8 Best Budget Electric Mountain Bikes of 2024
February 27, 2024
Embarking on the journey to find the perfect electric mountain bike (eMTB) can be an exhilarating yet overwhelming experience. With many options available, each boasting its unique features and capabilities, choosing the right one requires careful consideration.
Let's explore a selection of standout eMTBs, ranging from rugged trail conquerors to versatile urban explorers, each offering a blend of power, performance, and innovation.
Whether you're seeking adrenaline-pumping adventures on challenging terrains or seeking a reliable companion for daily commuting, these eMTBs are engineered to deliver an unparalleled riding experience.
Here’s a list of the top-tier electric mountain bikes we’ll be comparing:
- 1. Aventon Ramblas: Best All-Terrain, Downhill, Electric Assist Mountain Bike for Adults, & Budget eMTB Under $3,000
- 2. Orbea Keram 30: 2nd Best Budget eMTB Under $3,000
- 3. REI Co-op Cycles DRT e3.1: Best Full Suspension Electric Mountain Bike
- 4. Haibike AllMTN 3: 2nd Best Full Suspension Electric Mountain Bike
- 5. Cannondale Moterra Neo 5: Best Electric Mountain Bike Under $5,000
- 6. Marin Rift Zone E1: 2nd Best Electric Mountain Bike Under $5,000
- 7. Motobecane HAL eBoost M600: Fastest Electric Mountain Bike
- 8. Ride1UP Prodigy XC: 2nd Fastest Electric Mountain Bike & 2nd Best Electric Assist Mountain Bike
Aventon Ramblas: Best All-Terrain, Downhill, Electric Assist Mountain Bike for Adults, & Budget eMTB Under $3,000 - (MSRP $2,699)
Carve out the uncommon route with Ramblas, Aventon’s first-ever electric mountain bike (eMTB) with an intelligent mid-drive motor. Rugged and reliable, this hardtail electric mountain bike offers the ultimate comfort on mountain trails or city streets.
- Motor: 250W Aventon A100 mid drive w/ ride tune
- Torque: Up to 100 Nm
- Battery: 708 Wh made with LG 21700 cells
- Range: Up to 80 miles
- Max Speed: 20 mph
Features & Components
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Suspension: Rockshox 35 130mm travel - Ebike rated
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Drivetrain: Sram NX 12-Speed
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Brakes: Sram DB8 mineral 4 piston hydraulic disc brakes
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Tires: Maxxis 29” x 2.4”, 27.5” x 2.4” fork and tires on small frame
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Dropper Post: KS dropper post. M-XL: 150mm travel; size S: 125mm travel
Orbea Keram 30: 2nd Best Budget eMTB Under $3,000 - (MSRP $2,599)
Orbea's Keram 29 30 delivers excellent value for money, offering a comfortable ride both in urban settings and on light trails, with the flexibility to add a second battery for extended adventures.
One Orbea Keram 30 rider expressed frustrations with the battery, saying “it [battery] will degrade and then you have to buy expensive Bosh ones with no alternative due to hardware DRM.”
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Motor: Bosch Active, 40Nm
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Battery: 400Wh
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Max Speed: Up to 20 mph
Features & Components
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Suspension Travel: 100mm
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Drivetrain: Shimano Deore 10-speed
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Brakes: MT200 hydraulic disc
- Tires: Kenda K1153 2.35" 22TPI
REI Co-op Cycles DRT e3.1: Best Full Suspension Electric Mountain Bike - (MSRP $4,999)
REI Co-op Cycles introduces the DRT e3.1, their first-ever in-house-developed electric mountain bike, featuring a full-suspension design and high-end components for an exhilarating trail experience. However, the warning sticker on the suspension indicates it’s “not intended for jumps, aggressive downhill rides, freeride or dirt jumping.”
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Motor: Bosch Performance Line CX mid-drive motor
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Battery: Bosch Power Tube 625, removable
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Max Speed: Up to 20 mph
Features & Components
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Suspension: RockShox Recon Silver RL fork (140 mm travel) and Deluxe Select Plus RT shock (130 mm travel)
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Drivetrain: SRAM SX Eagle 12-speed
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Brakes: Tektro 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes
Tires: Tubeless-ready Kenda
Haibike AllMTN 3: 2nd Best Full Suspension Electric Mountain Bike - ($5,358 MSRP)
The Haibike AllMTN 3 distinguishes itself with a mixed-wheel (mullet) design and top-level Bosch motor, designed for riders seeking a blend of speed and agility on diverse trails.
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Motor: Bosch Gen4 Performance CX, 75Nm
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Battery: 625Wh
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Max Speed: Up to 20 mph
Range: Up to 100 miles
Features & Components
Suspension: RockShox 35 Silver, Travel: 160mm
Brakes: Shimano, MT420, 4-piston disc brake
Tires: Maxxis, Minion DHR II, 71-584, 27.5 x 2.8 inch
Cannondale Moterra Neo 5: Best Electric Mountain Bike Under $5,000 - ($4,550 MSRP)
The Cannondale Moterra Neo 5 is a great option for people getting into electric mountain biking who want good quality and performance without spending a lot of money. It offers a mix of good features and solid build quality, making it a good choice for both new and experienced riders looking for an affordable electric mountain bike that performs well off-road.
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Motor: 250W Shimano e7000 Motor
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Battery: Shimano STEPS BT-E8035, 504Wh
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Torque: 60 Nm
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Range: Up to 60 miles
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Max Speed: 20 mph
Features & Components
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Suspension: SR Suntour XCR LO Boost fork with 150mm travel
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Drivetrain: Shimano Deore 10-speed drivetrain
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Brakes: Hydraulic Disc Brakes
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Tires: WTB Breakout, 29x2.3"
Marin Rift Zone E1: 2nd Best Electric Mountain Bike Under $5,000 - (Up to $4,999 MSRP)
The Marin Rift Zone E1 stands as a robust electric mountain bike designed for enduro rides, blending a powerful motor setup with a versatile suspension platform for all-day adventures. That said, there are no reviews found on the performance of the bike on Marin’s website or forums such as Reddit.
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Motor: Shimano EP6 250W
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Torque: 85 Nm
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Battery: 630 Wh
Top speed: Up to 20 mph
Features & Components
Suspension: 140 mm RockShox Pike front, 150 mm RockShox Deluxe Select+ rear
Tires: Vee Tire Co. Attack HPL, 29x2.5", Top 40 Tubeless Compatible, Override E-Specific Casing
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Drivetrain: Shimano Deore 11-speed
- Brakes: TRP Slate Evo, 4-Piston Hydraulic Disc, Brake 203mm Rotor
Motobecane HAL eBoost M600: Fastest Electric Mountain Bike - (MSRP $3,499)
The Motobecane HAL eBoost M600 is a high-performance electric mountain bike designed for both enthusiasts and serious mountain bikers. It combines advanced technology with rugged durability to tackle challenging terrains and long rides.
One reviewer on electricbikereview.com stated consistent problems with his dropper post, saying they “couldn’t easily adjust cable length and the cable is hard to slide through” because it was “tightly pinched between the tub and the motor.” That, and there’s no Eco mode to conserve battery life.
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Motor: Bafang M600, 500W, 120Nm torque
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Battery: 600WH
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Speed: Up to 28MPH
Range: Up to 100 miles
Torque: 120 Nm
Features & Components
Drivetrain: SRAM 1X12 Eagle
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Suspension: RockShox Recon 140mm front fork, 135mm rear fork
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Brakes: SRAM Hydraulic Disc
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Tires: Maxxis Aggressor EXOTR
Ride1UP Prodigy XC: 2nd Fastest Electric Mountain Bike & 2nd Best Electric Assist Mountain Bike - (Up to $2,295 MSRP)
The Ride1UP Prodigy XC emerges as a surprisingly capable electric mountain bike that delivers exceptional value. Designed to outperform many bikes at a higher price point, it's ideal for riders looking for a blend of urban commuting capabilities and trail readiness.
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Motor: 500W Brose TF Sprinter mid-drive motor
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Torque: Up to 90 Nm
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Battery: 504 Wh
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Range: 30-50 miles
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Max Speed: Up to 28 mph
Features & Components
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Suspension: 20mm Travel, 32mm Stanchion diameter, Air Suspension, Hydraulic Lockout
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Drivetrain: 9-speed microShift Advent rear derailleur
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Brakes: Tektro HD-M745 180mm Hydraulic
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Tires: Maxxis Forekaster 27.5"x2.4"
Best electric Mountain Bike Accessories
Aventon Foldable Hitch Rack - $399
The Aventon Foldable Hitch Rack, compatible with many ebikes, easily attaches to your vehicle for bike transport. It's durable, foldable for storage and trunk access, and includes safety features to keep your bike secure on the go. Ideal for ebike riders who travel often.
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Suitability: Up to 5” Wheels
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Max Bike Weight: 77 lbs
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Load Capacity: 155 lbs
Aventon Backpack Pannier - $73.99
The Aventon Backpack Pannier is a versatile, dual-purpose bag that easily converts from a pannier to a backpack. Designed for convenience and functionality, it attaches securely to your ebike and is perfect for commuting or casual rides, offering ample storage space and comfortable straps for on-the-go use.
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Features: Versatile design, Water-resistant, Quick-Lock connectors
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Capacity: 24 Liters
Aventon Twin Pannier - $59.99
The Aventon Twin Pannier features a pair of spacious, durable bags designed for balanced bike loading. Ideal for commuting or shopping, they offer ample storage, easy ebike attachment, and weather-resistant construction, making them a practical choice for carrying essentials securely on any Aventon rear rack.
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Features: Waterproof, Reflective sides, Roll top entry
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Capacity: 25 Liters
Aventon Rack Top Bag - $60.99
The Aventon Rack Top Bag is a compact, convenient storage solution for ebike riders. It securely mounts on top of the bike rack, offering easy access to belongings. With its durable, weather-resistant design, it's ideal for daily commutes or short trips, keeping essentials safe and within reach.
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Features: Divided compartments, Water bottle holder, Reflective strip
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Capacity: 25 Liters
Aventon Foldable Ebike Lock - $39
The Aventon Foldable Lock is the ultimate solution for uncompromising bike security. With its robust 8.5mm thick steel bars and tamper-resistant disc cylinder lock, this lock provides unmatched protection for your Aventon ebike.
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Features: Made of steel, foldable lock style, mounting option: Bottle cage mounting
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Specs: Lock Thickness 8.3mm, Weight 2.3lbs, Dimensions: 31in, Maximum load capacity: 155 lbs
Aventon x Fantik Ebike Tire Pump - $139.99
The X8 Apex Air multi-purpose inflator handles any inflation need, anywhere. Fitting in the palm of your hand, it can inflate devices up to 150 PSI or 10-bar. Inflation is as easy as its deflate function, and with a built-in light, the rechargeable X8 Apex Air inflator can be used from day to night.
With 5 inflation modes and 3 interchangeable adapters, rest easy knowing you’re covered for any and all at-home inflation needs or on-the-go emergencies.
