Over the previous few years, e-bike technology and performance have progressed at a rapid pace, but now things have slowed down significantly, making this an excellent time to buy a power-assisted mountain bike. The budget-friendly electric MTBs are now more dependable, quicker, and quieter thanks to improved motor and battery technology. With progressive geometry and handling, designers are also understanding that going faster everywhere is a lot safer and more fun.
We’ve gathered a few cheap e-MTBs available in the US to help you choose the appropriate one for your needs if you don’t want to spend a lot of money. These E-MTBs might not be in the lowest price range, but they offer quality, great handling, fun, and most importantly their replacement parts are available in the US.
Further reading: How to Keep Your Ebike in Top Shape
Here are 10 Inexpensive Electric Mountain Bikes for the everyday rider:
YAMAHA YDX MORO
Quick Look:
When a motorcycle brand as accomplished as Yamaha gets into the E-bike game, you can expect a fantastic offering. Utilizing a hydroformed twin-tube frame layout, the YDX Moro features modern enduro geometry, 160mm/150mm of Rockshox suspension, chunky yet nimble 27.5+ tires, and a reliable spec list that will please riders at all experience levels. Yamaha has opted to produce their own electric motor platform for the Moro, allowing them complete control over the design of this bike. Said motor is good for a solid 500w of power and 80nm of torque and features five ride modes to control that power: Eco, MTB, EXPW, Standard, and High EXPW, as well as the all-important self walking ability, which prevents the rider from having to push the full weight of their E-bike on hike-a-bike sections of trail.
Who’s it for?
The YDX Moro fits perfectly into the all arounder trail E-bike category. Yamaha provides modern geometry, hard smashing suspension travel numbers, and a great component spec list for any level mountain biker without breaking the bank.
Electronics Spec:
Battery Size: 500 Wh
Modes: Eco, MTB, EXPW, Standard, EXPW
Interface: Large digital screen (Bluetooth/USB)
Charge time: 4 hours
Component Spec Highlights:
- Drivetrain: The Moro comes equipped with a Shimano SLX shifting, a personal favorite of ours. SLX is the workhorse of Shimano’s serious mountain bike drivetrains and riders can expect miles of trouble-free shifting.
- Suspension: The Rockshox 160mm revelation features both rebound and compression adjustments to help riders dial in their squishy bits.
- Brakes: The Moro features Magura brakes, which are some of the strongest stoppers in the mountain bike landscape. E-Bikes need big breaks, and it’s great to see Yamaha has this in mind.
YAMAHA YDX MORO Pro
Quick Look:
Building on the framework of the base model Moro (see review above), the Yamaha YDX Moro Pro edition offers top-of-the-range components and is aimed at riders who don’t mind spending a little more for refinement and lightness. To justify the $1000 price increase, the pro receives an upgraded fork (Rockshox Yari), one of the best shifting systems on the market in a full Shimano XT drivetrain, and most importantly an upgraded tire package to Maxxis High Roller 2s. The Moro Pro is possibly one of the best e-bikes at this price point and has been spec’d with a robust parts package that will have the riders back for hundreds of miles.
Who’s it for?
When compared to the base Moro, the Pro defines itself as a bike that is ready to tackle any trail right out of the box. If you are someone who is looking to make an e-bike purchase and not have to upgrade components down the line, this is the bike for you. The Yari fork, Shimano XT drivetrain, and Maxxis tires are some of our favorite parts at any budget and are well worth the price increase over the non-pro edition.
Electronics Spec:
Battery Size: 500 Wh
Modes: Eco, MTB, EXPW, Standard, EXPW
Interface: Large digital screen (Bluetooth/USB)
Charge time: 4 hours
Component Spec Highlights:
- Fork: The Rockshox Yari will have a more damped and solid feel in comparison to the revelation on the non-pro, allowing riders to soak up the trail more efficiently
- Drivetrain: Shimano XT is some of the best componentry currently being produced. Expect a long trouble-free life out of Shimano XT.
- Brakes: The Moro features Magura brakes, which are some of the strongest stoppers in the mountain bike landscape. E-Bikes need big breaks, and it’s great to see Yamaha has this in mind.
Fantic XTF 1.5 Trail
Quick Look:
The Fantic XTF 1.5 is the Italian brand budget-oriented trail e-bike offering. Utilizing 150mm of suspension travel front and rear, this machine is placed right in the sweet spot of do it all trial e-bikes. Based on the German motor manufacturer Brose’s electric platform, the 250-watt motor is known to be one of the quietest running power plants on the market, which is important for those wanting to enjoy nature aboard their mountain bike. The 630Wh battery is also great to see at this price ensuring enough battery to last on longer/faster rides. With confidence-inspiring modern geometry and a solid suspension platform, Fantic’s XTF 1.5 is a good option for the budget-minded rider.
Who’s it for?
The XTF 1.5 is clearly a budget-oriented trail-ready e-bike both for a rider that is just getting into e-biking and for a more advanced rider who is looking to expand their bike collection to include an electric motor without spending a fortune. Trade-offs with the XTF are mainly in the drivetrain and tire department, which can be upgraded later down the road.
Electronics Spec:
Battery Size: 630 W/h
Modes: 4, including push assistance
Charge time: 4-5 hours
Component Spec Highlights:
- Rear Shock: The Rockshox Deluxe Select air shock punches well above its weight in terms of performance for the dollar, and the adjustability of an air shock can’t be beaten.
- Tires: Schwalbe is a top-of-the-line tire brand, and the Smart Sam tires the XTF 1.5 is equipped with are a great all-around tire for most riding.
Fantic XTF 1.5 Trail Carbon
Quick Look:
With a carbon fiber frame and upgraded components, the Fantic XTF 1.5 Carbon brings the same trail bike feel like the aluminum model, but with the added lightweight and strength benefits of carbon fiber. Along with the enhanced frame material, the carbon variant packs a larger 720Wh battery (up from 630Wh) which allows riders to adventure farther and faster. Owners will also find the Fantic XTF 1.5 Carbon’s upgraded Sram 4 piston brakes, Rockshox 35 Gold fork, NX derailleur, and Switch Seatpost to be welcome additions.
Who’s it for?
The Fantic XTF 1.5 Trail Carbon is a solid trail e-bike for any rider looking for a ride everything type of experience. The major enhancement over the aluminum model obviously is the carbon frame. What that lightweight frame allows you to do, when combined with the larger battery, is ride your bike for longer, which can easily justify the higher price for a lot of buyers. As with the aluminum version, tradeoffs include the drivetrain which can be upgraded later on.
Electronics Spec:
Battery Size: 720 W/h
Modes: 4, including push assistance
Charge time: 4-5 hours
Component Spec Highlights:
- Brakes: Sram Level T 4 piston brakes are a notable upgrade over the two-piston variants found on the non-carbon version of the XTF 1.5
- Battery: The larger 720W/h battery over the aluminum XTF’s 630W/h will allow riders to use their electric motor for longer/faster
Intense Tazer MX Expert Build
Quick Look:
California-based Intense has been in the mountain bike game for a long time, winning races and producing some of the highest-end bikes money can buy. The Tazer MX Expert is one of our personal favorite e-bikes. Featuring a full carbon fiber frame, the Tazer comes equipped with a 504Wh battery, a Shimano 250w motor, and a fantastic parts list. This e-bike was clearly built with hard enduro riding in mind and is sure to hold up under anything riders can throw at it. We don’t expect buyers to have to upgrade anything from the stock bike and consider this to be an out of the box race ready machine.
Who’s it for?
The Tazer MX Expert is a high end e-bike that will suit even the fastest of mountain bikers. Whether you are a beginner, weekend warrior, or a professional rider, we are confident the Tazer MX will have your back right out of the box. If you are looking for a no fuss, hard hitting e-bike, this should be at the top of your list.
Electronics Spec:
Battery Size: 504 Wh
Modes: 3 with push assist
Charge time: 3-4 hours
Component Spec Highlights:
- Suspension: the Intense features a full DVO package, known to be some of the most adjustable suspension on the market.
- Brakes: With 4 pistons per caliper the TRP e-mtb brakes are strong and reliable. TRP’s are a popular downhill brand and for good reason.
- Tires: Maxxis Minion DHR 2’s are a personal favorite. You can pedal/corner/brake hard, assured that these tires will provide all the traction needed.
Yamaha YDX TORC
Quick Look:
The YDX Torc is our go-to hardtail e-bike of choice due to its reliable parts and powerful electric motor/battery combo. With a burly aluminum frame, great parts choice by Yamaha, and the same motor/controller as seen in their impressive Moro line of e-bikes, the Torc is a modern hardtail that offers riders a capable e-bike experience without breaking the bank. If you want a reliable e-bike you can put lots of miles on, but do not want to pay the full suspension tax, the Yamaha YDX Torc will suit your needs brilliantly.
Who’s it for?
This is one of those bikes that is truly for every type of rider who enjoys two wheels. Yamaha was smart enough to spec this bike with a super reliable Shimano SLX drivetrain, as well as a modern suspension fork, ensuring that any rider looking for a hardtail experience will have no reason to not enjoy the Torc.
Electronics Spec:
Battery Size: 500Wh
Modes: 5 with push assist
Charge time: 4 hours
Component Spec Highlights:
- Drivetrain: It is great to see Shimano shifting on a bike at this price point. SLX is the workhorse of Shimano’s serious mountain bike drivetrains and riders can expect miles of trouble free shifting.
- Motor: The Yamaha PW-X is one of the strongest e-bike motors on the market currently and it is sure to make this hardtail a blast to ride.
QuietKat Apex 1000W
Quick Look:
Colorado-based QuietKat produces e-bikes that allow riders to access nature using the low impact, low noise technology of battery-assisted bikes. The Apex is your true adventure bike and features massive 4.8 inch tires, a powerful motor (1000w) and the battery to back it up (700Wh). Based around a hardtail aluminum frame, the Apex is spec’d with a 150mm air fork, 9 speed drivetrain, 4 piston brakes (you’ll need them, the apex weighs 71lbs), and a handy storage rack. With a massive battery, muscley motor, and storage areas, the QuietKat Apex is truly a backwoods companion.
Who’s it for?
The Apex is not a typical trail mountain bike solely focused on performance, this bike is best suited for a rider looking to commute, hunt, bike pack, or just simply enjoy nature. This is the definition of the adventure bike category and has the power and juice to take riders deep into their favorite wilderness zones.
Electronics Spec:
Battery Size: 700Wh
Modes: 5, with walk assist
Power: 1000W, 160Nm
Charge time: 5-6 hours
Component Spec Highlights:
- Frame: The built in storage rack is great to see on a bike of this kind. QuietKat knows its customer is going to take this bike on adventures and wants to be sure they have all the gear they need with them.
- Motor: The Bafang Mid-drive is one of the more powerful motors outputting a massive 1000w and 160Nm of torque.
QuietKat Ridgerunner
Quick Look:
Similar to its hardtail brother (the Apex), the Ridgerunner’s full suspension platform brings more capability to the QuietKat lineup. With the addition of a rear shock, riders can expect an increase in comfort (especially over long distances), along with a bike that is more capable when getting into rougher terrain. However, Quietkat did not just upgrade the Ridgerunner’s squishy bits, it also received a massive battery and power upgrade up from 700Wh and 1000W to a class leading 768Wh and 1500W (peak power).
Who’s it for?
The Ridgerunner’s more powerful motor, bigger battery, and full suspension platform gives it the edge in comfort and traction over its brother the Apex. For riders looking for the best equipment when venturing into the wilderness, the Ridgerunner is at the top of the list.
Electronics Spec:
Battery Size: 768Wh
Modes: 5 with walk assist
Charge time: 4-5 hours
Component Spec Highlights:
- Motor: With an even more powerful motor then the Apex, the Ridgerunner’s 1500w might even outrun some small motorcycles.
- Suspension: It is great to see a big adventure bike like this have a fully suspended platform, providing comfort and capability to the rider.
Fantic XMF 1.7 All-Mountain
Quick Look:
For those looking to tackle the gnarliest terrain, the Fantic XTF 1.7 is the Italian brands aluminum enduro e-bike offering. Utilizing 170mm of suspension travel front and rear, this machine is ideal for those big all-mountain adventures that place capability and comfort over all else. Along with the impressive motor spec, the 720Wh battery will enable riders to climb up the trail just as fast as the 170mm of the suspension allows them to descend. In comparison to the XMF 1.5, riders can expect this bike to be a bit more sluggish on the climbs, but allow them to descend with confidence not found in your average trail bike.
Who’s it for?
If you are the type of rider who finds themselves tackling big drops, technical rock gardens and blasting down trails as fast as possible, the XTF 1.7 aluminum may just be the e-bike for you. As with the other Fantic offerings, the drivetrain leaves some to be desired, but can be upgraded down the line.
Electronics Spec:
Battery Size: 720Wh
Modes: 4 with walk assist
Charge time: 4-5 hours
Component Spec Highlights:
- Battery: The large battery capacity helps this 170mm bruiser of a bike to keep going on those long all mountain days.
- Brakes: 4 piston brakes are a necessity at this travel and weight level and it is good to see that Fantic knows this
Fantic XMF 1.7 All-Mountain Carbon
Quick Look:
Turning the knob up just a bit more, Fantic released the XMF 1.7 Carbon model, offering the same burlyness of the aluminum 1.7 but allowing riders to benefit from a carbon fiber frame. Further enhancements made on the carbon edition include an upgraded GX derailleur and Sram Code R brakes. It would be nice to see Fantic equip this bike with a full GX drivetrain (Chain, Cassette, Shifter), but this can be upgraded to match the derailleur post purchase.
Who’s it for?
As with the aluminum version, the 170mm of suspension travel the XMF 1.7 Carbon is equipped with is best suited to riders who prioritize riding big features and chunky terrain. As for the price justification, the carbon version does have its benefits over the aluminum version, mainly being the Code R 4 piston brakes and lightweight chassis.
Electronics Spec:
Battery Size: 720Wh
Modes: 4 with walk assist
Charge time: 4-5 hours
Component Spec Highlights:
- Battery: The large battery capacity helps this 170mm bruiser of a bike to keep going on those long all mountain days.
- Brakes: 4 piston brakes are a necessity at this travel and weight level and it is good to see that Fantic knows this
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