There are two breeds of electric mountain bikes out there – ones that you can jump, high-speed turn, and generally abuse; and those that can cruise over mud, rock, and ice. In this article we will look at both types, including high-powered trail monsters but also a child’s electric mountain bike for introducing them to mountain biking.
We also cover a number of relatively affordable electric mountain bikes that will suit your needs for exploring the backwoods. Whatever you want from an electric mountain bike in 2023, there’s probably one for you here. Read on to find out more.
Best Step-Thru E-Bike for Leisurely City Rides
Cannondale Treadwell Neo 2 Remixte
37 mi
RANGE
20 mph
TOP SPEED
3 hrs
CHARGE TIME
40 lbs
WEIGHT
Rear Hub
MOTOR TYPE
Highlights
- 250W rear-hub motor and concealed 250W battery
- Easy Switch
- 7-speed drivetrain
Tektro mechanical disc brakes
Bottom Line
Treadwell’s Neo 2 Remixte step-through e-bike is the perfect combination of comfort and playfulness. It is equipped with a lightweight yet powerful drive system and is effortless to get on and ride.
The electric assist system provides you with increased power and potential. It packs a 250W rear-hub motor and concealed 250W battery. It’s not as powerful as some e-bikes, but it’s a great option for the casual rider.
The bike features effortless transitioning between pedal-assist and non-assist modes via the Easy Switch on its handlebar. You can keep an eye on the bike’s battery life through its indicator lights.
In addition, the 7-speed drivetrain and Tektro mechanical disc brakes deliver smooth gear shifting and consistent braking so your ride is safe and enjoyable.
Whether going out for leisurely rides with friends or heading to a crowded street in town, the Neo 2 Remixte’s mountable battery ensures you can enjoy an all-day cycling experience.
Accessories
The Neo 2 Remixte has a wide range of accessories that include:
- Brushed Aluminum Alloy Fenders with Plastic Ends
- Clear Plastic Slap Guard Sticker
- Front Basket Rack with Bamboo Deck
- Herrmans H-Black MR8
- Integrated Headlight
- Herrmans H-Trace Integrated Rear Light
- Mid-Frame Adjustable Length
- Kickstand
- Urban Armor Frame Bumpers
Things to Consider
The battery has a relatively low capacity, which puts longer rides or more challenging terrain out of reach of this bike. Indeed, this bike is not at all suitable for off-roading. Also, the display isn’t the best we’ve come across – the workaround is to download the app and attach your phone to your handlebars so you get reads like speed, distance, range, burned calories, etc.
Best Belt-Driven Step-Thru E-Bike
Ultimate C380+ HMB
55 mi
RANGE
28 mph
TOP SPEED
5 hrs
CHARGE TIME
55 lbs
WEIGHT
Mid-drive
MOTOR TYPE
Highlights
- The Bosch Performance Line Speed mid-drive motor boasts 85 Nm of torque
- The Ultimate C380+ has various sensors, including a torque sensor, rotation sensor, and speed sensor
- Enviolo 380 Trekking Manual stepless gear system
- Robust Gates Carbon Belt Drive
- Ergonomic handlebar grips
- Comes in three different frames
Bottom Line
The Gazelle Ultimate C380+ adds serious power to the world of step-through e-bikes with its combination of Shimano and Bosch components.
Not only is this bike aesthetically impressive with its fully concealed battery, but Gazelle Bikes has outdone itself by equipping this sleek two-wheeler with an Enviolo Trekking Manual stepless gear system too.
With a belt-driven drivetrain and a powerful Bosch Performance Line Speed mid-drive motor in the mix, you’re looking at one of the best step-through e-bikes on the market today.
Ultimate C380+ Accessories
- Carrier bag
- Commuter bag
- Panniers
Things to Consider
Retailing north of $4,999, the Ultimate C380+ is a premium bike with a premium price tag – so bear that in mind before falling in love with it. The only other thing to mention is that the motor is louder than other models – not deafening, by any means, just curiously louder.
Best Step-Thru Cargo E-Bike
RadRunner 2
45 mi
RANGE
25 mph
TOP SPEED
4 hrs
CHARGE TIME
65 lbs
WEIGHT
Rear Hub
MOTOR TYPE
Highlights
- Powerful 750W brushless geared hub motor
- Pedal and throttle assist
- Wide range of fit
- Pre-assembled, meaning minimal assembly
- 20″ x 3.3″ four-ply tires
- Custom-made Rad Power moped-style saddle
Bottom Line
The RadRunner 2 step-through e-bike offers a wide fit range to accommodate riders 4’ 11” to 6” 2”.
At 65 Ibs, this e-bike is heavy but sturdy, and it has all the space you need for your cargo. It has a total load capacity of 300 lbs (rider and cargo plus bike weight). What’s more, unlike a lot of electric bicycles, this one comes pre-assembled and ready to ride.
Boasting 20″ x 3.3″ tires that are four plies thick, this bicycle provides outstanding puncture resistance through its K-Shield liners. The moped-style saddle is designed to provide optimal comfort, featuring an additional layer of padding, a fixed-angle design, and an integrated steel seatpost.
If you’re interested in quality and performance in equal measures, then the RadRunner 2 could well be the e-bike you’re looking for.
Accessories for the RadRunner 2
RadRunner 2 accessories include:
- Large Front-Mounted Basket
- Cargo Straps
- Pet Basket Carrier
- Fremont Pannier Bag
- Hollywood Racks RV Rider Rack
Things to Consider
One potential downside of this e-bike is its weight. At 65 lbs, it can be difficult to carry up stairs or lift onto a car rack. Also, the bike’s battery is rather inefficient, considering its large size. On other bikes with similar 672Wh batteries, we find we can travel twice as far as we can on a single charge compared with what we can do on the RadRunner 2.
Most Powerful Step-Thru E-Bike
Juiced HyperScorpion
68 mi
RANGE
20 mph
TOP SPEED
6 hrs
CHARGE TIME
102 lbs
WEIGHT
Rear Hub
MOTOR TYPE
Highlights
- Accommodates riders 5’2″ and taller.
- Custom-built 1,000-Watt RetroBlade motor
- Upgrade your performance bigger battery
Bottom Line
This off-road beast is powered by a 1,000W RetroBlade motor to reach speeds of up to 30 mph and boasts an incredible 70+ mile riding range thanks to its G2 52V/19.2Ah battery.
Its adjustable handlebars let you ride in an upright position, while its extended padded seat offers plenty of room for movement so you can find your most comfortable riding posture quickly.
The Juiced HyperScorpion comes with rearview mirrors, an integrated brake light, turn signals, hydraulic disc brakes, and an upgraded horn for maximum rider protection.
An electric vehicle well outside the accepted three-class e-bike system, the HyperScorpion is a machine for those looking for speed, comfort, and style.
Accessories
- Juiced portable air pump
- Scorpion passenger seat kit
- Anti-theft e-bike alarm
- Rearview mirrors
Things to Consider
At 6 hours of charging time, the HyperScorpion by Juiced Bikes takes a while to juice up, which is due to its large 52V/19.2Ah battery. It is also an extremely heavy machine. At 102 Ibs, it’s not only difficult to carry and store but is also challenging to maneuver. And it’s fast – too fast and too powerful to fall into standard e-bike classifications, so be sure to check state laws before riding it.
Best Folding Step-Thru E-Bike
Nakto Folding OX
22 mi
RANGE
20 mph
TOP SPEED
4 hrs
CHARGE TIME
66 lbs
WEIGHT
Rear Hub
MOTOR TYPE
Highlights
- Cleverly designed folding mechanism
- 500W brushless geared hub motor with a maximum torque of 52Nm
- Five electric-assist levels
- Fat tires
- The LCD screen provides you with all the data necessary as you cruise around the city and suburbs
- An ergonomic suspension, user-friendly twist grip throttle, and plush saddle are all included as standard features
Bottom Line
The Nakto Folding OX electric bike is ideal for those looking for a more portable step-through e-bike. It has all the features you need to enjoy your ride, such as a powerful 500W motor, front and rear disc brakes, and a suspension fork.
The high-rise cruiser handlebar creates a comfortable lower riding profile, while the 20″ x 4″ fat tires provide excellent traction and stability. With its foldable design, you can easily take it wherever you go.
Folding Ox Accessories
Accessories for the Folding OX include:
- Fenders for all-weather riding
- Front basket
- Comes with a headlight
Things to Consider
The most glaring con is the low range of 22 miles, which is quite modest compared to other step-throughs on this list. At 66 Ibs, this e-bike from Nakto is also quite heavy despite its portable design.
Best Step-Thru Commuter
Trek Verve+ 3 Lowstep
40 mi
RANGE
20 mph
TOP SPEED
5 hrs
CHARGE TIME
54 lbs
WEIGHT
Mid-drive
MOTOR TYPE
Highlights
- An easy-on, easy-off step-through frame
- Lightweight aluminum construction and low-step geometry
- Bosch Active Line Plus (250W, 50 nm) motor
- 9-speed Shimano drivetrain
- Hydraulic disc brakes
- Wide puncture-resistant tires for enhanced steadiness and confidence
- Ergonomically designed e-bike grips
- Trek’s Removable Integrated Battery (RIB) system
- Integrated lights, fenders, and rear rack
- Range Boost, an extra battery
- Bosch Purion display
Bottom Line
Looking for a smooth ride that’s easy to handle? The Verve+3 Lowstep e-bike from Trek is a perfect choice. Boasting a lightweight aluminum construction and low-step geometry, this electric bike offers an easy ride with superior power thanks to the Bosch Active Line Plus (250W, 50 Nm of torque) motor.
With pedal assist up to 20 mph, a 9-speed Shimano drivetrain, hydraulic disc brakes, and wide puncture-resistant tires, this e-bike performs well in most environments.
In addition, the ergonomically designed grips offer enhanced comfort and control. With Trek’s Removable Integrated Battery (RIB) system, as well as integrated lights, fenders, and rear rack, the Verve+3 makes for an amazing riding experience.
Plus, with Range Boost, you get an extra battery to double your mileage and explore further. In all, if you want an easy on/off step-through frame with reliable all-weather performance, look no further than the Verve+3 Electric e-bike from Trek.
Verve +3 Accessories
There are plenty of accessories for this bike, including:
- Baby trailer
- Trunk bag with panniers
- Rear rack
- Range extender battery
Things to Consider
If you live in a region with bumpy roads and numerous potholes, the lack of front suspension could make for an uncomfortable ride, especially for those susceptible to hand or wrist pain. The Bosch Purion display is also light on features – meaning that if you like plenty of data on your rides, you may not be impressed with its minimalist design.
