Best Hardtail Electric Mountain Bikes

The following tips will help you choose the best hardtail electric mountain bike for your budget and lifestyle, please consider them carefully:

• Motor and Sensors. The most efficient and powerful hardtail electric bikes use mid-drive motors which benefit from the drivetrain gears to maximize energy use. Torque can be more important than power ratings, so don't let a 250 watt rating spook you if it's offering 60+ Newton meters of torque. Compare the sensors used to activate the motor. Simple pedal assist vs. torque sensors or an advanced combination of both. Power should be applied rapidly, on-demand when you need it. The sensors should make the hardtail eMTB feel like a smooth extension of your body’s movements with no jerks on starts. These factors can greatly enhance your riding enjoyment.
• Intended Use. Hardtail electric bikes are designed for reasonable off-road use, and many people actually prefer them for everyday riding on concrete because they offer more comfort than some city bikes. Many hardtail mountain bikes have mounting points for adding a rear rack, so you could commute during the week and hit the trails on the weekend!
• Components. The demands of riding hardtail electric mountain bikes off-road can be punishing. Investing in higher quality drive train and brake components will result in fewer on-trail breakdowns and longer life. Battery capacity should be balanced between the needs of the motor, weight, and your riding style. Riders with varied needs often prefer heavier, higher capacity batteries for greater distance while cross country riders often prefer lightweight designs.
• Features vs. Budget: Off-Road Usage. If you plan on harder use and more difficult riding, focus on hardtail ebikes with better components including hydraulic brakes, air suspension fork vs. coil spring, and mid-drive motors from Bosch, Brose, Shimano, and Yamaha to get better performance, durability, and support.
• Features vs. Budget: Versatile Usage. Less demanding users can save money by skipping "hardened" off-road components and mid-drive motors. Instead, putting more emphasis on ergonomic touch points and upright body position, fenders, racks, and lights. Adding a suspension seat post is a great way to further enhance comfort on a hardtail. This creates a full suspension feel on a budget, but only protects your back and neck vs. your ankles, knees, and hips.

What follows is a dynamic list of hardtail electric mountain bikes. The list will update over time as new models are added, so bookmark this page and check back often if you're about to buy! You can also add these ebikes to the comparison tool, and post and read comments at the bottom of the page :)