Whyte Bikes has a tiny selection of e-MTBs, but it's clear that the company prioritizes quality above quantity. Bike Perfect has been testing the E-150 S on the trails, and they believe it is one of the greatest e-MTBs due to its well-rounded spec and confident riding characteristics. Although the mainframe is based on the preceding E-150, the chassis is still revolutionary. The down tube is totally enclosed rather than open, which makes it exceedingly stiff. As a result, the 625Wh battery slides directly down in front of the cleverly rotating Bosch Performance CX G4 motor, lowering the frame's weight.

Thankfully, unlike last year's frame, the external sensor lines now exit behind the motor rather than snaking precariously underneath it. To pull the battery out, you still have to unbolt the engine protection plate, which is a nuisance if you don't have a charging station where you store the bike. If you do, the charging port is nicely covered on top of the motor, and the bike is otherwise quite user-friendly and practical. The seat post can be sealed with a rubber gaiter thanks to an internal clamp, and all suspension bearings are guaranteed for life. Rubber armoring covers the chainstays, down tube, and belly, and there's enough for a traditional water bottle on the down tube spine. There’s also plenty of clearance room around the aggressive tread of the Verdict 2.5-inch tires.

While they appear to be similar, the chainstay is slightly longer, at 446mm rather than 442mm, to accommodate the 29-inch back wheel. The chainstay pivot has been lowered significantly to improve anti-squat and provide greater bite and feedback under power. Although the 335mm bottom bracket is still rather slammed considering the amount of travel, the entire bike sits slightly higher. With a 64.7-degree head angle and seat angles ranging from 74.9 to 74.5 degrees depending on size, the reach is nicely balanced at 476mm. The 29er is only available in M, L, or XL sizes due to proportional balancing, however the 150mm, 27.5-inch E-160 variant is available in S and XS sizes.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Rear travel: 140mm
• Frame material: Alloy
• Drive system: Bosch Performance Line CX
• Wheel size: 29in
• SRP: $6,000 / £5,100 / €5,700

REASONS TO BUY

• Outstanding handling
• Bosch overdrive
• Shimano components

REASONS TO AVOID

• Seat angle could be steeper
• Brakes pushed to the limit
• Fork damper struggles sometimes

BUY NOW: whyteusa.bike/products/e-150-s-20

While the eONE-SIXTY is marketed as an enduro bike, and it certainly has the range and power to back it up, they had the most fun finding regions and zones they wouldn't have discovered on a traditional bike. Simply hurling down a double black course fails to capture Merida's eONE-versatile SIXTY's versatility. Otherwise, the eONE-determined SIXTY's climbing ability allows for tortuous access, making exploring enjoyable rather than a chore. Whether the path back down is flowing singletrack or riddled with difficult features, you'll be riding a electric mountain bike that can not only handle practically any track with ease, but also encourages playful riding that squeezes as much pleasure as possible out of the return down.

Shimano also provides the drivetrain and braking, with an XT derailleur and SLX shifter offering the brand's benchmark performance. Shimano XT disc brakes with 203mm rotors are used. Fox's DPX2 Elite shock and 38 Elite forks, both with 160mm of travel, take care of bump taming. DT Swiss rims and Maxxis tires are used on the mullet setup of 29er front and 27.5in rear wheels.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Rear Travel: 160mm
• Frame material: Carbon
• Drive system: Shimano EP8
• Wheel size: 29in front 27.5in rear
• SRP: $10,200 / £7,300 / €8,500

REASONS TO BUY

• Playful descending characteristics suit a range of trail types
• Controlled delivery of power helps with ambitious climbing

REASONS TO AVOID

• Conservative geometry
• Could do with additional armor for the motor for added peace of mind

BUY NOW: merida-bikes.com/en/bike/archive/715/eone-sixty-9000

Mondraker has combined its signature geometry and handling characteristics with an industry-leading Bosch motor and battery in the Crafty R. The bike incorporates SRAM GX, NX, and SX Eagle drivetrain components, as well as SRAM G2 R brakes, in addition to the Bosch powertrain. For a bike that weighs just under 25kg, Fox suspension front and rear, as well as DT Swiss H1900 Spline wheels, are used. In the most difficult terrain, the Crafty's handling comes alive, and the drive system is smooth and efficient. The only thing missing from this near-perfect e-MTB is slightly smaller tires for improved handling precision, which can be readily replaced out if desired.

One of two Crafty versions with an aluminium frame is the R. The hump-backed frame's characteristic top tube is sharply sloping, super-shallow, and flat. The front end also has a really nice split mold. To hold the short head tube and keep the front end held together, this welds into the large down tube, which houses the Bosch Powertube battery. The Bosch e-MTB motor is housed in a bespoke casing in the frame's belly, with the lower linkage reaching through and over the top of the motor casing thanks to a straddling seat tube.

To aid cooling, the entire top of the shell is open (covered with moto foam above and drain openings beneath). A Monoblock seat tube rocker squeezes the top end of the shock, creating a totally floating 'Zero Suspension' system with 17mm axles and Enduro Max bearings. With elegant bolt through dropouts and the rear brake buried between the stays, the one-piece back end features mid-sized chainstays, compact seat stays, and a mix of plates and vertical stays.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Rear Travel: 150mm
• Frame material: Alloy
• Drive system: Bosch Performance Line CX
• Wheel size: 29in
• SRP: $7,954 / £5,899

REASONS TO BUY

• Mondraker geometry and handling
• Awesome suspension
• Bosch drive system

REASONS TO AVOID

• Drifty tire size
• Slightly tall
• Underside charging port

BUY NOW: bikeactive.com/mondraker-crafty-r-29-ebike-2021-c2x28542615

The Bullit is an electric mountain bike that can be used in both directions to tackle the steepest and deepest courses. Imagine the kinds of rooty, rocky horror shows that biggest hitting bikes like the Nomad and Megatower are normally reserved for. Then consider what is beyond. The Bullit, unlike the Heckler, places a greater emphasis on agility and playful handling. This platform's smashability is reflected in its 170mm travel, 38mm fork, and DoubleDown tires. This bike is for riders looking for V10 terrain beyond the reach of any chairlift or shuttle road.

The success of the Santa Cruz Syndicate team on mixed wheel DH race bikes prompted us to contemplate using the similar structure for the Bullit. They learned from them that mixed wheels combine the speed confidence of a 29er with the nimble handling and maneuverability of a 27.5-inch rear wheel. In the case of an e-bike, it also means they may specify how long (or short) the chainstays should be to balance climbing traction and handling. Another benefit is the increased butt clearance on really steep terrain.

The most difficult trails require more effort to complete. Shimano's commitment to the STEPS EP8 motor means they can attain them in a lighter, more powerful (85nm), more compact, and efficient manner. In Trail mode, the EP8 is likewise adjusted to provide additional power without compromising range. As a result, the Bullit is fully equipped for long, challenging climbs to the longest, steepest descents, thanks to Shimano's largest 630wh battery.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Rear Travel: 170mm
• Frame material: Carbon
• Drive system: Shimano EP8
• Wheel size: 29in front, 27.5in rear
• SRP: From $8,250 / £7,500 / €7,700

REASONS TO BUY

• VPP lower link suspension
• Lifetime frame, bearing, and wheel warranty
• 630Wh battery

REASONS TO AVOID

• Premium price
• No smaller sizes

BUY NOW: santacruzbicycles.com/en-US/bikes/bullit

Scott's newest Patron E-Ride should be at the top of your list if you're seeking for cutting-edge e-MTB capabilities. The all-electric mountain bike has 160mm of front and rear travel and is driven by a Bosch Performance CX motor with 85Nm of torque and 750Wh of capacity. According to Scott, this should allow you to climb 2,000 meters in ECO mode. Simply looking at the Patron's futuristic appearance reveals that Scott has put a lot of thought into the frame's design. Scott's main goal has been to reduce the center of gravity as much as possible by rotating the motor and placing the battery as low as feasible in the downtube.

The shock is concealed within the top tube, preventing dirt penetration and maintaining the futuristic appearance. A single-piece bar and stem integrates all of the gear, brake, motor, and Twin-Loc suspension controls into the frame. The Bosch Kiox 300 display has been positioned above the stem for easy reading while riding. Fenders with integrated LED lighting are also available. As a result, you'll have a bike that climbs and descends with ease and confidence, which is crucial when you're going on long days out and are likely to encounter a variety of terrain.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Rear Travel: 160mm
• Frame material: Carbon
• Drive system: Bosch Performance CX
• Wheel size: 29in
• SRP: $8,999.99 / £8,149.00
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REASONS TO BUY

• Well balanced ride
• Predictable and lively handling
• Superb climber with supportive pedaling and excellent traction
• Bosch Gen4 system has excellent power and massive range with its 750Wh battery
• Futuristic looks

REASONS TO AVOID

• Hidden shock is harder to set up
• Rats nest of handlebar cables due to TwinLoc system
• Suspension could be more supportive
• Futuristic looks

BUY NOW: scott-sports.com/au/en/product/scott-patron-eride-900-tuned-bike

It's common knowledge that what works for pro riders doesn't always work for weekend warriors. That's because the average rider's speeds, line choices, and trail types are vastly varied. The Jam2 was designed with beginning and intermediate riders in mind, so the 150mm of forgiving suspension gives comfort and control. Big brakes and tires also help to maximize the FOLD linkage suspension system, allowing you to confidently push into more tough trails.

The downside is that more aggressive riders may find the suspension to be overly eager, but they found the Jam2 to remain calm when the course became hectic. Shimano's new EP8 motor is combined with a unique 720Wh battery that fits neatly in the downtube. With a 65-degree headtube, 76-degree saddle angle, and 480mm reach (large), the overall geometry is very neutral, making the bike predictable and easy to manage on the trail.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Rear Travel: 150mm
• Frame material: Carbon
• Drive system: Shimano STEPS EP8
• Wheel size: 29in
• SRP: $N/A / £7,299

REASONS TO BUY

• Super strong, stiff, well-armored frame
• Smooth, max grip suspension
• Balanced all-round handling
• Custom 720Wh battery
• Tough, heavy duty fork and componentry

REASONS TO AVOID

• Simple suspension dampers
• Slightly tall, steep, long-stemmed and unsupportive for shredders
• Stem is awkward to swap
• Looks expensive before you price up wheels and battery

BUY NOW: northernride.com/FOCUS-JAM2-7-0-2022-7499-p/focus-jam2-7.0.htm

Canyon's entire suspension e-bike makeover of its heavy-duty, long-travel, 29er-wheeled torque brawler bike is the Spectral:ON CF 8. The latest Spectral:ON retains the carbon mainframe, internal battery, and mixed wheel/mullet baseline, but adds Shimano's EP8 motor and a larger battery. This results in a well-rounded, attractive, and exciting e-trail bike that's well-equipped for the money, but it's not without flaws.

Canyon Spectral with a semi-carbon frame: The ON CF 8 keeps things light, while the mullet wheel size keeps things shreddy. Shimano XT 12-speed gearing and XT M8100 brakes are included on the bike. With 150mm of travel in the back and 160mm in the front, Fox's Performance series handles the suspension. Maxxis rubber is mounted on the DT Swiss H1700 Hybrid rims. Overall, the Spectral is a lightweight electric mountain bike with a reliable drivetrain, components, and suspension. Canyon is a direct-to-consumer company, so you won't be able to try one on before you buy it; nevertheless, it will be delivered to your door.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Rear travel: 150mm
• Frame material: Carbon mainframe, alloy rear end
• Srive system: Shimano EP8
• Wheel size : 29in front, 27.5in rear
• SRP: $7,000 / £6,000 / €6,000

REASONS TO BUY

• Lightweight semi-carbon frame
• Excellent suspension
• Great wheels and tires

REASONS TO AVOID

• Coasting rattle
• Low BB
• Long stem

BUY NOW: canyon.com/en-us/outlet-bikes/e-bikes/spectral-on-cf-8/2698.html

The Decoy's massive rectangular down tube, which holds the bespoke 540Wh battery, dominates the bike. While the top tube is tapered, it's still a huge chunk of carbon with a swollen junction into the extended top tube, and it has an oversize head tube that draws internal cable and hose routing into its pronounced'cheek bones.' Meanwhile, the U linkage is mounted low on top of the Shimano STEPS E8000 motor, with large seat stays sliding forward to mount directly into the Fox X2 air shock through a two-position chuck insert. The YT Decoy Elite e-antiquated MTB's geometry and motor are easy to overlook at first appearance.

The Decoy is a fantastic alternative that's also cheaper than the Decoy Core 4 model, thanks to a build that includes durable and lightweight carbon wheels as well as one of the best dropper posts, the Fox Transfer Factory. Climbing is a little twitchy due to the short reach, but that same geometry makes this electric mountain bike a blast on tight, corner-filled trails. With a mullet setup that includes a 29er front wheel and a 27.5in rear wheel, you can easily ride over twisting trails while still eating up rock gardens and roots. In all kinds of weather, Maxxis Assegai and Minion DHR II tires hook up, while Fox Factory suspension keeps the bike rooted and supple, adding to the build's value.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Rear Travel: 165mm
• Frame material: Carbon
• Drive system: Shimano EP8
• Wheel size: 29in front, 27.5in rear
• SRP: $6,699 / £6,699

REASONS TO BUY

• Compact agility and serious stiffness
• Premium Fox Factory suspensionAwesome Crankbrothers carbon wheels
  
• Killer overall kit value

REASONS TO AVOID

• Shortness reduces stability and is cramped when climbing
• Long seat tubes remove ‘sizing up’ option
• Smaller battery than most
• Relatively fragile tires

BUY NOW: yt-industries.com/products/bikes/decoy/core-4/426/decoy-mx-core-4/

The lightweight, mid-travel eONE FORTY from Merida provides an extremely smooth and friendly all-around trail experience that's more about having a kickstand mount than kicking ass. The eONE FORTY and eONE SIXTY use the same chassis in a clever cost-cutting measure. The medium-sized eONE SIXTY frame is also labeled as the large eONE FORTY, resulting in a reduced reach (450mm on a large). However, the seat tube is short enough to allow you scaling up if you prefer a greater reach. When compared to its eONE SIXTY sister, the eONE FORTY features a 133mm stroke shock and 140mm travel fork, which reduces the ride height and steepens up angles. In all but the smallest sizes, there's still room for Shimano's largest 630Wh battery and a large bottle in the usual spot. Despite the short chainstays, a 27.5 x 2.8in rear tire is possible, while a 2.6in is usual.

The 9000 and 8000 models have a carbon-fiber front end and a large headstock with 'Thermo Gate' cooling vents that also serve as control line 'in'. To keep the front end tidy, the E8000 controller wires are routed through Merida's e-bike-specific stem and bars. Although the keel of the EP8 motor is entirely exposed, the battery has an alloy housing to aid cooling and efficiency, as well as a firm and soft protective coating on the exposed underside to ward off rock impacts. On most journeys, they had to dust and rinse the charging port on the flat top of the motor block before they could open it, but it's physically well protected by the two bridge sections for the lower shock mount.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Rear Travel: 133mm
• Frame material: NanoMatrix carbon front, hydroformed alloy rear
• Drive system: Shimano EP8/Shimano BT-E8036
• Wheel size: 29in front, 27.5in rear
  SRP: £7,250 / Not available in the US

REASONS TO BUY

• Low weight for a full-battery bike
• Stiff fork and mainframe
• Lively handling character
• Excellent wheels
• Super plush suspension

REASONS TO AVOID

• Shimano motor rattle
• Nervy in steeps and at speed
• Shock needs tweaking for harder riders

BUY NOW: merida-bikes.com/en/bike/archive/2193/eone-forty-9000