electric Bike Company Model Y here .

Electric Bike Company Model Y quick specs:

  • Motor:  1,000W peak rear geared hub motor
  • Range:  Up to 80 km (50 mi) with moderate pedaling
  • Battery:  48V with either 9Ah (432 Wh) or 18Ah (864 Wh) options
  • Weight : 26 kg (58 lb)
  • Price:   $1,949

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Velotric Discover 2

Velotric has a number of interesting e-bikes in its lineup, and I’m enjoying testing several of the company’s new models. But one of my favorites so far—thanks to its excellent on-road abilities—has got to be the Velotric Discover 2.

The e-bike isn’t just powerful or surprisingly smooth pedaling, it’s also quite safe. The punchy hydraulic disc brakes offer quick and controlled stops while the UL-certified battery and e-bike systems offer safe operations, removing the worry of dangerous thermal events.

For just $1,899 at its current sale price, riders are getting 15 pedal assist settings, a torque sensor, IPX7 waterproof rating on the battery (meaning the battery can be submerged in water), and robust strength testing that goes above and beyond typical ISO testing for e-bikes. This is an excellent bike for both commuting and pleasure rides, making it a great all-around option!

Check out my full review of the Velotric Nomad 1 here .

Velotric Discover 2 quick specs:

  • Motor:  1,200W peak rear geared hub motor
  • Range:  Up to 88km (55 mi) on pedal assist
  • Battery:  48V 14.4Ah (691 Wh) frame-integrated, removable
  • Weight : 33 kg (73 lb)
  • Price:  $1,499

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Ride1Up Rift

Ride1Up’s first adventure-style electric bike was a smashing success, helping the San Diego-based electric bike maker enter an entirely new category with a bang.

This fat tire electric bike has a powerful motor, a massive 960Wh battery and an ultra rugged frame with built-in rear rack that can carry heavy cargo or even an adult passenger on back.

With fenders, built-in LED lights and cargo capabilities, the Ride1Up Rift would also make a surprisingly good commuter bike that will traverse pot holes and other rough street imperfections just as well as it handles off-road conditions.

Check out my full review of the Ride1Up Rift XR here .

Ride1Up Rift XR quick specs:

  • Motor:  750W continuous-rated rear geared hub motor
  • Top speed:  32 km/h (20 mph) on throttle, or 45 km/h (28 mph) on pedal assist
  • Range:  Up to 96 km (60 mi) on pedal assist
  • Battery:  48V 20Ah (960 Wh) frame-integrated, removable
  • Weight : 38 kg (84.5 lb)
  • Price:  $1,895

ride1up rift XR e-bike

Velotric Packer electric cargo bike

There are a lot of electric cargo bikes on the market, but the Velotric Packer has recently become one of my go-to recommendations for several reasons. It’s fairly priced, has loads of cargo accessories, includes a UL-certified battery, comes in some eye-catching colors, and works well for transporting my three nieces and nephews around with me.

At its sale price of $1,899, this is definitely an electric cargo bike to have on your short list for it’s slick-looking design and great functionality.

trek e bike mtb 2023

Check out my full review of the Velotric Packer here .

  • Motor : 750W (1,200W peak) rear-geared hub motor
  • Top speed : 20 mph (32 km/h) or 25 mph (40 km/h) when unlocked
  • Range : Up to 52 miles (84 km)
  • Battery : 48V 15Ah (692 Wh)
  • Weight : 75 lb (34 kg)
  • Price : $1,899

trek e bike mtb 2023

Best electric bikes from $2,000 to $3,500

By the time you surpass the $2,000 dollar mark, you’re starting to get into serious e-bikes with serious performance or build quality.

If you’re spending this much, you’ll want to ensure you’re buying from a reputable company with top-notch products and service.

Ride1Up Prodigy V2 mid-drive e-bike

The $2,295 Ride1Up Prodigy V2 has brought new meaning to the phrase “low-cost mid-drive electric bike”, updating an already impressive e-bike with a new next-gen setup.

This e-bike sports a high-end German-manufactured Brose mid-drive motor and can hit speeds of up to 28 mph (45 km/h), yet is price similarly to much cheaper hub motor-based electric bikes.

It’s a perfect commuter e-bike for someone that wants high quality parts like that German mid-drive motor with 90Nm of torque, hydraulic disc brakes, bright LED lights, included fenders, rear rack, and a very comfortable saddle. Plus there’s a choice between a nice 9-speed chain drive transmission or a fancier Gates Carbon Drive belt setup with an Enviolo continuously variable transmission.

This e-bike is easily worth another $500 more than the price tag, if not more. In fact, you’ll find many of these same components on e-bikes with $3,000-$4,000 price tags all over the place. So if you’re looking for a higher quality e-bike that doesn’t cost as much as a fancy bike shop e-bike, this is the one to consider.

Ride1Up Prodigy quick specs:

  • Motor:  Brose TF Sprinter mid-drive
  • Range:  30-50 miles (50-80 km)
  • Battery:  36V 14Ah (504Wh)
  • Weight : 58 lb (26 kg)
  • Price :  $2,395

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Juiced Scorpion X

The $2,199 Juiced Scorpion X has all the old-school charm of a vintage moped, but it adds back in a powerful electric drivetrain. It also has awesome-looking cast wheels that remove the issue of spoke maintenance, plus add to the cool stance.

The bench seat allows riders to scoot forward or backward to find the best seating position, and the tall bars give a fun cruiser/motorcycle feel to the bike. With full suspension, hydraulic disc brakes, and a built-in rear rack/fenders, there are a lot of nice parts on the Scorpion X

A powerful throttle lets you blast up to 20 mph, or engaging the pedal assist can take you even faster to 28 mph. And Juiced offers a larger battery than most competitors, letting you ride this moto-styled e-bike even further.

Check out my in-depth review of the Juiced Scorpion X here .

Juiced Scorpion X quick specs:

  • Motor:  750W “nominal” (claimed 1.8 kW peak) RetroBlade rear hub motor
  • Range:  Up to 55 miles (88 km) on pedal-assist or closer to half that on throttle
  • Battery:  52V 15Ah 780Wh (removable and lockable)
  • Weight : 100 lb (45 kg)
  • Price : $2,199

Priority Current

I love the $3,299 Priority Current electric bike so much that it has become one of my daily riders. It’s the one I grab when I’m doing city riding and I know I want to be pedaling.

Becuase it doesn’t have a throttle, you’ll need to enjoy pedaling in order to enjoy this e-bike. But it makes it so much fun to pedal thanks to a torque sensor-based pedal assist that provides natural feeling assistance up to a fast 28 mph top speed.

The internally geared rear hub combined with a Gates belt drive system and powerful hydraulic disc brakes make this a very nice e-bike for the price. Plus that mid-drive motor offers tons of torque for climbing hills or accelerating quickly.

I’m also a fan of the built-in lights and included fenders, not to mention the integrated high-capacity battery that disappears in the frame.

Mid-drive electric bikes aren’t cheap, but the price is definitely a fair one for this e-bike.

Check out my full review of the Priority Current here . I also recently reviewed the Shimano 5-speed version of this e-bike, which you can find here .

Priority Current quick specs :

  • Motor:  500W mid-drive motor with torque sensor
  • Top speed:  28 mph (45 km/h) or 20 mph (32 km/h) user-selectable
  • Range:  30-60 miles (48-96 km)
  • Battery:  500 Wh frame-integrated battery
  • Weight : 24 kg (53 lb)
  • Price: $3,299

Ride1Up CF Racer1

I’m not normally a carbon fiber, drop bar, race bike kind of guy. But then again, that’s usually because those types of bikes are way out of my price range… until now.

The Ride1Up CF Racer1 brings carbon fiber road e-bikes to the common man, offering both a traditional road bike and a gravel bike edition.

At under 29 lb (13 kg), these e-bikes are some of the lightest around. I picked one up with my index finger and was shocked at how easily it left the ground.

To get there, that meant a relatively low-power motor and a smaller battery were required. But for the folks that ride these types of bikes, a big motor and heavy battery probably aren’t on their wishlist anyway. Instead, a simple extra boost, as if you’ve always got a tailwind, helps augment your own pedaling.

For just $2,295 , there’s no better deal out there for a budget-friendly carbon fiber road e-bike.

Ride1Up CF Racer1 quick specs

  • Motor:  250W 42 Nm torque
  • Top speed:  28 mph (45 km/h) on pedal assist
  • Range:  16-40 miles (26-64 km)
  • Battery:  252 Wh frame-integrated battery
  • Weight : 12.9 kg (28.6 lb)
  • Price: $2,295

ride1up CF Racer1 electric bike

Biktrix Moto

There’s a lot to like about the Biktrix Moto electric moped. Near the top of the list though has got to be the dual batteries. There’s a single battery option that starts at $2,299 , but the dual battery option doubles the range up to a maximum of 100 miles.

Even with just one battery, the high capacity of 1,008 Wh makes these some of the biggest batteries in the e-bike industry. Combine that with a high power motor, tall handlebars, and a long bench seat, and you’ve got a seriously fun electric moped.

It doesn’t slouch on components either. The lighting is ultra bright and it features other nice parts like powerful hydraulic disc brakes and an included rack/fender setup.

See my full review of the Biktrix Moto e-bike here .

Biktrix Moto quick specs:

  • Motor:  Bafang 750W continuous hub motor (peak power not published)
  • Top speed:  25 mph (40 km/h) but can be limited to Class 2 speeds
  • Range:  Up to 100 miles (160 km) with two batteries
  • Battery:  48V 21Ah (1,008 Wh) in each battery (two possible)
  • Weight:  90 lb (41 kg)
  • Price: $2,299

biktrix moto

Ride1Up REVV1 FS

This full-suspension electric moped-style e-bike is a masterclass in high performance electric bike design. Sure, it’s an obvious SUPER73 imitation, but it’s a really well done imitation.

It handles well, it’s got great rubber between you and the road, the suspension gives a comfortable ride, and it’s got plenty of extra power.

Despite the 750W label, the e-bike can be unlocked to make use of nearly 1,500W of peak power. I was able to reach a top speed of 37 mph (59.5 km/h) during my testing (not on public streets!).

But the bike ships in Class 2 mode with a 750W limit and 20 mph (32 km/h) maximum speed, meaning you’ll have to contact the company to request an unlock for the bike to be used above Class 2 speeds and power levels.

All in all, the $2,395 Ride1Up REVV1 FS is an amazing e-bike for anyone who wants a moped-style ride with full-suspension, high quality 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes and a design that rides almost like a motorcycle, yet in a bike form factor.

Check out my complete Ride1Up REVV1 FS review here .

Ride1Up REVV1 quick specs:

  • Motor:  Bafang 750W continuous hub motor
  • Top speed:  20 mph (32 km/h) out of the box, 37 mph (59.5 km/h) when unlocked
  • Battery:  52V 20Ah (1,040 Wh)
  • Weight:  93 lb (42 kg)
  • Price: $2,395

ride1up revv1

Tern Quick Haul

The Tern Quick Haul is an electric cargo bike from the famed cargo e-bike company Tern. It holds the distinction of being the most affordable model in Tern’s lineup.

That says a lot, because Tern is known for its high quality e-bikes that are built to be ridden every day for real world errands, carpool duty and more. These e-bikes are meant to replace cars, and they do just that for many riders. With a huge list of accessories, you can outfit a Quick Haul for just about any job.

The Tern Quick Haul features a mid-drive Bosch motor, hydraulic disc brakes, Tern’s vertical parking rack, and a relatively lightweight but high utility design that is meant to carry just about anything in your life.

We had the chance to test a pair of Quick Hauls at Eurobike in Frankfurt last year, which you can learn more about here.

Motor:  Bosch Active Line Plus mid-drive motor Top speed:  20 mph (32 km/h) with pedal assist (no throttle) Range:  Up to 60 miles (96 km), less when riding in highest power Battery:  400Wh, removable/lockable Weight:  50 lb (22.8 kg) Price : $2,999

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Ariel Rider X-Class

When it comes to fast, powerful electric mopeds on a budget, it’s hard to compete with the $2,399 Ariel Rider X-Class . This is the e-bike I usually recommend when someone simply wants the most power and speed for the least amount of money.

The impressive performance comes from a powerful 1,000W motor that actually puts out closer to 2,000W of peak power. It can be limited to 20 mph if you’d like, but I got it up to 36 mph in unlimited mode.

The bike rolls on 20″ moto-style wheels and comes with nice parts including hydraulic disc brakes, a bench seat, dual suspension, and a big moto-style headlight.

You can see my full review of the Ariel Rider 52V X-Class here .

  • Motor:  1,000W (2,000W peak) rear hub motor
  • Top speed:  36 mph (58 km/h), but can be limited to Class 2 speeds
  • Range:  Up to 75 miles (120 km), less when riding at top speed
  • Battery:  52V 18Ah (936 Wh), removable/lockable
  • Weight:  80 lb (36 kg)
  • Price : $2,399

Rad Power Bikes Rad Rover 6 Plus with accessories

Technically the Rad Rover 6 Plus is priced at $1,999 . And with its free shipping, it comes in under the $2k mark. But I’m including it in the $2k-$3k category because you’re going to want to add a couple of important accessories to this one.

Rad Power Bikes has one of the widest arrays of e-bike accessories on the planet . In fact, it might have THE widest selection. And I’d highly recommend adding the rear rack ($79) to the RadRover 6 Plus, at the very least. It simply adds even more utility and turns an adventure bike into an adventure/hauling bike.

Accessories aside, the RadRover 6 Plus is an awesome ride and packs in some real value. It is the highest-spec e-bike in Rad’s lineup and includes hydraulic disc brakes, redesigned suspension fork, an upgraded frame with a new semi-integrated battery, new displays that are easier to read and use, and so much more.

This is absolutely an e-bike that is worth checking out for anyone that does adventure-style riding and needs big tires combined with high power, and who wants the support and comfort provided by going with North America’s largest e-bike company.

Check out my full RadRover 6 Plus review here .

RadRover 6 Plus quick specs:

  • Range:  45-72 km (25-45 mi) depending on throttle or pedal assist
  • Weight:  33.3 kg (73.4 lb)

Best electric bikes from $3,500 to $5,000

Above $3.5k, you’re entering some seriously dedicated e-bike territory.

These e-bikes either feature top-shelf components like drivetrain and brake parts, or pack in so much power that they couldn’t possibly be priced any lower.

Either way, you’re not in Kansas anymore. You’re heading down the e-bike rabbit hole.

Tern is renowned for building high-quality electric bikes that double down on utility features. The newly updated Tern HSD is the company’s more affordable utility e-bike, offering many features you’ll find on its higher end GSD but at a price that more riders can stomach.

The HSD uses small 20″ wheels and includes a folding stem, making it nice and compact. But taking it one step further, Tern outfitted it with its innovative rack that lets you park the bike on its tail, meaning it takes up barely more space than a coat rack in the corner of a room.

The bike’s Bosch mid-drive and high capacity batteries provide a high-end e-bike drive, and they are matched with a variety of performance drivetrain options that you can select from, depending on how high you want to spec the bike.

Whether you’re ferrying around kids or buying a week’s worth of groceries, the HSD is a solid option.

Check out my detailed first ride experience on the Tern HSD here .

Tern HSD quick specs:

  • Motor:  Bosch Active Line Plus mid-drive
  • Top speed:  32 km/h (20 mph) with electric assist
  • Range:  42-110 km (26-69 mi) depending on pedal input
  • Battery:  Bosch PowerPack 400 Wh
  • Weight : 25.4 kg (55.9 lb)
  • Price:  $4,299

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CSC FT1000MD

The CSC FT1000MD sounds like a motorcycle name because it comes from a company with motorcycle heritage. CSC Ebikes was born out of CSC Motorcycles, a company with several decades of two-wheeler experience.

The FT1000MD is the company’s highest power option. The fat tire e-bike comes with a 1,000+ watt motor known as the Bafang M620 Ultra. It’s the most powerful and highest torque e-bike mid-drive motor on the retail market. CSC paired it with a big battery, quality suspension, hydraulic brakes, built-in lighting, and more to create a high performance and high-quality adventure e-bike.

I was able to hit speeds of around 34 mph with the motor in unlocked format, though you can limit it to 20 or 28 mph to fit into class 2 and class 3 designations.

Check out my full review of this incredibly powerful e-bike here .

CSC FT1000MD quick specs:

  • Motor:  1,000W continuous Bafang M620 mid-drive
  • Top speed: 54 km/h (34 mph) when unlocked
  • Battery:  48V 16Ah (768Wh) with Samsung 35E cells
  • Frame:  6061 aluminum
  • Suspension:  Front suspension fork with preload and damping adjustment, plus lockout
  • Brakes:  Tektro hydraulic disc brakes with 180 mm rotors
  • Weight : 34 kg (75 lb)
  • Price:  $3,299 or save $200 with discount code ELECTREK

csc ft1000md electric bike

Ariel Rider Grizzly

When it comes to all-wheel-drive electric bikes, the $3,299 Ariel Rider Grizzly is one of my favorites.

This incredible e-bike is really more of a small electric motorcycle. It uses two high-power motors – one in each wheel – to offer speeds in the mid-30s and acceleration that will get you there in the blink of an eye.

Full suspension and hydraulic disc brakes make this an e-bike that handles well at any speed, and the bright red paint job looks as aggressive as the e-bike feels. It even comes with footpegs pre-installed so you can carry a passenger with you.

Plus it’s got double batteries to feed those two power-hungry motors, so you’ll be able to ride this e-bike pretty darn far too, as long as you aren’t too demanding from the throttle.

Check out my full in-depth review of the epic Ariel Rider Grizzly e-bike here .

Ariel Rider Grizzly quick specs:

  • Motors:  Dual 1,000W continuous hub motors (1,850W peak or 3.7 kW combined)
  • Top speed:  36 mph (58 km/h) when unlocked, but can be limited to Class 2 speeds
  • Battery:  52V 35Ah (1,820 Wh) between two removable/lockable batteries
  • Weight:  105 lb (47.6 kg)

Specialized Turbo Como SL

For more of a cruiser/city e-bike experience, the $4,800 Specialized Turbo Como SL is a great option. This e-bike offers a much more upright ride for a fun, relaxed vibe.

The e-bike features a high-quality mid-drive motor, hydraulic disc brakes, Gates carbon belt drive, and an eight-speed internally geared hub. Those are a lot of nice parts!

And don’t forget the slim fenders, front basket, and cruiser bars that all look super elegant, complimenting the nice lines of the Turbo Como SL.

This may not be a low-cost e-bike, but it definitely offers a ride that makes it worth it.

See my full review of the Specialized Turbo Como SL here .

Specialized Turbo Como SL quick specs:

  • Motor:  Custom Specialized SL1.1 mid-drive motor
  • Range:  Up to 100 km (62 mi), or 50% more with range extender
  • Battery:  Downtube-integrated 320 Wh battery
  • Weight : 20.5 kg (45 lb.)
  • Price:   $4,800

If you’ve been looking for a high-end trekking electric bike that was built with a combination of high-quality parts and the latest technology, look no further than the $4,550 Greyp T5.

There’s a reason why Porsche bought this e-bike company – it’s simply one of the best.

It uses Greyp’s own in-house developed 700 Wh battery combined with a mid-drive motor to offer a hardtail trekking e-bike. In addition to the awesome bike design, the built-in tech is what really opens people’s eyes. Integrated cameras at the front and rear of the bike can serve as dash cams or livestream your rides. Plus you can capture all of your ride footage on the bike instead of bringing along a Go-Pro camera.

There’s also an app that allows you to take full advantage of the built-in eSIM card, giving you connectivity to the bike and letting you check all your vital stats, find its location, and more – right from your phone.

The bike is truly a high-end offering by itself, but the embedded tech makes it a rarity in any category.

See my first ride review of the Greyp T5 e-bike here .

Best electric bikes above $5,000

You just couldn’t stop, could you? I showed you plenty of awesome e-bikes that didn’t cost most of a paycheck. But you just haaaaaaad to keep going.

Fine, here they are. These are some of the most expensive e-bikes out there that we’ve tested and that I’d actually recommend someone buying, if you can pony up the cash.

Fuell Flluid-2 and Flluid-3

The $5,495 Fuell Flluid-2 and Flluid-3 are great examples of what happens when a motorcycle designer applies his tradecraft to a smaller platform, creating an e-bike built to a higher standard.

The Fuell Flluid’s smooth mid-drive motor with built-in gearbox and Gates carbon belt drive setup combine to make an ultra-responsive and polished electric powertrain. The two removable batteries built into special cutouts in the frame offer long-range riding without looking like a packhorse carrying massive batteries.

The e-bike is nearly maintenance-free thanks to the belt drive and hydraulic disc brakes. The duo removes the two most common maintenance issues with bikes: chain wear and brake adjustment.

Flying fast at 28 mph (45 km/h) is a blast, and doing it on a smooth-riding e-bike with Pirelli tires is even better. Then add in the ultra-bright lights, built-in fenders and rear rack, the suspension seat post, color LCD screen and other niceties, and now you’re left with a high-end e-bike that could serve you for years as a daily commuter e-bike designed for nearly maintenance-free high mileage riding. The only downside is that the bike is quite heavy at 36 kg (79 lb). But you can’t expect all these great parts and dual batteries on a featherweight bike!

Check out my full review of the Fuell Flluid here .

Fuell Flluid quick specs:

  • Motor:  750-1,000W rated Valeo mid-drive motor with built-in gearbox
  • Range:  Up to 200 km (125 mi) with dual batteries (though Fuell-3 has just a single battery)
  • Brakes:  Tektro hydraulic disc brakes on 180 mm rotors
  • Weight:  36 kg (79 lb)
  • Price: $5,495

fuell flluid electric bike

GoCycle G4i+

When it comes to ultra-premium folding electric bikes, there’s only one name that comes to my mind: GoCycle. These are the most impressive folding e-bikes I’ve ever seen. And they better be – they were designed by a former McLaren engineer.

Between the carbon fiber work, single-sided wheels, high-tech tires, trippy LED dot display, innovative rear suspension, and completely enclosed drivetrain, there’s a lot of high-end stuff going on here.

The speed will vary from 15-20 mph depending on which country you buy the bike in, but the performance is only part of the equation. The quick folding and light, compact design of the e-bike is the real winner here.

Check out my full review of the GoCycle G4i+ here .

GoCycle G4i+ quick specs:

  • Motor:  500W front hub motor
  • Top speed:  20 mph (32 km/h) in the US
  • Range:  up to 50 miles (80 km)
  • Battery:  36V 10.4Ah (375 Wh)
  • Weight : 37.2 lb (16.9 kg)
  • Price:   $6,999

trek e bike mtb 2023

Serial 1 RUSH/CTY SPEED

Serial 1, the electric bicycle company that spun out of Harley-Davidson, has several awesome electric bike models. While most fall under the $5,000 mark, I’m going to recommend their top of the line model: The $5,599 Serial 1 RUSH/CTY SPEED . If you’re in the market to buy a Serial 1 e-bike, you might as well go for the best.

Like all of Serial 1’s e-bikes, it’s got a great design and ridability. Serial 1 scored top e-bike designers from companies like Trek, so they know how to build an awesome bike with killer geometry. They also brought in the Harley-Davidson LiveWire electric motorcycle engineers to build the custom battery, so it’s top of the line too. Then they used pro parts like the Brose mid-drive and Gates carbon belt drive setup. Basically, it’s an incredible e-bike. And with a 28 mph (45 km/h) top speed plus a huge 706 Wh battery to ride all day, the performance matches the build.

Serial 1 even goes above and beyond with their own custom weight bearing fenders that also happen to be functional racks (both in the front and rear), their own custom designed lights that throw serious illumination up front and give you great rear visibility from dropout-mounted lights, and there’s even a glovebox in the bike!

Basically, there’s a lot to like here. Yes, it’s expensive. But you’re not just paying for the H-D name on the side. It’s actually a high quality, high performance electric bike regardless of the badging.

Check out my full first ride on the various Serial 1 e-bike models here .

Motor:  High torque Brose TF MAG mid-drive motor Top speed (tested):  45 km/h (28 mph) Battery:  706 Wh Serial 1 custom battery Range:  25-115 miles (40-185 km), likely more in the 30-50 miles range with normal riding Weight:  26.7 kg (59 lb) Price:   $5,599

FREY EX Pro electric mountain bike

The FREY EX Pro is a high-end electric mountain bike with crazy high power. It uses the same motor as the CSC FT1000MD we featured above (the Bafang M620 mid-drive), but cranks up the current to provide closer to 1,500W of power.

It’s enough to destroy chains if you aren’t careful. We know. Several of us here at Electrek have done it.

The FREY EX Pro not only features high-end parts like a RockShox Lyric fork and Magura MT5e hydraulic brakes, but it even comes with dual batteries so you can ride farther and stay on the trails longer.

I’ve personally taken this e-bike back UP a downhill mountain bike course – that’s how powerful it is.

It may be expensive, but it saves you several thousand dollars compared to many European electric mountain bikes with similar components but a fraction of the power in the FREY.

See my full review of the FREY EX Pro here .

  • Motor:  1 kW continuous, 1.5 kW peak-rated Bafang Ultra mid-drive motor
  • Top speed (tested):  59 km/h (36 mph)
  • Battery:  Dual 48V 14Ah packs (1,344 Wh total)
  • Range:  Varies  considerably  by ride style/terrain, but 30-100 km (20-60 miles) is the ballpark
  • Weight:  34 kg (75 lb)
  • Price:   $5,580

Top comment by OliveUmbrella

1–I have a Lectric XPLite. It’s great to load in the SUV or RV with my wife’s Liberty Trike, which weighs only 50 lbs AND comes apart into two 25-lb pieces. Easy on my old back! The new RAD and Lectric trikes are good, I’m sure, but would be unusable for me. Too heavy.

2–RE: the importance of the sub-$1000 list…I think this also applies to some of the Chinese EV cars, the 50-mph, low-priced category. If brought here, or built here, they’d allow far more people to get into an EV, as a primary city car, or even a suburban 2nd car.

The Tern GSD improves upon the Tern HSD with even more capability and even nicer components. There are multiple versions that can take you up to nearly $10k, but even the lower-tier versions are not “low tier,” if you know what I mean.

Parts like automatically engaging electric locks, 10-speed Shimano Deore transmissions, Magura MT5e quad-piston hydraulic disc brakes, and more set these e-bikes apart from the rest of the pack.

If you’re getting a Tern GSD, you’re getting a fully qualified car replacement. There are many people that use these instead of buying a second car. When you look at it like that, the price suddenly seems pretty reasonable.

Check out our full review of the Tern GSD here .

  • Motor:  Bosch Cargo Line mid-drive
  • Range:  42-85 km (26-53 mi) depending on pedal input
  • Weight : 33.6 kg (74 lb)
  • Price : $5,399

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

ebikes

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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Mountain Bike Action Magazine

THE TEN BEST DOWNHILL BIKES OF 2024

Our favorite dh bikes of the year.

trek e bike mtb 2023

It’s hard to find something more fun than sending it down a mountain after cheating the climb by riding a lift up. But, this type of riding is generally pretty hard on equipment, so you’ll need something that can stand up to the abuse. That’s where DH bikes come in. As the tanks of the MTB world, these bikes are made to attack the trail and offer the highest level of forgiveness for mistakes, big hits, and the gnarliest rock gardens. Here we have 10 DH bikes we think will hold up to the abuse and glue a smile on your face as you go.

trek e bike mtb 2023

TRANSITION TR11

Transition’s roots in downhill and freeride are deep, and their bikes have always reflected that. With the TR11 , they sought to make a bike that was as good in the deserts of Utah as it was racing World Cup-level tracks. It has an aluminum frame with a dedicated mixed-wheel setup and adjustability out the wazoo with reach- and angle-adjust headset cups and a flip chip in the rear dropouts. It has internal cable routing, Boost 148mm rear hub spacing, and Transition’s Gravity GiddyUp suspension with 200mm of rear travel. The bike has a headtube angle of 62 degrees, a reach of 475mm on the large, and chainstay lengths of 440/445mm on the S and M and 445/450mm on the L and XL. Price: $2,300 – $5,300 Contact: www.transitionbikes.com

trek e bike mtb 2023

Throughout the 2023 World Cup racing season, riders like Aaron Gwin, Dakotah Norton, and Joe Breeden had been racing prototypes of the new Intense M1 downhill bike . Well, Intense has finally decided the M1 is ready for release , and it’s looking excellent. This new frame is fully constructed from alloy and utilizes Intense’s new HP6 six-bar suspension system with a mid-high pivot design and an oversized headtube that allows for reach and angle-adjusting headsets. Price: $5,999-$7,499 Contact: www.intensecycles.com

trek e bike mtb 2023

GIANT GLORY ADVANCED

Giant  has introduced the new  Glory Advanced , the latest version of its downhill race bike. This fifth-generation model has undergone a complete overhaul, aiming to provide downhill racers with a competitive advantage. The bike features a full-composite frameset that offers various adjustment options for frame geometry, reach, and rear wheel size. 200mm of rear-wheel travel and a stock mixed-wheel setup make the Glory Advanced ready to take on the toughest trails you can throw at it. You can find  more details here.

Price:  $6,200 – $8,000

Contact:   www.giant-bicycles.com

trek e bike mtb 2023

COMMENCAL SUPREME DH V5

Commencal’s flagship DH race bike has seen an overhaul over the last few World Cup seasons, and this new platform was available to the public last year. Featuring their all-new HVCS (High Virtual Contact System) suspension layout and mixed wheels, the DH V5 is designed to win race runs. There is a flip chip at the shock mount that allows for 4 different positions, adjusting the bottom bracket height and head tube angle, as well as changing the shock kinematic to be either more linear or more progressive. There is also a flip chip to adjust the chainstay length by +/- 6mm, making this a versatile downhill race machine. The DH V5  has 220mm of rear travel, a 200mm fork, a 63.3-degree head tube angle (“Low” Setting), and is available in sizes S through XL. Check out our article with Amaury Pierron and his  Supreme DH V5 race bike build !

Price:  $5,700–$7,400

Contact:   www.commencalusa.com

trek e bike mtb 2023

TREK SESSION

This might be one of the most famous DH bikes in existence, with riders like Gee Atherton , Aaron Gwin , and more all taking their turn racing it in World Cups. In the 2023 season, Valentina Holl won the World Cup overall riding a Session , so it’s clear that it has an impressive pedigree. Trek has packed a lot of technology into this bike with their high-pivot ABP (Active Braking Pivot) suspension system, progression adjustment chip at the base of the shock, and mixed-wheel compatibility. It has an adjustable 63-degree head angle, size-specific chainstay lengths, and modern reach numbers in all sizes. This alloy bike is made to go fast downhill and comes in two complete build kits as well as a few frame options. Price: $5,500 – $7,200 Contact: www.trekbikes.com

RAAW YALLA!

In 2016, RAAW was founded in Palatinate, Germany, with the goal of making bikes they would love to ride and trying to make a living doing it. The Yalla! has been in development since 2019, and RAAW has chosen to stick with a dedicated 29-inch-wheel-size design, which they say helps keep the bike’s performance more optimized. The designers at RAAW are true bike nerds and put in the time to design the Yalla! frame to meet their specifications, but it is as adjustable as possible so every rider can get comfortable. It has a low, 345mm BB height, a stock head angle of 63 degrees, and size-specific chainstay lengths. This bike is offered in three different sizes with a 455mm reach on the medium, a 480mm reach for the large, and 505mm for the XL. RAAW sells this 198mm-travel frame directly to the consumer for anywhere from $2,731 for just the frame and shock to $5,000+ for a frame kit, which includes the frame, shock, fork, and a OneUp bar and stem. RAAW has no complete bikes available. Price: $2,731 – $5,000+ Contact: www.raawmtb.com

trek e bike mtb 2023

ATHERTON A.200

When we think of Atherton Bikes , we think of customization. Just visiting their website will show you how much they emphasize choosing the correctly sized bike for their customers, even the A.200 . If you make it to a certain point, they actually have to type your height, inseam, and arm span into a calculator to get a basic idea of what size bike you need. From there, they make a recommendation from among 12 sizes, or you can take that base and customize your own build for around $750 extra. The frame is composed of a series of carbon tubes connected by laser-printed titanium lugs. All 12 sizes have a 63-degree headtube angle, 76-degree effective seat tube angle, and 200mm of rear suspension travel. Once you have the bike, its customizability is more limited with no fancy flip chips or reach-adjust cups to worry about. And why would you need them? You’ve just sized the bike perfectly. Price: $4,265 – $8,330 Contact: www.athertonbikes.com

trek e bike mtb 2023

SANTA CRUZ V10

If you’ve kept up with the Santa Cruz Syndicate World Cup team, then you know they were racing and testing a new generation of the V10 throughout the 2023 season. As with all Santa Cruz full-suspension bikes, the new V10 uses the VPP suspension system for 208mm of rear wheel travel matched with a 203mm fork. The Carbon CC frame has a lot of adjustability with three three-position flip chips positioned around the frame: -8/0/+8mm reach-adjust headset cups, angle- and BB-height-adjusting chip in the rear linkage, and a -5/0/+5mm chip at the rear axle dropouts to adjust the chainstay length. This bike has size-specific chainstay lengths, a head angle between 62.7 and 63 degrees, and size-specific wheel size options with sizes S, M, and L coming with mixed wheels while the XL comes as a full 29er. Price: $3,800 – $8,600 Contact: www.santacruzbicycles.com

trek e bike mtb 2023

GT FURY CARBON

You may recognize the Fury as the bike American Ryan Pinkerton rode to victory in the 2023 Jr. Downhill World Cup Championship and in multiple races along the way . This bike has a long legacy in the downhill world, but it was only recently reimagined to be what it is today—a modern World Cup Champion. GT utilizes a high-pivot suspension design to squeak 200mm of rear travel out of the frame with a 203mm-travel fork leading the charge. It has a 63.5-degree head angle, a 480mm reach on the size large, and a 429mm chainstay length. As far as modes of adjustment, GT has added three flip chips to this bike so you can make it what you want: a chip to determine what size rear wheel you want to run, a flip chip at the base of the shock to tune the suspension’s progression, and a chip in the rear dropouts to adjust chainstay length. Price: $2,600 – $6,700 Contact: www.gtbicycles.com

trek e bike mtb 2023

FRAMEWORKS DH FRAME

Neko Mullaly is a world-class downhill racer who got tired of riding other manufacturers’ frames he just didn’t quite feel right on, so he decided to make his own DH bike under the Frameworks brand name. If you’ve been following him on social media and YouTube , you’ll know the extensive lengths he’s gone to to get this frame strong enough to race at a World Cup level. He’s even built a little team with Asa Vermette under contract to race his first two years of World Cups on the frames. The bike has an aluminum front triangle and carbon rear triangle with 200.7mm or 205mm of rear travel, depending on the orientation of the progression chip at the base of the shock. It has a 63.3-degree head angle, a 455mm or 485mm reach, and a 450mm or 460mm chainstay length depending on the size. The bike is designed to handle a mixed-wheel setup. There are only two sizes available: medium and large, and the bike is sold as a frame-only for $3,950 without a shock, up to $4,650 with an Ohlins shock, and there are also two in-between models. Price: $3,950 – $4,650 Contact: www.rideframeworks.com

trek e bike mtb 2023

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  • Marlin 7 Gen 3 - 2023, Medium/Large

IMAGES

  1. 2023 Trek Fuel EXe 9.5 E-Bike

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  2. 2023 Trek Fuel EXe Review

    trek e bike mtb 2023

  3. Trek Powerfly 4 Equip Gen 2 FS Electric Bike 2023

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  4. Trek Fuel EXe 2023 E-Mountainbike

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  5. 2023 Trek Fuel EXe 9.7 E-Bike

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  6. Trek Electric Bikes for 2023

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  1. 2023 Trek Dual Sport 3

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  4. Before you buy a Trek E Bike watch this! #TREKBIKES

  5. Trek rail down the mountain through the seasons

  6. Top 10 2023 2024 New Electric Bikes

COMMENTS

  1. Fuel EXe redefines e-MTB

    It's a full suspension e-mountain bike that flattens climbs and pushes you farther on every ride, without interrupting the way you experience the trail. It's your best trail ride ever, with extra Fuel in the tank. watch the walkthrough ... Design & Innovation Award 2023 "Trek Fuel EXe ushers in a new generation of Light-eMTBs, combining ...

  2. 2023 Trek Fuel EXe Review

    The Trek Fuel EXe is a new electric mountain bike for 2023 that features a compact and quiet TQ motor and a carbon frame. It offers 150mm of travel, great geometry and handling, but also has some drawbacks in suspension and price.

  3. Trek Rail Review

    The Trek Fuel EXe is a new lightweight e-MTB that's built around a smaller motor and battery. As a result, it's over 5kg lighter than the Rail. Compared to the Rail with its 85Nm motor and 750Wh battery, the Fuel EXe takes a sleeker and lighter-weight approach.

  4. The Fuel EXe redefines e-MTB

    It's a full suspension e-mountain bike that flattens climbs and pushes you further on every ride, without interrupting the way you experience the trail. It's your best trail ride ever, with extra Fuel in the tank. watch the walkthrough ... Design & Innovation Award 2023 "Trek Fuel EXe ushers in a new generation of Light-eMTBs, combining ...

  5. Trek Fuel EX-e Mountain Bike Review

    Trek's Fuel EXe Is the Best e-Mountain Bike of 2023 Light, discrete, and quiet with a great chassis, the new EX-e proves that more doesn't make e-bikes better. By Matt Phillips Updated: Apr 5 ...

  6. Review: Trek's 2023 Fuel EX-e Is Light & Nearly Completely Silent

    The EX-e comes in four frame sizes and six built kits, all of which use Trek's OCLV carbon. Pricing starts at $6,499 USD for the EX-e 9.5 which is built with entry-level RockShox suspension and ...

  7. New Trek Fuel EXe 9.9 XX1 AXS 2023 with TQ HPR 50 motor first ride

    The new Trek Fuel EXe 2023 is a light and natural eMTB with 150/140 mm travel and a 360 Wh battery. It features the new TQ HPR 50 motor, which delivers 50 Nm torque and is designed for a smooth and analogue ride feel.

  8. The Trek Fuel EXe 9.9 XX1 AXS

    With the Fuel EXe 9.9 XX1 AXS 2023, Trek enter our huge 2023 eMTB group test with their first ever Light-eMTB, which retails at € 14,499 and comes equipped with a TQ HPR 50 motor and matching 360 Wh battery. Above all, it's supposed to convince with its discreet look and natural riding feel, but how does it fare against the competition?

  9. The All-New 2023 Trek Fuel EX-e

    Trek believe that their new Fuel Ex-e is the bike that finally bridges the gap between MTB & E-MTB, but why is this? Could it be the 360-watt-hour battery? T...

  10. Review: Trek Fuel EXe eMTB smashes rough trails & climbs ...

    The Trek Fuel EXe is a bit of an outlier in the current e-MTB market. Most e-mountain bikes fall into one of two categories: High-powered, long-travel beasts, or lightweight, short-travel models with lower-power systems. The Fuel EXe sits in the middle, with 150/140mm travel and generous, adjustable trail geometry, and the new TQ HPR50 motor ...

  11. Trek Fuel EX 2023 On Test

    For 2023 the Trek Fuel EX receives an all-new frame design, and it also sees a 10mm increase in suspension travel. Stock bikes are now equipped with a 150mm travel fork, while the ABP platform delivers 140mm of rear travel. Most frame sizes will come with 29in wheels, though the two smallest frame sizes will be available with 27.5in wheels.

  12. 2023 Trek Fuel EXe 9.9 XX1 AXS E-Bike

    In the case of our medium test bike, we had a 452mm reach while the move to a large is 482mm. By comparison, the Fuel EX goes 440mm (M), 455mm (ML), and 470mm (L). Lastly, the Fuel EXe has a (by comparison) slacker head tube angle of 65 degrees (66 degrees on the Fuel EX). Not reviewing these numbers prior to riding the Fuel EXe, we would have ...

  13. NEW 2023 Trek Fuel eMTB: Super Light, Super Quiet

    Trek Fuel EXe, a brand new lightweight electric mountain bike from Trek. Featuring 300w motor, 360Wh battery, range extender and weights from 17.47KG. Trail ...

  14. Trek MTB and E-MTB Demo Series 2023

    Trek MTB and E-MTB Demo Series 2023 Try Trek's latest and greatest The best way to find the mountain bike that's right for you is to spend time riding a few different models. ... Fuel EXe - an e-mountain bike that empowers you to do more on singletrack, without interrupting your nature experience. With a quiet assist and breakthrough design ...

  15. The 13 Best E-Bikes in 2024

    The Aventure.2 is an excellent fat-tire e-bike for commutes, especially on snowy days and gravel pathways. Off-roading, it excels on doubletrack trails, but with this burly bike's weight and ...

  16. The best electric bikes you can buy at every price level in June 2024

    Ride1Up Turris. Ride1Up has proven itself as a high-value electric bike brand, focusing largely on efficient and speedy commuter e-bikes. While the company has many models in the $1,000 to $2,000 ...

  17. THE TEN BEST DOWNHILL BIKES OF 2024

    It has an adjustable 63-degree head angle, size-specific chainstay lengths, and modern reach numbers in all sizes. This alloy bike is made to go fast downhill and comes in two complete build kits as well as a few frame options. Price: $5,500 - $7,200. Contact: www.trekbikes.com.

  18. Khabarovsk Krai Hotels with Bike Rentals

    Khabarovsk Krai hotels with bike rentals: Find 65 traveller reviews, candid photos and the top ranked hotels with gyms in Khabarovsk Krai on Tripadvisor.

  19. Tuguro-Chumikansky District

    Tuguro-Chumikansky District (Russian: Тугу́ро-Чумика́нский райо́н) is an administrative and municipal district (), one of the seventeen in Khabarovsk Krai, Russia.It is located in the center of the krai.The area of the district is 96,069 square kilometers (37,092 sq mi). Its administrative center is the rural locality (a selo) of Chumikan.

  20. Khabarovsk Krai

    Khabarovsk Krai. Flag. Coat of arms. Khabarovsk Krai ( Russian: Хабаровский край, romanized: Khabarovsky kray) is a federal subject (a krai) of Russia. The administrative center is the city of Khabarovsk. In 2010, 1,343,869 people lived there. [1]

  21. 10 Roubles (Khabarovsk Territory)

    USSR RUSSIA 2023 Chervonetz 10 RUBLES GOLD UNC NGC MS70 TOP POP MMD $1899.00. Right Now on eBay. 10 Rubles 2023 Rybinsk,Coins Russia,Bimetallic Coin. $4.99. When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Discuss or ask a question.

  22. Electric bikes

    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.

  23. Marlin 7 Gen 3

    Lifetime warranty on framesets (frame and rigid fork), main frame, and full suspension swing arms. Quick assembly guide and all necessary tools included. Pedals included. Bikes come with tubes installed. TLR accessories sold separately. Discover your next great ride with Marlin 7 Gen 3 - 2023, Medium/Large.