After 18 months of testing, countless mountain trails, and pushing the limits of what’s possible on two wheels, we’re crowning the best electric mountain bikes of 2025. From the most powerful motors to the most capable trail bikes and enduro beasts, this comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know before investing in your next eMTB.
This isn’t just another spec sheet comparison—these are real-world recommendations based on extensive testing, recommendations to friends and family, and bikes we’d buy ourselves. Let’s dive in.
Best eBike Motors 2025
The motor is the heart of any electric mountain bike. After testing every major system on the market, here’s how they stack up.
🥉 Third Place: Bosch Generation 5 Motor
Why It Made the List:
The Bosch Gen 5 is a fantastic system that delivers everything you’d expect from the German engineering giant: power, reliability, and beautiful integration. It’s super powerful and has the reliability that Bosch is known for.
Why It’s Not Higher:
While Bosch has set the standard for years, some brands are now doing it better. The “washing machine brand” (as affectionately called) is being challenged by newer, more innovative systems that offer better power-to-weight ratios and improved ride feel.
Best For: Riders who prioritize proven reliability and widespread service network support.
🥈 Second Place: Specialized S-Works 3.1 Motor
Why It’s Exceptional:
Released alongside the Levo Gen 4 this year, the Specialized S-Works 3.1 motor has been thoroughly tested over the last 6 months, and it’s genuinely impressive.
Standout Features:
Remote Control: Intuitive, well-designed, and perfectly positioned
Display System: Clear, informative, and doesn’t distract from riding
Mobile Application: Incredibly tunable with deep customization options
Pedal Stroke Feel: Natural and responsive
Traction Control: Advanced system that improves grip and control
Dynamic Micro Tune: Allows precise adjustment of power delivery
Real-World Performance:
Out in the mountains, this system simply works beautifully. The tunability is next-level, allowing you to dial in exactly how you want the bike to respond. Whether you’re climbing technical terrain or powering through rough sections, the 3.1 motor adapts seamlessly.
Best For: Riders who want premium features, extensive customization, and are invested in the Specialized ecosystem.
🏆 WINNER: Avanox System
Why It Won:
If you’ve ridden the Avanox system, you know. This is the motor that’s changing the eMTB landscape, and it’s not hard to see why.
The Numbers That Matter:
- Power: Most powerful motor in its class
- Weight: 2.5kg (lightest motor in its class)
- Noise: Next to silent operation
- Design: Minimalistic and compact
The Complete Package:
The Avanox doesn’t just excel in one area—it dominates across the board. It’s the most powerful AND the lightest, which is an engineering feat that competitors are scrambling to match. The near-silent operation creates a more natural riding experience, and the compact design allows for better frame integration.
Industry Impact:
Expect to see major brands swapping from Bosch to Avanox in 2026. The writing is on the wall—this motor represents the next generation of eMTB technology.
Best For: Anyone who wants the absolute best motor technology available today, period.
Best Components for eMTBs
The right components can transform a good eMTB into a great one. Here are the standout products of 2025.
🥉 Third Place: OneUp Carbon Bar Version 2 (50mm Rise)
The Carbon Conversion:
After years of skepticism about carbon handlebars, the OneUp Carbon Bar Version 2 converted a dedicated aluminum bar user. Every personal bike has been swapped to these bars, and there’s been zero failures.
What Makes It Special:
Compliance: Flexes on small bumps for comfort without sacrificing control
Precision: Sharp, precise turning despite the flex
Vibration Dampening: Carbon construction filters trail chatter
Durability: No failures despite aggressive riding
The Feel:
It flexes just enough in the mid-stroke to absorb small bump chatter, but maintains that precise, sharp turning characteristic you need for technical riding. It’s the perfect balance between comfort and control.
Best For: Riders looking to upgrade from aluminum bars who want improved comfort without sacrificing precision.
🥈 Second Place: E13 Sidekick Hub
The Technology:
The E13 Sidekick Hub eliminates pedal kickback—and it’s not just marketing hype.
Real-World Impact:
Currently installed on a Levo DH build, the difference is noticeable. In mid-stroke chatter situations (before rock gardens, for example), the bike feels more balanced. Instead of being pushed back into a defensive position, you can stay in attack mode and feel more centered on the bike.
The Skepticism Test:
Initially dismissed as “marketing hoo-ha,” but after installation, these wheels are staying on permanently. The improved balance and reduced kickback genuinely improves the riding experience.
Best For: Aggressive riders who tackle technical terrain and want to maintain an attack position through challenging sections.
🏆 WINNER: Schwalbe Radial Tires
Full Disclosure: Yes, there’s a sponsorship relationship with Schwalbe, but these tires earned this spot through performance, not partnership.
The Setup:
- Front: Magic Mary Ultra Soft, Gravity Casing, Radial Construction
- Rear: Magic Mary Soft, Gravity Casing, Radial Construction
Measured Performance:
The grip improvement is tangible—approximately 10-15% more traction on trail. While it’s hard to quantify exactly, the difference is noticeable in corners, on wet roots, and during hard braking.
The Radial Advantage:
The radial construction provides:
- Better cornering grip
- Improved braking traction
- More predictable slide characteristics
- Enhanced overall confidence
Best For: Any eMTB rider looking to maximize grip and control, especially in challenging conditions.
Best Trail eBikes 2025
Trail bikes are the do-everything category—capable on climbs, fun on descents, and versatile enough for all-day adventures.
🥉 Third Place: Rotwild Wild Rex
Why It’s Notable:
Rotwild continues to impress with bikes that look absolutely fantastic while delivering serious performance.
Key Features:
Motor: Avanox system (all that power)
Battery: Removable 860Wh (the only removable battery with Avanox)
Suspension: Interesting and innovative layout
Design: Stunning aesthetics
The Anticipation:
This bike looks so good that it might be coming to the test fleet early next year. The combination of Avanox power with a removable battery is unique and addresses one of the few criticisms of the Avanox system.
Best For: Riders who want Avanox power with the flexibility of a removable battery.
🥈 Second Place: Amflow PL Carbon
The Underdog Success Story:
After 18 months of testing and reviewing, the Amflow PL Carbon has proven itself as a serious contender. It exploded onto the market at Eurobike last year and has gained a cult-like following with a massive Facebook community for good reason.
Value Proposition:
Entry Price: €6,500
What You Get:
- Excellent componentry
- Avanox motor
- Solid carbon frame
- Well-thought-out geometry
Why It Resonates:
This is a fantastic, great-value trail bike that delivers premium performance at a more accessible price point. The cult following isn’t hype—it’s riders who discovered a bike that punches well above its price class.
Best For: Value-conscious riders who want top-tier performance without the premium brand markup.
🏆 WINNER: Specialized Levo Gen 4
Why It Won:
If you’ve ridden the Levo Gen 4, you know. This isn’t just a great trail bike—it’s a bike that redefines what trail bikes can be.
Genie Suspension:
The Genie suspension is so plush it feels like riding a car. The small-bump sensitivity is remarkable, soaking up trail chatter while maintaining support through bigger hits.
Capability:
It feels more like an enduro bike than a trail bike in the best possible way. The capability is exceptional—it’s not just competent on descents, it’s genuinely fun and confidence-inspiring.
The Complete Package:
Short Chainstays: Agile and playful handling
Low-Slung Battery: Improved center of gravity and handling
Dynamic Micro Tune: Precision power delivery adjustment
Display System: Clear, informative, well-integrated
S-Works 3.1 Motor: Second-best motor combined with the best frame
Best For: Riders who want the absolute best trail bike experience and are willing to invest in premium performance.
Best Enduro eBikes 2025
Enduro bikes are built for aggressive riding—long descents, technical terrain, and the capability to handle anything the mountain throws at you.
🥉 Third Place: Cube Stereo Wild
Market Success:
This hard-hitting enduro bike (170mm front/170mm rear) has done extremely well in sales. In Spain, these bikes are everywhere on the trails.
Why It’s Popular:
Travel: 170/170mm for serious capability
Reviews: Consistently positive across the board
Sales: Strong performance indicates satisfied riders
Versatility: Genuine enduro capability with eBike assistance
Best For: Riders who want proven enduro performance with strong brand support and service network.
🥈 Second Place: Commencal Meta Power SX (Avanox)
The Eurobike Impression:
Seeing the new Meta Power SX at Eurobike 2025 was a “wow” moment. This is a beautiful-looking beast that demands attention.
Specifications:
Travel: 160/160mm
Battery: 800Wh
Frame: Full aluminum
Motor: Avanox system
Weight: Around 23kg (top spec)
The Commencal Factor:
Commencal bikes typically come in on the heavier side, but this one defies expectations. At 23kg with an 800Wh battery and top-spec componentry, it’s impressively light for an aluminum enduro eBike.
Anticipation:
This bike looks killer and may be tested next year. The combination of Commencal’s aggressive geometry with the Avanox motor is incredibly promising.
Best For: Aggressive riders who want proven Commencal geometry with next-generation motor technology.
🏆 WINNER: Crestline RS181 Spectral Edition
The Eurobike Standout:
This bike was love at first sight at Eurobike 2025. It’s not just another enduro bike—it’s a highly adaptable platform.
The Versatility Factor:
Suspension Adjustment: Change from trail bike to enduro bike
Fork Compatibility: Can accommodate downhill forks
Battery Options: 600Wh or 800Wh
Motor: Avanox system
The Tunability:
This bike is incredibly changeable based on how you want to ride. Want a trail bike for all-day adventures? Configure it one way. Want full enduro capability for park days? Configure it another way. This adaptability is rare and valuable.
Commitment:
An order has been placed. This bike will be tested and reviewed thoroughly in 2026.
Best For: Riders who want one bike that can transform to meet different riding styles and terrain challenges.
Best Super Light Trail eBikes
Super light trail bikes blend the assistance of eMTB technology with weights that approach traditional mountain bikes. They’re perfect for riders who want some assistance without the full heft of traditional eBikes.
🥉 Third Place: Trek Fuel EXe Plus
Why It Made the List:
The brand-new TQ HPR60 motor is absolutely fantastic, and Trek has packaged it brilliantly.
Previous Limitations:
The earlier Fuel EXe bikes were good, but:
- 150/160mm travel felt imbalanced
- Battery was too small for all-day riding
New Improvements:
Travel: 160/150mm (mullet configuration)
Battery Option: 580Wh available
Weight: Sub-20kg
The Package:
These improvements address the previous limitations while maintaining Trek’s excellent build quality and geometry. The mullet configuration works particularly well for this travel range.
Best For: Riders who want Trek’s proven quality with super-light performance and adequate battery capacity.
🥈 Second Place: Specialized Levo SL
Personal Experience:
After 18 months of ownership, the Levo SL remains a favorite. It’s the bike that gets ridden most often.
What Makes It Special:
Short Chainstays: Playful, agile handling
Genie Suspension: Amazing kinematics and bump absorption
SL 1.2 Motor: Very natural pedal stroke feel
Overall Feel: Closest thing to an analog bike with assistance
The Ownership Experience:
This is a bike you never get tired of riding. The combination of capability and light weight means it’s fun on every ride, whether you’re climbing technical terrain or ripping descents.
Best For: Experienced riders who want eBike assistance that feels natural and maintains the character of traditional mountain biking.
🏆 WINNER: Propain Tyee SL
The Complete Package:
Tested and reviewed a few months ago, the Propain Tyee SL impressed across the board.
Downhill Performance:
The bike is remarkably planted on descents. The kinematics are exceptional—this bike simply tracks beautifully through rough terrain.
Motor Experience:
TQ HPR60 Motor: Silent operation
The Zen Factor: You don’t hear the motor going up or down the mountains
Analog Feel: Genuinely feels like riding a traditional mountain bike with assistance
The Pricing Advantage:
Direct-to-Consumer Model: Eliminates dealer markup
Component Selection: Choose exactly what you want
Competitive Pricing: Significantly better value than traditional retail
Customization:
The ability to select every component means you can build exactly the bike you want at a price point that makes sense for your budget.
Best For: Riders who want exceptional descending performance, quiet operation, and the best value in the super-light category.
Best Super Light Enduro eBikes
Super light enduro bikes offer big-bike capability without the weight penalty. They’re the bikes that can handle serious terrain while still being manageable on climbs.
🥉 Third Place: Mondraker Dune
Why It Made the List:
Mondraker’s style game is on point in 2025, and the Dune exemplifies this.
The Aesthetic:
Paint Jobs: Fantastic colorways
Overall Style: Beautiful design language
Brand Direction: Mondraker is nailing the visual appeal
The Capability:
Motor: Bosch SX motor (recently power-bumped)
Performance: Genuine enduro SL capability
Build Quality: Mondraker’s proven construction
Best For: Riders who want a beautiful bike with proven Bosch technology and enduro capability.
🥈 Second Place: Trek Slash+ Plus
The Complete Package:
Not only is this a beautiful bike, but the trail feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.
Specifications:
Motor: Brand-new TQ HPR60
Battery: 580Wh
Reviews: Consistently excellent
Performance: Great trail reports
The Appeal:
Trek has taken everything learned from the Fuel EXe Plus and applied it to a longer-travel platform. The result is an enduro SL that balances weight, capability, and battery capacity brilliantly.
Best For: Riders who trust Trek’s engineering and want proven enduro capability in a lighter package.
🏆 WINNER: Specialized Kenevo SL
The OG Super Light Enduro:
After 3-4 years in the personal fleet, the Kenevo SL remains the benchmark.
The Alps Test:
This year’s trip to Schladming proved the Kenevo’s capability—keeping up with riders on downhill bikes while still being manageable on climbs.
What Makes It Special:
Six-Bar Suspension: Exceptional kinematics and performance
Looks: Beautiful bike aesthetics
Ride Quality: Simply outstanding
Proven Track Record: Years of reliability and performance
The Enduro Reality:
When you need a bike that can handle legitimate enduro terrain, repeated big descents, and technical sections while still being rideable uphill, the Kenevo SL delivers without compromise.
Best For: Serious enduro riders who want maximum descending capability in the lightest possible package with proven reliability.
The Overall Winner: Best eBike of 2025
After testing everything, considering every category, and logging countless trail miles, there’s one clear winner.
🏆 THE CHAMPION: Specialized Levo Gen 4
Why It Won:
The Levo Gen 4 is without a doubt the best bike ridden all year. It’s not about winning individual categories—it’s about the complete package.
The Honest Assessment:
Not the Best Looking: It’s not winning beauty contests
Not the Lightest: Heavier options exist
Not the Cheapest: Premium pricing
Not the Most Powerful: More powerful motors available
But Here’s Why It Wins:
Overall Package: Everything works together perfectly
Genie Suspension: Fantastic ride quality
Short Chainstays: Agile and fun
Low-Slung Battery: Improved handling and center of gravity
Complete Integration: Every system works together seamlessly
The Real-World Test:
This is the bike that gets chosen most often. When you can ride anything, and you keep choosing the Levo Gen 4, that tells you everything you need to know.
The Versatility:
It climbs well, descends exceptionally, handles technical terrain with confidence, and remains playful and fun on every ride. It’s not just capable—it makes every ride better.
Quick Reference Guide
Best for Different Riders
Performance at Any Cost:
- Levo Gen 4 (Trail)
- Crestline RS181 Spectral Edition (Enduro)
Best Value:
- Amflow PL Carbon (Trail)
- Propain Tyee SL (Super Light Trail)
Lightest Weight:
- Propain Tyee SL (Trail)
- Specialized Kenevo SL (Enduro)
Most Powerful Motor:
- Any bike with Avanox system
Best for Customization:
- Crestline RS181 (adjustable geometry)
- Propain (direct-to-consumer customization)
Most Natural Feel:
- Levo SL or Propain Tyee SL (super light trail)
- Specialized Kenevo SL (super light enduro)
Component Recommendations Recap
Must-Have Upgrades:
- Schwalbe Radial Tires – 10-15% more grip
- E13 Sidekick Hub – Eliminates pedal kickback
- OneUp Carbon Bar V2 – Improved comfort and control
These three components will transform the feel and performance of any eMTB.
Future Predictions for 2026
Motor Trends:
- More brands adopting Avanox systems
- Continued power increases across all motor brands
- Improved efficiency and range
Battery Developments:
- Larger capacity options becoming standard
- Better integration with frame designs
- Faster charging technology
Weight Reductions:
- Super light categories becoming more capable
- Full-power bikes getting lighter
- Better power-to-weight ratios across the board
Technology Integration:
- More sophisticated tuning options
- Better smartphone integration
- Advanced traction control systems
Buying Advice: What to Consider
Motor Selection
Choose Avanox if: You want the most powerful, lightest, quietest option
Choose Specialized 3.1 if: You’re in the Specialized ecosystem and want extensive tunability
Choose Bosch Gen 5 if: You prioritize proven reliability and widespread service support
Category Selection
Trail Bike if: You want versatility for varied terrain and all-day rides
Enduro Bike if: You prioritize descending performance and aggressive riding
Super Light if: You want eBike assistance with minimal weight penalty
Budget Considerations
Premium (€8,000+): Specialized Levo Gen 4, Kenevo SL
Mid-Range (€6,000-8,000): Amflow PL Carbon, Commencal Meta Power SX
Value (Under €6,000): Focus on previous generation models with proven performance
Final Thoughts
The eMTB market in 2025 is the strongest it’s ever been. Technology has matured to the point where you’re no longer making significant compromises—you’re choosing between excellent options based on your specific priorities.
The Key Takeaways:
- Motor technology has reached a new peak with the Avanox system
- Super light categories now offer genuine capability without significant compromises
- Component technology (tires, hubs, bars) can dramatically improve any bike
- The Specialized Levo Gen 4 sets the benchmark for complete package performance
Before You Buy:
- Test ride multiple categories to find what suits your riding style
- Consider the long-term: will this bike grow with you?
- Don’t overlook components—they matter as much as frame and motor
- Think about where you ride most and choose accordingly
What’s Your Pick?
These are personal recommendations based on extensive testing and real-world riding. Your perfect eBike might be different based on:
- Local terrain
- Riding style
- Budget constraints
- Brand preferences
- Service and support availability
Share Your Thoughts:
What’s on your shortlist for 2025? Have you ridden any of these bikes? What do you think deserves to be in this list? Drop a comment and let’s discuss—the eMTB community thrives on shared knowledge and experience.
Happy riding, and here’s to an incredible 2025 on the trails! Whether you choose one of these bikes or find your own perfect ride, get out there and enjoy what these amazing machines make possible.
Stay tuned to My Pit Shop for more in-depth eMTB reviews, component testing, and everything you need to make smart buying decisions!
