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R22 Everest Review

Last updated 
Richard Shrubb
By
Richard Shrubb,
Contributing Author
robb dorr
By
Robb Dorr,
Co-founder
Images from manufacturer's website

300 mi

RANGE

36 mph

TOP SPEED

8 hrs

CHARGE TIME

93 lbs

WEIGHT

Mid-drive

MOTOR TYPE

R22 Everest Review: Takeaway

Unapologetically an off-road monster, the Optibike Everest R22 is possibly the most extreme electric mountain bike on the market today. With a 3.26 kWh battery system, a 1.7 kW mid-drive motor, and a variety of components to allow serious off-road riding, this is an electric mountain bike beast best kept chained.

Strictly for private land use only, its design ignores the 3-class e-bike system that applies in most U.S. states.

Ideal for...

Overlanding (private property only)
Trail riding Touring (where laws permit)
Adventuring through the backwoods
Climbing mountain paths

E-Bike Overview

Imagine the ultimate eMTB. Blisteringly quick with huge power and range, built to handle serious terrain, and with an internal gear system to prevent chain problems. That’s what Optibike has produced in its top-end electric mountain bike, the R22 Everest.

Unlike many other e-bike brands, Optibike uses an in-house power system instead of relying on Bosch or Yamaha. The motor is a 1,700-watt mid-drive system. Emphatically not for road use in the U.S., it chucks out a brutal 190 Nm of torque — well over double that produced by the top Bosch motor. This is powered by a 3.26kWh dual battery capable of up to 300 miles per charge.

Designed for overlanding (with its trailer attachment) or trail riding, the Optibike R22 Everest is an extreme eMTB with few comparisons on the market today. And if you feel like going hard, a dual crown suspension fork balanced with a 200mm travel rear swingarm suspension will allow you to handle the most extreme off-road riding your mind will let you attempt.

Reasons to Buy

Do you have access to large tracts of private land with extreme terrain? This is the ultimate mountain bike for you in that case. It can’t be used on public roads in most states, but if you have the opportunity to explore the wilderness with the landowner’s permission, there are few areas you couldn’t enjoy on this eMTB.

You’ll know if this is your ride if you’re the sort of expert mountain biker who feels limited by most other electric mountain bikes. If you’re looking for a bike that offers max range, industry-leading power, or the capability to handle any terrain, then there aren’t many electric mountain bikes that quite fit the bill like the R22 Everest.

Things to Consider

There is no way this could fit in the U.S. three-class system for electric bikes. The motor is 700W too powerful, and the speed is 8 mph above the widely held legal limits for an e-bike.

This is a beast that needs caging on private property. If we’re to play with this metaphor, you wouldn’t take a pet mountain lion on a walk on your local trail, as people might get a bit freaked out! Nor should you ride this to work without expecting attention from the local law enforcement.

Specs

Frame
Carbon
Motor
Optibike 1.7kW mid drive
Battery
Optibike, dual 1.6 kWh
Display
LCD
Power delivery
Throttle/PAS
Drivetrain
Rohloff Speedhub 500 internal hub gears with 14 ratios. Chain drive.
Brakes
4-piston hydraulic
Rear suspension
Swingarm, 200mm travel
Front suspension
Dual crown
Dropper post
50-150mm according to rider need
Wheels
38mm Velocity Dually Rim
Options
Choice of tires, lights, saddle, and a range of other personalizations

The specs above come from the manufacturer and may vary from what you’ve experienced. Notice something that needs correcting? Let us know.

Ratings

Power
5/5
5

With a 1700-watt custom-built mid-drive motor offering up to 190 Nm of torque, this beats its competition to a pulp. Though peaking at 36 mph (theoretically it could go faster), the R22 Everest is designed for fast off-road riding.

The Rohloff internal rear hub gearing system is one of the best in the eMTB industry. Offering 14 ratios, this will allow pedaling up even the toughest slopes.

Range
5/5
5

The 300-mile claimed range is based on a 160 lb rider riding at 16 mph on the flat. At full speed, the range is still more than adequate. It out-competes many other machines on the market today.

Add load and very tough terrain, and you will get fewer miles. Even so, on the dual battery, you can get a full day’s riding from sunrise to sunset.

Comfort
5/5
5

Essentially a trail-riding motorcycle with a pedal assist system, the R22 Everest has a swingarm rear suspension and a front, dual crown suspension fork. The wheels are similar to a motorcycle’s wheels, and the tires are for your choosing — generally, those you would fit to motorcycles, too.

Durability
5/5
5

Maintenance will always be an issue when it comes to an extreme mountain bike. However, the basics are generally less of a problem. Having an internal rear hub gearbox means that chain stretch won’t be much of a problem, and you won’t have issues with it jumping off.

Optibike custom builds each R22 to order. If something goes wrong, it should help you out.

Style
5/5
5

Is extreme function beautiful? Those who understand mountain bikes may drool a bit looking at this e-bike, whereas someone from outside this world might not quite understand. Strictly where form meets function, the R22 Everest is a stunning machine to behold!

Our Research Methodology

We personally research and test every e-bike featured in our reviews and guides to provide accurate, data-driven recommendations. Learn how we review.

About Our Editorial Team

Richard Shrubb
Written by Richard Shrubb
Contributing Author
Richard is a well-established journalist and copywriter with years of experience in the EV and e-bike world. He has worked with international sailing magazines, e-bike publications, and national newspapers.
robb dorr
Edited by Robb Dorr
Co-founder
Robb is a massive cycling enthusiast who has more than 20 years of non-motorized cycling experience. He started eBikes.org to lower the barrier of entry to cycling and reduce the intimidation people can experience when getting into the cycling world.

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